Guided Danube Delta Bike and Boat Tour

This eight-day bike and boat journey through Romania’s Danube Delta blends gentle adventure with peaceful exploration. Starting in Bucharest, you travel to Tulcea onboard a floating hotel that becomes your home along the waterways. Each day reveals something new, quiet fishing villages, hidden channels, monasteries, and the wide open beauty of the Delta where the Danube meets the Black Sea.

You cycle past reed-covered banks, spot pelicans and herons, and discover ancient ruins and forested dunes that seem almost untouched by time.

Local guides share stories of the region’s history and wildlife, while the mix of cycling, boat rides, and comfortable stays makes the trip both active and relaxing. Evenings are spent enjoying Romanian meals and watching the sunset over calm waters. It is a warm, immersive journey into Europe’s last great natural paradise, where every day feels quietly rewarding.

Tour Type

Guided

Lodging

casual hotels

Start

Bucharest

Finish

Tulcea

Level

moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

29 km / 18 mi

Cycling Days

5

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 12

Fly-In

Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)

Fly-Out

Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)

Highlights

Highlight Image

The Journey to Kilometer “0”

Reach the point where the mighty Danube meets the Black Sea at Sulina. Standing by the lighthouse at Kilometer “0” feels like reaching the end of a river’s long, storied path across Europe.

Highlight Image

Explore Romanian rural life along the Danube

Cycle through quiet fishing villages like Letea and Crisan, where blue-painted reed houses and simple, traditional lifestyles offer a glimpse into Romania’s rural charm and warm hospitality.

Highlight Image

Ancient Ruins and Lagoon Views

Explore the Greek-Roman ruins of Argamum and climb to Enisala Fortress for sweeping views over the shimmering lagoons. These historic sites blend perfectly with the natural beauty that defines the Danube Delta.

Highlight Image

Wildlife and Birdwatching

Spot pelicans, cormorants, herons, and countless migratory birds in their natural habitat. Guided by local wildlife experts, you’ll learn to recognize their calls and flight patterns as you explore one of Europe’s richest ecosystems.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

DayPlacecasual InnsMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1BucharestFloating Hotel BoatD
DAY 2Sfantu GheorgeFloating Hotel BoatB,L,D31 km / 19 micycling
DAY 3Kilometer "0"Floating Hotel BoatB,L,D25 km / 16 micycling
DAY 4CrisanFloating Hotel BoatB,L,D23 km / 14 micycling
DAY 5TulceaFloating Hotel BoatB,L,D
DAY 6TulceaTulcea Guesthouse (4 Star)B,L,D26 km / 16 micycling
DAY 7TulceaTulcea Guesthouse (4 Star)B,L,D42 km / 26 micycling
DAY 8DepartureB

Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary Image

Day 1: Bucharest

Your adventure begins in Romania’s lively capital, Bucharest.

In the afternoon ( 2PM), join the group transfer by bus to Tulcea, the gateway to the Danube Delta. The four-hour scenic drive offers glimpses of the countryside, villages, and farmlands before reaching your floating hotel docked by the river. Step aboard and settle into your cozy cabin as the crew welcomes you on deck with dinner.

The boat’s gentle rhythm and the sound of distant waterbirds set the tone for the days ahead. You can relax, meet your fellow travelers, and watch the sunset cast golden hues over the water. The air feels calm and fresh, carrying the promise of quiet exploration through one of Europe’s most extraordinary landscapes. After dinner, enjoy the peaceful stillness of the Delta night before drifting to sleep, surrounded by the soft lapping of water against the boat.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Floating Hotel Boat
Itinerary Image

Day 2: Sfantu Gheorge

After breakfast on deck, you begin your first cycling stage along the southern arm of the Danube. The route winds through the Bestepe Hills, offering sweeping views of the Delta that reward the occasional uphill climb. You’ll pass tiny villages where time seems to have paused, and locals still live by fishing and farming traditions.

In Murighiol, the adventure changes pace as you board a small boat and glide through a maze of narrow channels lined with reeds and water lilies. The air fills with birdsong as pelicans, cormorants, and herons rise above the wetlands. The beauty of this untouched environment feels endless. By evening, you reach the fishing village of Sfantu Gheorge, where the Danube meets the Black Sea. Dinner on board tastes even better after an active day, and the night brings a sense of wonder at the Delta’s vastness and tranquility.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 31 km / 19 mi
Accommodation: Floating Hotel Boat
Itinerary Image

Day 3: Kilometer "0"

Today’s ride leads you along a gravel path between the lush green marshes of the Danube Delta and the open expanse of the Black Sea. The contrasts are striking — shimmering reeds on one side, the rolling waves on the other. As you cycle toward Sulina, Europe’s easternmost town, the landscape feels remote and pure, interrupted only by the calls of cormorants and egrets.

