Itinerary:

High Flyers Autumn Migration Tours

(Tour Codes: HAM1 and HAM2)

Leader: Petar Iankov.

These Autumn Migration tours are intended for the dedicated birder who is happy to spend a full day birdwatching. Hence the name!  High flying birds and birdwatchers. The one week tour is divided between the north and south parts of the Black Sea coast. Participants who book for the second week will spend the extra time visiting the numerous reserves and sites in the south.

The itinerary at each base has not been pre-set, because the leader wants to maintain a flexible approach to each day, taking account of prevailing weather conditions and local information regarding bird migrants. In the south there will be excursions to the Burgas Lakes, especially Atanasovo and the Migration Watch Point, BSPB Poda Reserve, the Ropotamo Reserve and the hills behind Sunny Beach. This is the area that should produce the most visible migration with passage of storks, pelicans, buzzards and eagles, together with a good selection of waders. On the drives along the coast between your two bases there will be a chance to visit Kamchia and Cape Emine. In the north there will be visits to important migrant hotspots like Kaliakra and Kamen Bryag, Varna Lake, Durankulak and Shabla Lakes. At these northern sites we are hoping for a wide range of smaller birds including numbers of Red-breasted Flycatchers, warblers, wheatears and wagtails.

Petar Iankov is well known to British birders, his knowledge, brilliant powers of observation and sense of humour ensure that many clients travel with him regularly.

Bulgaria's beautiful scenery, friendly people and excellent wine and food are additional highlights. The BBFS offers you the benefits of its over twenty-five years' experience of organising tours to Bulgaria, well-known leaders and good value. For your financial protection our tour operators, Balkania Travel Ltd. are ATOL bonded. The hotels are comfortable (and well situated for birdwatching!) 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 conservation organisation.

Projected Itinerary

(which may be subject to minor adjustments)

Monday14 September

Departure from various UK airports to Burgas, flight time approximately three and a half hours. One night at Sarafovo.

Tuesday 15 September

Drive north along the coast for a three night stay at Kavarna, with birdwatching stops on the way. Lesser Spotted Eagles and other raptors, waterfowl at BSPB Yatata Reserve, possible Eagle Owl

Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 September        

Day excursions to the northern sites and reserves listed above. Looking for Red-footed Falcon, Pallid Harrier, Long-legged Buzzard and other birds of prey, waterfowl and other wetland birds.

Friday 18 September

Drive south to Sarafovo for a three-night stay for the participants in the one-week tour. Those staying for two weeks spend ten nights here.  Birdwatching stops on the way.

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September

Day excursions to the southern reserves and sites listed above. Large variety of waders, terns, gulls, birds of prey (including Levant Sparrowhawk) and passerines.

Monday 21 September

Return flights from Burgas to the UK for the one week tour participants.

Tuesday 22 to Sunday 27 September

Continuing the programme of visits to southern sites and reserves.

Monday 28 September

Return flights from Burgas to the UK for the two week tour participants.

OUR PRICES INCLUDE:

·      Return flights to Burgas from Gatwick, Manchester, Durham/Teesside or Edinburgh. Other airports may be possible, please enquire. (Flight supplements apply).

·      Airport departure taxes.

·      Half Board.

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

·      Coach for transfers and excursions.

·      Specialist Bulgarian leader.

·      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 (£60 for one week; £99 for two weeks)