05 May 2027 - 17 May 2027 (13 days)
USD4,900 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Local Leader
Tour Price (Per person): USD4,900 (GBP3,801 * EUR4,345 * AUD7,237)
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 (GBP3,957 * EUR4,522 * AUD7,532)
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!
Ferruginous Duck, Pygmy Cormorant, Eurasian & Little Bittern, 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, European Green, Black, White-backed, Middle Spotted & Syrian Woodpecker, Tawny Pipit, Barred, Moustached, Cetti's, Subalpine, Eastern Orphean & River Warbler, Collared Flycatcher, Eurasian Penduline Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper, Lesser Grey Shrike, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Rock Partridge, 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
moderate, there will be a few walks in hilly country so a general level of fitness is required but mostly on flat, lowland terrain
comfortable (but not luxurious) guest houses & hotels
moderate
200
ancient historical buildings & sites, great scenery, excellent food & wine
good
Thanks Stephan for a fantastic tour. The stay at the Monastery was especially memorable.
The trip was run superbly from start to finish. The logistics, despite some difficulties imposed by weather conditions and countrywide fuel shortages, were impeccable and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Stephan did a superb job in ensuring that we all saw as many of the species as possible. He is an accomplished guide and I enjoy traveling with him.
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.
I was very pleased with the birding. I saw all 29 endemics and a total of 42 life birds. The leaders are great at finding, luring in and identifying birds. I appreciated that the focus was very much on the birding. The food and accommodations were excellent and appropriate. I wonder if we should have spent our last night near the coast but am not sure how that would have affected our birding success.
I was extremely pleased with this tour. The local guide, Jason, was very helpful and Stephan was extremely knowledgeable and excellent at finding all the targets that we were looking for. I would travel anywhere at any time with him again.