THE DANUBE DELTA

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER BEN HALL 

THE DANUBE DELTA

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER BEN HALL

PHOTO TYPE: Birds & wildlife     TRIP LENGHT: 7 days     DATES: May 17-23, 2021    GROUP SIZE: 10 guests     PRICE:  £ 2 750

 

Join Ben Hall, one of Britain’s leading professional wildlife photographers, and Dan Dinu, one of Romania’s most well-known nature photographers, in the incredible Danube Delta – a paradise both for birds and photography.

Take the opportunity to capture the vast wildlife of the Danube Delta on this photo tour to Europe’s largest wetland. The Danube Delta is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and is featured on WWF’s list of the 200 most important eco-regions in the world. The Danube Delta belongs to the areas with the largest biodiversity in the world, right up there with the Great Barrier Reef and the Amazon. The area has more than 5,000 plant and animal species and no less than 300 different bird species. Here you will have the chance to photograph the white pelican, which is very spectacular to capture as it spreads its big wings and takes off from the calm waters. Here you can also photograph pygmy cormorants, glossy ibis and spoonbills, almost all of Europe’s heron species and various falcons and eagles. During the tour we will photograph during the best light of the day. To be able to capture that perfect shot we will have full access to boats as well as special hides.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Five full days of photography around the Danube Delta.
  • The opportunity to photograph many unique bird species.
  • Photograph from boats as well as special hides.
  • See the spectacular white pelicans take off.
  • Capture pygmy cormorants, glossy ibis and spoonbills.
  • Spot the peregrine falcons and sea eagles
  • Visit the Enisala Fort to photograph the sunset.
  • Participation and workshops by Ben Hall and Dan Dinu throughout the trip.

PHOTO TYPE: Birds & wildlife

TRIP LENGHT: 7 days

DATES: May 17-23, 2021

GROUP SIZE: 10 guests

PRICE: £ 2 750

  

Join Practical Photography, Ben Hall, one of Britain’s leading professional wildlife photographers, and Dan Dinu, one of Romania’s most well-known nature photographers, in the incredible Danube Delta – a paradise both for birds and photography.

Take the opportunity to capture the vast wildlife of the Danube Delta on this photo tour to Europe’s largest wetland. The Danube Delta is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and is featured on WWF’s list of the 200 most important eco-regions in the world. The Danube Delta belongs to the areas with the largest biodiversity in the world, right up there with the Great Barrier Reef and the Amazon. The area has more than 5,000 plant and animal species and no less than 300 different bird species. Here you will have the chance to photograph the white pelican, which is very spectacular to capture as it spreads its big wings and takes off from the calm waters. Here you can also photograph pygmy cormorants, glossy ibis and spoonbills, almost all of Europe’s heron species and various falcons and eagles. During the tour we will photograph during the best light of the day. To be able to capture that perfect shot we will have full access to boats as well as special hides.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Five full days of photography around the Danube Delta.
  • The opportunity to photograph many unique bird species.
  • Photograph from boats as well as special hides.
  • See the spectacular white pelicans take off.
  • Capture pygmy cormorants, glossy ibis and spoonbills.
  • Spot the peregrine falcons and sea eagles
  • Visit the Enisala Fort to photograph the sunset.
  • Participation and workshops by Ben Hall and Dan Dinu throughout the trip.

DESTINATION INFO

DESTINATION INFO

DANUBE DELTA

At the meeting point between the Danube and the Black Sea, the Danube Delta forms the largest wetland in Europe. There are over 5,000 plant and animal species in the area, which means that Danube Delta has one of the largest biological diversity in the world. The area around the Danube Delta has a population of about 15,000 people from different ethnic groups. However, 50% of the area remains untouched and forms one of the most important nature reserves in Europe. Danube Delta is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and is featured on WWF’s list of the 200 most important eco-regions in the world. The delta is a wilderness paradise for nature photographers.

