24 Apr 2027 - 09 May 2027 (16 days)
USD5,395 1 SPACE AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Local Leader
Tour Price (Per person): USD5,395 (GBP4,181 * EUR4,823 * AUD7,863)
Single Supplement: USD550 (GBP426 * EUR492 * AUD802)
23 Apr 2028 - 08 May 2028 (16 days)
USD5,600 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Local Leader
Tour Price (Per person): USD5,600 (GBP4,340 * EUR5,006 * AUD8,161)
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*
This unique journey through Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland blends outstanding birding with the rich natural and cultural heritage of Central Europe. Over two weeks we will explore an extraordinary range of habitats — from the sweeping steppes of Kiskunság National Park to the alpine forests of the High Tatras, and finally the ancient woodlands and vast wetlands of Poland’s Białowieża and Biebrza National Parks.
The diversity of birds is remarkable: from the spectacular Great Bustards of Hungary’s grasslands to elusive owls and woodpeckers in Slovakia’s mountain forests, to the globally threatened Aquatic Warbler in Poland’s fens. Raptors, storks, cranes, and a rich chorus of songbirds accompany us throughout. Mammals also feature, with opportunities to see European Bison in their last stronghold.
In addition to birding, we will enjoy glimpses of the region’s cultural treasures, including medieval towns, castles, and the historic city of Kraków. Together, these experiences create a tour that is as rewarding for its landscapes and history as it is for its exceptional wildlife.
Red-crested Pochard; Ferruginous Duck; Red-necked & Black-necked Grebes; Black-throated Diver; White & Black Storks; Eurasian Spoonbill; Eurasian & Little Bitterns; White-tailed, Imperial, Golden, Short-toed, Lesser & Greater Spotted Eagles; Western Marsh & Montagu’s Harriers; Red-footed & Saker Falcons; Corncrake; Common Crane; Great Bustard; Great Snipe; Whiskered, White-winged & Black Terns; Ural, Eurasian Pygmy & Boreal (Tengmalm’s) Owls; Black, Grey-headed, Three-toed, White-backed & Middle Spotted Woodpeckers; Common Hoopoe; European Turtle Dove; Grey, Western Yellow & Citrine Wagtails; White-throated Dipper; Bluethroat; Ring Ouzel; Black Redstart; Thrush Nightingale; Whinchat; Fieldfare; Moustached, Barred, River, Savi’s, Marsh, Great Reed, Icterine, Grasshopper, Sedge & Aquatic Warblers; Bearded Reedling; Crested & Willow Tits; Northern Nutcracker; Red Crossbill; Hawfinch; Ortolan & Corn Buntings; Eurasian Penduline Tit.
European Bison; Roe & Western Red Deer; Red Fox; Eurasian Red & European Ground Squirrels; Northern Chamois; Moose (European).
Wetlands (reed-beds, lakes, marshes, riverine woods), coniferous and deciduous woodlands, mountain crags, grasslands.
mild–warm spring conditions. Generally pleasant with daytime highs 15–25°C, cool mornings/evenings, and occasional rain showers. The High Tatras can still be chilly with lingering snow at elevation.
7 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.
Suitable for all birding / wildlife interest levels. Our Relaxed series of tours are designed to focus on having an enjoyable holiday with a bird and wildlife focus. Where possible; we have reduced or removed long drives, single night stays and poor/rustic accommodation. We have also sought to reduce or remove difficult hikes, narrow/muddy trails and otherwise oppressive environmental conditions. Early starts and night birding are mostly optional, and we will not spend much time searching for difficult and/or skulking species. These tours are not suitable for hardcore birders and listers, or dedicated photographers.
Comfortable, with good facilities throughout.
Moderate to undemanding. Most species provide good visuals in open conditions.
Kraków; Majdanek Concentration Camp
Worthwhile to good, with excellent opportunities for both landscapes and birds.
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.
While the birding was more difficult, the guides knowledge on where to search for some of the key species. Helped the group find a number of very interesting species of birds.
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.
The tour structure and arrangements were first class. Leaders were very good and quite knowledgable. I thought Paul was energetic a d really on the birds. Would gladly travel with him again. It was great fun and we got nearly every endemic on the trip. Great fun!!
Stu is a personable, helpful, and organized guide and was a pleasure to travel with. He was ready to help not only with finding and identifying birds, but also with little problems that popped up during our trip, as they so often do. Our local guide was likewise consistently friendly and helpful. My main concern is that on this trip, as on past Rockjumper trips, there doesn't seem to be any effort to vet the physical ability of potential group members, and as a result those of us who are prepared for the experience are held back by those who are physically not ready for it. I know that trips are rated on the website in regards to the level of exertion required, but this does not seem to help -- I have been on multiple tours with people who are not physically capable of maintaining a steady level of exertion while birding. This is not fair to those of us who are.
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