The sense of space and silence is humbling. You reach the Sulina lighthouse, marking Kilometer “0,” where the Danube finally merges with the sea. Standing here feels like arriving at the end of a great river’s story. There’s time to stroll along the waterfront and watch fishing boats drift by. Back on the hotel boat, you can relax on deck, reflecting on the day’s discoveries as the evening light softens over the water.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 25 km / 16 mi
Accommodation: Floating Hotel Boat
Itinerary Image

Day 4: Crisan

This morning you cycle along the shores of Musura Bay, a paradise for bird lovers. The route leads to the charming village of Letea, where homes built from reed and clay are painted in cheerful shades of blue. It feels like stepping into a slower, gentler world. Near the village lies the Letea Forest, a unique ecosystem growing on sand dunes, with wild vines and centuries-old oaks that seem almost tropical.

Exploring this unexpected forest in the middle of the Delta is a real highlight. After lunch, you continue by boat through the winding channels to the fishing village of Crisan. The scenery shifts constantly — wide waters, narrow canals, and clusters of water lilies. Evening brings a calm cruise under soft skies, followed by dinner on board. The peaceful rhythm of nature makes this one of the most magical days of the trip.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 23 km / 14 mi
Accommodation: Floating Hotel Boat
Itinerary Image

Day 5: Tulcea

Today is a well-deserved day of rest for both you and your bike. The hotel boat meanders through the heart of the Danube Delta, a labyrinth of narrow waterways, floating islands, and quiet lagoons. You can relax on deck and simply watch the world glide by. Flocks of pelicans soar overhead, while herons and egrets perch along the reed banks. Your guide helps identify bird species and points out plants that thrive in this watery world.

The cruise passes small fishing settlements where life has changed little over the centuries. It’s a perfect day to slow down, breathe deeply, and take in the peaceful beauty of Romania’s natural treasure. In the afternoon, the boat returns to Tulcea, where modern life gently reappears. Enjoy a relaxed dinner on board and perhaps a stroll along the riverbank before another restful night’s sleep

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Floating Hotel Boat
Itinerary Image

Day 6: Tulcea

After breakfast, set out on a scenic cycling route through the rolling countryside of the Dobrogea region. The landscape opens into meadows and vineyards, dotted with small farms and orchards. You visit Celic Dere Monastery, the largest convent in the area, known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful icons. Continuing onward, you reach the Saon Monastery, famous for its windmill and vineyards stretching toward the Danube.

From a nearby ridge, the view unfolds across the vast floodplains and toward the Ukrainian border. The ride feels calm and reflective, a contrast to the wild Delta. In the afternoon, you return by transfer to Tulcea and check into the comfortable 4-star guesthouse. Dinner brings more Romanian flavors, and the evening is free to explore the town’s lively market square or simply relax after a day filled with quiet spiritual charm and countryside serenity.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 26 km / 16 mi
Accommodation: Tulcea Guesthouse (4 Star)
Itinerary Image

Day 7: Tulcea

Today’s ride begins with a short bus transfer to the village of Ceamurlia de Jos. From here, you pedal through open countryside toward the Cape Dolosman nature reserve. The road winds between the lakes Golovita and Razim, offering constant views of glittering water. You’ll stop to explore the ancient ruins of Argamum, a Greek-Roman settlement that once guarded the trade routes of the Black Sea.

Continuing onward, the climb to the medieval fortress of Enisala rewards you with breathtaking views over the surrounding lagoons and wetlands. It’s the perfect final ride — peaceful, scenic, and rich in history. By afternoon, you return to Tulcea for one last evening together. Share stories with your fellow travelers over dinner, savoring local dishes and the satisfaction of a week spent discovering one of Europe’s most unspoiled landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 42 km / 26 mi
Accommodation: Tulcea Guesthouse (4 Star)
Itinerary Image

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the Danube Delta and the warm crew who have guided you through its wonders. A morning bus takes you back to Bucharest, where you’ll arrive at the airport by 2 PM. If you are departing on the same day, we advise you not book any flights that depart before 4 PM.

