Date June to August

Background Information- Location

• Leader(s)- Romania Guide- Alexandru Dorosencu, GB Guide-Andy Hirst
• Focus- Very varied, beginning in the Danube Delta, to the coast of the Black Sea, then on to the forests and plains of Dobrudja, before we move west to the Carpathian Mountains then returning to Bucharest.
• Habitats- We climb to the Carpathians and a rise to 1200m above sea level where we explore mountain gorges, pastures and woodlands. We then drop down to sea level at the Black Sea and coastal marsh area, from here we explore the ancient forests, where the trees are hundreds, if not thousands of years old, a change from the open vista of the Black Sea. Towards the end of the tour we move north to the Danube Delta, a myriad of creeks and channels, opening out to a vast plain, in contrast to the coast and woodlands.
• Climate/ Weather- At the time of year it will be warm and sunny (hopefully) all day, although it will probably be cooler in the mountains. Fleeces and jumpers will probably be required for pre-breakfast birding, and in readiness for the Transylvanian Alps. A light windproof/ waterproof is probably a good idea.
• Transport- From the airport at Bucharest we use a 25 seater air conditioned small coach, or large minibus, dependent on final numbers, this will be our main mode of transport. I suggest we rotate seats so all have window seats alternately. In the Danube Delta we will occasionally use small boats with outboard motors.
• Accommodation- Will be varied, although retaining a high standard. The rooms will be high quality en-suite rooms in Hotels/ Villas, our accommodation in the Danube will be on a superb villa in the heart of the Danube Delta, again with en-suite facilities, some facilities may have to be shared at one or more locations. Tour participants will share a room unless a single room supplement has been previously booked.
• Food- Romanian food is well cooked hearty fare and freshly cooked, usually consisting of 3 or 4 courses. Vegetarians are catered for. On the Danube, fish, not surprisingly is the staple food (caught in the Danube) and appears at most meals. Bottled water will be provided throughout the tour free of charge.
• Pace- Pretty relaxed, although long days in the field are to be expected, with optional pre-breakfast birding excursions, and occasional evening visits, looking for bears etc... Most is at a gentle pace. The time in the Danube Delta is relaxed, with little or no walking. A little more vigorous exercise is to be expected in the mountains.
• Daily Routine- Depending on where we are, there will be optional pre-breakfast birding trips, usually within short walks of our accommodation. After breakfast we are usually out for the day, taking picnic lunches with us. Lunch will be taken at an appropriate spot. We return each evening to our accommodation for an evening meal. Occasionally we will have meals earlier or later to fit in with the itinerary. Returning we will have a log of what we have seen during the day, usually over a beer! In the Danube we can watch at anytime from the villa, so get up as early as you like.
• Recommended Reading -"Finding Birds in Romania" Gosney (EasyBirder)
• Maps- Romania Travel Map, ( ITMB Publishing Ltd), Scale 1:850 000 . ISBN: 155341375X

For previous tour reports- please go to the Tour Reports Page, for reports and species lists

SPECIES LIST (in MS Word) click here

Background Information- Travel

• Weight Allowance- Flight- 20kg, 1 bag only. Plus single small hand luggage bag.
  
• Travel Arrangements/ Pickup- Meet at Luton airport as the holiday begins and ends here. Customers are required to make their own way to the airport. Usually Luton airport- where Check in time: 2 hours, but no less than 40 mins before departure.
  
• Currency/ Requirements- A small amount of currency is a good idea for souvenirs and items of a personal nature, i.e. extra drinks. The currency in Romania is the Leu Greu or RON. It's suggested you take Euros, $$ or ££ and exchange within Romania. There will be opportunity to exchange cash. Please note Leu Greu and RON cannot be exchanged out of the country.
• Passport / Visa Requirements- A full valid, in-date passport is required (with in excess 6 months before expiration). No separate visas are required.
• Health Requirements- No inoculation or vaccinations are required. Note please don't drink the tap water, otherwise you will be taking advantage of the Romanian health services. We suggest you are up to date with a Tetanus inoculation. Please note adequate travel insurance is compulsory.
• Special Equipment- A first aid kit will be available at all times. I will also be taking an Ipod with all the bird songs and calls of Europe installed.
• Clothing- Nothing special will be required. Lightweight shirts, shorts and skirts (for the women presumably) will be fine for the most part as it will be hot and sunny, therefore a brimmed hat is useful. Please take suncream. A light windproof/ waterproof just in case. Lightweight walking boots/ shoes should be adequate. A fleece and or jumper will be useful for the early mornings. Casual changes of clothing will be required for the evenings, along with a light pair of shoes or sandals. A top quality Fluorite 88mm telescope with zoom eyepiece, and full first aid kit are available throughout the tour.
• Nuisances- Whilst on the Danube Delta Mosquito's could be a problem, particularly post breakfast and teatime, so Insect Repellent (containing DEET) should be taken. These could be problem in the damp woodlands also.

Useful equipment check list