We have the pleasure to offer you a tour that gives you an opportunity to see more than 140 bird species and to witness the spectacular autumn migration on the Black Sea coast. Along it is the second biggest migration road in Europe - Via Pontica. Every autumn more than 90 000 raptors, 30 000 pelicans, 240 000 storks as well as thousands of waders and passerines fly over this way to their wintering grounds. The Bulgarian Black Sea coast and especially its southern part is a “bottle-neck” for the migrating birds from all Eastern Europe. That's why it is likely to see more then 10 000 storks,
3 000 pelicans or 2 000 Lesser Spotted eagles just in a single day. Our main observation points will be several wetlands along the Black Sea coast - designated as Ramsar sites and IBAs. Our trip in the Central Balkan National Park will add some mountain and woodland species to our bird list. You will also have an excellent opportunity to visit several cultural sites, architectural reserves and to taste Bulgarian national meals and wines.

The tour starts on 17 September.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Sofia Airport and transfer to the town of Koprivshtica (1.45 h) - an architectural reserve.

Day 2

After early breakfast (7.30 o'clock) we will move some kilometers to south trying to find the local pair of Imperial Eagles. Latter we continue to the town of Sopot. A chair-lift takes us to the heart of the Central Balkan National Park, and here we will explore the surroundings for Nutcracker, Rock Partridge, Black-, and other woodpeckers, Crossbill, Long-legged Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Goshawk and many others. We will have picnic lunch and late in the afternoon we take the lift downwards. Short transfer (less than hour) bring us to the town of Kalofer, where we overnight.

Day 3

Again early breakfast, followed by long transfer (4,5 hours) to the Black Sea coast. On the way we stop to watch Imperial eagles once more. We arrive at the Black Sea at lunch time. After the restaurant we will visit Mandra-Poda Lake and the nearest conservation center. Here we will see migrating and resting pelicans, herons, raptors, terns etc. Overnight in the town of Sozopol.