If your schedule allows, extend your stay in Bucharest or Tulcea to keep exploring Romania’s charm a little longer.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

Highlight Image

Your Floating Boat Hotel

The ship complex includes a main vessel with an engine, a raft featuring cabins, a sun deck, and a restaurant, plus smaller boats for transferring cyclists and bicycles through the narrow delta canals. The air-conditioned restaurant serves inventive Romanian specialties. Powered by solar panels and lithium batteries, these floating hotels offer a peaceful, eco-friendly stay powered entirely by renewable energy.

Highlight Image

Two Bedroom Non-AC Cabin

Each cozy 9 m² cabin includes two separate beds, an ensuite bathroom, and windows with insect screens that can be opened for fresh air. There’s no air conditioning in the cabins, however, evenings on the water remain comfortably cool.

Highlight Image

Bathrooms

Cabins come with attached showers and toilets.

Highlight Image

Air-conditioned restaurant onboard

The restaurant on board is air-conditioned.

Dates and Prices

Single Supplement

From US $995

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $320



Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?

Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.


Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

trip leader

Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.

Bike Image

Cube Stereo or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Bike Image

KTM Life Joy Unisex or similar

trekking

Available at a surcharge

What to Expect

We want you to have a fantastic experience on your tour, so we aim to be upfront about what to expect along the way. Here are key details to keep in mind:

Your Floating Boat Hotel

The ship ensemble consists of several interconnected vessels — a main ship with an engine, a floating raft featuring cabins, a sun deck, and a restaurant. An additional support boat assists in transporting cyclists from even the narrowest canals of the delta back to the main vessel, while a smaller boat equipped with a special platform is dedicated to carrying bicycles.

In the air-conditioned restaurant, guests can enjoy authentic Romanian specialties — a delightful introduction to the creativity and rich flavors of the country’s cuisine.

Our floating hotels have been designed as serene, eco-friendly sanctuaries. With 24 kWh of solar panels and 60 kWh of lithium batteries installed, they operate quietly and sustainably, using renewable energy to provide a tranquil experience immersed in nature.

Cabins

The comfortable cabins feature two separate beds, two windows that can be opened, and a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Each cabin measures around 9 m².

Please note that the cabins do not have air conditioning, though evenings on the water tend to stay pleasantly cool. All windows are fitted with insect screens, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.

Catering

A dedicated onboard cook prepares daily meals, including breakfast, packed lunches, and a warm dinner each evening. Full board service begins with dinner on the day of arrival and ends with breakfast on the day of departure. Vegetarian meals are available upon request—please mention this when booking and confirm with the tour guide on site.

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Your tour begins in Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital city. The meeting point is Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), where a group transfer departs at 2:00 p.m. for Tulcea, the gateway to the Danube Delta. The scenic drive takes around four hours through rolling countryside and charming rural landscapes.

Departure

Your tour concludes in Tulcea after breakfast on Day 8. A return transfer to Bucharest is included in your package, with arrival at the airport around 2:00 p.m.

Important: Please do not book flights before 4:00 p.m. to ensure a comfortable connection.

Weather

The best time to enjoy the Danube Delta by bike and boat is April to June and September, when temperatures range from 18–26°C (64–79°F) and the air feels pleasantly warm without being humid. Spring brings blooming landscapes and active birdlife, while early autumn offers calm weather and golden light. July and August can be hot, reaching 30–34°C (86–93°F), which may feel tiring for cycling. Winters are cold and unsuitable for tours, with frequent rain and chilly winds. Overall, late spring and early fall provide the most comfortable and scenic cycling experience.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Mixed

April

Best

May

Best

June

Good

July

Mixed

August

Mixed

September

Best

October

Good

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Is proof of travel insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cabins measure approximately 9 square meters and are equipped with separate beds and two windows. Cabins have attached showers and toilets.

The cabins are not air-conditioned. However, evenings on the river remain comfortably cool.

The terrain is generally flat with some rolling hills.

Since we are cycling in the Danube delta, there are several days on tour when we are cycling on unpaved and gravelly surfaces. The last two days of biking are on paved, asphalted surfaces.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

Reviews from our friends

You may also like


Passau to Vienna Loop Danube Bike and Boat tour
Self-Guided

Self-Guided Passau to Vienna Loop Danube Bike and Boat tour

casual+  hotelseasy level

8 daysfrom$1,795/person

View Details