We have
the pleasure to offer you a tour that gives you an opportunity to see more
than 140 bird species and to witness the spectacular autumn migration on the
Black Sea coast. Along it is the second biggest migration road in Europe -
Via Pontica. Every autumn more than 90 000 raptors, 30 000 pelicans,
240 000 storks as well as thousands of waders and passerines fly
over this way to their wintering grounds. The Bulgarian Black Sea coast and
especially its southern part is a “bottle-neck” for the migrating birds from
all Eastern Europe. That's why it is likely to see more then 10 000
storks,
3 000 pelicans or 2 000 Lesser Spotted eagles just
in a single day. Our main observation points will be several wetlands along
the Black Sea coast - designated as Ramsar sites and IBAs. Our trip in the
Central Balkan National Park will add some mountain and woodland species to
our bird list. You will also have an excellent opportunity to visit several
cultural sites, architectural reserves and to taste Bulgarian national meals
and wines.
The tour starts on 17 September.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Sofia Airport and transfer to the town of Koprivshtica (1.45 h) - an architectural reserve.
Day 2
After early breakfast (7.30 o'clock) we will move some kilometers to south trying to find the local pair of Imperial Eagles. Latter we continue to the town of Sopot. A chair-lift takes us to the heart of the Central Balkan National Park, and here we will explore the surroundings for Nutcracker, Rock Partridge, Black-, and other woodpeckers, Crossbill, Long-legged Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Goshawk and many others. We will have picnic lunch and late in the afternoon we take the lift downwards. Short transfer (less than hour) bring us to the town of Kalofer, where we overnight.
Day 3
Again
early breakfast, followed by long transfer (4,5 hours) to the Black Sea coast.
On the way we stop to watch Imperial eagles once more. We
arrive at the Black Sea at lunch time. After the restaurant we will visit
Mandra-Poda Lake and the nearest conservation center. Here we will see migrating
and resting pelicans, herons, raptors, terns etc. Overnight
in the town of Sozopol.
Day 4
Atanasovsko
Lake complex - thousands of raptors, pelicans, storks, waders and passerines.
Picnic lunch. Overnight in the town of Sozopol.
Day 5
After the breakfast we drive north. On the way we may stop again at Atanasovsko Lake for a while. The next stop will be forest hill which is a lovely place for observation of several species of woodpeckers. After lunch in the local restaurant we continue to Kaliakra Steppe reserve. We arrive here in the early afternoon to watch migrating raptors, storks, and passerines. We will also see the local population of the Shag (mediterranean spp.). In the evening, we can see the Eagle Owl's pair in the nearest valley. Overnight in Kavarna.
Day 6
Day trip to Durankulak Lake. Here we will see pelicans, Ferruginous Duck, Pygmy Cormorant, terns, passerines and many others. Lunch in the local fish restaurant. Overnight in Kavarna.
Day 7
In the morning we visit again Kaliakra Steppe reserve to watch the migration along the spectacular coastal cliffs. In the afternoon we make long transfer to the town of Veliko Tarnovo (3 hours), the medieval capital of Bulgaria, where we overnight.
Day 8
Transfer to Sofia Airport (3 hours), with several stops for birding. Departure.
Group size: 4 -14 persons + leaders
Price: 785 EUR per person
Individuals:
1-4 persons + leader
Price: 790 EUR per person
Single supplement:
80 EUR
Price includes: All ground transportation (a comfortable mini-bus),
all meals - full board (with packed lunches when necessary), accommodation in
hotels, guide, entrance fees for all nature reserves.
The price does not include: airfares, travel insurance, hard
drinks and all items for personal use.
Official language for the tour: English. German and French
speaking guides are also available.
We can also offer you a great variety of customized tours according to your
preferences.
Should you have any questions or special requirements, please do not hesitate
to contact us.