Itinerary:

Birdwatching & Sightseeing  

(Tour Code: BS)

This tour has been devised in response to many requests for a relaxed birding experience to be combined with sightseeing of some of Bulgaria’s many architectural, archaeological and ethnographic treasures. From the beauty of small mountain towns like Koprivshtitsa and Bozhentsi, remote monasteries, craft demonstrations at Etura and an archaeological site where exciting discoveries have been made in recent years, we shall show you the rich tapestry that is Bulgaria – and there’ll be plenty of birds too!

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

Projected Itinerary

(which may be subject to minor adjustments)

Sunday 7 June

Flight from Gatwick to Sofia.  Drive to Hissarya for a two night stay. Observation stop to look for Isabelline Wheatear, Woodchat and Lesser Grey Shrike.

Monday 8 June

Visit to Starosel where archaeologists have discovered an enormous temple/grave of a Thracian ruler; and Koprivshtitsa, one of Bulgaria’s most charming small towns, and a place of great historical significance as the starting place of the April uprising against the Ottoman Empire.

Possible birds today include Black Stork, Quail, Tree Pipit, Serin and Cirl Bunting.

Tuesday 9 June

Drive by way of historic Shipka pass to Bozhentsi for a two-night stay. Visit to Shipka church and Etura Ethnographic Museum.

Observation stops along the way for possible Rock Bunting, Crag Martin, Raven, Dipper.

Wednesday 10 June

Walk to Tryavna along the old Roman road, seeing orchids and Black Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker and four species of Spotted Woodpecker.

Sightseeing in Tryavna, visiting Raikovata and Daskalovata houses and the woodcarving museum. Return to Bozhentsi by bus.

Thursday 11 June

Drive to Ruse via Veliko Turnovo, with a stop for a short sightseeing tour. Visit Preobrazhenski monastery, Nicopolis ad Istrum and Rusenski Lom Nature Park for possible Egyptian Vulture, Long-legged Buzzard, Roller and Red-rumped Swallow.

Two-night stay.

Friday 12 June

Visit to Ivanovo rock monasteries and Cherven castle. In the gorge you may see Black Stork, Eagle Owl, Hoopoe, Cirl Bunting.

Saturday 13 June

Drive to Kavarna for a two-night stay, visiting Sreburna Reserve looking for Pygmy Cormorant, Dalmatian Pelican and Ferruginous Duck as well as Great White Egret, herons, Glossy Ibis, Honey Buzzard, Booted Eagle, Lesser Grey Shrike colony, Sombre Tit.

Sunday 14 June

Visit to Kaliakra nature reserve  for  Stone Curlew, Short-toed Lark, Pied and Black-eared Wheatears, Calandra Lark. Lunch in the restaurant on the cape watching out for dolphins.

Afternoon visit to Bolata valley for Little Crake and Eagle Owl.

Farewell dinner.

Monday 15 June

Return flight to Gatwick.

OUR PRICES INCLUDE:

·      Return scheduled flights Gatwick to Sofia and Varna to Gatwick. *(Connecting flights and/or overnight accommodation can be arranged for you at a supplement).

·      Airport Taxes.

·      Half Board.

·      Good standard hotels with en suite facilities on a twin bedded shared occupancy basis.

·      Coach for transfers and excursions.

·      Tour leader.

·      All admission fees.

NOT INCLUDED:

·      Lunches normally about £4.

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

·      Drinks and personal expenses such as gratuities.

·      Single room supplement (£75).