BOATS AND HIDES

Depending on the level of water in the area and the places where the birds are located, we will have both boats and mobile hides. The group is divided into two smaller groups. One group goes to the mobile hide and the other looks for birds from a boat. After this the groups swap places so that everyone gets the chance to photograph both from the hides and from the boat. The boats have four benches that are almost two meters long, and on these you can easily seat two people. As we will only be six people in each boat, there will be plenty of space and therefore good photo opportunities for everyone. How and where the mobile hides will be used depends partly on the water level and on where the wildlife are at the moment. Each hide is built to accommodate one, two or three people, depending on the area.

TOUR ITINERARY

TOUR ITINERARY

May 17-23, 2021

DAY 1, (17/5) – BUCHAREST TO DANUBE DELTA

Arrival at Bucharest airport around lunchtime. Here you will meet photographer Ben Hall and Dan Dinu and a host from Zoom Photo Tours. Transfer to Tucea, close to the Black Sea, and then further on by boat to Mila 23, a small fishing village located on an island in the middle of the Danube Delta. During the boat ride we will experience the magnificent beauty of the Danube Delta and its surrounding environment. We will also have the opportunity to take our first photos as we pass some amazing scenery and lots of wildlife.

Check-in at Vanessa Guesthouse in Mila 23, where we will stay for four nights. Before dinner we will take the opportunity to photograph birds at sunset. Later we enjoy a great meal together at the hotel. (D)

DAY 2-4, (18-20/5)  – DANUBE DELTA, MILA 23

The days start at sunrise, when we go out on the calm waters with our boat to photograph the many species of birds basking in the golden morning light. The group is divided into two smaller groups. One group will go to special hides on land and the other group will experience the area from the water. After a couple of hours, the groups swap places. After lunch, we will work for a little while with post-processing of our photos we have taken earlier in the day. Late in the afternoon it is time for another photo session. Also, this time we will use both the boat and our hides. From the hides there are good opportunities to photograph waders, herons, swans, different species of ducks, kingfishers and hopefully the pygmy cormorant. During the boat trip we will be able to see pelicans, white storks, squacco heron, great cormorant, gulls, terns and falcons. If we are lucky, we might spot the Eurasian spoonbill as well.

During our days at Mila 23, we will also take a walk around the island where it is possible to meet the locals and see how they live. This walk is highly appreciated as you really come close to the locals and will have the chance to take some really different photos. (B, L D)

DAY 5, (21/5) – MILA 23 TO MURIGHIOL

This morning is also spent waiting for the perfect shot in our hides. After breakfast and check-out, we continue on to Murighiol village, located on the mainland between Danube Delta and Razim-Sinoe lakes. Upon arrival, we check into the Villa Pike Inn, where we will stay for two nights. In the afternoon we will take a bus to the salt lakes at Sărături. From our mobile hides on the beaches, we hope to see and photograph the black-winged stilt, pied avocet, common shelduck, red-crested pochard and much more. (B, L, D)

DAY 6, (22/5) – MURIGHIOL

This morning there will be an early departure to our hides by the salt lakes. In the evening we will walk up to the Enisala Fort, which is located on a hill and built during the 15th century to guard the Danube’s outlet in the Black Sea. This is a great spot to photograph our last sunset. The view from the fort is amazing, with the grasslands on one side and a great view of the delta on the other. Back at the hotel we will enjoy a great final dinner together. (B, L, D)

DAY 7, (23/5) – MURIGHIOL – BUCHAREST

After an early morning photo shoot by our hides we enjoy breakfast. We then start our trip back to Bucharest and the airport where we will arrive in the afternoon. Flights back home. (B)

May 17-23, 2021

DAY 1, (17/5) – BUCHAREST TO DANUBE DELTA

Arrival at Bucharest airport around lunchtime. Here you will meet photographer Ben Hall and Dan Dinu and a host from Zoom Photo Tours. Transfer to Tucea, close to the Black Sea, and then further on by boat to Mila 23, a small fishing village located on an island in the middle of the Danube Delta. During the boat ride we will experience the magnificent beauty of the Danube Delta and its surrounding environment. We will also have the opportunity to take our first photos as we pass some amazing scenery and lots of wildlife.

