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Crete
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© Jamie McMillan/Nature Portfolio  Cretan Church |
We spend a week on the largest and, some would say, the most beautiful of the Greek islands for a week of birds and flowers at one of the best times of year for both.Crete, the largest, and to many the most spectacular of the Greek Isles, also has the distinction of being the most southerly point of Europe. It is a truly rugged land, with a chain of mountains rising to nearly 2,500m, which at this time of year form a spectacular snowcapped backdrop almost wherever we go. Many of the mountains are formed of limestone and dolomite, with high plateaux cut by deep gorges. The geology and isolation from the mainland have given Crete a unique and diverse flora, with many endemic species. In addition, the history of the island, from the times of the earliest European civilisation onwards, is fascinating, and Knossos, the original 'labyrinth', is a most fascinating relic of rich Minoan culture. Although birds are never really numerous on Crete, the range of species here can be diverse and unpredictable, and the close views of some of the migrants can be stunning. We are based for most of the holiday at a pleasant hotel on the coast near Chania, with good birdwatching in the immediate vicinity. The west of Crete is probably the wildest and most spectacular part of the island, and we are strategically placed for trips to the best sites, especially some of the wetlands. Itinerary Day 1 We take a direct flight from London to Heraklion, and drive west to Chania, arriving at our hotel in the evening. Days 2 - 6 We'll spend the first day exploring the area near Chania along the coast, a mixture of sandy beaches, river mouths, and a delightful headland. Any small wetlands along this stretch of coast can be worth checking for waders, crakes and herons on passage. Land migrants at this time could include Hoopoe, Wryneck, Woodchat Shrike, Red-throated Pipit and Black-eared Wheatear, while Eleonora's Falcon's can appear almost anywhere along the coast. One of the best areas near the hotel is Agia Reservoir, with natural-looking banks and reedbeds. This can harbour Little and Spotted Crake, herons including Purple and Night Herons, Little Bittern and Garganey, as well as being attractive to Alpine Swift, hirundines and small migrants. We'll be making short visits to this area several times during our stay. Just to the east of Chania is the Akrotiri Peninsula, an attractive area of olive groves, scrubby hillsides, and quiet monasteries. The flowers here can be superb, and breeding birds include Blue Rock Thrush, Rüppell's Warbler, Black-eared Wheatear and Woodlark. |
© Jamie McMillan/Nature Portfolio  On the Omalos Plateau |
On one day we'll head high into the mountains, up through some of Crete's most spectacular scenery to the Omalos plateau. One of Crete's star birds, Lammergeier, can be found in the area, particularly above the dramatic Samaria Gorge. The flowers here can be absolutely stunning, with carpets of blue Crown Anemones sprinkled with pink wild Tulips and white Sand Crocuses in the meadows. We shall try and keep an eye open for raptors, Crag Martin and Chough. |
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On another day we turn south towards the Minoan Cemetery at Armeni, and on towards the hills above Plakias. This area is superb for orchids and other flowers, including Cretan Tulip, Cyclamen and Cretan Iris, and also attracts migrants heading north. In particular the Kourtaliotiko and Kotsiphos Gorges can funnel migrants northwards, as well as providing breeding habitat for several raptors including Peregrine and Griffon Vultures.
Six nights Chania Day 7 We make an early start back to Heraklion today to give ourselves time for a visit to the amazing historical site of Knossos. Even the least historically-minded cannot fail to be impressed here - or you can always look for orchids and birds on the nearby hillside. We continue on to our hotel just east of Heraklion. Just next to the hotel is one of Crete's best wetland sites, the Aposelemis River mouth. Although sadly severely damaged in recent years, the coastal saltmarsh here is still very attractive to migrant waders and passerines, and we are well placed for evening and morning visits here. Overnight Heraklion Day 8 We have time for a last look at the saltmarshes in the morning before returning to Heraklion airport for our flight home. Accommodation : We stay in two good quality hotels, with all rooms en suite. Leaders : Liz Charter & Jamie McMillan |
| Numbers: |
Max. 14 clients |
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Price: |
£ | 1,175 | ||
| Single supp.: | £ | 115 | ||
| Deposit: | £ | 200 | per person | |
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The price per person includes return flights from London - Heraklion*, airport taxes, accommodation, all meals, incidental tips, coach transport and the services of the leaders.
The price excludes holiday insurance, an optional tip to the driver, drinks, and other personal expenses. *For an ex-flight cost of the tour (Heraklion/Heraklion) please deduct £ 175 per person from the tour cost. Please note that it may be possible for clients to fly direct from Manchester. Please enquire for details and supplement. We can also arrange for a week's extra hotel accommodation and car hire for those wishing to extend their stay. |
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