Holland
Wild Goose Chase!

Thursday 1 - Monday 5 December 2011 (5 days)
Thursday 16 - Monday 20 February 2012 (5 days)
Thursday 22 - Monday 26 November 2012 (5 days)

A superb short winter break packed with exceptional birdwatching and led by Dutch birdwatching expert, Arnoud van den Berg. Join us for great flocks of geese, raptors, Black Woodpeckers, Long-eared Owls and more in one of Europe's most birdwatcher-friendly countries.

With its immense flocks of geese and other waterfowl, impressive range of wintering raptors and every chance of the unexpected, Holland boasts some of the finest winter birding in Europe.

From November through to March, the Netherland's low-lying fields are a haven for geese. All of Europe's recorded wild species have occurred in recent years - in fact our groups have seen the lot! - mingling with the tens of thousands of Barnacle, Brent, White-fronted and Bean Geese which flock to the Netherlands each winter. There are also large concentrations of ducks to enjoy, with parties of wild swans, smartly-dressed Goosanders and often a few Smew amidst masses of more familiar species.

We usually see plenty of birds of prey, too. Northern Goshawk, Hen Harrier and Rough-legged Buzzard are always on the cards and there's usually the odd Peregrine and White-tailed Eagle about.

This part of Holland is also blessed with some extensive woodlands and one afternoon will find us waiting eagerly beside a Black Woodpecker's winter roost. With its crimson top-knot and staring white eye, close encounters with this magnificent bird have been a highlight on all our recent tours.

Arnoud van den Berg knows the birds of his native Holland better than anyone, and has led our Dutch tours for us for nearly twenty years.

We stay at an excellent new hotel in the forests near Harderwijk, with good food, comfortable rooms and a warm welcome assured. We usually manage the odd stop for hot chocolate and Dutch apple tart during our days in the field, too - something of a tradition on this tour. This is both a cracking trip for beginners as well as one that's just perfect for anyone in search of a rewarding short break that's simply crammed with great winter birding.

Accommodation: We spend all four nights at an excellent new hotel set in the forests near Harderwijk. It's comfortable, warm and welcoming, with good food and all rooms en suite.

Meals: All included in the price. Breakfasts and dinners at the hotel. Picnic lunches in the field during the day. And not forgetting our 'trademark' cafe stops for a mug of hot chocolate and a slice of Dutch apple pie - something of a Limosa tradition on this tour!

Principal Leader: Arnoud van den Berg

Numbers: Max. 7 clients

Prices:
2011 £ 1,145
2012 £ 1,195

Single supps.:
2011 £ 195
2012 £ 195

Deposit: £ 300 per person

The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of return scheduled flights London*-Amsterdam, all accommodation, meals, entry fees, tips, airport taxes, map, bird checklist & services of the leaders.

The price excludes travel insurance, drinks and other personal expenses.

*It may be possible for us to arrange flights from other UK regional airports. Please enquire for details and any supplement. For those that prefer not to fly, however, Amsterdam can also be reached by ferry or Eurostar. For further details check online at: http://www.seat61.com

These trips will be operated in conjunction with Limosa Holidays.

Holland map

Outline Itinerary
Day 1Fly London-Amsterdam. Birdwatching en route to our hotel. Overnight Harderwijk
Days 2-4Flevoland and Friesland/Zeeland. Three nights Harderwijk
Day 5The North Sea coast. Late afternoon/early evening flight Amsterdam-London

Click here for a full, printable itinerary