While Romania is an improbable destination for most tourists, it provides exclusive travel opportunities to those who want to discover traditional village life and country untouched by time. From bird study on an ecotourism in the Danube Delta to living with a Romanian family on a functioning agro-tourism farm, Romania has seized upon rustic tourism as an engine for its economic growth. The sheer size of the country coupled with its diverse terrain makes it an ideal destination for the traveler who is looking for agro- and ecotourism opportunities.

A widespread network of farmhouses and agro-tourism pensions offer a comfy, yet realistic view of village life and gastronomy. Tourism is not the main activity of the hosts. Most are farmers or local merchants, but most family-owned operations provide their guests with basic facilities to guarantee that agro-tourism doesn’t become aggravated tourism. Prices range from free room and board in exchange for help on a farm to $40 per night for the most luxurious rooms. Most rooms cost around $15 per night.

The most developed rural stay networks are in Maramures, in the northwest, described by many as a place untouched by time. Villagers live without the conveniences of industry and technology. Farm tools, clothing, and shoes are all made by hand. Bucovina, where European tourists have revealed painted monasteries, offers the most plentiful choice in rural pensions. Transylvania also has a highly developed network of pensions and guesthouses, many of which are in villages nestled between the rough Carpathian Mountains.

While almost all rural stays now have running water, guests should expect to live as Romanian families do: goose-down comforters, ceramic wood fireplaces, warm fresh cow milk, natural foods, and regular displays of how the foods are grown, raised, and prepared. Rural stays are particularly animated during local festivals when hosts often invite guests to participate in traditional activities like learning a Romanian folk dance in Transylvania or fabricating a colorful mask from vegetables and sheep wool in Maramures County.

The Danube Delta offers one of the best ecological stays in Europe and is the only river delta in the world to be protected as a biosphere reserve, with over 580,000 hectares of preserved wetlands and over 5,000 species of flora and fauna. Local fisherman, who serve as tour guides, are experienced in navigating the Delta’s channels by motor or oar and are also knowledgeable birdwatchers. Be certain to learn about ecological tour guides (the Biosphere Reserve Authority is a good place to start: see sidebar) before going. As tourism in the Delta increases, so does the number of tour operators who do not always respect the same ecological approaches to the Delta.

Tourism has become of special significance to Romania. Tourist attractions range from winter sports in the mountains to summer seaside activities in the resort belt fringing the Black Sea, with health spas receiving special emphasis. The Danube delta, too, has become increasingly popular because of the growing worldwide interest in ecology and conservation. Special features of interest to tourists include the mountain lakes and underground cave systems of the Carpathians and the fine churches and monasteries, with frescoes dating from the 14th to the 16th century, that are found in northern Moldavia. More generally, the folk costumes and the ancient folklore of Romanians, notably in the Carpathian Mountains, provide a reminder of the country's long traditions. Foreign tourists have been encouraged by much-improved hotels and by favourable rates of exchange.

Article from: britannica.com

Tourism in Romania focuses on the country's natural landscapes and its rich history. The number of tourists is growing every year and tourism is becoming an increasingly important source for Romania's GDP with 6-7 million people now visiting yearly. Romania's economy is characterized by a huge potential for tourism. Tourism in Romania attracted €880 million in investments in 2005.

Related subjects are:

• camping and hiking in the Carpathian Mountains
• skiing at Poiana Braşov and on Valea Prahovei
• the Black Sea Romanian resorts
• the medieval churches and monasteries of Moldavia and Bukovina
• the Danube Delta, the best preserved delta of Europe
• Sighişoara town and medieval festival
• the medieval Castles of Transylvania
• the folklore and traditions of Maramureş
• rural tourism
• spas and health resorts
• visiting the cultural cities of Sibiu, Iaşi, Braşov, Cluj, Bucharest and Alba Iulia
• the Iron Gates (Danube Gorge)

Article from: wikipedia.org

A place that has seen political turmoil to the hardest extent but has stood the test of time. A place where mysteries unfold around every corner. Where the nature has bestowed its greatest gifts. Welcome to Romania. Until the modern history was being written Romania was mainly under the influence of the wars. Then it was gripped in the hands of the communist regimen. Despite the wraths of wraths of time the country has stood erect and today it is one of the culturally advanced and educationally pioneering countries of the world.

