Conditionally named “Autumn tour”, it is usually realized at the end of the summer. Lying over two of the biggest migratory routes in Europe (Via Pontica and Via Aristotelis), the territory of Bulgaria is an important stop-over for many migrating and wandering birds during this season. The Black Sea coastal wetlands (lakes and lagoons) provide some of the best conditions for watching thousands of soaring migrants! Huge flocks, comprising hundreds and thousands White Storks, White Pelicans and Honey Buzzards could be seen per one day only along with many other birds of prey like Montagu’s Harriers, Black Kites, Short-toed Eagles, Levant Sparrowhawks etc. Additional tour will be performed through the Eastern Rodopi Mountains which is a breeding site of international importance for some of these species.

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival. Transfer to Bourgas
Arrival at Bourgas Airport. Overnight in Bourgas is arranged for the next two nights.

Day 2. Atanasovsko Lake and Poda lagoon
We will devote the day to watching the delightful autumn migration of soaring birds using the “Via Pontica” migratory route from different watchpoints near the town of Bourgas (Atanasovsko Lake and Poda lagoon). Except for migrants (thousands of White Storks and Honey Buzzards, numerous Montagu’s Harriers and also Levant Sparrowhawks, Booted and Short-toed Eagles, Black Kites, Red-footed Falcons, Lesser Spotted Eagles etc.) these are stops-over for many water connected species of birds (White and Dalmatian Pelicans, Spoonbills, Pygmy Cormorants, Little Egrets, Marsh Sandpipers, Red-necked Phalaropes and even Slender-billed Curlews).

Day 3. Bourgas – Balchik
In the morning we head northwards tracing the Black Sea coast where meetings with huge flocks storks, pelicans and birds of prey are expected all the time. With short stops en-route by the Pomoriisko Lake and in Goritsa forest (Slender-billed and Mediterranean Gulls, many species of waders, Bee-eaters, Syrian, Lesser Spotted and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers, Semi-collared Flycatchers, Golden Orioles) we reach Cape Kaliakra and Bolata Bay, situated among the most valuable steppe habitats in Bulgaria (European Shags (Mediterranean race), Stone-curlews, Alpine Swifts, Calandra and Short-toed Larks, Tawny Pipits, Lesser Grey Shrikes, Pied Wheatears etc.). We spend the night in the town of Balchik.

Day 4. Balchik – Dourankoulak – Bourgas
After breakfast we head to Dourankoulak Lake (Little Bittern, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, Great Egret, Ferrugiunous Duck, Stone-curlew, Whiskered Tern, Paddyfield Warbler, Calandra Lark and others) and the wetlands by the town of Shabla (Ferruginous Duck, Caspian Tern, Black-winged Stilt, Curlew Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Bee-eater, Roller, Hoopoe, Lesser Grey Shrike and many more). In the afternoon we head back to Bourgas. We spend the night by Bourgas (total transfer time about 4 hrs).

Day 5. Bourgas – Madzharovo
The realm of birds of prey in Eastern Europe is expecting us this morning. We head to the Eastern Rodopi Mountains and the town of Madzharovo. Although the breeding season has already passed, there is still good opportunity to enjoy interesting passerines and of course many different species of raptors (Black Stork, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Scops Owl, Rock and Blue Rock Thrush, Barred, Orphean, Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, Cirl and Rock Buntings, Red-rumped Swallows, Black-eared Wheatears, Rock Nuthatches etc.). We spend the next two nights in Madzharovo.

Day 6. Madzharovo
It will be an active birding day. In the morning we make a trip to the spectacular area of Studen Kladenets dam and explore the vicinity of the village of Potochnitsa. There we will have short strolls to a few watchpoints and not the least to the “vultures restaurant” (Egyptian, Griffon and Black Vultures, Long-legged and Honey Buzzards, Short-toed Eagle, Barred, Orphean, Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, Cirl and Rock Buntings, Eastern Bonelli’s Warblers, Red-rumped Swallows, Blue Rock Thrushes, Black-eared Wheatears, Rock Nuthatches etc.). In the afternoon we make a short trip along the Krumovitsa River where we will continue watching and hearing passerines advertising their appearance in the undulating countryside (Stone-curlew, Olivaceous and Olive-tree Warblers, Masked, Red-backed and Woodchat Shrikes etc.). Around evening we turn back to the hotel in Madzharovo.

Day 7. Madzharovo – Bourgas
In the morning we depart from the Eastern Rhodopes for a contrariwise journey to the town of Bourgas. Our trip will pass through interesting habitats in Sakar Mountains (Lesser Spotted, Short-toed, Eastern Imperial and Booted Eagles, Olive-tree and Olivaceous Warblers, Barred, Orphean, Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, Red-rumped Swallow, Isabelline Wheatear, Woodchat, Red-backed and Lesser Grey Shrikes, Eastern Bonelli’s Warblers, Cirl and Black-headed Buntings etc.). By the town of Sliven we will see colonies of the attractive little Souslik. The fields nearby are also a regular feeding place for Montagu’s Harriers, Red-footed Falcons, Lesser Spotted and Eastern Imperial Eagles. In the afternoon we will have again some time for watching the abundant migration along the Black Sea Coast.

