Itinerary:

Leaders: Ann and Bob Scott.

Ann and Bob will be leading a programme of birdwatching excursions from their base in Melnik. The two weeks are being sold separately but can be combined if you wish. There is also the option of adding on our Spring Birdwatching Tour 16-24 May, led by Petar Iankov.

The programme will be the same for each week, and will include a visit to Lake Kerkini in northern Greece. There are no long haul excursions on this tour. The furthest destination, Lake Kerkini, is only some 40 miles from our hotel.

Bulgaria's beautiful scenery, friendly people and excellent wine and food are additional highlights. The hotels are comfortable (and well situated for birdwatching!) but not luxurious. The holiday is on a Half-Board basis. The BBFS offers you the benefits of over twenty-five years' experience of organising tours to Bulgaria, well-known leaders and excellent value prices. For your financial protection our tour operators, Balkania Travel Ltd. are ATOL bonded.  

Final details and bird lists will be sent to participants with their tickets. Our tour price includes a donation to the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds or other conservation organisation to assist their conservation programme.

Projected Itinerary

(which may be subject to minor adjustments)

Saturday 9 May           

Scheduled service from Gatwick to Sofia.  Drive south to Melnik for a six-night stay.

Sunday 10 May

Visit to Rupite and Belasitsa Mountain, looking for Honey Buzzard, Black Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker and Booted Eagle.

Monday 11 May          

Drive to Kresna Gorge, Oshtava and Tisata Reserve, hoping to see Woodchat Shrike, Black-headed Bunting, Peregrine, Blue Rock Thrush and Rock Nuthatch.

Tuesday 12  May

Day excursion to Lake Kerkini in northern Greece where we should see pelicans, herons, egrets, Pygmy Cormorant, waders, Glossy Ibis and Penduline Tit.

Wednesday 13 May      

Local birding near Melnik, Rozhen Monastery and Hotovo, looking for Blue Rock Thrush, Golden Oriole, Bee-eater, Hawfinch and Calandra Lark.

Thursday 14 May

Drive to Slavianka Mountain, possible birds here include warblers, Wood Lark, Cirl Bunting, Long-tailed Tit, Black Woodpecker.

Friday 15 May

Drive to Sofia, calling at Rila monastery with observation stops along the way, looking for Golden Eagle, Goldcrest, Dipper and Chamois. Farewell dinner and overnight stay.

Saturday 16 May            

Return flight to UK for first week participants and arrival of second week participants

Sunday 17 May to Friday 22 May

The same programme as above.

Saturday 23 May          

Return flight to UK for second week participants.

OUR PRICES INCLUDE:

·      Return scheduled service flights from Gatwick to Sofia.

·      Airport departure taxes.

·      Half Board.

·      Good tourist hotels with private facilities on a twin bedded shared occupancy basis.

·      Coach for transfers and excursions.

·      Specialist British leaders.

·      Guide/interpreter.

·      Donation to the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds or other conservation organisation.

·      All reserve entrance fees.

NOT INCLUDED:

·      Lunches (about £4 or less).

·      Travel Insurance (Compulsory). This is available from Balkania Travel.

·      Drinks and other personal expenses such as gratuities.

·      Single room supplement (£85)