05 May 2027 - 17 May 2027 (13 days)
USD4,900 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Local Leader
Tour Price (Per person): USD4,900 (GBP3,732 * EUR4,244 * AUD7,033)
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*
03 May 2028 - 15 May 2028 (13 days)
USD5,100 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Local Leader
Tour Price (Per person): USD5,100 (GBP3,885 * EUR4,417 * AUD7,320)
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*
Our comprehensive Central and Eastern European birding tour takes in several unique areas situated in four countries: the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Though the focus is essentially upon the region’s birds, we will certainly not neglect the many cultural and historical sites and old towns that we will encounter. Indeed, this is a region steeped in history, both ancient and recent, and there will be opportunities to opt out of some of the birding excursions for those who wish to take in a little history instead.
Central and Eastern Europe are quite simply superb for birds and birdwatchers. There are plenty of 'eastern' specialties that rarely, if ever, venture into the western regions of the continent; in fact, many species are far more abundant and easier to find in the east, no doubt due to its lack of development compared to the more affluent west. The likes of Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Saker Falcon, Little Crake, Syrian, Grey-headed and White-backed Woodpeckers (in fact, all 10 European woodpecker species are possible on this tour!), River Warbler and Lesser Grey Shrike are some of the species that come to mind. We also spend some time near the Mediterranean, taking in the delights of Croatia for Rock Partridge, Black-eared Wheatear, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Sombre Tit, Western Rock Nuthatch and Black-headed Bunting. Other more widespread but no less spectacular birds include Golden Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Great Bustard, Common Crane, Eurasian and Little Bittern, Black Woodpecker and the beautiful Bluethroat.
We will stay in small guesthouses in good birding locations throughout this tour, and food will always consist of local cuisine. Several of the areas we visit are also wine-growing regions and we will no doubt sample a few!
European Green, Black, White-backed, Middle Spotted & Syrian Woodpeckers; Ferruginous Duck; Pygmy Cormorant; Eurasian & Little Bitterns; Bearded Reedling; Eurasian Spoonbill; Eastern Imperial Eagle; Saker Falcon; Red-footed Falcon colonies; Long-legged Buzzard; Little Crake; Great Bustard; Kentish Plover; Caspian Gull; White-winged Tern; Alpine Swift; European Roller; Eurasian Eagle-Owl; Tawny Pipit; Barred, Moustached, Cetti's, Subalpine, Eastern Orphean & River Warblers; Collared Flycatcher;, Eurasian Penduline Tit; Short-toed Treecreeper; Lesser Grey Shrike; Eurasian Golden Oriole; Rock Partridge; Western Black-eared Wheatear, Sombre Tit, Western Rock Nuthatch and Black-headed Bunting.
Roe Deer; Red Deer; Red Fox; Common Souslik; bats
Wetlands (reed-beds, lakes, fishponds, marshes, riverine woods), coniferous and deciduous woodlands, mountain crags, grasslands
Temperate, mainly mild
8 with 1 local leader
UNDEMANDING: This tour is ideal for birders and wildlife enthusiasts of all experience levels. It’s suitable for most mobility levels and offers a relaxed pace, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Reasonably easy. Most walks on flat ground, paved/gravel roads. A few longer hikes on rougher ground with short inclines (optional). Some boggy areas.
Comfortable.
Moderate to undemanding. Most species provide good visuals in open conditions.
200
ancient historical buildings & sites, great scenery, excellent food & wine
Good to very good.
This tour group was very eclectic but really worked well together. The leaders including the van driver did an exceptional job.
Our trip to Madagascar was wonderful! Rockjumper did a great job with tour logistics, lodging, etc. Best of all was our guide! Lev Frid is an amazing birding/nature guide. He is incredibly good at not only hearing, identifying and finding the birds, but Lev is also able to quickly (and patiently) help all the tour participants get on the birds. In addition, he is just a really fun guy to be with. His sense of humor kept us laughing and his wealth of birding stories kept everyone interested and engaged during the trip. It was amazing to see the wildlife of Madagascar and having Lev as a guide made our experience that much better.
What a great experience! Everything was as you told us in the pre-departure literature, so we were well-prepared. Rob was an excellent tour leader. His vast experience in conservation, core knowledge of birds and bird behavior, and his enthusiasm was generously shared with the group. He modeled proper trail behavior and made sure that everyone “saw the bird”. The local guides were top-notch and took good care of the group. I also learned so much from the better birders in the group. Highly recommended!
We saw all 19 endemics as well as all of those where splits may be likely in the future. Dušan is a tireless guide. Never gives up for the best view. Our local guide, Alcides, has astonishing eyes and ears and knows every inch of his island! Cannot imagine a better local guide. Also, wish to put in a good word for our driver to and from the airport, Carlos. Please keep Carlos on board. Great trip. My shortest birding trip and, I learned, too short for me—could have stayed longer.
Paul brought in his wealth of experience. He worked well with Ashoka to make sure nothing was lost in translation. One member sustained an injury on day 1, probably because he declined the extra help offered on a slightly slippery walk. Paul and Ashoka took charge of the situation immediately, made sure the rest of the group was comfortable while getting help. It was incredible that the injured person managed to complete the trip with a walker. Ashoka is a highly experienced local guide. He went out of the way to accommodate our birding and non-birding (request to try local food) requests. Both Paul and Ashoka were always calm and very pleasant, paying individual attention to every person and ensured we had a memorable experience.