Day 8. Departure
Transfer to the airport for departure.

Luggage transport: Luggage transportation is taken care throughout the whole journey.

Price includes: ►We stay overnight in 3-star hotels (and in a guesthouse on days 5 and 6) with en-suite facilities ► halfboard (breakfast and dinner) included. Ordering lunchpacks is also possible. ►transfer to/from Bourgas Airport ► English-speaking birdwatching guide ►luggage and private transfers as mentioned above ►entrance fees for Poda lagoon and Cape Kaliakra; ►VAT and all local taxes. OBS! The price of the tour for 2-3 people is 950 EUR per person; for 4 or more – 870 Euro/person!

Not included: ►flights ►maps (could be requested in advance when booking the tour) ►tips ►alcohol drinks ►lunches/lunchpacks ►other entrance fees and other personal expenses.

Other expences: ►Single room supplement (obligatory for individuals staying in sgl room): 100 Euro.

We recommend travel in the period: August – October

Giving a special attention to the southern parts of Bulgaria is mostly recommended to those, who do not want to spend their time in traveling instead of carrying out detailed observations in several places, where the diversity of bird species is really fabulous. Choosing this tour you will have enough time to explore both the local area and its avian complex, comprising primarily more than 20 species of breeding birds of prey (Black, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard etc.) as well as huge variety of small passerines (Black-eared Wheatear, Red-rumped Swallow, Sardinian Warbler, Olivaceous Warbler, Cirl Bunting etc.). A well balanced tour, providing the opportunity to enjoy some really rare species, requiring more time and patience for their observation!

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival. Transfer to Trigrad
After arrival we have a transfer to the village of Trigrad in Rodopi Mountains. Trigrad Gorge is one of the most famous places in Europe for watching Wallcreepers. We stay overnight in Trigrad.

Day 2. Trigrad – Plovdiv
In the morning we will go to the gorge trying to find the elusive Wallcreeper. The high rocks and the adjacent coniferous woods are home also for many other birds (Peregrine Falcon, Alpine Swift, Black Woodpecker, Black Redstart, Crag Martin, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Common Crossbill and Nutcracker). In the afternoon we head for the town of Plovdiv where we stay overnight. If there is enough time we will stop for a while on the hills by the town of Pazardzhik (Calandra Lark, Isabelline Wheatear, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle).

Day 3. Plovdiv – Madzharovo
In the morning a short stroll along Maritsa River will provide us with the first specialties for the journey (Levant Sparrowhawk, Roller, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Syrian Woodpecker, Red-backed Shrikes, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike, Golden Oriole, Spanish Sparrows, Black-headed Bunting etc.). Around noon we head to the realm of the birds of prey in Eastern Europe – the Eastern Rodopi Mountains and the town of Madzharovo. Later in the afternoon we will have some time to enjoy the terrific view of the valley of Arda River from the above (Black Stork, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Scops Owl, Rock and Blue Rock Thrush, Barred, Orphean, Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, Cirl and Rock Buntings, Red-rumped Swallows, Black-eared Wheatears, Rock Nuthatches etc.). We spend the next two nights in Madzharovo.

Day 4. Madzharovo
It will be an active birding day. In the morning we make a trip to the spectacular area of Studen Kladenets dam and explore the vicinity of the village of Potochnitsa. There we will have short strolls to a few watchpoints and to the “vultures restaurant” (Egyptian, Griffon and Black Vultures, Long-legged and Honey Buzzards, Short-toed Eagle, Barred, Orphean, Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, Cirl and Rock Buntings, Eastern Bonelli’s Warblers, Red-rumped Swallows, Blue Rock Thrushes, Black-eared Wheatears, Rock Nuthatches etc.). In the afternoon we make a short trip along the Krumovitsa River where we will continue watching and hearing passerines advertising their appearance in the undulating countryside (Stone-curlew, Olivaceous and Olive-tree Warblers, Masked, Red-backed and Woodchat Shrikes etc.). Around evening we turn back to the hotel in Madzharovo.

Day 5. Madzharovo – Bourgas
In the morning we depart from the Eastern Rhodopes for a diverting journey to the town of Bourgas on the Black Sea Coast. Our trip will pass through interesting habitats in Sakar Mountains (Lesser Spotted, Short-toed, Eastern Imperial and Booted Eagles, Olive-tree and Olivaceous Warblers, Barred, Orphean, Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, Red-rumped Swallow, Isabelline Wheatear, Woodchat, Red-backed and Lesser Grey Shrikes, Eastern Bonelli’s Warblers, Cirl and Black-headed Buntings etc.). By the town of Sliven we will see colonies of the attractive little Souslik. The fields nearby are also a regular feeding place for Montagu’s Harriers, Red-footed Falcons, Lesser Spotted and Eastern Imperial Eagles. We spend two nights in the town of Bourgas.

