Mountain birdwatching tour
Bulgaria
boasts 37 different mountains. They all have their specific atmosphere, beautiful
landscapes and interesting birds and wildlife. Our trip concentrates on five
main ranges – the Balkan, Rila, Pirin, Rhodope and Sredna Gora mountains.
This tour is designed for birders who do need to be reasonably fit and willing
to spend most of the time walking and birdwatching. It will be an energetic
tour, but should also be relaxing, as we will have plenty of time on our walks
to stop and enjoy flowers, butterflies, scenery etc. We’ll spend as
little time as possible traveling in our bus – recognizing the fact
that any naturalist wants to be outdoors in May, not looking at the landscape
through a bus window! We expect to see more than 150 bird species.
The tour starts on 28 May
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Sofia Airport and transfer to our hotel in the mountain resort Borovetc, in Rila mountain (about 2 hours).
Day 2
After the breakfast we take the cabin lift which takes us in the Rila National Park. We will spend the day here looking for Alpine Accentor, Water Pipit, Horned Lark, Wallcreeper, Nutcracker, Ring Ouzel, Goldcrest and Firecrest. Picnic lunch. Overnight in Borovetc.
Day
3
Transfer to the town of Bansko (2.5 hours), with stop at Rila Monastery – the most famous culture site in Bulgaria. We arrive in Bansko in the late afternoon. Accommodation and walk in the town. Dinner in typical Bulgarian style restaurant.
Day 4
Today we take the lift and go in the Pirin National Park –Three-toed Woodpecker, Nutcracker, Alpine Accentor. Picnic lunch. Overnight in Bansko.
Day 5
Transfer to the famous Trigrad Gorge (Western Rhodope). It is the best place
in Europe to watch the Wallcreeper. Other species are
Grey-headed Woodpecker, Rock Partridge and Dipper.
Overnight in a cozy family hotel in the village of Trigrad.
Day
6
After early breakfast we make long transfer (4.5) to the town of Kroumovgrad
(Eastern Rhodope). After accommodation and lunch we go to the nearest feeding
site to see Griffon, Egyptian and Black vultures.
Day 7
Day trip to Byala Reka River valley – a typical mediterranean habitat.
Here we will enjoy mediterranean warblers, Masked Shrike, Levant Sparrowhawk,
Booted and Short-toed eagles, vultures, woodpeckers
etc. Picnic lunch. Overnight in Kroumovgrad.
Day
8
Early in the morning we will visit the near Krumovitca River valley –
Rock Nuthatch, mediterranean warblers, shrikes, Roller, Black-headed
Bunting, raptors and many others. After that we make a long transfer
(4 hours) to the town of Kalofer, near to the Central Balkan National Park.
On the way we will stop for a picnic lunch on a place where we can see Short-toed
Lark, Isabelline Wheatear and Hoopoe. We arrive
in the town of Kalofer late in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight.
Day 9
In the morning we will make a short trip to the Central Balkan National Park
for Long-legged Buzzard, Golden Eagle, woodpeckers.
If we are lucky we can see Semi-collared Flycatcher. In the
afternoon we reach the town of Koprivshtica – architectural reserve,
with houses in typical old Bulgarian style. After accommodation – walk
in the town. Dinner in typical Bulgarian restaurant.
Day
10
After early breakfast we go for Imperial Eagle, Isabelline Wheatear,
Barred Warbler, shrikes etc. Transfer to Sofia and departure.
Group size: 4-14 persons + leaders
Price:
885 EUR per person
Individuals: 1-3
persons
Price: 1050 EUR per person
Single supplement: 100 EUR
Deposit: 100 EUR
Price includes: All ground transportation (a comfortable
mini-bus), all meals - full board (with packed lunches when necessary), accommodation
in hotels, guide, entrance fees for all nature reserves.
The price does not include: airfares, travel insurance, hard
drinks and all items for personal use.
Additional info: good walking shoes, hat and sunglasses are recommended.
Official language for the tour: English. German and French
speaking guides are also available.
We can also offer you a great variety of customized tours according to your
preferences.
Should you have any questions or special requirements, please do not hesitate
to contact us