Get personal advice about this trip from our dedicated expert. Call Olga on 020 7978 7333 or Email

CALL BACK (office hours only)
When to Call ASAP In 2 hrs In 4 hrs In 6 hrs Tomorrow

THE BIG SHORT BREAK BOOK PERK
For OT card holders two complimentary bottles of Romanian red wine, and Romanian white wine and a jar of organic honey produced by the nuns from Saon Monastery. What's this?

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
Europe's finest wildlife destination > comfortable accommodation

Variously described as ‘Europe’s last wilderness’ or ‘the end of Europe’, the Danube Delta Nature Reserve is certainly one of the most beautiful, unspoilt and peaceful spots on the continent. Comprising more than 2,000 square miles of waterways, lakes, reed-beds, islands and forests, the delta is one of the most important wetlands in the world. It represents the finest short-haul nature destination from the UK – to find something comparable you would have to travel to Africa or beyond.

The delta has just about recovered from various barmy communist schemes that threatened either to drain the wetlands for agricultural purposes, or which completely ignored the ecological importance of a vital breeding ground for several hundred species of migratory birds. Fortunately, this vast area where the Danube splits into three main channels before spilling into the Black Sea now has protected status.

The best place from which to explore this watery world is the Delta Nature Resort, situated on the banks of Lake Somova. Getting there involves a long but interesting drive of some 200 miles east from the Romanian capital, Bucharest. The road passes through rural expanses dotted with small villages and offers perhaps a last glimpse of a vanishing world, where the pace of life is slow, manual labour in the fields is a common sight and the horse and cart still an everyday mode of transport (with old number plates stuck to the back of the cart as a cursory nod to EU bureaucracy since Romania’s admission to the Union in early 2007).

The Delta Nature Resort is a tastefully designed eco-lodge with direct access into the waterways of the reserve. With a fleet of boats piloted by expert local guides, guests can discover the rich animal and plant life of the delta – over 300 species of birds, 60 species of fish and some 1,200 species of plants and trees. There are also many species of reptiles, amphibians, mammals and insects to admire, as well as fishermen at work as they row or punt their boats through the channels to check their nets.

Birds are undoubtedly the main attraction though, and include by far Europe’s largest colony of pelicans, plus terns, ibis, egrets, spoon-bills, herons, grebes and many more. A boat trip through the swampy channels should get even the least twitchy–types interested in birdlife. Float past endless varieties of cormorants perched on branches drying their wings before plunging back into the depths to catch fish, before rounding a corner in the tall reed banks to find a vast lake full of water lilies and a pod of up to a thousand pelicans. It all feels distinctly African, and the lack of crocs and hippos seems like an oversight.

Once guests have had their fill of wildlife watching, local excursions are equally rewarding. There are monasteries and a caviar farm to visit, as well as wine-tasting at local vineyards, and a nearby community of ethnic Russians known as Lipovans, who continue a way of life largely unchanged for centuries.

For those looking for something completely different and, dare we say it, original, Romania’s Danube delta fits the bill perfectly.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRICES
The price shown above is based on the sample itinerary, with flights in economy class, accommodation on a B&B basis (or more where stated), transfers and activities specific to this trip. Where prices fluctuate throughout the year, the price is based on low season rates and where more than one accommodation option is listed, on the cheapest available. We would be delighted to put together a current and 100% accurate quotation based on your specific travel requirements, so please contact the relevant member of our expert team.

TAILORED TO YOUR EXACT SPECIFICATIONS
Almost every one of our Big Short Breaks and Beyond the Big Short Breaks can be entirely tailormade from scratch, so you can enjoy the holiday exactly how you want it, exactly when you want it, and for exactly as long as you want it. Our expert team, who have been to every one of our destinations, are here to talk you through all the options available in order to create the trip best suited to you.