The historical importance of the country is established by the presence of the numerous castles all over the place. The main attraction of the tourists to this country is its magnificent castle. Build in the ancient times, they still sing the lore of the European grandeur and Romanian past. The atmosphere in them is filled with mysticism and it’s a once in a life experience that every tourists takes back. The Peles, Corvin are two of most famous castles of Romania. Conducted tours take the tourists around the castles giving them information about the historical facts.

As most European nations Romania too has a rich arts and cultural history. The architecture of the country makes it stand out form the lot. The historical curves on the famous buildings give then a unique royalty. Bucharest, the capital city, is also the cultural capital of the country. The village life of Romania is depicted in a museum dedicated to it. The Village museums answer all questions in the minds of the tourists about he rural backdrop of the country. The painted monasteries of Bucovina stand there since the 1500s and are an embodiment of the great architectural history of Romania.

It’s not hard to find great people from this European nation but one prince that has made this country a legend is of Transylvania. The Dracula is a legendry character, which has had a lasting impression on the people of all ages and backgrounds. The castle of the Dracula stands in all its magnificence in Transylvania. Myths apart it has now become one of the most urbanized areas of the country. However the mysterious sensation still keep the tourists dumbfound.

Bucharest, the capital is situated in the Wallachia region in the southern part of Romania. It has got all the political activity. It has gained world repute in the field of education. An international college for medicine is situated in Bucharest, which attracts students from all over the world. The French influence on the city is evident by the architecture on many buildings of the city. It has been christened as ‘little Paris’ due to this very reason. How ever the beauty of the planning of the city has left it look very green and silent. It’s a soothing experience to be in any Romanian city and Bucharest tops the list. One thing seldom found in Europe is found in Bucharest in abundance – legalized gambling. The city offers some of the best casino rooms and coupled with the fact that it is legal makes it a favorite among the tourists. The typical cuisine of Romania is rich with beacon and meat. The desserts also have their distinctive taste.

The country having undergone harsh times in the political oppression could not explore all possibilities of tourism. Now it is coming out with ecotourism programs to attract tourists. Way to go!

Question
I would like to go to Romania about 1 week in October 2005. Can you tell me which towns or cities have to go or visit. e.g. historical building, nice views or beach.

Answer
Hello Daisy,
Thank you very much for your question.
In October it is getting pretty cold in Romania, so the beaches are not really an option, but the Autumn in Romania is splendid so you will have nice views in abundance, and historical buildings are everywhere. You asked specifically about towns, so here are my favourites:
Brasov: Old German town at the foot of the mountains, lots of history, old German architecture, the famous "Black Church", amazing mountain scenery all around. Only about three hours from Bucharest by train. From Brasov, Peles Castle, the former royal residence, is well worth a visit.
Sibiu: Another medieval German town, splendid architecture, lots of charm and the street life is great.
Sighisoara: The most perfectly preserved medieval German town in Europe. Just fantastic. Look at views of it on the Internet.
Cluj-Napoca: This is like the Oxford or Cambridge of Romania. Austro-Hungarian in style, elegant town centre, oozing with art, music, culture of all sorts.
Timisoara. This is where the revolution started. It's a lovely green university town, again with elegant architecture.
Constanta: On the Black Sea, a port and holiday resort.
If you want a more rural environment, I recommend the painted monasteries in Moldova, the north-eastern part of Romania. The scenery is gorgeous and the monasteries are unique monuments, although the Romanians are being slow at restoring them.
The highest mountains you will find around Brasov and Fagaras. Sinaia is a very nice ski resort. I don't recommend the ski resort Poiana Brasov - the scenery is nice but it's full of tourists and far too expensive. I like the Apuseni mountains best, in the north west corner of Romania. They are not as high as some other mountains, but they are geologically very interesting, very pretty and un-touristy. There are lots of caves and other attractions to visit - some of the caves are spectacular.
I hope that has given you some idea of what is on offer, and I will be very glad to help you further if you wish. Everyone I know who has visited Romania has been enchanted and has wanted to go back again.
Kindest wishes,
Elena Mera-Long.

