A program that combines all the internationally renowned birding areas of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace including 6 out of the eleven Greek wetlands on the Ramsar Convention List: Evros Delta, Lake Mitrikou and Thracian Lagoons, Lake Vistonis and Porto Lagos, Nestos Delta, Lake Kerkini, Lakes Koroneia and Volvi are included in this 10 days excursion.

We'll also visit the famous Dadia Forest Reserve of raptors, as well as the less visited, little gems of Fraktos Virgin Forest, Iasmos Gorge, and Avas Gorge. In addition to very wild and totally out-of-the-beaten path settings, the bio-diversity of the habitats is what always amaze the participants.

Nestos Delta and Gorge

Today we visit Nestos river. The delta in the morning and the gorge in the afternoon. We start by driving in the vast, covered by riparian softwoods, Nestos River delta up to its mouth - the rare Spur-winger Plover is waiting for us there, one of 300 species. Let us also mention the Masked Shrike and the Olivaceous Warbler, because their names are as beautiful as their persons. At noon we pic-nic in a subtropical environment or, inland, passing some Booted and Lesser Spotted Eagles, on the way to the mountain top, with a superb view of the river's gorge. Finally, under the warm sunshine colors of the afternoon, we walk on the old cobblestone path at the foot of the majectic cliffs, looking for equally awe-inspiring Rock Buntings, Golden Orioles, Syrian and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers, Red-rumped Swallows, Short-toed and Bonelli's Eagles, Levant Sparrowhawks, Collared Flycatchers.

Porto Lagos, Vistonida Lake, Mitrikou Lake, Thracian Lagoons, Dadia

Again, eastwards departure (we'll soon be in China...) Very quickly, we arrive at Porto Lagos, by Vistonida Lake, another famous birdwatching spot - Black-headed Bunting, Collared Pratincole, Greater Flamingo, Black-necked Grebes, Little Tern, Roller, and... the Gulls, Slender-billed and the Mediterranean one. If we did not see the Spur-winged Plover, we may catch it here. Next door are Mitrikou Lake and the famous Thracian lagoons. Good hiking around them and, for the brave, sea swimming. By the way, we can also watch the Black and Whiskered Terns, Lesser Grey Shrike, Short-toed Lark, Ferruginous Ducks, and the whole series of Herons. Late afternoon we continue to Dadia and settle in the very peaceful guesthouse.

Dadia Forest, Soufli.

Early to bed, early to rise. This is the place par excellence to do it. In the magic post-dawn light, we hike up and down through a rocky, thick Mediterranean pine forest up to the observatory to find some of the Griffon, Egyptian, or Black Vultures, or still Imperial, Golden, or Lesser Spotted Eagles, feed themselves on dead animals before they start to fly, taking advantage of the rising heat. At noon we hide from the sun and visit the information centre and watch a documentary film. Then to nearby Soufli, an architecturally interesting town known as a centre for the production of silk since ancient times. In the afternoon, the bravest will ascent to the peak Gibrena, to enjoy Semi-collared Flycatchers, Woodlarks, and Subalpine and Olive-tree Warblers... as well as a panoramic view of the region.

Evros Delta and Inland

Departure for a whole day visit of Evros delta and inland, hilly areas. No need to present this classical birdwatching place at the very limit of Greece, opposite the Asian shore. But we can mention some of the prizes: Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Short-toed and Calandra Larks, Isabelline Wheatear, Crag Martin, White-tailed Eagle... and the last chance to see the Spur-winged Plover. Optional visit at Feres, of the 12th century Virgin Savior of the World church, also called the Parthenon of Thrace and a miniature of Aghia Sofia in Constantinople.

Avas Valley, Iasmos Gorge, Kavala

Finally, we head westwards. We soon stop in Alexandroupolis to enter Avas Valley, with its Bonelli's Warblers, Sombre Tits, as well as Lesser Kestrels, Peregrines, Black Kites, Honey Buzzards. We continue in the same direction, for less-known Iasmos gorge and its series of vultures (all four) as well as the Ortolan Bunting, Rock Nuthatch, Blue Rock Thrush, and if we are lucky, the rare Eagle Owl. We further stop at Kavala for coffee and the Pallid Swifts nesting in the holes of the Roman aqueduct. Arrival and settling in the neat family, pool-equipped hotel right at the entrance of the small valley - Rendina -leading to the lakes of Volvi and Koroneia.

Volvi and Koroneia Lakes

All-day leisurely visit of the twin lakes. Although they have been heavily damaged by agriculture and pollution, as well as largely ignored compared to the more illustrious places, they have quite a few interesting spots, like the enchanting riverine forest of Appolonia, with its Cirl Buntings, Stonechats, Hoopoes; the unique, old and tall plane-tree between the two lakes, full of Herons' nests; or simply the reedbeds of Lake Koroneia with, again, water buffaloes, accompanied by Night Herons, Little Egrets, Little Bitterns, Redshanks, Pochards, Black-necked Grebes, Spanish Sparrows; and, why not, the strange saurian with the equally funny name of Agama Stellio, hiding on a very special, rocky spot on the north bank of Lake Volvi.

Rendina Valley. Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport.

Morning walk in Rendina Valley with its raptors and the Black-eared Wheatear as well as many batrachians and dragonflies. (If your flight back is in the morning, we do this walk on Day 9.) Transfer to Thessaloniki airport.

Land Cost:
1750 euro for 12-14 persons
1850 euro for 9-11 persons
1950 euro for 6-8 persons

Services Included: