Bulgaria in Spring
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A 10-day birdwatching tour to one of Europe's loveliest yet least visited countries. Outstanding for birds with Dalmatian Pelican, Pied Wheatear, Paddyfield Warbler and Semi-collared Flycatcher among many exciting eastern European specialities.Though now a member of the EU, Bulgaria remains one of the least visited corners of Europe. The birdlife here is outstanding and this beautiful country is rightly recognised as one of the continent's most exciting birding venues. Flanked by the Black Sea to the east and the broad sweep of the mighty River Danube in the north, not only do huge numbers of migrants funnel up through Bulgaria each spring but the abundant birdlife has a definite 'eastern' flavour. Our tour begins in the picturesque eastern Rhodope Mountains, close to the Greek frontier. Black Vulture, Long-legged Buzzard, Eastern Imperial Eagle and Western Rock Nuthatch await our discovery here; Black Storks nest on the cliffs, Chukars chuckle as they forage amongst the crags, and we shall make a special effort to find Wallcreeper - where our splendid photo was taken! Aside from the birds, these lovely hills are simply brimming with plants and butterflies. Leaving the mountains, we journey east towards the Black Sea coast. Montagu's Harriers quarter the fields, White Storks share their nests with gangs of noisy Spanish Sparrows and the roadside wires can be peppered with Black-headed Buntings, Bee-eaters and Lesser Grey Shrikes. We will stop along the way to search for scarce regional specialities such as Masked Shrike and Olive-tree Warbler, along with Eastern Orphean and Eastern Olivaceous Warblers. Of international standing, wetlands along the Black Sea coast hold the promise of White Pelican, Ruddy Shelduck and Pygmy Cormorant. Inland, the thickly wooded valleys and rugged limestone hills are the haunt of Lesser Spotted Eagle, Levant Sparrowhawk, Middle Spotted Woodpecker and Semi-collared Flycatcher. |
Price: £ 1,595
The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of scheduled return flights London-Sofia, all accommodation, meals, coach or minibus transport (according to final group size), entrance fees, tips to driver and local guide/s, airport taxes, map, bird checklist and services of the leader/s.
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May also offers exciting opportunities to find migrating waders at the coast, before our route swings back inland, across the rolling steppe of Dobruja, to the fertile valley of the Danube. Here wonderful Lake Srebarna is a World Heritage Site, of vital importance for its colony of Dalmatian Pelicans. After a final night spent amongst the pretty wooded hills at Etara, we return to Sofia.
Full of eastern promise (and with some surprisingly good local wines!), a spring visit to Bulgaria is sure to surprise and delight. The list of possible birds is impressive and long, and past tour highlights have included several species for which Bulgaria generally represents the westernmost limit of their world ranges - among them Paddyfield Warbler, and Pied and Isabelline Wheatears. We shall be accompanied as usual by an expert local guide. Accommodation: Standards of accommodation are improving rapidly throughout Bulgaria, most notably along the Black Sea coast. Inland, hotels are still largely off the tourist track and fairly basic, but clean, comfortable and perfectly adequate. All rooms have private facilities. We are constantly updating our choice of accommodations to make use of the better hotels as they become available in the areas we visit. Meals: All included in the price. Breakfasts and dinners at the hotels. Lunches will be usually picnics along the way. Meals are fairly simple but food (and local wine!) is generally good. Walking: Easy. Short walks (up to about 2 miles), on mainly good trails over easy-moderate terrain. Sturdy walking shoes or lightweight boots recommended. Ground Transport: By coach with local driver (minibus with small groups) Numbers: Max. 14 clients
Click here for a full, printable itinerary |
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