05 May 2027 - 17 May 2027 (13 days)
USD4,900 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Local Leader
Tour Price (Per person): USD4,900 (GBP3,740 * EUR4,277 * AUD7,083)
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 (GBP3,892 * EUR4,451 * AUD7,372)
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
This tour group was very eclectic but really worked well together. The leaders including the van driver did an exceptional job.
An excellent trip. Good list of birds even though it was the relaxed itinerary. Rob’s recounting some of his excellent adventures was an added bonus.
The guides continued their superb and tireless efforts to find bird species during the extension to the main tour.
Bobby, our guide, was a solid & knowledgeable leader. His demeanor tends to be quiet & reserved, which worked for this group but may not work with all group dynamics. The lodging for this trip was a bit more rustic than I expected. The local guides used on this trip were excellent & offered additional intel into sightings or hot spots to explore. The group got all endemics possible & overall was a very good trip.
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.
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