Day 6. Bourgas – Atanasovsko, Mandra and Poda lakes
The tangible contrast from the mountain habitats in the previous days, compared to visiting the wetlands by the town of Bourgas (Atanasovsko, Mandra and Poda lakes) offers a delight of a whole new complex of species. In these important nesting places typical breeders are Great Cormorants, Night, Squacco and Purple Herons, Little Egrets, Spoonbills, Glossy Ibises, White-tailed Eagle, Yellow-legged Gulls, Little Terns, Collared Pratincoles and many wader species. Migrating or resting Pygmy Cormorants, White and Dalmatian Pelicans, Whiskered Terns, Slender-billed and Mediterranean Gulls are very likely to be registered. It is possible to enjoy also rarities like Slender-billed Curlews, Citrine Wagtails etc.

Day 7. Bourgas – Sofia
In the morning we start the journey back to Sofia. In the evening we will have farewell party in Sofia, celebrating the long species list observed during the last days!

Day 8. Departure
Transfer to the airport for departure.

Luggage transport: Luggage transportation is taken care throughout the whole journey.

Price includes: ►We stay overnight in 3***-star hotels (days 5 & 6) and in guesthouses (rest days) with en-suite facilities ► halfboard (breakfast and dinner included). Ordering lunchpacks is also possible.
►transfers to/from Sofia or Plovdiv airports►English-speaking birdwatching guide► luggage and private transfers as mentioned above; ►entrance fee for Poda lagoon, ►VAT and all local taxes. OBS! The price of the tour for 2-3 people is 950 EUR per person; for 4 or more – 870 Euro/person!

Not included: ►flights ► maps (could be requested in advance when booking the tour) ►tips ►alcohol drinks ►other entrance fees and meals (lunches/lunchpacks) ► other personal expenses

Other expenses: Single room supplement (obligatory for individuals staying in sgl room) – 100 EUR.

How to get there? please check: Wizz Air – http://wizzair.com/; Easy Jet – http://www.easyjet.com/; Germanwings – http://www.germanwings.com/; Penguin Travel – http://www.flybulgarien.dk/; Norwegian Air Shuttle – http://www.norwegian.no/, Cimber – http://www.cimber.com/ Airberlin – http://www.airberlin.com;

Recommended travel period of the year: May – June

Although quite intensive with a lot of traveling, we still have enough time to enjoy some of the most representative birding areas in Bulgaria. The trip starts with a visit to the Eastern Rodopi Mountains where more than 20 species of breeding birds of prey (Black, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard etc.) as well as huge variety of small passerines (Black-eared Wheatear, Red-rumped Swallow, Sardinian Warbler, Olivaceous Warbler, Masked Shrike, Sombre Tit, Cirl Bunting etc.) are most expected. Further on a special attention will be given to the wetlands by the Black Sea Coast and along the Danube River (Dalmatian Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorants, Spoonbills, Glossy Ibises, Purple, Night and Squacco Herons, Ferruginous Ducks etc.). However this tour remains a good choice as regards time-value-long species list!

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival
After arrival at Sofia Airport we have a transfer to Plovdiv, where we stay overnight.

Day 2. Plovdiv – Madzharovo
In the morning a short stroll along Maritsa River will provide us with the first specialties for the journey (Levant Sparrowhawk, Roller, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Syrian Woodpecker, Red-backed Shrikes, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike, Golden Oriole, Spanish Sparrows, Black-headed Bunting etc.). Around noon we head to the realm of the birds of prey in Eastern Europe – the Eastern Rodopi Mountains and the town of Madzharovo. Later in the afternoon we will have some time to enjoy the terrific view of the valley of Arda River from the above (Black Stork, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Scops Owl, Rock and Blue Rock Thrush, Barred, Orphean, Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, Cirl and Rock Buntings, Red-rumped Swallows, Black-eared Wheatears, Rock Nuthatches etc.). We spend the next two nights in Madzharovo.

Day 3. Mazdharovo
It will be an active birding day. In the morning we make a trip to the spectacular Studen Kladenets Dam and explore its vicinity. A visit to the “vultures’ restaurant” is arranged, combined by the delight of watching feeding vultures (Egyptian, Griffon and Black Vultures, Long-legged and Honey Buzzards, Short-toed and Imperial Eagles, Roller, Barred, Orphean, Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler, Sombre Tit, Cirl and Rock Buntings etc.). In the afternoon we continue further to Krumovitsa River where we will continue watching and hearing passerines advertising their appearance in the undulating countryside (Stone Curlew, Olive-tree and Olivaceous Warblers, Red-backed, Woodchat and Masked Shrikes etc.).

Day 4. Madzharovo – Bourgas
After breakfast we go for a turn at the foothills of the rocky cliffs by Madzharovo, observing again nesting vultures and huge variety of passerines (including also Middle Spotted Woodpeckers and Short-toed Treecreepers). After that we set off through Sakar Mountains (Lesser Spotted, Booted and Imperial Eagles, Isabelline Wheatear, Woodchat Shrike, Olivaceous and Orphean Warblers, Black-headed Bunting etc.) to the town of Sliven, where a feeding place of Red-footed Falcons, Lesser Spotted and Imperial Eagles will be visited. Here are also some of the largest colonies in Bulgaria of the European Souslik. Later in the afternoon we reach the Black Sea Coast and the town of Bourgas, where we stay overnight.

Day 5. Bourgas – Atanasovsko lake – Kaliakra Cape
The most interesting among the wetlands by Bourgas will be visited in the morning – the hyperhaline Atanasovsko Lake. The area is well known for its regular sightings of Slender-billed Curlew (White and Dalmatian Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorant, Night, Squacco and Purple Herons, Little Egret, Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Yellow-legged Gull, Mediterranean Gulls, Little Terns, Whiskered Terns, Slender-billed and Collared Pratincoles, Avocet, Black-winged Stilts, Great Snipe, Curlew Sandpipers, Penduline Tit, Savi’s and Cetti’s Warblers, Black-headed Bunting etc.). Around noon we continue northwards to Cape Kaliakra where the biggest and most valuable steppe habitats are still presented in Bulgaria (European Shag (Mediterranean race), Stone Curlew, Alpine Swift, Calandra and Short-toed Larks, Olive-tree Warbler, Pied Wheatear, Tawny Pipit, Rose-coloured Starling, Black-headed Bunting etc.). We overnight in the town of Balchik.

Day 6. Balchik – Shabla – Silistra
After breakfast we head to the easternmost part of Bulgaria – the area of Shabla (Levant Sparrowhawk, Ruddy Shelduck, Little Tern, Black-winged Stilt, Marsh Sandpiper, Bee-eater, Golden Oriole, Lesser Grey Shrike, Black-headed Bunting, Rose-coloured Starlings etc.). Then we continue to Dourankoulak Lake – wetland of international importance for the wintering population of the Red-breasted Goose (Red-necked Grebe, Little Bittern, Purple Heron, Whiskered and White-winged Terns, Red-footed Falcon, Ferruginous Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Kentish Plover, Lesser Grey Shrike, Calandra Lark, Tawny Pipit, Paddyfield Warbler etc.). In the afternoon we pass through the region of Ludogorie, reaching the town of Silistra, where we stay overnight.

Day 7. Srebarna Lake – Sofia
Srebarna Lake is probably the most famous wetland in Bulgaria. We spend few hours there in order to enjoy its inhabitants (Red-necked Grebe, Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Little Bittern, Squacco, Night and Purple Herons, Little and Great Egret, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, White-tailed Eagle, Black Kite, Levant Sparrowhawk, Ferruginous Duck, Pochard, Whiskered Tern, Ortolan Bunting, Penduline Tit, Golden Oriole, Red-backed Shrike etc.). Quite long transfer is expecting us to the city of Sofia. On the way back we make few more short stops on some hot spots for birding. We overnight in Sofia.

Day 8. Departure
According to the time of your flight we could go sightseeing Sofia. After that you will be transferred to the airport for departure.

Included in the price: ►overnight in 3-star hotels (days 4 & 5) and guesthouses (rest days) with en-suite facilities; day 7 – depending on availability only accommodation with shared facilities may be available. ►halfboard (breakfast and dinner included). Ordering lunchpacks is also possible. ►English speaking professional birdwatching guide ►all transport Included in the price: ► transfers to/from Sofia or Plovdiv airport; ► entrance fees for Poda lagoon and Cape Kaliakra ►VAT and all local taxes. OBS! The price of the tour for 2-3 people is 950 EUR per person; for 4 or more – 870 Euro/person!

Not included: ►maps (could be requested in advance when booking the tour), ►tips, ►alcohol drinks, ►other entrance fees and meals (lunchpacks/lunches)

Other expenses: single accommodation – 120 EUR

How to get there? please check: Wizz Air – http://wizzair.com/; Easy Jet – http://www.easyjet.com/; Germanwings – http://www.germanwings.com/; Penguin Travel – http://www.flybulgarien.dk/; Norwegian Air Shuttle – http://www.norwegian.no/, Cimber – http://www.cimber.com/; Airberlin – http://www.airberlin.com; Ryan Air – http://www.ryanair.co

Recommended travel period of the year: May – June

Passing through the kingdom of the birds of prey in Europe – the Eastern Rodopi Mountains, where more than 20 species of vultures, eagles, falcons, hawks, buzzards and others are presented during the breeding season, this part of the rou te is also especially recommended to those, who would like to enjoy the fabulous variety of passerines species from the southern complex (like Blue Rock Thrush, Masked Shrike, Rock Nuthatch, Orphean Warbler etc.). The remarkable diversity of raptors and passerines, combined with different water-connected species (as Dalmatian Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorants, Ferruginous Ducks, egrets, herons, terns etc.) is also irrevocable part of the visits of other unique places both along the Black Sea Coast and the Danube River. This itinerary provides the extreme possibility to observe the birdwatcher’s dream – the Slender-billed Curlew! The complete trip around Bulgaria in spring promises longer than usual species list, exceeding 200 species! Do not miss the chance and see for yourself!

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival
After arrival at Sofia Airport we have a transfer to a hotel in Vitosha Mountains, where we will stay overnight. Short time for accommodation and rest before walking around the hotel area, which will ensure a pleasant meeting with many mountains specialties (Pallid Swift, Black Woodpecker, Black Redstart, Crag Martin, Alpine Accentor, Water Pipit, Common Crossbill and Nutcracker).

Day 2. Sofia – Trigrad
The first half of the day is dedicated to exploring the mountain and its inhabitants. Additional interesting species are expected to appear when trekking through the alpine zone (Ring Ouzel, Horned Lark, Rock Thrush, Goldcrest and Firecrest etc.). In the afternoon we head for the village of Trigrad in the Western Rodopi Mountains, where we stay overnight. Trigrad Gorge is one of the most popular European sites for watching Wallcreepers.

Day 3. Trigrad
Swift, Crag Martin, Black Redstart, Rock Bunting etc.). Foraging Peregrine Falcons or Hobbies disturb the tranquillity in the area with their energetic flight.

Day 4. Madzharovo
After having breakfast, we start our journey to the Bulgarian realm of birds of prey – the Eastern Rhodopes. Exciting observations of the broken ground around the town of Madzharovo and above the valley of Arda River will add to our species list many birds of prey and passerines (Black Storks, Egyptian, Griffon and Black Vultures, Long-legged and Honey Buzzards, Lesser Spotted, Booted, Eastern Imperial and Short-toed Eagles, Peregrine Falcon, Lanner Falcon, Lesser Kestrel, Blue Rock and Rock Thrushes, Black-eared Wheatear, Rock Nuthatch, Rock Bunting, Orphean and Subalpine Warblers etc.). We spend two nights in Madzharovo, accompanied by the songs of Scops Owls.

Day 5. Madzharovo – Studen Kladenets Dam
It will be an active birding day. In the morning we make a trip to the spectacular area of Studen Kladenets dam and explore the vicinity of the village of Potochnitsa. There we will have short strolls to a few watchpoints and to the “vultures restaurant” (Egyptian, Griffon and Black Vultures, Long-legged and Honey Buzzards, Short-toed Eagle, Barred, Orphean, Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, Cirl and Rock Buntings, Eastern Bonelli’s Warblers, Red-rumped Swallows, Blue Rock Thrushes, Black-eared Wheatears, Rock Nuthatches etc.). In the afternoon we make a short trip along the Krumovitsa River where we will continue watching and hearing passerines advertising their appearance in the undulating countryside (Stone-curlew, Olivaceous and Olive-tree Warblers, Masked, Red-backed and Woodchat Shrikes etc.). Around evening we turn back to the hotel in Madzharovo.

Day 6. Madzharovo – Bourgas
In the morning we depart from the Eastern Rodopi Mountains for a diverting journey to the town of Bourgas on the Black Sea Coast. Our trip will pass through interesting habitats in Sakar Mountains (Lesser Spotted, Short-toed, Eastern Imperial and Booted Eagles, Olive-tree and Olivaceous Warblers, Barred, Orphean, Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, Red-rumped Swallow, Isabelline Wheatear, Woodchat, Red-backed and Lesser Grey Shrikes, Eastern Bonelli’s Warblers, Cirl and Black-headed Buntings etc.). By the town of Sliven we will see colonies of the attractive little Suslik. The fields nearby are also a regular feeding place for Montagu’s Harriers, Red-footed Falcons, Lesser Spotted and Eastern Imperial Eagles. We spend two nights in the town of Bourgas.

Day 7. Bourgas – Atansovsko lake
The tangible contrast from the mountain habitats in the previous days, compared to visiting the wetlands by the town of Bourgas (Atanasovsko, Mandra and Poda lakes) offers a delight of a whole new complex of species. In these important nesting places typical breeders are Great Cormorants, Night, Squacco and Purple Herons, Little Egrets, Spoonbills, Glossy Ibises, White-tailed Eagles, Yellow-legged Gulls, Little Terns, Collared Pratincoles and many wader species. Migrating or resting Pygmy Cormorants, White and Dalmatian Pelicans, Whiskered Terns, Slender-billed and Mediterranean Gulls are very likely to be registered. It is possible to enjoy also rarities like Slender-billed Curlews, Citrine Wagtails etc.