Check-in at Vanessa Guesthouse in Mila 23, where we will stay for four nights. Before dinner we will take the opportunity to photograph birds at sunset. Later we enjoy a great meal together at the hotel. (D)

DAY 2-4, (18-20/5)  – DANUBE DELTA, MILA 23

The days start at sunrise, when we go out on the calm waters with our boat to photograph the many species of birds basking in the golden morning light. The group is divided into two smaller groups. One group will go to special hides on land and the other group will experience the area from the water. After a couple of hours, the groups swap places. After lunch, we will work for a little while with post-processing of our photos we have taken earlier in the day. Late in the afternoon it is time for another photo session. Also, this time we will use both the boat and our hides. From the hides there are good opportunities to photograph waders, herons, swans, different species of ducks, kingfishers and hopefully the pygmy cormorant. During the boat trip we will be able to see pelicans, white storks, squacco heron, great cormorant, gulls, terns and falcons. If we are lucky, we might spot the Eurasian spoonbill as well.

During our days at Mila 23, we will also take a walk around the island where it is possible to meet the locals and see how they live. This walk is highly appreciated as you really come close to the locals and will have the chance to take some really different photos. (B, L D)

DAY 5, (21/5) – MILA 23 TO MURIGHIOL

This morning is also spent waiting for the perfect shot in our hides. After breakfast and check-out, we continue on to Murighiol village, located on the mainland between Danube Delta and Razim-Sinoe lakes. Upon arrival, we check into the Villa Pike Inn, where we will stay for two nights. In the afternoon we will take a bus to the salt lakes at Sărături. From our mobile hides on the beaches, we hope to see and photograph the black-winged stilt, pied avocet, common shelduck, red-crested pochard and much more. (B, L, D)

DAY 6, (22/5) – MURIGHIOL

This morning there will be an early departure to our hides by the salt lakes. In the evening we will walk up to the Enisala Fort, which is located on a hill and built during the 15th century to guard the Danube’s outlet in the Black Sea. This is a great spot to photograph our last sunset. The view from the fort is amazing, with the grasslands on one side and a great view of the delta on the other. Back at the hotel we will enjoy a great final dinner together. (B, L, D)

DAY 7, (23/5) – MURIGHIOL – BUCHAREST

After an early morning photo shoot by our hides we enjoy breakfast. We then start our trip back to Bucharest and the airport where we will arrive in the afternoon. Flights back home. (B)

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

BEN HALL • Nature Photographer

Ben Hall has gained worldwide recognition as one of Britain’s leading professional wildlife photographers. His images are often surprising, always striking and ever striving to awaken people to the diversity of the natural world. He is described by Living Edge magazine as a ‘passionate and experienced wildlife photographer, with a perfectionist’s eye for detail’. Ben’s spectacular images have earned him numerous prestigious international awards including over 20 awards in the British Wildlife Photography Awards (including a double category win in 2009), many awarded images in the Windland Smith Rice Awards USA, Geographical Photographer of the Year, a category win in Bird Photographer of the Year and many more. Ben is a regular photographic and editorial contributor to clients as diverse as BBC Wildlife, Practical Photography, Birding (USA), Living Edge to name but a few.

PORTFOLIO: benhallphotography.com

DAN DINU • Wildlife Photographer

Dan Dinu is one of Romania’s most well-known photographers, specialising in landscape, wildlife and travel photography. His photos have been published in many publications, including National Geographic. He is the author of six personal exhibitions and is the president of Forona (Romanian Nature Photography Association). Dan has been a photographer for more than 20 years, with 10 as a professional photographer. He founded PhotoLife, one of the first photography schools in Romania, and is now teaching courses, workshops and photo tours around the world.

PORTFOLIO: dandinu.net

ON LOCATION WITH BEN & DAN DINU
Our tours are always accompanied by a well-known and professional photographer who will guide you to the most scenic locations during the best light conditions and help you improve and expand your photographic technique. During this tour, Ben and Dan will show you around the incredible Danube Delta and teach you how to turn ordinary images into something extraordinary. During the tour they will be sharing their best tips for capturing the surroundings. In the evenings, you will get help from Ben and Dan with the post-processing of images taken during the day. They will also look at your photographs and offer advice while evaluating your images as well as talk about everything from camera techniques to focal lengths, composition and the light in the images.

