In
the footsteps of Ovid and St. Andrew
- 7 days/ 6 nights -
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If your interest combines history with the discovery of natural wonders, this package is for you. Amazing sights can be enjoyed right from the start when you discover the awesome natural beauty of the Danube Delta. The abundance of wildlife and incredible scenery will take your breath away. There are more travel delights in store for you when you see some of the Black Sea resorts, but the main focus of this trip is steeped in history. The Dobrogea region is one of the ‘ancient lands’ of Europe and you will have an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of two great historical names: Ovid and St. Andrew. One of the greatest poets and writers of the antiquity - a possible successor to Virgil - Ovid was banished by Emperor Augustus to a fishing village on the Black Sea, which you will visit during this trip. He never returned to Rome, but his ‘Letters From The Black Sea’ were published there before his death. The possible highlight of our tour, however, is the ‘Holy Grotto of St. Andrew’, the first apostle who came to the Dobrogea region around 60 A.D. preaching to the local population and making this the first Christian place in Romania.
Daily schedule:
Day
1: Bucharest - Tulcea (300 km):
Arrive at the International airport Bucharest Otopeni. Transfer by air-conditioned
minibus to Tulcea. Dinner and accommodation in Tulcea, at 3* hotel (Select,
Egreta, Delta).
Day
2: Tulcea - Danube Delta - Tulcea:
Breakfast. 1-day trip to Danube Delta by motor boat - 6 to 8 hours,
covering the main channels of the Delta and sailing by rowing boats
even smaller channels and a chance to get really close to birds and
other wildlife. Lunch served on board. Dinner and accommodation in Tulcea,
at 3* hotel.
Day
3: Tulcea - Danube Delta (Mila 23, Ligheanca lake) - Tulcea:
Breakfast. Transfer to Mila 23 by motor boats, then back onto smaller
rowing boats to reach selected bird watching posts. Packed picnic lunch).
Transfer back to Tulcea for overnight. Festive dinner with campfire.
Day
4: Tulcea - Niculitel - Constanta (220 km):
Breakfast. Trip to Dobrogea, visiting some of the key sites in this
Northern part of the region: the monasteries of Cocos and Celik-Dere
and the Roman basilica in Niculitel. In the afternoon, transfer to Constanta
on the Black Sea. Enroute, visit the ruins of Histria Greek, the oldest
Greek colony on the Black Sea shore. ((7th century BC). Accommodation
and dinner at 3* hotel in Constanta (Oxford or similar).
Day
5: Constanta - Murfatlar - Constanta (50 km):
Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of Constanta, including a walking tour of
the historical centre and the Tomis harbour. This is the area where
Ovid lived after his banishment from Rome. You can also see the Roman
Aedificum and take a walking on the promenade of the Black Sea enjoying
the Genoa lighthouse and the Casino. In the afternoon, you are off to
visit Basarabi (Murfatlar) vineyard, where we will stay for a great
folk show and festive dinner with unlimited wine.
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Day
6: Constanta - Adamclisi - Techirghiol - Constanta (200 km)
Breakfast. Trip to the southern part of Dobrogea, where you will see
the Trophaeum Traiani citadel, before you arrive at the cave of St.
Andrew. This is where the apostle, the brother of Simon Peter, is thought
to have lived the life of a recluse. Nearby, there are still water sources
where our ancestors were probably baptized. After a quick visit of the
small church in Techirghiol it’s back to Constanta for your last
night at the Black Sea. There will be a special farewell dinner at La
Protap restaurant, with game specialties and local music.
Day
7: Constanta - Bucharest (250 km)
Breakfast. Transfer back to Bucharest airport for your departure.
Total distance: ~ 1050 km in Romania
Included services:
• Transport
by air-conditioned minivan/ minibus/ coach (depending on the number
of participants)
• Accommodation at 3* and 4* hotels as indicated
• Meals on HB basis (breakfasts and diners)
• Lunch on board during the Danube Delta cruise
• 1-day trip by motor boat on the Danube Delta
• 1-day bird watching program on Ligheanca Lake near Mila 23 village
in the Danube Delta
• Assistance of a professional guide throughout the program
• Entrance fees to attractions
• 1 free seat for each 20 participants