Article from experts.about.com

A UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site

The waters of the Danube, which flow into the Black Sea, form the largest and best preserved of Europe's deltas - The Danube Delta (Delta Dunarii).

The Danube Delta is home to more than 300 migratory and permanent bird species; 160 kinds of fish that include caviar-bearing sturgeon and 800 plant families. This wetlands preserve covers more than 1,678,000 acres (2,622 sq. miles) comprising channels and canals widening into tree-fringed lakes, reed islands, numerous lakes and marshes, oak forests intertwined with lianas and creepers, desert dunes and traditional fishermen villages.

Access

Car or train to Tulcea.
From Tulcea, by boat to Sulina, Sfantu Gheorghe, Crisan.
Daily boat service from Tulcea to Sulina and to Sfantu Gheorghe.
Access to Murighiol and to Jurilovca is possible by car.

Accommodations

For a list of accommodations please check the Accommodation Guide.
(Under ‘Location’) Please enter the name of the town or village that you would like to visit or simply enter ‘Danube Delta’ for a listing of available accommodations in the area.

• Activities
• Eco-Tourism
• Bird Watching
• Fishing
• Camping - Hiking

Tours
A variety of eco-tours are available through U.S. and Romania based tour operators, including cruises that originate in Germany or Austria and go all the way down to the Black Sea. When planning a trip to the Danube Delta it is wise to make arrangements through a tour operator. For a list of tour operators specialized in Danube Delta tours please contact the nearest Romanian Tourist Office.
Camping is allowed in most areas of the Danube Delta

Facts and Figures about the Danube Delta:
(parts of this section are courtesy of WCMC)

The Danube delta lies on the coast of the Black Sea in the eastern part of Romania, in Tulcea County, and encompasses the area between the branch rivers Chilia, Sulina and Sfintu Gheorghe, the former creating the boundary between Romania and the Ukraine. The site also includes the Razelm-Sinoie complex of lakes Razelm, Sinoie, Zmeica and Golovita to the immediate south of the delta.



Area: 1,678,000 acres including 254,517 acres marine. The entire delta region comprises 1,974,000 acres of which 1,678,000 acres are in Romania and 301,468 acres in the Ukraine. The Razelm-Sinoie lagoon complex adds a further 218,000 acres.

Altitude: Sea-level to 49 feet

Physical Features: The Delta has been classiefied into 12 habitat types as follows:
- aquatic habitats - lakes (2.60 feet - 8.2 feet depth) covered with flooded reedbeds,
- 'plaur' - flooded islets,
- flooded reeds and willows,
- riverine forest of willows and poplars,
- cane-fields,
- sandy and muddy beaches,
- wet meadows,
- dry meadows (arid),
- human settlements,
- sandy and rocky areas,
- steep banks,
- forests on high ground.

CLIMATE The prevailing continental climate, with only 18 inches of annual rainfall, is temporarily influenced by proximity to the sea and the humidity rising from countless inland lakes and small waterways.



VEGETATION
This is the largest continuous marshland in Europe which includes the greatest stretch of reedbeds probably in the world. The marsh vegetation is dominated by reeds Phragmites australis which form floating or fixed islands of decaying vegetation ('plaur') with some Typha angustifolia and Scirpus sp. Reeds cover some 420,000 acres and 'plaur' 247,000 whilst the total area not included is only 36,570 acres. There are also water lilies Nymphaea alba and Nuphar luteus and Stratiodes alloides. The higher ground supports stands of Salix, Populus, Alnus and Quercus. Sandy areas are covered with feather grass Stipa sp. and other steppe species. Forest elements are best observed in Letea Forest, occurring in a series of bands along dunes up to 820 feet long and 33 feet wide, where trees reach 115 feet in height. The species present are Quercus robur, Q. pedunculiflora, Populus alba, P.nigra, Fraxinus ornus, F. angustifolia, F. palisae, Pyrus pyraster, Tilia tomentosa, Ulmus sp., and the occasional Alnus glutinosa. Among the shrubs are Crataegus monogyna, Euonimus europea, Cornus mas, C. sanguinea, Rhamnus frangula, R. catharctica, Viburnum opulus, Berberis vulgaris, Hippophae rhamnoides, Tamarix spp. and occasional Corylus avellana. The distinctive feature of the forest is the abundance of climbing plants including Periploca graeca, Clematis vitalba, Vitis sylvestris and Humulus lupulus. In spring, the ground is carpeted with Convallaria majalis. Particularly rare and threatened plants include Convolvulus persica, Ephedra distachya, Merendera sobolifera, Plantago coronopus and Petunia parviflora.

