Danube Delta & Black Sea – 2-Day Tour from Bucharest

Discover two contrasting sides of eastern Romania during a private two-day tour from Bucharest. Explore the historic centre and seafront of Constanța, learn about the ancient civilizations that developed along the Black Sea coast and travel into the protected natural landscape of the Danube Delta.

The itinerary combines cultural landmarks, archaeological sites and a three-hour boat trip through the channels of the Danube Delta. Depending on your interests, the first day may include either the lively seaside resort of Mamaia or the ancient Greek settlement of Histria.

An overnight stay is arranged in Mahmudia, a village situated at the edge of the Danube Delta and an accessible departure point for boat excursions.

Day 1: Bucharest – Constanța – Histria – Danube Delta

In the morning, depart from Bucharest and travel east towards Constanța along the A2 motorway, also known as the Sun Highway. The journey to the Romanian Black Sea coast takes approximately three hours.

Constanța Old Town and Black Sea waterfront

After arriving in Constanța, begin a sightseeing tour of one of Romania’s most important cities on the Black Sea.

The tour includes the historic centre and several of the city’s best-known landmarks:

• Ovidiu Square;
• the Great Mosque of Constanța;
• the Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul;
• the Black Sea waterfront;
• the Constanța Casino;
• the marina and its yachts.

Ovidiu Square is located at the heart of the old city and is named after the Roman poet Ovid, who spent the final years of his life in ancient Tomis, the settlement that later became modern Constanța.

A walk along the waterfront leads to the Constanța Casino, the city’s most recognizable landmark, situated directly beside the Black Sea.

Optional visit to the Museum of National History and Archaeology

Travellers interested in ancient history may include a short visit to the Museum of National History and Archaeology.

The museum provides additional information about the Greek, Roman and later civilizations that shaped Constanța and the surrounding region. The visit helps place the city’s archaeological heritage and its position on the ancient Black Sea trade routes into a broader historical context.

Mamaia seaside resort

One possible stop is Mamaia, one of Romania’s liveliest Black Sea resorts and a popular destination for seaside holidays.

A notable attraction in Mamaia is the cable car that crosses part of the resort. The ride lasts approximately seven minutes and reaches a height of around 50 metres, offering elevated views over Mamaia and the surrounding coastline.

Histria archaeological site

Travellers who prefer history and archaeology may visit Histria instead of spending additional time in Mamaia.

Histria was the earliest major Greek settlement established on the western coast of the Black Sea. Founded by colonists from Miletus during the middle of the 7th century BC, it is considered the first urban settlement known to have existed on the territory of present-day Romania.

The archaeological remains include:

• ruins of Greek temples;
• early Christian basilicas;
• defensive walls;
• remains of paved residential areas.

The site offers an opportunity to understand the importance of the Black Sea, known in antiquity as Pontus Euxinus, for Greek colonization, regional trade and cultural exchange.

Transfer to the Danube Delta

After visiting the Black Sea coast, continue towards Tulcea Harbour or directly to the shores of the Danube Delta.

Depending on accommodation availability, the overnight stay will be arranged in a four-star guesthouse in Mahmudia village.

Mahmudia is located near the channels and wetlands of the Danube Delta and serves as the departure point for the following day’s boat excursion.

Day 2: Danube Delta boat trip – Bucharest

After breakfast, depart from Mahmudia for a three-hour boat journey through the channels of the Danube Delta.

The excursion is accompanied by a specialized English-speaking guide. The boat trip is shared with other visitors, with a maximum capacity of 12 participants.

Boat excursion through the Danube Delta

The boat trip offers the opportunity to explore part of the Danube Delta away from busy roads and urban areas.

Travelling through the channels provides a closer view of the wetlands, aquatic vegetation and birdlife that characterize the region. The route and wildlife sightings may vary depending on water levels, weather conditions and the season.

During the excursion, you may see:

• white and yellow water lilies;
• swans;
• coots;
• ducks;
• geese;
• spoonbills;
• godwits;
• ibises;
• pelicans.

Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, as the birds move freely within their natural habitat.

Optional traditional fish lunch

A traditional fish lunch can be arranged as an optional experience.

The meal provides an opportunity to try local dishes associated with the fishing communities of the Danube Delta. The exact menu and location depend on the arrangements available on the day of the excursion.

Return to Bucharest

After the approximately three-hour boat trip, meet the driver and begin the return journey to Bucharest.

The transfer from the Danube Delta area to Bucharest takes approximately four hours, depending on traffic and the exact departure location.

What you will experience during the tour

This Danube Delta and Black Sea tour combines several different aspects of eastern Romania within two days:

• the historic centre of Constanța;
• the Black Sea waterfront and Constanța Casino;
• the religious landmarks of Constanța;
• Mamaia resort or the Histria archaeological site;
• accommodation near the Danube Delta;
• a three-hour shared boat excursion;
• the landscapes and birdlife of the Danube Delta;
• the option to try a traditional fish lunch.

The itinerary is suitable for travellers interested in nature, ancient history, coastal landscapes and regional culture.

Plan your Danube Delta and Black Sea tour

This two-day tour offers a practical way to visit both the Romanian Black Sea coast and the Danube Delta from Bucharest.

Contact us for information about availability, accommodation, the boat excursion and the available itinerary options for Constanța, Mamaia and Histria.

Our articles about the Danube Delta :

EXPLORING ROMANIA’S HIDDEN PARADISE IN THE DANUBE DELTA

10 REASONS TO VISIT THE DANUBE DELTA

DISCOVER ROMANIA’S SEASIDE RESORTS: A SUMMER PARADISE AND WINTER WONDERLAND INTRODUCTION