Danube Delta

 

            A romantic getaway, a family trip, an adventure, and relaxation all come to a point at the Danube Delta. A trip to Romania can never exclude, the Danube Delta, which offers an increasingly wide variety of recreational activities combined with nature and excitement.  Depending on one’s personal enjoyments, there is always something to find at the Danube Delta. 

            At the meeting point of Palaerarctic and Mediterranean biogeographic zones the Danube Delta combines a dynamic wetland with rich biodiversity of multiple wetland habitats.  At a sea level of 49 feet and only 18 inches of annual rainfall the climate is determined by the bodies of water that are in near proximity.  Right off the coast of the Black Sea, in eastern Romania, and between the branch rivers of Chilia, Culina, and Sfintu Gheorghe, the Danube Delta not only offers charm of its own, but also that of its neighboring cities.  The Danube Delta shares this enchantment while still expressing the influence of the historic trading that took place there between the Greeks and the Romans, through their settlements that still remain and include their lighthouse, and also the surrounding villages filled with Turkish influence.  These small contributions from this region's past, encourages the culture to become a part of the trip to the Danube Delta. 

            A place with such a wide variety of activities such as, cruising, eco-tourism, bird watching, fishing, camping, and hiking offers multiple types of vacations and attracts multiple types of visitors.  A tourist trip here, can be devoted to just one aspect of the Danube Delta or can compromise a little bit of everything.  Cruising is available through U.S. and Romania tour operators.  Depending on the cruise you decide to take, you may get to visit one of the following countries in addition to Romania, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Yugoslavia, Russia, and/or Bulgaria. Throughout the cruise, the ship will sail along the coast of some of Europe’s most fascinating cities including Vienna, Budapest, and of course Romania’s capital, Bucharest.  The ship stops in many different towns allowing for passengers to take a day off the boat and explore the museums, nightlife, and individual preferences of each town.  Many of the cruises are of a more intimate setting, with smaller groups of passengers; entertainment on ship usually includes music performances by either singers or pianists.  Some of the cruises offered include specific nights where passengers stay on shore in hotels or cabins in order to have time to completely obtain the cultural heritage of the city.  Cruises on the Danube Delta usually include all meals, stays, and offer advice where to go sight see throughout the day.  These are convenient packages so that travelers can avoid trying to handle money while on vacation.  Cruising through Europe’s finest countries is an experience of culture, heritage, excitement, and fascination. 

            A journey filled with an abundance of natural highlights would include the Danube Delta Eco-tourism.  One has the opportunity to travel through Romania’s most untouched natural regions, which include waterfalls, mountains, caves, canyons, and an array of wild life. Different tourists can take groups on the multiple trips offered, some which last up to eight days.  Depending on the route taken, travelers go by boats, jeeps, horses, bikes, or hiking, accommodations include guesthouses by local people, possibly hotels, teahouse lodges, or camps.  The eco-tours combine the most majestic aspects of the Danube Delta such as bird watching, fishing, and hiking.

Although, the option to combine these activities into a tour is available, shorter visits can be arranged so that travelers are able to decide which activities they prefer on their own.  The Danube Delta, is a huge migratory zone for many birds, some being some of the world’s most outstanding.  For example, Dalmatian pelicans and 60 percent of the world’s smallest cormorants reside in this region alongside 300 migratory birds and resident birds.  Bird watching alone makes for a fascinating day but one can also combine it with the fishing that is available.  Fishing for fresh water and salt water fish is allowed all year long except during the 60-day spawning period in April.  Boats are for rental at various locations on the Danube Delta.  The boats can also be used for water sports, or simply a lazy day on the water.  While boating tourists will find that the channels and canals lead to lakes surrounded by trees, reed islands, oak forests, and marshes.  On this adventure, there is also the possibility of finding the way to desert dunes or even fisherman villages.  Even though, fishing is a tourist attraction it is also a main occupation for many residents of the Danube Delta. 

            Tourists come to Romania to experience the variety of activities at the highlighted points but also because Romania’s cities do not leave any disappointment for travelers.  Every aspect of Romania offers a different taste of culture, fun and flavor.