FAUNA
Over 300 species of bird have been recorded, of which over 176 species breed, the most important being: cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis (3,000 pairs), pygmy cormorant P. pygmeus (K) (2,500 pairs comprising 61% of the world's population), white pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus (2,500 pairs comprising 50% of the Palaearctic breeding population), Dalmatian pelican P. crispus (E) (estimated at 150 pairs, perhaps now only 25-40 pairs, on the floating islands on lake Hrecisca, which represents 5% of the world population), night heron Nycticorax nycticorax (2,100 pairs), squacco heron Ardeola ralloides (2,150 pairs), great white heron Egretta alba (700 pairs), little egret E. garzetta (1,400 pairs), purple heron Ardea purpurea (1,250 pairs), glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus (1,500 pairs), white stork Ciconia ciconia (many), mute swan Cygnus olor (500 pairs), white-tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla (V) (8 pairs), marsh harrier Circus aeruginous (300+ pairs), osprey Pandion haliaetus (3 pairs), Saker falcon Falco cherrug (1-2 pairs), red-footed falcon F. vespertinus (150 pairs), Sandwich tern Sterna sandvicensis (1,700 pairs), common tern S. hirundo (20,000+ pairs), whiskered tern Chlidonias hybridus (20,000+), and black tern C. niger (10,000-20,000 pairs). White-headed duck Oxyura leucocephala possibly still breeds. Slender-billed curlew Numenius tenuirostris (K) has occurred on passage (28 in 1971 and one or two in 1989). The Delta holds huge numbers of Anatidae in the winter with counts of 500,000 white-fronted goose Anser albifrons (but only 64,000-77,500 in 1982), up to 500 lesser white-fronted goose A. erythropus, 45,000 red-breasted goose Branta ruficollis (a globally threatened species with almost 95% of the world wintering population present here), 150,000 teal Anas crecca, 200,000 mallard A. platyrhynchos, 14,000 pintail A. acuta, 40,000 shovelor A. clypeata, 32,400 red-crested pochard Netta rufina, 970,000 pochard A. ferina, 13,000 ferruginous duck A. nyroca, and 1,500 red-breasted merganser Mergus albellus. In winter there is a concentration of some 30-40 Haliaeetus albicilla.

The Delta is very important for fish with 45 fresh water species present including threatened representatives of the Acipensenidae.

Otter Lutra lutra, stoat Mustela erminea, and European mink Mustela lutreola, as well as wild cat Felis sylvestris are to be found on the floating islands. The mink population, although its size is unknown, is apparently significant in European terms.

The forest areas contain several rare reptiles, including Vipera ursini, Elaphe longissiuma, and Eremias arguta deserti.



CULTURAL HERITAGE
The very long history of trading along the Danube is evident from remains of Greek and Roman settlements (including a lighthouse). Villages surrounding the Delta show a Turkish influence.

LOCAL HUMAN POPULATION
Estimated at between 12,000 and 16,000, depending on the definition of the area covered and residence status. The population is distributed along the three main waterways, Chilia, Sulina and Sfintu Gheorghe, the main source of drinking water. The local population has been involved in small-scale, low-intensity use of natural resources supplemented by outside interests, such as fishing (10,000 boats are registered), cattle grazing and beekeeping, thought on the whole to be integrated to preservation of natural heritage.

The centre of commercial activity in the Delta is the freeport of Sulina. In the late 1980s the town underwent rapid expansion with 500 new dwellings being built, an hotel and a shipping centre to handle 3,500 ships annually. Other urban developments have taken place at Chilia Veche, Sfintu Gheorghe, 1 Mai, Unirea and Independenta.

VISITORS AND VISITOR FACILITIES
Permission is needed to visit the nature reserves which are closed during the bird breeding season. Away from the three main channels the areas are rarely frequented with very few visitors.

