Estonia
Flowers, butterflies and summer wildlife

Saturday 16 June - Saturday 23 June 2012 (8 days)

As well as great bird migrations, Estonia has a fabulous array of habitats for flowers and butterflies. This early summer tour to the country aims to visit a great selection of forests, marshes meadows, 'alvar' heath and much more on the Baltic islands and mainland.

Estonia is a land of great natural beauty, but still comparatively little known as a wildlife destination, particularly in summer.

Forests and woodlands cover almost half of the country. Other habitats include extensive undeveloped coastal areas with widespread reed-beds as well as winding rivers, vast floodplains, superb marshes and acid bogs, as well as lime-rich grasslands. This rich variety has drawn plants and animal species from both Siberia and also the warmer regions of southern Europe, with many species reaching their respective western or northern extremities of range within Estonia. These combine to make the flora in particular amongst the most spectacular in northern Europe. An admirable seventeen percent of the country is protected by nature reserves that vary in size from the large national parks to the smaller, locally protected, reserves.

The accommodation is good throughout with wholesome meals and friendly staff. Roads are good and distances small, giving lots of time for experiencing the wildlife.

Outline Itinerary
Days 1-2We take a scheduled flight from London to Tallinn via Helsinki (Finland), and meet our Estonian guide at the airport, before driving to the west of Estonia. We may have time to visit a bird tower before checking in to our cosy guest house on the shores of Matsalu Bay. Two nights Matsalu Bay
Days 3-4Today we cross to one of the two large islands of the Estonian Baltic: Hiiumaa Island Two nights Saaremaa Island
Days 5-7In the late afternoon, we will move to southern part of Estonia, to the town of Tartu, where we stay for three nights. Three nights Tartu
Day 8On our way back to Tallinn, we may have time for a short visit to an old-growth coniferous or mixed forest once again. We will return to Tallinn by late morning where we have some free time in the old town before having our last lunch together.

After lunch we head to the airport for our homeward flight to London

Click here for a full, printable itinerary



Price: £ 1,695
Single supp.: £ 250
Deposit: £ 300 per person

The price is per person and includes scheduled return flights London-Tallinn, airport taxes, accommodation, all meals in Estonia, incidental tips, transport and the services of the leaders.

The price excludes holiday 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

Accommodation: Good quality hotels with all rooms en suite.

Leaders: Ray Nowicki and local guides

Numbers: Max. 14 clients

Estonia map