9-Day Nature Tour

Including South-western Bulgarian mountain ranges and surrounding areas

This exciting nature trip to the most beautiful Bulgarian mountains includes some general birdwatching combined with flower, butterfly and other wildlife identification. This tour is aimed at people with a general interest in wildlife and could be suitable for birdwatchers and their non-birding partners that can find beautiful mixture of activities like archaeology, history, shopping, but also learn some interesting birds. During this trip we also focus on mammals (including Brown Bear), dragonflies, reptiles, as well as other fascinating features. Different species of orchids and many other seasonal alpine flowers also feature, including Narcissus-Flowered Anemone, Globe-flower and several Balkan endemics. Led by Pavel Simeonov, your dedicated specialist in Bulgaria, eventful experiences are guaranteed throughout.

Itinerary

Day 1

Flight to Sofia, on arrival you will be met by our representative and drive 100 km to a lovely and traditional wine-producing village in the south-western corner of the country, nestled in a picturesque gorge. It is located between three majestic Mountains bordering Macedonia and Greece. Stop off en route to explore some outstanding birding locations. Here is the best place in Europe to see several South-Eastern specialities: Woodchat Shrike, Red-rumped Swallow, Crag Martin, Barred and Orphean Warblers, Sombre Tit, Ortolan, Black-headed and Rock Buntings. Picnic lunch, traditional restaurant dinner and overnight stay at a beautiful local guesthouse.

Day 2 & 3

We will take two days for a leisurely exploration of the countryside and two adjacent Mediterranean-like areas, located in the bosom of an ancient volcanic cone near the border of Greece. The cone is bisected by the river Strouma. We will look for Rock Partridge, Rufous-tailed and Blue Rock Thrushes and other unusual passerines, such as Rock Nuthatch, Black-eared Wheatear and Rock Sparrow. Wildlife includes several Mediterranean butterflies like Little Tiger Blue, Cardinal, as well as some interesting dragonflies, such as Scarse Chaser. Eastern Four-lined Ratsnake, Leopard Snake, Kotschy’s Gecko and two species of tortoises are among notable local reptiles, which also feature in the tour. En route, we will visit one of the oldest Bulgarian monasteries. Picnic lunch, traditional restaurant dinner and two-night stay at local Guesthouse.

Day 4

Today, we will travel 100 km to a charming mountain village, located in the heart of Pirin National Park listed in the UNESCO Natural and Cultural Heritage. Along the way, we will see the open landscapes gradually giving way to river valleys. Long-legged Buzzards, Red-backed Shrikes, Spanish Sparrows, Crested Tit, Black-headed and Rock Buntings are among birds we will look for, also keeping an eye out for mammals and reptiles. In the mountain areas we will see different species of orchids and many other seasonal alpine flowers. Comfortable accommodation at a local Guesthouse in the heart of Pirin Mountain.