CONSERVATION VALUE
The Delta is the meeting point of Palaearctic and Mediterranean biogeographic zones and represents an unique dynamic wetland ecosystem containing a rich biodiversity of wetland habitats. The site is internationally significant for birds, both breeding and migratory, including a number of globally-threatened species. It is also a vitally important buffer system between the hydrographical basin of the River Danube and the Black Sea.

THE DELTA SEEN BY VISITORS
(excerpts of an article by Ms. Nina Darnton.
Ms. Darnton is a New York-based freelance journalist).

Delta Blues
The Danube, Romania

A VISIT TO THE DANUBE DELTA usually begins in the Romanian town of Tulcea, a two-hour drive from Constanta. As I boarded a small, brightly painted boat and headed for the delta, I entered a world that seemed almost anachronistic. Here, at the gateway to the 2,200-square-mile Danube delta wetlands, I found lakes and channels with crystal-clear water, and a network of islands, covered in swaying reeds, that would be blanketed by wildflowers in summer. The delta is a haven for bird-watchers; willow, ash, and white poplar trees provide nesting sites for more than 300 species of birds over the course of a year. The silence was broken only by chirping and the sound of oars cutting through the water as fishermen rowed by.

Expected to join the European Union by 2008, Romania offers natural scenery and wildlife, along with traditional villages and architecture steeped in medieval history. Maramures, in the north, and Transylvania, in the center, are especially rich and unspoiled.

Maramures: Arguably the most traditional region in the country, Maramures is one place to experience true Romanian culture.
Wooden churches: The region's magnificent wooden churches, dating from the 17th century, blend architectural designs of both East and West. Eight are World Heritage Sites. For a leaflet and map, contact Ioana Dumitru, Regional Tourism Program Manager. (IDumitru@chf.ro)

Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains: Sure, it's the home of fictitious Dracula, but this region deserves to be better known for its natural beauty, history, and the survival of its historic villages.
Transylvania with a count: Count Kálnoky, exiled for 50 years, has returned to his family's home and opened an authentic Transylvanian guesthouse. Meals are served at large round tables and use local ingredients from the farm or the local village, complete with Romanian wines. The local employees and guides share their home and history with guests.
Horseback riding: These tours allow you to see the beauty of this mountainous area and meet the local craftsmen and farmers whose wares you'll use.
Wildlife viewing: Transylvania is one of Europe's last holdouts for large carnivores—bears, wolves, and lynx. Learn how to track animal prints and see the creatures that made them.

Romania Holiday Vacations
Bucharest - Bucharesti - Cluj - Transylvania - Timisoara -
Satu Mare - Suceava - Craiova - Constanta - Braila -
Galati - Danube - Brasov - Sibiu - Black Sea - Roumanie -

Romania travel information and Bucharest guides listed on this page will provide the visitor the ability to choose what to see / do and what cities to visit - The country is in eastern Europe with beaches on the Black Sea - It is bordered by Ukraine - Moldova - Black Sea - Bulgaria - Serbia - Hungary - The country is diverse with its mountains, mineral springs, Black Sea resorts, castles, history, quaint towns, and museums - It is one of the more progressive Eastern European countries - Mountains in the center of the country with forests in-between - Danube River is the country's south boundary w/Bulgaria - Bucharest is the capital - There is wide variet of things to see / do here - Hiking - Climbing - Caving - Skiing - Swimming - Rafting - Sightseeing - Museums - Castles - Monasteries - Churches - Casinos - Markets - Shopping - Entertainment - Night Life - Visit villages with cobble stone streets - It is the home of Dracula - You will enjoy this country's experience -
Have a Great Trip

Romania is not too geared up for tourists at present, although we're sure you'll enjoy the experience.

From the meandering River Danube and the beaches on the Black Sea, to intriguing castles perched precariously on mysterious mountain peaks, travellers to Romania are in for a treat.
The Romanian language is closely related to Latin, but knowledge of Italian might not help you greatly.

You will probably arrive in Bucharest, more likely than not by train from Budapest. This seems to be the circuit at present: Prague, Budapest, Bucharest. If you make it to Bucharest, you will probably go on to Sofia -- I recommend doing so.

