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to Bulgaria's magnificent Trigrad Gorge - probably the most reliable place in Europe to find and enjoy this exciting bird.
A 4-day tour available any time from April to September
This tour will take you to southern Bulgaria's Rhodope Mountains with their rounded, pine-clad hills, occasionally cut by streams and rivers winding through deep gorges. One of them is the magnificent Trigrad Gorge - the realm of the Wallcreeper. These lovely birds can be easily seen constantly flicking their crimson-and-black wings while investigating the rocky nooks for food.The gorge resounds with the noise of Crag Martins and Alpine Swifts and echoes with the shrill calls of the Peregrine Falcons. The Rock Bunting could be seen singing on almost every rocky place. Every now and then Dippers, Grey and White Wagtails dart over the translucent Trigrad river.
Itinerary:
| Day 1 |
Arrival in Sofia and transfer to the village of Trigrad in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, where we will stay for two nights. |
| Day 2 |
Exploring the limestone cliffs of the Trigrad Gorge and the conifer forests and mountain meadows in the vicinity of Trigrad. Except for the Wallcreeper, we will be able to enjoy birds like Grey-headed Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, Alpine Swift, Crag Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Dipper, Red-backed Shrike, Rock Bunting, etc., rare and endemic flowers, including Haberlea rhodopensis and a variety of orchids and many butterflies such as Scarce Swallowtail and Southern White Admiral. |
| Day 3 |
Leaving Trigrad and spending the morning in other parts of the Western Rhodopes in search for Hazel Grouse, Pallid Swift, Spotted Nutcracker, Crested Tit, Willow Tit, Common Crossbill, Firecrest & Goldcrest, etc.
In the afternoon we will explore the steppe grasslands and cliffs in the foot of the mountain looking for Short-toed Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Booted Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Stone Curlew, Short-toed Lark, Calandra Lark, Lesser Grey Shrike, Black-eared Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear, Black-headed Bunting, etc.
Other wildlife to look out for includes the Souslik, standing sentinel in front of a hole or scurrying around in the low grassy steppe areas in the mountain foothill.
In the late afternoon we will drive to Sofia and check in for one night there. |
| Day 4 |
Departure.
If the flight is late in the afternoon we can visit the Vitosha Mountain near Sofia where we can expect to find Water Pipit, Horned Lark, Ring Ouzel, Spotted Nutcracker, etc. |
Wallcreepers, ©Svetoslav Spasov
Costs per person:
individuals: EUR 495
2-3 persons: EUR 385
4-6 persons: EUR 310
Single room suppl: EUR 45
The price includes: transport by car or minibus, accommodation in family-run 2/3* hotels in en-suite rooms, all meals, local guiding.
The tour price excludes: Flights and travel insurance
Grading: Easy day walks
Food: Breakfast and dinners at the hotels, lunches are packed.
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