Estonia
Autumn migration in the Baltic

Saturday 17 - Saturday 24 September 2011 (8 days)
Saturday 15 - Saturday 22 September 2012 (8 days)

On the shores of the Eastern Baltic is a country of wetlands and forests, where vast numbers of birds concentrate each autumn as they head south from their breeding grounds in arctic Finland and Russia. Join us in one of Europe's newest and most exciting autumn birdwatching destinations - Estonia!

Few places in Europe can match the excitement of watching Estonia's amazing wildlife, at almost any time of year. But for just a few weeks of each year, Estonia plays host to one of nature's great events - mass bird migration.

This smallest and northernmost Baltic country lies in a strategic position along one of the continent's major migratory flyways. Positioned between the Finnish Gulf, the eastern coast of Baltic Sea, and Lake Peipsi near the Russian border, the Estonian waters and coastline are the natural stepping-stones along the main route between the breeding and wintering areas for millions of Arctic waterbirds, making birdwatching in Estonia fabulous at migration time.

At this time several hundreds of thousands of waterfowl and passerine migrants can be seen passing per day at the best sites. A staggering one million waterfowl and nearly three-quarters of a million passerines can be counted on the best days. In total, over 50 million waterbirds are estimated to pass the Estonian coast and marine territories annually. The last week of September is the best time to explore this exciting spectacle, especially given the peak in Common Crane numbers stopping off, as this is the peak time of migration of both water- and landbirds, combined with the most vibrant autumn colours.

Accommodation: Good quality hotels with all rooms en suite.

Ground Transport: By small coach or minibus with local driver.

Walking: Easy. Mostly short walks on level ground.

Outline Itinerary
Days 1-3 We take a scheduled flight from London to Tallinn via Helsinki (Finland), and meet our Estonian guide at the airport, before travelling to Haapsalu (Estonia). Three nights Haapsalu
Days 4-5 Next day we head for Matsalu Bay.We will move to Saaremaa Island in the late afternoon to reach our hotel in time for dinner. Two nights Saaremaa Island
Days 6-7 We return to the mainland in the afternoon and follow the track of bird migration towards the south-west part of the country, the Pärnu area. Two nights Pärnu
Day 8 We will return to Tallinn and may have some free time in the old town before our return flight to London

Click here for a full, printable itinerary

Prices:
2011 - £ 1,495
2012 - £ 1,565

Single Supps.:
2011 - £ 215
2012 - £ 235

Deposit: £ 300 per person

The price is per person and includes scheduled return flights London-Tallinn (direct if schedules permit, or via Helsinki), airport taxes, accommodation, all meals, incidental tips, transport and the services of the leaders.

The price excludes travel insurance, optional tips to the local driver & guides, drinks, and other personal expenses.

For an ex-flight cost (starting and finishing the tour in Tallinn) please deduct £105 from the tour cost

This trip will be operated in conjunction with Limosa Holidays.

Leaders:
2011: John Muddeman and local guides
2012: Ray Nowicki and local guides


Numbers: Max. 14 clients

Estonia map