Join ornithologist Mark Brazil on this sweeping exploration of some of Bulgaria’s wildest places on this unforgettable adventure. From the craggy peaks of the Rhodope Mountains to the tumultuous shores of the legendary Black Sea, the terrains we’ll be exploring are rich with birds of prey, waders, and waterfowl. Learn about Bulgaria’s vibrant culture and long history during visits to several ancient Thracian sites and an overnight stay in the enchanting Open Air Ethnographic Museum at Etar.
Three moments you’ll never forget
Standing silently in a “hide,” get up close to brilliant bee-eaters and colorful rollers.
Hike in the marble-walled Trigrad Gorge to view Devil's Throat Cave.
Walk the ruins of the ancient mountaintop fortress at Perperikon, a megalithic village dating to 8000 BCE.
DAY 1
Sofia, Bulgaria
Arrive in Sofia and check in to the Hotel Moreni. This evening, gather at the hotel with fellow travelers and your Expedition Leader Mark Brazil, for a welcome reception and dinner.
DAY 2
Vitosha Mountain Nature Park
After breakfast, depart overland for the Vitosha Mountain Nature Park home to nearly 200 bird species. This afternoon, browse the impressive collection of artifacts at the National Archaeological Museum in Sofia.
DAY 3
Trigrad
Enjoy the scenic drive to Trigrad, making stops en route to search for typical species such as red-backed shrike, black-headed bunting, white stork, and honey buzzard. Visit the famous Devil’s Throat Cave before spending the night in this tiny mountain village.
DAY 4
Trigrad Gorge
Spend the day exploring Trigrad Gorge and walk along the swiftly flowing Trigrad River to reach a spectacular valley that gradually narrows into a steep-walled gorge. After a lunch of local trout in a mountain hut, continue exploring.
DAY 5
Krumovgrad
Depart overland for the Eastern Rhodope Mountains this morning and enjoy magnificent mountain scenery while searching for large birds of prey. Explore Perperikon, a megalithic village from 8,000 BC with monumental structures carved into the rocks before arriving in Krumovgrad.
DAY 6
Eastern Rhodope Mountains
This morning, head to the Studen Kladenets volcanic region where birds of prey soar high above. Enjoy a boxed lunch in the field before continuing to Dolna Kula Valley, home to virtually all of the warblers occurring in Eastern Europe.
DAY 7
Pomorie
After breakfast, depart overland for Pomorie, set on the shores of the Black Sea. En route, make a stop at Levka Village to look for the majestic eastern imperial eagle. Then spend the afternoon at the Pomorie salt pans, adjacent to our hotel, the Regata.
DAY 8
Pomorie
This morning, return to the salt pans, part of the Burgas Lake complex, which is one of the three most significant wetland areas for waterfowl along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. This lake is an important breeding site for stilts, terns, plovers, and more.
DAY 9
Kavarna
After a morning birding excursion, begin our journey north. On the way, visit an oak woodland home to several bird species. Continue northward to make a stop in Varna for a short tour of the Varna Archaeological Museum before arriving in Kavarna.
DAY 10
Kavarna
This morning, visit the reed-fringed lake at Durankulak, which boasts a fine selection of birds. This evening, visit an area where there are good chances of seeing the impressive Eurasian eagle owl.
DAY 11
Vetren
After a birding excursion in the Kavarna area this morning, head west to Vetren. Check in to the Pelican Birding Lodge in the afternoon, and after a chance to settle in, visit the exceptional Srebarna Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
DAY 12, 13 & 14
Vetren
The highlight of our time in Vetren will be visiting a hide that provides excellent views of a sand wall where bee-eaters, and rollers nest. On our final day in Vetren, visit the nearby Maluk Preslavets Marsh, known for its rich bird diversity.
DAY 15
Etara
On the way to the small mountain town of Etara, make a stop at the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check in to the incredible hotel at the Open Air Ethnographic Museum.
DAY 16
Sofia / Depart
After breakfast, depart overland to Sofia for your independent homeward flight
Departure
The trip starts and ends in Sofia
“Our Bulgarian journey promises thrilling spring-time birding in a diverse array of habitats from the Rhodope Mountains to the Black Sea coast with spring flowers, butterflies and occasional mammals too for good measure. All of our wildlife experiences are set in delightful scenery and against the cultural melting pot of a captivating Balkan country with clear Greek, Slavic, Ottoman, and Persian influences. Our incidental cultural exposure, ranging from stays in rural accommodation with local cuisine to dramatic UNESCO-registered Thracian archaeological sites, adds spice to our natural history mix making this a wonderful journey.”
— MARK BRAZIL
More Detail
PRICING
Per Person: $5,990
Single Supplement: $775
Group Size
10 travelers
What’s Included
15 nights accommodation
All meals and beer and wine with meals
All excursions, transportation and local guides
Entrance fees, taxes, gratuities and tips
Arrival and departure transfers
Ready to Go?
Save your spot on our expedition by booking now.