ACCOMODATION

ACCOMODATION

PRICES AND FACTS

PRICES AND FACTS

PRICE

Price per person: £ 2 750

Included:

  • All ground transfers according to the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in shared twin room.
  • Meals according to itinerary: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
  • Access to boats and drivers according to the itinerary.
  • Access to hides according to the itinerary.
  • Participation & workshops by Ben Hall & Dan Dinu.
  • Local guides (boat drivers) during all safaris.
  • Local bird guide during the entire tour.
  • Hotel taxes and other local fees.
  • Travel documents and other travel information.

Excluded:

  • Single room supplement. £ 350
  • International flights to Bucharest, Romania.
  • All expenses of personal nature like drinks, laundry etc.
  • Tips to the drivers, approximately 8 Euros / day.
  • Cancellation & travel insurance. For more details, click here.
  • Any other item not mentioned as included.

FLIGHTS

International airfare or transport to Romania is not included in the price. But if you wish, we are more than happy to help you arrange your flights. Just send an email to info@zoomphototours.com and we will respond with flight suggestions and prices.

GROUP SIZE

In order for you to get personal photo guidance and the best experience with our photographer our groups are always small. On this tour the minimum and maximum number of guests are 8 / 10. (If couples share a double bed, we can take 12, as the total number of beds is 10. Three twin rooms and four single rooms with a double bed.)

PHOTO GEAR

  • A DSLR Camera
  • Telephoto lenses up to a 500mm
  • Wide-angle lens, like a 24-70mm
  • Tripod
  • A Laptop computer with any of the Photoshop or Lightroom software.
  • Extra batteries, chargers etc.

TOUR LEADER

Apart from Ben Hall & Dan Dino our tours are always accompanied by a tour leader from Zoom with good photo knowledge. Our tour leader will handle all logistics and general matters and make sure your having the best possible experience during your trip.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

For more information about Terms & Conditions click here.

Photo: Dan Dinu & Ben Hall

PRICE

Price per person: £ 2 750

Included:

  • All ground transfers according to the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in shared twin room.
  • Meals according to itinerary: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
  • Access to boats and drivers according to the itinerary.
  • Access to hides according to the itinerary.
  • Participation & workshops by Ben Hall & Dan Dinu.
  • Local guides (boat drivers) during all safaris.
  • Local bird guide during the entire tour.
  • Hotel taxes and other local fees.
  • Travel documents and other travel information.

Excluded:

  • Single room supplement. £ 350
  • International flights to Bucharest, Romania.
  • All expenses of personal nature like drinks, laundry etc.
  • Tips to the drivers, approximately 8 Euros / day.
  • Cancellation & travel insurance. For more details, click here.
  • Any other item not mentioned as included.

 

FLIGHTS

International airfare or transport to Romania is not included in the price. But if you wish, we are more than happy to help you arrange your flights. Just send an email to info@zoomphototours.com and we will respond with flight suggestions and prices.

 

GROUP SIZE

In order for you to get personal photo guidance and the best experience with our photographer our groups are always small. On this tour the minimum and maximum number of guests are 8 / 10. (If couples share a double bed, we can take 12, as the total number of beds is 10. Three twin rooms and four single rooms with a double bed.)

 

PHOTO GEAR

  • A DSLR Camera
  • Telephoto lenses up to a 500mm
  • Wide-angle lens, like a 24-70mm
  • Tripod
  • A Laptop computer with any of the Photoshop or Lightroom software.
  • Extra batteries, chargers etc.

 

TOUR LEADER

Apart from Ben Hall & Dan Dino our tours are always accompanied by a tour leader from Zoom with good photo knowledge. Our tour leader will handle all logistics and general matters and make sure your having the best possible experience during your trip.

 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

For more information about Terms & Conditions click here.

 

 

Photo: Dan Dinu & Ben Hall

BOOKING

BOOKING

BOOKING CONTACT

If you want to book a Zoom Photo Tour you can either give us a call, send an e-mail or use the on-line booking form and you will receive a booking confirmation right away.

BOOK THE TOUR BY PHONE: EUROPE +46 470-466 40  /  USA +1 (212) 203-0375

BOOK THE TOUR BY E-MAIL:  info@zoomphototours.com