Macedonia
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Choose from two tours to one of Europe's newest birdwatching destinations, and most recently formed countries - the Republic of Macedonia! We combine a stay in the former Yugoslav republic, with two days in Macedonian Greece at Lake Prespa.The Republic of Macedonia is a small and highly scenic country situated in the southern part of Balkan Peninsula, with Skopje its capital. It lies to the north of Greek Macedonia (which we shall also visit) and was formerly part of Yugoslavia. Importantly for birdwatchers, this region contains fabulous Lake Prespa, one of the best freshwater sites for birds in the whole of Europe. But its rugged countryside full of scenic mountains, large lakes and extensive lowlands is also ideal for a superb variety of raptors and passerines. Even today, relatively little is known about the bird life of this tucked away corner of Europe - so this promises to be a fascinating and pioneering trip, with a chance to make some really valuable bird observations. We meet up with local guides who organise Macedonia's Vulture Conservation Project, and our tour will help to support this, as well as encouraging ornithological research in the country generally. The majority of the population are native Macedonians, with a proud history that includes the great king Philip of Macedon and his son, Alexander the Great. Thanks to its rich nature and culture heritage, Macedonia is often called the "Pearl of the Balkans." Local people are very friendly and the country is now safe for visitors. Levant Sparrowhawk, Long-legged Buzzard, Eastern Imperial Eagle and Lanner are among many raptor highlights, and we will visit a vulture feeding station, where the conservation project is based. We have perhaps as good a chance of seeing the elusive Rock Partridge here as anywhere, and passerines of note include a long list of regional specialities - from Masked and Lesser Grey Shrikes to Sombre Tit, Rock Nuthatch and Black-headed Bunting, and with Barred and Eastern Orphean Warblers amongst a fine variety of warblers. We could even find Wallcreeper! |
© Martin Hrouzek
Lake in Macedonia
Price: £ 1,675
The price is per person and includes return flights London-Thessaloniki, all accommodation and meals, surface transport, incidental tips, airport taxes, map, bird & butterfly checklist, and services of the leader/s.
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Our tour concludes with a two-night stay at superb Prespa lake - on the Greek side, which offers better accommodation and also has better access to birds. White and Dalmatian Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorant, Glossy Ibis and all of Europe's breeding heron species can be found here.
As well as birds, Macedonia is one of the very best countries in Europe for butterflies - to date some 205 butterfly species have been recorded! Many are widespread and easy to see. June is the peak time for butterfly emergence in the Balkans and, on our second tour in particular, we should encounter a fabulous range of blues, fritillaries, skippers, whites and graylings. The diversity of habitats to be visited suggests that we could see up to 100 species during the week. Accommodation: We will be staying in good, 3-star hotels and pensions (guest houses) with all rooms en suite throughout. In Macedonia, hotels have been built recently. Meals: All included in the price. Overall, food is good, with typical Balkan cuisine at times. Picnics lunches, with breakfasts at the hotels as well as most dinners. When we are not staying at a hotel, we will visit a local restaurant. Walking: Easy throughout. Northern Greece and Macedonia are mountainous but we stay on good tracks with mild or no ascent, walking up to 2-3 miles a day. Wear comfortable walking shoes or lightweight boots with rugged soles for grip. Weather: It can be hot during the day (30oC or more), and pleasantly warm in the evening. Sunny, with occasional thunderstorms that generally don't last long. Where the itinerary allows, we will take a break during the hottest part of the day. Early-mid morning and late afternoon and evening temperatures are often pleasant. Ground Transport: By minibus or small coach with local driver according to final group size. Leaders: May: Brian Small & Martin Hrouzek June: Peter Kennerley & Martin Hrouzek Numbers: Max. 12 clients
Click here for a full, printable itinerary |
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