Day 8. Bourgas – Balchik
After breakfast we set off northwards to the Northern Black Sea Coast with a few stops of great interest. The first will be the hyperhaline Pomoriisko Lake (Shelducks, Avocets, Sandwich and Little Terns, Yellow-legged Gulls, Kentish Plovers, Slender-billed Gulls, Whiskered and White-winged Terns etc.). Further on we will stop at Goritsa forest. The biggest attraction of the site is the Semi-collared Flycatcher. The species list there will include also Syrian, Lesser Spotted and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers, Golden Orioles, Spotted Flycatchers etc. Visits to Cape Kaliakra and Bolata Bay are planned for the afternoon (Mediterranean race of European Shag, Mediterranean Shearwater, Stone-curlew, Alpine Swift, Rose-coloured Starling, Calandra and Short-toed Larks, Tawny Pipit, Lesser Grey Shrike, Pied Wheatear, Barred and Olive-tree Warblers, Black-headed Bunting etc.). These species are all present there both by the rocky cliffs and in the unique steppe habitats on the plateau area. We spend the next two nights in the town of Balchik.

Day 9. Balchik – Kamen Brjag
A short trip in the morning around the village of Kamen Briag and among the ancient tombs in the archeological reserve Yailite will be enough to enjoy once again the same birds, but in quite different habitats. Then we head to the wetlands by the town of Shabla (Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Calandra Lark, Black-winged Stilt, Curlew Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Bee-eater, Roller, Hoopoe, Lesser Grey Shrike etc.) and further to Dourankoulak Lake (Red-necked Grebe, Little Bittern, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, Great Egret, Ferruginous Duck, Collared Pratincole, Stone-curlew, Whiskered Tern, Paddyfield Warbler, Calandra Lark etc.). In the evening we go back to the hotel in Balchik.

Day 10. Balchik – Srebarna lake – Rousse
After a trip through the Dobroudzha fields we reach Srebarna Lake around noon. The wetland is the earthly paradise for birds, being also the most prominent reserve in Bulgaria. Situated along the Danube River it is of international importance due to its breeding inhabitants (Red-necked Grebes, Dalmatian Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorants, Little Bittern, Squacco, Night and Purple Herons, Little and Great Egrets, Glossy Ibises, Spoonbills, Ferruginous Ducks, Pochards, Whiskered Terns and many more). Foraging White-tailed Eagles, Black Kites and Levant Sparrowhawks are the perfect addition to this community, complemented also by Ortolan Buntings, Penduline Tits, Golden Orioles and Red-backed Shrikes. We spend the night by the town of Rouse.

Day 11. Rousse – Sofia
Early in the morning we will undertake a few hours walk along the canyons of Rousenski Lom (Black Stork, Long-legged Buzzard, Egyptian Vulture, Roller, Hoopoe, Alpine Swift, Middle Spotted, Syrian and Grey-headed Woodpeckers, Lesser Grey Shrike, Red-rumped Swallow, Sombre Tit, Black-headed Buntings etc.). On the way to Sofia we will visit a heronry with Grey, Night and Squacco Herons breeding along with Little Egrets. In the evening we will have farewell party in Sofia, celebrating the long species list observed during the last days!

Day 12. Transfer to the airport for departure.

Price includes: ► overnights in 3-star hotels (days 1, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 11) and guesthouses (days 2,3,4 & 5) with en-suite facilities and in a guesthouse with shared facilities (day 10) on halfboard (breakfast and dinner included). Ordering lunchpacks is also possible for the daily excursions although stops for lunches in small restaurants will be carried out whenever possible.►pick up/drop off at Sofia or Plovdiv airport ►English-speaking guide ►luggage and private transfers throughout the tour ►entrance fees for Poda lagoon and Cape Kaliakra, VAT and all local taxes. OBS! price of the tour for 2-3 people is 1390 EUR per person;

Not included: ►flights, maps (could be requested in advance when booking the tour) ►tips ►alcohol drinks, ►other entrance fees ►lunches/lunchpacks and other personal expenses

Other expences: Single room supplement (obligatory for individuals staying in sgl room): 120 EUR

How to get there: Wizz Air – http://wizzair.com/; Easy Jet – http://www.easyjet.com/; Germanwings – http://www.germanwings.com/; Penguin Travel – http://www.flybulgarien.dk/; Norwegian Air Shuttle – http://www.norwegian.no/, Cimber – http://www.cimber.com/; Airberlin – http://www.airberlin.com;

We recomend trip in the period: May – June

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival
Arrival at Sofia/ Plovdiv airport. Transfer to the town of Balchik on the Northern Black Sea Coast for overnight.

