Danube Delta by Bike & Boat (Tulcea)

Experience our 6 days tour by bike and boat in Dobrogea and Danube Delta, unique natural places where you will also meet the local culture, cuisine and lifestyle.

Our hosts are local families living in fishermen villages, cooking for us and leading us with their boats in the heart of this unknown place. The tour is dedicated to active people, which also love to visit natural sites on slow speed.

Detailed program:

DAY 1: Meeting in Bucharest and trasnfer to Jurilovca (280 KM, by car)
Our first day is the “get together” day in the village of Jurilovca, our start point for the cycling route. From Bucharest, on the 4 hour drive, we drive along the Black Sea coast and we will stop in Istria to visit the oldest town in Romania – Histria – a former Greek colony, now is a museum; it is a good place for understanding the Dobrogea, Black Sea and Danube Delta areas. We will continue our trip, passing the small fishermen villages. Enisala was initially a Black Sea coast fortress and a harbor. We can still visit the medieval ruins of the fortress on the hill, but we can also see how the geography modified along the last few centuries. The sunset landscape near the ruins is always a special moment for visitors.
Overnight in a local guesthouse in Jurilovca.
Meals: L, D.

DAY 2: Cycling around Jurilovca (50/90 km bike ride)
Today we will be spending the day around Jurilovca, visiting the sites near the Danube Delta lakes. Razim Lake is the largest lake in Romania, a good place for spotting lot of birds and animals but also the local village life – a mix of Romanians, Muslims and Lipovan communities. We visit the local mosques and Orthodox Russian churches. Cyclists have two options for cycling : a shorter route crossing Jurilovca, Visina, Ceamurlia, Visterna and Babadag villages, Babadag forest Reserve, but also Razim, Golovita and Babadag Lakes; the long route is crossing also Vovidenia and Uspenia Monasteries – two very special monasteries for the old confessions of monks and nuns.
Overnight at the same place.
Meals: B, L, D.
Total bike distance: 50 to 90 km on asphalt and gravel road. Rolling hills.

DAY 3: Hiking in Macin & Cycling to Tulcea (~3 hrs hiking and 75 km by bike)
After a one hour transfer by car to Macin, we will take an amazing hiking in Macin Mountains. Currently, Macin Mountains – the oldest in Romania, are National Reserve. Even if their height is not impressive, the landscape of the region, the flora and the fauna in are unique. During a 2-3 hours hike we will follow a thematic path through the reserve and we can admire the Danube from above. We will end the hiking trail in the small city Macin, where we will visit a local winery and we will enjoy our lunch and a short winetasting.
After lunch we will cycle through the hills, along Ukrainian border, for 70 km towards Tulcea – the city gate to the Danube Delta. This part of the trip is a good opportunity to spot and to watch the birds of the Danube Delta: large communities of pelicans, swans, storks, egrets and other birds are living in this hilly and quiet area.
Overnight in in a boutique hotel in Tulcea, near the touristic harbor.
Dinner on your own.
Meals: B, L.
Total bike distance: ~75 km on asphalt road, rolling terrain.

DAY 4: Tulcea to the heart of the Danube Delta by boat
In the morning we have the time to visit Tulcea – an old city, where the ruins of the old fortress are still in place and we can visit. The local Danube Delta Museum is a good spot for understanding this area before visiting.
After lunch we will take the ferry to the middle of the Danube Delta. For two hours we will be on the commercial route, experiencing the life of the local community. The trip is a great opportunity to watch the water villages, the birds and the fishermen along the canal. Arriving in Crisan village for accommodation in a traditional villa, we will have the rest of the day for walking around the village and spotting the rural life.
The dinner will be a fish based meal, with traditional dishes.
Overnight in Crisan fishing village.
Meals: B, L, D.

DAY 5: Second day in the heart of the Danube Delta
Today we have the opportunity to experience a day in the heart of the Danube Delta. We have the option to cycle to the next village (Caraorman) for 25 km on rural roads, or to rent a motor boat for bird watching or a fish boat for sailing along the channels.
In the afternoon we will come back to Crisan.
Overnight in Crisan, same accommodation.
Meals: B, L, D.

DAY 6: By boat & bike to Jurilovca (75 km by bike)
In the morning, after breakfast, a private boat will take us through other Danube Delta canals and will take us to Murighiol – another fishermen village. From here we will take the bikes for a 75 km bike trip to Jurilovca. First part of the trip will follow the embankment routes along Danube canals and lakes, very quiet and with no traffic. The second part of the route will follow the asphalt road to Jurilovca..
Overnight in Jurilovca.
Meals: B, L, D.
Total distance: ~75 km on gravel and road, very low traffic

DAY 7: Departure
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye.
Transfer by car from Jurilovca to Bucharest or Constanta.
Meals: B

INCLUDED
ACCOMMODATION
6 nights of accommodation
In every region we travel, we uncover the area’s best and original accommodations. On our Dobrogea and Danube trip, you will stay in truly unique locations, owns by locals.
MEALS
Daily breakfast, picnic lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks for each day, according to the above program.
Winery visit and wine tasting in Macin
On our trip, you will sample the finest local delicacies from the region from the innovative to traditional fish dishes
SUPPORT
Detailed trip description and program, maps, GPS maps (on request)
The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides (Romanian, English, French or German speaking possible)
All luggage transfers and transportation during the trip, vehicle assistance during the day
Comprehensive trip literature and complimentary branded presents.
BIKES AND EQUIPMENT
Road, gravel, or hybrid bicycles
Bike helmets
ACTIVITIES
Entrance fees for all group events/activities
Tickets to several cultural and historical sights included in the itinerary
Local Taxes

NOT INCLUDED
Airfare cost
Additional gear equipment (available on request)
Alcoholic and additional drinks or meals during the program
On select trips some meals are not included so you can explore the local cuisine at your leisure
Lodging before and after the trip
Tips for your cycling guide (5-10% trip price) or at restaurants (5-10% of the bill)
Extra charges for laundry telephone or fax charges, room service, etc.
Individual travel Insurance for the trip (compulsory in order to be accepted for the tour)
Individual insurance for special activities (recommended)
Optional activities not scheduled in the program

Price:
1,460 EUR/pers, bicycle included

Single supplement: 160 EUR
Registration form:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GHS7K5X

For more info, please contact us:
info@bikeintime.com
See you in the woods!