The city where the Danube Delta lies, Tulcea, Romania, has a population of 100,000 people and is about 5.4 square miles.  Tulcea, located on seven hills, like Rome, offers the history of its past and the daily life of its present through many museums that can be visited throughout ones visit.  These museums include, the Danube Delta Natural History Museum, the Art Museum, Folk Art and Ethnographic Museum, and the History and Archeology Museum.  The Danube Delta Natural History Museum offers an inside view of the towns history and also depicts the life of a typical fisherman at this time period.  The museum has a collection of pray and exotic fish that live in the area.  The Art Museum, also offers a profound collection of paintings, sculptures, glass and wooden icons that are all piece of celebrated Romanian artists, Nicolae Tonitze, Frederic Stork, and Victor Brauner, to name a few.  In addition, the Art and Ethnographic Museum contains agricultural and fishing tools along with folk art household items and decorative fabrics, and traditional costumes and jewelry.  This allows tourists to understand the lifestyle and the traditions that are a part of Romania and that shaped Romania in the past.  One last museum is the History and Archeology Museum; out of all the museums this offers the widest range of art and history, dating from the ancient times in northern Dobrogea to the medieval age.  They contain about 90,000 archaeological objects, old documents, ceramics, sculptural pieces, and jewels.  Other then the Museums, Tulcea offers a wide variety of nearby attractions such as, the Niculitel Basillia and Srica Niculitel Vineyards, this is only 18 miles away from Tulcea, (located in Niculitel) and not only offers a wide-variety of vineyards to explore and relax but individuals can also see the Christian basilica which was built in 370 AD throughout Emperor Valerius’ life.  These attractions make for a delightful stay when visiting the Delta because they offer not only historical background into Romania but also an artistic and worldly approach to traveling across Romania. 

Every Romanian visitor travels through Romania in their own personal way, but the Danube Delta is a must see, whether just for a day or for an extended visit there are numerous opportunities for tourists to be immersed within the lifestyle and landscape of Romania. 

           

 

Museums at Tulcea Availability and Contact Information

 

Danube Delta Natural History Museum

            Hours:

Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

 (October – April 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Admission Charge

Contact: (240) 515.866

Art Museum

            Hours:

                        Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m.

                        October-April 10:00 – 4:00 p.m.

                        Contact: (240) 513. 249

Folk Art and Ethnographic Museum

            Hours:

                        Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m.

                        October – April (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m)

                        Contact: Str. 9 Mai nr. 2

History and Archeology Museum

            Hours:

                        Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

                        October – April 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

                        Contact: Str. Gloriei

Danube Delta Information

 

Danube Delta

300 migratory and permanent bird species

160 types of fish

800 plan families

Covers 1,678,000 acres

There are specific regions in which permission to visit is required due to nature reservation.  These areas are closed during bird breeding season.

Weather

            June through August average high temperatures: 69-79 degrees Fahrenheit

            June through August average low temperatures: 51-59 degrees Fahrenheit

            Wettest seasons are late spring and early summer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Danube Delta Cruise Information/Sample Itineraries

Six Country Danube Cruise

Vienna to Bucharest

         Day 1: Vienna, Austria

                        Check in and boarding

            Day 2: Vienna, Austria

Belvedere Palace, Parliament, the Burgtheatre, the Votive-Church, Spanish Riding School, numerous other architectural gems.  Day is at traveler’s leisure to either explore on his or her own or purchase an optional tour available on board.  Set sail around midnight.

            Day 3: Bratislave, Slovakia

                        Morning panoramic city sightseeing tour, St. Martin’s

                        Cathedral, Castle and Primate’s Palace, Old Town, return to

                        Return to ship to set sail, lunch on board with wine tasting party                         (selection of high quality wines from Romania), accompanied

                        with live music from Gypsy Band onboard. 

            Day 4: Budapest, Hungary

                        Breakfast sightseeing tour, The Parliament Building, St. Stefan

                        St. Stefan Cathedral, the Opera, the Square of Heroes,

Vajdahunyad Castle.  Time to explore on own or take part in a            

planned excursion.

            Day 5: Budapest, Hungary

St. Adrej, numerous fascinating architectural churches.  Enjoy                         leisure time.

            Day 6: PECS (Mohac), Hungary

Bus ride to Pecs, (town of old world architecture), wine tasting party at local wine cellar. On board there are lectures on the Balkans by Cruise Managers. Gypsy Band performs.

            Day 7: Novi Sad, Serbia/Belgrade, Serbia

Walking tour through Novi Sad, afternoon to explore, buffet lunch held on sun deck.