If you arrive by train, there are three convenient hotels across the main road outside the station. The Astoria is the pricey one on the left, the one on the right is cheap and basic, so we opted for the one in the middle.

It's hard to find a map of the capital of Romania, so here's one for you. Bucharest Map with major sights -- [122kb].

Many people will want to explore Dracula Country, but you will more than likely have to negotiate train and bus schedules, and go it alone.

Transportation is cheap, and you can get to just about everywhere, although there may only be one bus a day to some of the places; usually in the morning. Suggested Tourist Routes.

A visit to Tulcea is recommended for nature lovers and those who fancy a boat trip on the Danube Delta.

On The Black Sea:
Constanta might have been an elegant city during the early seafaring days, but today she is a little ruined.

There are some remnants of history down by the port. Small sections of the old city wall remain, with a brick arch that would have been the entry point for merchants and seamen.

The port has expanded, and oil stains unwittingly add weight to the name Black Sea.

The town's beaches are clean and the water reasonably clear, but it is the parks that disturb the relaxing visitor.

Litter and plastic bags clutter the flower beds and much of the grasslands. Water fountains are empty and the concrete floor cracked, buckled and unattended.

The train south to Mangalia is a sorry window on man's disposable attitude to the environment.

Where agriculture is practiced, the fields are proper -- where not, one wonders how long the rubbish is allowed to suffocate the soil.

A big wind in the wrong direction and all of this plastic will have a one way ticket to the ocean.

There are some unspoiled areas that a few Romanian families drive out to for the day, but I doubt if they take their litter and beer bottles home.

Neptun, just before Mangalia, is a complex of very similar communist-era hotels. For long sandy beaches, continue on to the more trendy Mangalia.

Continuing South to Bulgaria:

This route is for travellers only. There is very little traffic on the coast road between Romania and Bulgaria, save for the long distance buses to Istanbul.

There are no hotels at the border, so a lift to Varna (Bulgaria) will need to be negotiated; in Dollars or Deutsch Marks.

Enjoy Romania a little further with our featured links, and remember that our sponsors keep these pages on the Net -- give them a visit, they won't bite.

Tourism in Romania focuses on the country's natural landscapes and its rich history. The number of tourists is growing every year, as tourism becomes an increasingly important source for Romania's GDP, with 6-7 million people now yearly visiting. Romania's economy is characterized by a huge potential for tourism. Tourism in Romania attracted €880 million in investments in 2005.

Related subjects are:

• camping and hiking in the Carpathian Mountains
• skiing at Poiana Braşov and on Valea Prahovei
• the Black Sea Romanian resorts
• the medieval churches and monasteries of Moldavia and Bukovina
• the Danube Delta, the best preserved delta of Europe
• Sighişoara town and medieval festival
• the medieval Castles of Transylvania
• the folklore and traditions of Maramureş
• rural tourism
• spas and health resorts
• visiting the cultural cities of Sibiu, Iaşi, Braşov, Cluj, Bucharest and Alba Iulia
• the Iron Gates (Danube Gorge)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Creative tours in Romania - The Danube Delta

Presentation

The Danube Delta began to be formed in Quaternary, in the icy era consisting of two distinct periods:

• the continental period - produced by the marine regression, when the shore was very much withdrawn and the arms of the Danube launched visible canyons in what it is now the continental platform

• the gulf period - that followed a transgression. The hypothesis about the coast issued by Grigore Antipa and confirmed by P. Zencovici, admits the presence of a gulf, isolated by the marine currents through transversal narrow reefs and which finally formed the bank.

The Danube clogged this surface in the conditions of a reduced tide of about 70 cm. The continuous clogging shaped the present aspect of the delta. "The place where a new land is being created". When the Danube Delta is seen from Tulcea Hills, it looks like a green surface crossed by silver stripes.

The Danube Delta is a plain, which is continuously being formed, it has an average altitude of 50 cm and it is made up of:

• positive relief (narrow reefs, islands, drift woods)

• negative relief (the Danube arms, channels, brooks, swamps, marshes and lakes).

The land of the delta represents 13% of its surface and it is made up of:

• river narrow reefs that accompany the Danube arms and are oriented towards West-East with an altitude of 0.5-5 m.

