Romania’s Danube Delta & the Carpathians – a Wildlife Paradise

Day 1 – Flight to Bucharest

Afternoon flight from London to Bucharest, arriving mid-evening.

Day 2 – From Bucharest to the Danube Delta

Travel by train to Tulcea, railhead for the Delta, and then transfer by boat to our guest house in the tiny village of Mila23. This village is accessible only by boat.

Days 3 to 5 – Exploring the Delta

We are joined by an English speaking specialist for three days of bird watching, mostly by boat. Likely sightings amongst those too numerous to mention are bittern, squacco heron, egret, glossy ibis, white tailed eagle and, most famously, both white and Dalmatian pelican. There is absolutely no requirement for prior knowledge of ornithology – just sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful unspoilt delta scenery.

Day 6 – Vrancea Region

Transfer to Tulcea by boat and travel by road via Brăila to reach the Vrancea region, known for its vineyards. Wine tasting and accommodation for one night at a winery in Panciu.

Day 7 – Tişita Gorge & Braşov

Driving into the mountains, we visit the annual shepherds’ festival in a small village before a short walk upstream through the Tişita Gorge. The footpath here is actually the track-bed of an old forestry railway. We rejoin our bus for a scenic journey over the pass into Transylvania and our next destination, Braşov. Here our small hotel is in the centre of this Medieval town which was built by the Saxons.

Day 8 – Bear Sanctuary & Bran Castle

Brown bears are common in this area although spotting them in the wild is very hit and miss. This morning we visit the bear sanctuary near Zărneşti, run by an animal welfare charity and housing about 80 bears which have been rescued from zoos and other places of captivity. Here they roam in their natural habitat and are well cared for. We continue to Bran with its archetypical Transylvanian castle – turrets and all! Return to Braşov for an overnight stay.

Day 9 – Across the Carpathians by Rail

After a leisurely morning in Braşov, we catch the main line train to Bucharest. Our scenic route takes us across the mountains through the ski resorts of Predeal and Sinaia.

Day 10 – Bucharest to London

Lunchtime flight from Bucharest to London arriving mid-afternoon.