            Day 7: Belgrade, Serbia

Once in Belgrade the evening ends with private folklore show performed by members of “Talia.”  A special fashion show introduces hand made sweaters of “Sirogojno”

            Day 8: Belgrade, Serbia

Kalemegda Fortress, St. Sava’s Orthodox Cathedral, rest of the day tourists can enjoy the street performers, open air cafes, and live bands at their own leisure.

            Day 9: “The Iron Gate” Turnu Severin, Romania

In the morning enjoy the viewing of the highest natural gorge on the Danube, named, “The Iron Gates”. Lecture on local history, lunch on board, travel through Turnu Severin, renowned for its Museum of Ancient History, see the site of archaeological excavations from Roman times, enjoy festival Captain’s Gala dinner, accompanied by Gypsy violins.

                       

            Day 9: Vidin, Bulgaria

In the morning, a walking tour of river port and 13 century fortress “Baba Vida.”  Free time for strolling and shopping, afternoon sailing and the Gypsy Band concert at night for dancing.

            Day 10: Giurgiu/Magurele – Bucharest- Romania

Panorama tour highlights, Revolution Square, Arch de Triumph, the National Theatre, and the Romanian Athenaeum.  See President Ceausescu’s “People House.”  Optional 3 day extension Dracula extension.

 

Included in this package:

         - Roundtrip economy airfare from US to Europe

            - Arrival and departure transfers

- Accommodations for 10 nights/11days in all outside cabins in categories

- Three meals daily starting with dinner/ending with breakfast

- Daily afternoon tea and cakes and early morning coffee

- Shore excursions, daily sightseeing programs, on board lectures and

folklore performances/music concerts, and wine tasting

- Live 3 piece Gypsy band playing each evening

- Professional English speaking Cruise Directors and local, English speaking guides

 

Not Included:

-       Port fees

-       Transfers if purchasing Cruise Only

-       Any travel and document fees

-       Personal costs (laundry, telephone, liquor, souvenirs)

-       Tips to Crew, Cruise Directors, and local guides

-       Any unpredicted increases in costs

Ship:

“Little Prince”

            Decks: 2

            Maximum Passengers: 90

            Crew: 25

            Length: 93.34 m

            Width: 11.18 m

Departures and Price

Departs at different times between May 10-Oct 24.

The Cruise Only cost ranges from $2,399- $2,299 (varies on dates traveling)

The with Air from NYC cost ranges from $3,199 - $2,999 (varies on dates traveling)

There is also a reverse itinerary available; from Bucharest to Vienna

 

This is just one sample itinerary for a Danube Delta Cruise that travels through the enchantments of Romania; there are numerous other Eastern Danube Delta Cruises as well, which also offer the culture and heritage of Romania.

Eco-Tourism Information

Sample Trip from The Nature Adventure 

Eco-tourism consists of small groups of approximately four to twelve people.  There are many different options available depending on each individual is looking for.  A sample package include:

 

Danube Delta Discover – eight days

            Day 1: Transfer Bucharest – Niculitel, ancient village near Tulcea

            Day 2: Travel by boat to Tulcea

            Day 3 – 4: Bird watching on the Dogdaproste Lake

            Day 5: Travel by boat to Crisan village

            Day 6: Cruise on the channels and lakes

            Day 7: Travel back to Niculitel, visit first Christian basilica in Europe

            Day 8: Transfer to Bucharest, tour of the city

Throughout the tip travelers will experience the biggest pelican colony in Europe, being in the midst of pure nature, surrounded by sand banks, ponds, forest, fisherman’s villages, and the beautiful vegetation. This adventure allows travelers to experience the ancient fortresses, ruins of the land, but also blend the common lifestyle of Romanians who live in this area. 

 

 

 

 

            The Danube Delta is one of the few reserved places of nature left where people visit simply to enjoy nature as it is.  The Danube Delta offers many different inhabitants form fascinating carnivorous plants to 300 different types of bird species.  In the Delta visitors can enjoy an array of activities from relaxing cruises, to adventurous hikes. These advertisements portray how exclusive the Danube Delta remains while still exemplifying the fun activities that reach out to young adults.  Whether someone is looking for serenity or adventure these advertisements express numerous possibilities within the Danube Delta.