Danube Delta By Bike & Boat

Make your own way to Bucharest. There will be a group bus transfer from Bucharest airport at 2.00pm to Tulcea in the Danube Delta to board the barge. The transfer will take approximately 4 hours.

A classic cycle taking in the scenery along the southernmost arm of the Danube, winding through the protected Bestepe Hills nature reserve. While the terrain is undulating, each climb is rewarded with sweeping views across the delta’s vast wetland landscape. At the small fishing village Murighiol we will re-board the boat and from here, we journey deep into the heart of the Danube Delta – cruising through a maze of narrow channels, floating reed islands and lush, untouched forests. It’s a peaceful and immersive wilderness experience. Overnight in Sfantu Gheorge.

A gravel path leads us to “Kilometre 0”, the symbolic meeting point where the Danube completes its long journey and flows into the Black Sea. As we ride, the open sea stretches out on our right, while wetlands and reed beds fringe the path to our left – a landscape teeming with life. In this quiet corner of the Danube Delta, sightings of cormorants, herons and great white egrets are common. It’s a peaceful ride through a remarkable ecosystem. Our day ends in the relaxed fishing town of Sulina, Romania’s easternmost point. Here, the river reaches its final marker – a lighthouse where fresh water meets salt, and the Danube’s story merges with the sea.

One of today’s highlights is the bird-rich sanctuary of Musura Bay, a haven for migratory species and a peaceful place to pause and observe nature. From here, we continue to the village of Letea, where life moves slowly and traditions endure. The homes are built from reed and loam, painted in soft blues that reflect the region’s character. Just beyond the village, on a remote sandbank, we’ll explore a surprising natural wonder – the Letea Forest. This unique landscape features sand dunes and an almost tropical mix of climbing plants and twisted lianas, unlike anywhere else in Romania. Later, we cruise to the fishing village of Crisan.

Today we take a break from cycling and relax on board to enjoy the winding waterways of the UNESCO-listed Danube Delta. This vast network of channels, lakes and reed-fringed islands is one of Europe’s most important wetland habitats. As we drift along, we’ll pass traditional fishing villages and have time to spot the rich variety of birdlife and unique plant species that make this region so special. In the afternoon, we return to Tulcea, where the rhythms of the delta give way to the energy of the city. We spend our final night on board.

Today’s ride takes us through gently rolling countryside as we make our way to Celic Dere, the largest Orthodox nunnery in the Dobrogea region. From there, we continue to the peaceful Saon Monastery, set among vineyards on the banks of the Danube. Its small windmill and serene setting offer a moment of quiet reflection. As we ride along the floodplain, there’s time to pause and take in the wide green landscapes that stretch toward the horizon. Later in the day, we transfer back to Tulcea, where we settle into a welcoming guesthouse.

This morning begins with a short bus transfer to the historic town of Ceamurlia de Jos, where we hop back on the bikes for a day of discovery. Along the route, we pass by colourful bee-eater nesting sites, where these vibrant birds burrow into sandy cliffs. Our ride continues to the medieval fortress of Enisala, perched high above the Danube and offering sweeping views over Lake Razim and the surrounding lagoon landscape. We then cycle toward Cape Dolosman, a protected nature reserve set between the Delta Lakes Golovi?a and Razim. Here, the ancient Greek-Roman ruins of Argamum reveal traces of one of the oldest settlements on the Black Sea coast. This afternoon we return to our guesthouse in Tulcea for a final night of relaxation.