05 May 2027 - 17 May 2027 (13 days)
USD4,900 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Local Leader
Tour Price (Per person): USD4,900 (GBP3,694 * EUR4,234 * AUD7,075)
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 (GBP3,845 * EUR4,406 * AUD7,364)
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.
Excellent tour. Accommodations were as good as could be expected given the isolated areas we needed to reach to see all the endemics. We saw them all. Dusan and the two local guides were exceptional at finding the birds and getting us on them. The vehicle fit our purpose, the luggage trailer was a great idea, and our driver Jose was very professional.
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.
This was a great tour and exceeded all my very high expectations. Having both Glen and Dušan as leaders was like having two olympians on your high school basketball team. As usual, the vehicles were too small for me, but Glen kindly allowed me to ride in the seat with the most legroom when possible. I have subsequently found out that I am definitely an outlier as far as client size is concerned. The tour was well planned, the schedule and guides flexible enough to work around complications, and the logistics aside from a glitch picking us up at the airport well executed.
Great trip
Both Andre and Uthai were remarkably tireless and effective in finding and identifying birds, including some of the most elusive species in Thailand. They also did a great job of organizing the logistics of the trip. Our meals were already prepared when we arrived at restaurants and all of the hotel arrangements were handled smoothly. We probably will not consider going on another standard Rockjumper trip. Birding steadily from dawn to after dark was a bit much, especially for 22 uninterrupted days. This pace is appropriate for most serious birders so I don’t fault the guides, but we plan to shift to a style of traveling in which we can set our own schedule. We might consider one of Rockjumper's relaxed tours, but we're not concerned about long hikes and muddy trails as long as the schedule allows for a little down time to read, reflect and recover.
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