This eight days tour is devoted to the outstanding bird variety of the Eastern Rhodope Mountains and the Dragoman wetlands. The Eastern Rhodope are one of the best locations in Europe to observe birds of prey. Lake Studen kladenets and Dragoman marsh boast a superb productive ecosystem that is great for wildlife across the spectrum. Wetland bird watching makes your day and provides the best nature experience.

• Tour type: Guided tour. Experienced nature guide. English speaking. Small groups.
• Group size: Up to 12 people
• Period: May – June
• NOTE: This nature tour could be tailor made according to your wishes.

Day 1
Travel from Sofia Airport to Sakar mountains for accommodation and overnight at a family hotel.

Day 2
On this fabulous birding day you will observe the Black Stork, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Booted and Lesser Spotted Eagles, Goshawk, Woodchat, Lesser Grey and Masked Shrikes, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler, Orphean and Olive-tree Warblers, Isabelline Wheatear, Black-headed Bunting etc.
Late afternoon transfer to the magnificent Madzharovo area where is the rocky kingdom of the birds of prey in Europe - an area where 35 millions of years ago an ancient volcano erupted and formed the great rocky slopes that became home to the griffon vulture and other interesting birds. Next three nights sleeping will be at the hotel rooms of the BirdLife conservation center in Madzharovo.

Day 3
Madzharovo area features more than 150 bird species. You will enjoy Spanisch sparrows, Sombre tit, Eastern Bonelli's warbler, Yellow wagtail (spp. Feldegg), Black Storks, Griffon, Egyptian Vultures, Long-legged Buzzards, Honey Buzzards, Golden and Short-toed Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Hobbies, Levant Sparrowhawk, Goshawks, Rock Nuthatches, Blue Rock Trushes, Scops owl, Little owl, Barn owl, Black-eared Wheatears, Crag Martins, Red-rumped Swallows, Alpine swift, and many others.

Day 4
Today you explore nature areas with the Golden eagle, and Egyptian vulture. Nice walk in a half open landscape will surprise you with a huge density of birds. This one is a good habitat for shrikes (Red-backed, Lesser Grey and Woodchat), Buntings (Yellow, Cirl, Ortolan, Rock and Corn) and warblers like Subalpine,(Lesser) Whitetroa and Barred. Also Golden Oriol, Hoopoo and Greyhead woodpeck can be seen. Free ranged herds of indigenous cattle and horses roam nicely in the wild. Thracian tombs and other interesting monuments are on the way.

Day 5
This day you will visit the near nature reserve where a special show will be observed at the vulture feeding place. Griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture, Black vulture, Golden eagle, Imperial eagle, Raven, White tailed see eagle are the participants. Not rarely wolves also come. Along the river there are colonies of Bee-eater and other collerfull birds like Roller and Kingfisher can been seen. A new phenomenon in the area is the appearance of Eleonora Falcon in springtime.
Afternoon travel to the lake Studen kladenets for your next accommodation in a beautiful cottage which is a birding spot itself.

Day 6
Wetland birds like Little Egret, Night Herron and Pygmy Cormorant will make your afternoon. The nearby impressive rocky area is home to remarkable birds like Griffon vulture, Black Stork, Peregrine Falcon, Eastern Imperial, Golden, Lesser Spotted, Booted and Short-toed Eagles, Honey and Long-legged Buzzards, etc.
Second night at lake Studen kladenets.

Day 7
Departure north to Dragoman Marsh near Sofia (3 hours drive) for wetland bird watching.
The bird list comprises the Bittern, Little Bittern, White and Black Storks, Garganey, Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Great Reed, Reed, Marsh, Savi's and Sedge Warblers and many others. Also birds breeding in the adjacent Karst terrain like Short-toed Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Ortolan and Black-headed Buntings, Isabelline Wheatear, Lesser Grey Shrike, Short-toed Lark etc.
Night stay will be in Sofia.

Day 8
Departure flight to your home country.

Prices include:

• Transfers for the whole tour by small bus/minivan/car
• 6 overnights HB in hotels and guest houses 2/3*
• 1 overnight BB in 3* hotel in Sofia
• 6 lunches / picnics
• Specialist English speaking leader

Prices exclude:

• Flights to Bulgaria and back
• Airport taxes
• Transfer back to the airport on the 8th day
• Personal expenses
• Insurance

Common terms

• The accommodation is in double rooms, twin beds, private bathroom.
• Single room supplement – 75 euro PP.

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