Day 2. Balchik - Shabla
In the morning we will try to find for the first time Red-breasted Geese grazing in the coastal fields. The rest of the day we spend around the lakes by the town of Shabla, rich in waterfowl and especially famous for the wintering tens of thousands White-fronted and Red-breasted Geese (Great Egret, White- fronted and Red-breasted Geese, Rough-legged Buzzard, Black-necked Grebe, Yellow-legged and Pallas’s Gulls, Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Red-breasted Merganser etc.). Overnight in Balchik.

Day 3. Balchik – Dourankoulak
Early in the morning we will have the chance to enjoy the numerous goose flocks taking off from Dourankoulak lake – an amazing view, attracting birdwatchers form all over Europe. After that the wetlands by the town of Shabla will be visited again. The yesterday’s species list will be elongated many other interesting birds – waterfowl and waders primarily (like White-tailed Eagle, Pygmy Cormorants, Bewick’s Swans, Tufted Ducks, Smews, Goldeneyes, Bitterns, Sanderlings, Knots etc.).

Day 4. Balchik – Kaliakra
In the morning we will go to the Cape Kaliakra – a place, famous for its nesting steppe species of birds during summer. However the wintering inhabitants here are often quite interesting also (European Shag (Mediterranean race), Black-throated Diver, possibly Great and Little Bustards etc.). Around noon we head to our next major stop – the Southern Black Sea Coast and the town of Bourgas. Here we spend the next three nights. If time left a short stroll around the lakes nearby will be performed.

Day 5. Balchik – Bourgas
After breakfast we will have a trip around the hiperhaline shallow coastal lagoons Atanasovsko and Pomoriisko lakes. These are renowned as some of the best places for watching soaring migrants during passage, but now they provide safe place for feeding and resting to many other species of birds (Dalmatian Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorants, Bitterns, Great Egrets, Black-necked Grebe, Whooper and Bewick’s Swans, White-headed Ducks, Shelducks, White-tailed Eagles, Pallas’s Gulls and plenty of waders and waterfowl).

Day 6. Poda Lagoon, Mandra and Bourgas lakes
In the morning we will visit Poda Lagoon, Mandra and Bourgas lakes, which are just a few minutes drive from Bourgas (Pygmy Cormorants, Great Egrets, White-headed Ducks, White-tailed Eagles, Bewick’s Swans and a great variety of other waterfowl). These protected sites are a good example of fine tolerance between mankind and wildlife, since such avian richness live so close to one of the biggest Bulgarian seaside cities.

Day 7. Bourgas – Plovdiv
Today we start the return journey. The town of Plovdiv is our next stop for overnight. The biggest night roost of Pygmy Cormorant in Bulgaria (numbering between 2000 and 4000 individuals) will be visited in the evening.

Day 8. Departure
Transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv airport for departure is planned for the morning.

Price includes: ►We stay overnight in small family run hotels on HB (breakfast and dinner included). All rooms are equipped with private facilities. Ordering lunchpacks is also possible ►transfer to/from Sofia or Plovdiv airport ►English-speaking guide ►luggage and private transfers as per program ►entrance fees for Cape Kaliakra and Poda lagoon ►VAT and all local taxes. OBS! The price of the tour for 2-3 people is 1390 EUR per person; for 4 or more – 1150 Euro/person!

Not included: ►flights, maps (could be requested in advance when booking the tour) ►tips ►alcohol drinks ►other entrance fees ►other meals (lunches/lunchpacks) and other personal expenses.

Other expences: Single room supplement (obligatory for individuals staying in sgl room)- 100 EUR.

How to get there?:Wizz Air – http://wizzair.com/; Easy Jet – http://www.easyjet.com/; Germanwings – http://www.germanwings.com/; Penguin Travel – http://www.flybulgarien.dk/; Norwegian Air Shuttle – http://www.norwegian.no/, Cimber – http://www.cimber.com/ Airberlin – http://www.airberlin.com;

Day 2. Balchik – Shabla
A short trip in the morning around the village of Kamen Briag and among the ancient tombs in the archeological reserve Yailata to enjoy different bird species. Then we head to the wetlands by the town of Shabla (Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Calandra Lark, Black-winged Stilt, Curlew Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Bee-eater, Roller, Hoopoe, Lesser Grey Shrike etc.) and further to Dourankoulak Lake (Red-necked Grebe, Little Bittern, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, Great Egret, Ferruginous Duck, Collared Pratincole, Stone-curlew, Whiskered Tern, Paddyfield Warbler, Calandra Lark etc.). In the evening we go back to the hotel in Balchik.