• marine narrow reefs oriented towards North-South; Letea is remarkable for its altitude of 124 m, the maximum altitude for the delta and also Caraorman, Dranov, Ivancea, Saraturile, etc.

• continental narrow reefs that represent residuum from the land before the delta was formed: Chilia and Stipoc.

History

The first historical information about the Danube Delta comes from the Greek Herodot "the father of the history" who describes the entering of Darius' Persian fleet into the delta after he had stayed in Histria between 515-513 BC. In the 3rd-2nd centuries BC, Polibiu describes a place with sand banks among which there were islands. This idea has been expressed later on by Pliniu the Old, Ptolemeu etc. There are testimonies that this area has been inhabited since the first century BC till the 2nd century AD.

In the 15th century, Tara Romaneasca and Moldova loose the Danube mouths because they have been conquered by the Ottoman Empire and thus, until the the second half of 19th century, delta was a "terra incognito". Detalied studies about the delta were drawn up by the geographers George Vâlsan, Constantin Bratescu and the naturalist Grigore Antipa.


Climate

It is the region with the shortest winter. Against a background of temperate climate, the Danube Delta is situated in an arid area with winds from the North and North-East. You can feel the Pontic influences, the cold and wet air from the West.

The annual average temperature is over 11 degrees, the hot summers with 22-23 degrees and the winters with blizzards and temperatures under 0 degrees for about 20 days.

The most reduced rainfalls in the country are around 350 mm, the summer torrential rains are well known and the drought is not felt because of the humid substratum.



Waters

When it gets to Patlageanca with 6400 m³ per second (on an average), the Danube forms two arms: Chilia to the North and Tulcea to the South and the latter at Ceatalul Ismail is divided into Sulina and Sfantu Gheorghe.

Chilia arm is the farthest to the North and it forms the border with Ukraine. It carries 60% of the waters and alluvial deposits of the Danube and it has a sinuous flow on 104 km². Along this area are located Ceatalchioi, Palazu, Pardina, Chilia Veche, Periprava.

Sulina arm, located in the middle of the delta, has a linear canalized flow, permanently dredged, maintained for the navigation of the maritime vessels (minimum draught 7 m). It is 71 km long and it carries 18% of the volume of Danube water. Along this area are located Crisan, Gorgova, Ilganii de Sus, Maliuc, Partizani, Sulina, Vulturu.

Sfantu Gheorghe arm, the farthest to the East, oriented towards South-East, has a sinuous flow on 112 km and it carries 22% of the discharge. When it flows into the sea, it forms the Socalin islands considered to be the beginning of a secondary delta.


Wildlife


In August 1990, the Danube Delta was declared by UNESCO reservation of the biosphere. It is made up of the delta, the complex of lagoons Razim-Sinoe and Valea Dunarii upstream until it gets to Cotul Pisicii, measuring a surface of 591.200 ha. This represents 2.5% of Romania's territory. In this area, the vegetal associations comprise of over 1.150 species of plants grouped as it follows:

• aquatic plants - hydrophilic submersibles or natante, nenuphars, yellow water lilies, club mosses, sword flags, etc.
• the floating reed islet, 19.5 km² - floating island, thick of 0.60-2 m, made up of roots and reed rhizomes.
• the riverside coppices of willow trees, poplar trees, red and white sea buckthorns
• exotic forests on Letea and Caraorman narrow reefs made up of autumnal and pedunculate thick oak trees, black and white poplar, alder trees, elm trees etc., shrubs like the hawthorn, the cornel tree, the privet, Mediterranean vegetation, ivy and Virginia creeper, and also lianas, clematis vitalba, humulus rupulus, periploca graeca
• 60% of the world's population of cormorants
• the largest cormorant population in Europe
• almost half of the world's population with red neck (they spend the winter here)
• besides these ones, we can also notice the winter and summer swan, wild ducks and geese, white, gray, yellow and red herons, cranes, egrets, spoon bills, eastern flossy ibis, bald coots, white tailed eagle, Dobrudjan hawks, storks, flamingo birds.
• Ichthyofauna comprises over 1.500 fish species, among which we can mention: the sturgeons- the beluga, the Black Sea sturgeon, the sterlet and the sevruga
• the bearers of black roes: the mackerels, the anchovies, the carp, the sheat fish, the pike perch, the pike etc.

