Hotel and Ship Inn
The ship association exists of a raft with cabin tract, sun deck and restaurant as well as a main ship with an engine. Besides there is an accompanying boat that fetches the cyclists also from the narrowest canals of the delta and brings them back to the main ship and there is as well another small one with a platform especially for the bicycles. In the air-conditioned restaurant typically Rumanian specialities are served - you are surprised from the ingenuity of the national kitchen!
The home offers a nice restaurant, air conditioning in the living room and spacious sun decks. For about 20 guests deck chairs and booths (approximately 9 m²) with shower/WC are provided. The Rumanian crew welcomes you with the typical warmth and friendlyness.
In Tulcea you will stay in a 4**** guesthouse which is only a few minutes away from the center of Tulcea.
Tour
Arrival in Bucharest. Transfer by bus at 2:00 pm from the airport to Tulcea Danube Delta (approx. 4 hour ride) Embarkation and dinner on board.
Along the most southern Danube arm through the nature reserve Bestepe Hills. A wonderful view deep down into the Delta will make you forget some ascents. At the small fishing village Murighiol we enter into a maze of channels, floating islands, dense forests and a pure wilderness experience by boat. Overnight on hotelboat.
A bumpy gravel path – on the right the open range of the Black Sea, on left side the lush green reeds and marsh land. In the loneliness of the Danube Delta Cormorants and great white Egrets are our permanent companions. Mile "0" at Sulina: the mighty Danube has reached their destination at the lighthouse and empties into the Black Sea, in a myriad of shades and unforgettable sunsets. Overnight on the hotelboat.
Along the birds paradise Musura-Bay the way leads you to the picturesque village Letea. It seems as time stands still here. The houses made of reed and loam, lovely painted in blue and all surrounded by contemplative silence. Close to the village, located on a sandbank, a special wonder of nature can be observed – a tropical forest with climbing plants and lianes. We will reach the fishing village Crisan by boat. Overnight on the hotelboat.
During the boat ride through a labyrinth of narrow waterways we pass by small fishing villages and again experience the incredible diversity of the Fauna and Flora of the UNESCO World Heritage Danube Delta. In the afternoon we return from a surreal dream world to the vibrant town life of Tulcea. Overnight on the hotelboat.
Today you'll cycle to different monasteries in the area of Dobruja, a gently undulating landscape and border region between southeast Romania and northeast Bulgaria. Visit the venerable convent of nuns Celic Dere with its intriguing icons. Slightly up and down you'll cycle to the sleepy Monastery of Saon - idyllically set amongst vineyards, located on the banks of the Danube. Even the little windmill is certainly a popular photo opportunity.
Today you start your bike tour quite easily by bus. In the old Turkish-populated village Babadag you'll swing yourself on you bike. Discover the bee-eaters nest sites and marvel at the medieval fortress of Enisala located high above the Danube - what a breathtaking view of the Razim lagoon! On a small hill in the southeast of the Razim lake you see the remains of the Byzantine castle of Enisala. Before you return to Tulcea, experience the Nature Reserve of Kap Dolosman with its Roman excavations.
In the morning the bus brings you back to the capital Bucharest, where you arrive about 2 pm. Please do not book flights which depart earlier than 4 pm.
Itinerary and programme changes
The planned route is always subject to possible changes due to nautical, meteorological or organisational reasons. If, for example, a route cannot be travelled due to low water, high water, bad weather or construction work, the captain reserves the right to change the route for your safety. This is not a legally valid reason for cancelling the trip free of charge. The same applies in the event of officially ordered lock or bridge repairs or in the event of engine or propulsion damage to the ship through no fault of the captain.
As your ship usually sails to the next harbour on the same day, your time frame for your own activities and sightseeing is limited.
Fuel surcharge
A fuel surcharge, which may apply due to the sharp rise in fuel prices, is not included in the cruise price and must be paid in cash on arrival on board the ship. We will inform you of the amount of the surcharge, if any, approx. 3 weeks before arrival.
Map
Prices / Dates
Services / Info
- 5 nights at the Hotel Boat + 2 nights in a 4-star guest house in Tulcea
- Full board excluding drinks (breakfast, picnic lunch or packed lunch, dinner)
- Transfer from / to Bucharest on 1st and 8th day
- Bicycle tour guide / experienced wildlife guide
- Accompanying bus and boat
- Detailed maps and information material per cabin
Below please find more information about your bike trip. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us by phone: 0049 - (0)6421-886890.
Arrival and Departure
The next airport is the Airport Bucharest Henri Coanda. On day 1 you will be picked up at 2 pm and be brought by bus to Tulcea in the Danube Delta (duration approx. 4 hours). On the last day a transfer will bring you back to the airport in Bucharest. Arrival at the airport at approx. 2 pm. Please do not book flights earlier than 4 pm.
If you book extra nights in Bucharest you can go to the center by taxi (costs approx. 30 euros).
Catering
The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast, packed lunch and a warm dinner in the evening. The catering consists of full board. Catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day. Vegetarian catering is possible, please announce this with reservation and discuss it again with the tour guide on site.
Condition of the bike paths
In the middle of the Danube Delta you cycle on flat, unpaved paths, sand and gravel roads or otherwise on well-paved country roads (sometimes with some traffic) through the varied hilly landscape. The sand and gravel roads require a bit of stamina, but due to the shortened length of the stage, they can be done easily by anyone who has some cycling experience. Depending on the possibility, longer daily stages can also be selected on site. Individual sections along the Danube are bridged by boat or bus. Your support bus / support boat is always close by and can therefore "piggyback" even tired cyclists. The group consists of 12-20 persons.
Available rental bikes
The rental bikes are 24-speed unisex touring bikes or electric bikes. Each bike is equipped with a pannier. On the day of arrival, the bikes are selected together with the tour guide in Tulcea and then brought on board the ship. After the last cycling stage, the bikes are stowed on the ship.
Extra costs which are not included in the tour price
Arrival and departure, transfers, drinks, hire fees for bicycles, cycling clothing and helmets, personal insurance, tips and personal expenses, parking fees and optional excursions.
A fuel surcharge, which may apply due to the sharp rise in fuel prices, is not included in the cruise price and must be paid in cash on arrival on board the ship. We will inform you of the amount of the surcharge, if any, approx. 3 weeks before arrival.
7 day hotline service
In case of chain breakdown, flooding or other bad surprises that makes a continuation of your tour impossible: no problem, we also work during weekends and you can reach us 7 days a week in case of emergency.
Passport and visa requirements
For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.
Travel insurance
The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.
Velociped can withdraw from the tour twenty-eight days before the starting date of the tour, at the latest, in case the minimum number of participants stated under the tour description is not attained. You will duly be informed without any delay in case of a withdrawal. Velociped will of course refund the paid tour price immediately. Please note our General Terms and Conditions.
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