Day 3. Balchik – Dourankoulak
Today we travel to Dourankoulak Lake – wetland of international importance (Red-necked Grebe, Little Bittern, Purple Heron, Whiskered and White-winged Terns, Red-footed Falcon, Ferruginous Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Kentish Plover, Lesser Grey Shrike, Calandra Lark, Tawny Pipit, Paddyfield Warbler etc.). After that the wetlands by the town of Shabla will be visited again. The yesterday’s species list will be elongated many other interesting birds – waterfowl and waders primarily (like White-tailed Eagle, Pygmy Cormorants, Bewick’s Swans, Tufted Ducks, Smews, Goldeneyes, Bitterns, Sanderlings, Knots etc.).

Day 4. Balchik – Kaliakra – Bolata
Visits to Cape Kaliakra and Bolata Bay are planned today (Mediterranean race of European Shag, Mediterranean Shearwater, Stone-curlew, Alpine Swift, Rose-coloured Starling, Calandra and Short-toed Larks, Tawny Pipit, Lesser Grey Shrike, Pied Wheatear, Barred and Olive-tree Warblers, Black-headed Bunting etc.). These species are all present there both by the rocky cliffs and in the unique steppe habitats on the plateau area.

Day 5. Balchik – Silistra, Srebarna lake
After a trip through the Dobroudzha fields we reach Srebarna Lake around noon. The wetland is the earthly paradise for birds, being also the most prominent reserve in Bulgaria. Situated along the Danube River it is of international importance due to its breeding inhabitants (Red-necked Grebes, Dalmatian Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorants, Little Bittern, Squacco, Night and Purple Herons, Little and Great Egrets, Glossy Ibises, Spoonbills, Ferruginous Ducks, Pochards, Whiskered Terns and many more). Foraging White-tailed Eagles, Black Kites and Levant Sparrowhawks are the perfect addition to this community, complemented also by Ortolan Buntings, Penduline Tits, Golden Orioles and Red-backed Shrikes.

Day 6 Balchik – Goritsa – Cape Emine – Bourgas – Atanasovsko lake
In the morning we say good bye to Balchik and the Northern Black Sea coast. We travel further to South Bulgaria. On the way we visit Cape Emine and make a stop at Goritsa. Further on we will stop at Goritsa forest. The biggest attraction of the site is the Semi-collared Flycatcher. The species list there will include also Syrian, Lesser Spotted and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers, Golden Orioles, Spotted Flycatchers etc.The most interesting among the wetlands by Bourgas will be also visited today – the hyperhaline Atanasovsko Lake. The area is well known for its regular sightings of Slender-billed Curlew (White and Dalmatian Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorant, Night, Squacco and Purple Herons, Little Egret, Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Yellow-legged Gull, Mediterranean Gulls, Little Terns, Whiskered Terns, Slender-billed and Collared Pratincoles, Avocet, Black-winged Stilts, Great Snipe, Curlew Sandpipers, Penduline Tit, Savi’s and Cetti’s Warblers, Black-headed Bunting etc.).

Day 7. Bourgas –Mandra and Poda lakes
Mandra and Poda lakes offers a delight of a whole new complex of species. In these important nesting places typical breeders are Great Cormorants, Night, Squacco and Purple Herons, Little Egrets, Spoonbills, Glossy Ibises, White-tailed Eagle, Yellow-legged Gulls, Little Terns, Collared Pratincoles and many wader species. Migrating or resting Pygmy Cormorants, White and Dalmatian Pelicans, Whiskered Terns, Slender-billed and Mediterranean Gulls are very likely to be registered. It is possible to enjoy also rarities like Slender-billed Curlews, Citrine Wagtails etc.

Day 8. Departure
Transfer to the airport and deprature.

Included in the price: ►overnight in 3-star hotels and guest house day 7 with en-suite facilities; day 7 – depending on availability accommodation with shared facilities may be available. ►halfboard (breakfast and dinner included). Ordering lunchpacks on spot is also possible. ►English speaking professional birdwatching guide ►all transport included in the price ► transfers to/from Sofia/ Bourgas or Plovdiv airport; ► entrance fees for Poda lagoon and Cape Kaliakra ►VAT and all local taxes. OBS! The price of the tour for 2-3 people is 910 EUR per person; for 4 or more – 820 Euro/person!

Not included: ►maps (could be requested in advance when booking the tour), ►tips, ►alcohol drinks, ►other entrance fees and meals (lunchpacks/lunches)

Other expenses: single accommodation – 120 EUR

How to get there? please check: Wizz Air – http://wizzair.com/; Easy Jet – http://www.easyjet.com/; Germanwings – http://www.germanwings.com/; Penguin Travel – http://www.flybulgarien.dk/; Norwegian Air Shuttle – http://www.norwegian.no/, Cimber – http://www.cimber.com/; Airberlin -http://www.airberlin.com/ Ryan Air – http://www.ryanair.com

Recommended travel period of the year: April – June