The Danube Delta also offers the favorable living environment for mammals - the wild boar, the fox, the otter, the mink, the ermine, the muskrat, etc. The reptiles are not missing, either: the sand snake, the small steppe viper and more rarely the land turtle.

On delta's narrow reefs we encounter sandy and golden sands, formed on loessoide sediments, and in the lower areas, soils with excessive humidity - lacoviste and alluvial soils.

Exodus Travels - Tours and holidays to Romania

Exodus specialises in 'The different holiday', offering the widest selection of walking holidays, adventure holidays, cycling and mountain biking holidays, wildlife holidays, cultural holidays, winter holidays and overland journeys across all seven continents, ranging from 4 days to 30 weeks.

Romania tours

Still a haven for bears, wolves and even Lynx, Romania posesses one of the few genuine wildernesses ;eft in Europe. The Transylvanian Alps provide a haven for wildlife, some great walking, access to some villages that are little changed in a hundred years and are home to some hardy, yet remarkably welcoming people.

Romania tour: DISCOVER TRANSYLVANIA

Walking, conservation and culture in the spectacular mountains of Transylvania

One of the last remaining true wilderness areas in Europe is found amongst the peaks and ancient forests of the Carpathian Mountains in central Romania. Our village base is at the foot of the majestic Piatra Craiului Mountains, where for centuries the people have existed in harmony with a rich variety of rare wildlife. The area is home to Europe’s highest concentration of bears, wolves and lynx. We stay in a guesthouse which is owned by a local family and provides a good standard of accommodation and delicious food. Our days are spent on walks to mountain ridges, through spectacular canyons, virgin forests and Saxon villages. There is the optional opportunity to visit a bear hide on most departures. For a complete change there is a chance to visit Bran Castle (‘Dracula’s Castle’) and the mediaeval town of Brasov as well as a night in Bucharest.

Profile:

• travel is by minibus and horse and cart. Reasonable level of fitness required for walks.

Group & staff

• min. 6, max. 15, plus leader.

Accommodation

• 1 night hotel, 6 nights guesthouse.

Food

• all meals included at the guesthouse, breakfast and dinner included in Bucharest.

Explore Worlwide! - Tours and holidays to Romania


Romania tour: Village Folklore & Danube Delta

Introduction
A tour that enters the strongly traditional Transylvania and Maramures regions to explore villages that have hardly changed for centuries. We'll visit painted monasteries, enjoy walks in beautiful mountain ranges and cruise the Danube Delta - one of the world's greatest wildlife sanctuaries.

Transylvania & Maramures Folklore
From Bucharest, we head into the forested mountains of Transylvania, home to bear and eagle - and, of course, the creature of film legend, Dracula. We visit imposing Bran Castle and the Art Nouveau Pelisor Palace (optional) in Sinaia, and may also spend time walking in the valleys of the impressive Bucegi Mountains. Travelling by train, we reach a corner of northern Romania called Maramures. The local people have always been proudly independent and have retained their traditions, still wearing typical costume and practising age-old crafts and folklore.


Painted Monasteries
We travel to the hidden Vaser Valley - cut off from roads and reached only by narrow-gauge forest railway. Then walk on through the wooded hills to Borsa, in the Rodna mountains - discovering unique wooden churches, with tall, slim towers and ornate carvings. Driving across the beautiful Carpathians we descend into 'sweet Bukovina' - part of northern Moldavia. Here, hidden in deep forested valleys, we come across a number of monasteries with remarkable frescoes on their outside walls. From Sucevita - largest of the painted monasteries of Bukovina - we walk on, passing hay meadows and scattered villages en route to Putna, which boasts the country's oldest monastery (1466). The brilliantly-coloured frescoes are some of Europe's finest examples of Byzantine art.


Danube Wildlife
Continuing to Tulcea, we board our ponton (a type of barge which we'll use as a moving hotel) to cruise the lush backwaters of the Danube Delta - a patchwork of silvery waterways and reedy lakes that glitter like polished mirrors in the sunlight. This is the greatest wetland area in Europe and is famous for its birdlife including cormorant, eagle, pelican, falcon, egret, heron and other waders.