On this tour we will focus on two of the most rich and diverse wildlife areas not only in Bulgaria but also in Europe. Stunningly beautiful river valleys, breathtaking sheer volcanic cliff faces of Eastern Rhodopes mountain are home of Vultures, Wolves and many other symbolic animals, while the vast grassy hills and rural pastures of Sakar are the stronghold of the world endangered Imperial Eagle. Here we will be looking incredible variety of birds, wild flowers, butterflies, reptiles etc. Apart from that we have the chance to enjoy striking landscapes and get to know the unique geology of the region, visit some ancient Thracian sanctuaries, medieval fortresses and other cultural sites. Of course, we will enjoy the delicious local cuisine and test some regional wine varieties.
Eastern Rhodopes and Sakar Mountain (6 days)
Eastern Rhodopes and Sakar Mountain (6 days)
Details
- CountryBulgaria
- Duration (in days)6
Itinerary
ITINERARY Day 1: Start from Sofia airport (or elsewhere, depending on your convenience) and transfer to the beautiful town of Madjarovo in Eastern Rhodopes. We will accommodate for three nights in a very pleasant local hotel with wonderful garden, excellent cuisine and very friendly and welcoming hosts If the time permits, we can explore the immediate surroundings on a nice walk before dinner. Afterwards we are going for a short visit of the town park to look for the enigmatic Scops Owl. This miniature creature creates magical mood in the evening with its call. Not easy to find but we like challenges… Day 2: A full day in the pristine valley of Arda river. This unspoiled wilderness never fails to impress everybody, who has the chance to visit. The highlight of our day trip will be the Griffon Vulture colony located on the steep cliff faces of Kovan Kaya and Patron Kaya protected areas. Apart from that we will look for many other rare birds, beautiful wild flowers, butterflies and all sorts of wildlife. The magnificent landscapes and the breath-taking view of the mesmerizing meanders of the river are also something that will make your day unforgettable. A delicious lunch at the Bulgarian Society for Protection of Birds visitor center will enrich our experience in the area. Day 3: Today we are leaving Eastern Rhodopes, at least for a while and we are heading to the area of Sakar. Sakar is a very low mountain range nearby, characterized with vast grasslands, undulating little streams and rolling hills. The graceful symbol of that place definitely is the Imperial Eagle, so we will visit some of its breeding grounds. Apart from that, here we can enjoy many other birds of prey and we will have time to stop by the visitor center of Green Balkans – NGO working very hard for bringing back the Lesser Kestrel in Bulgaria. We will see the colony and will hear more about this successful project. Before heading back to our hotel in Madjarovo we can visit some cultural sites as the medieval fortress of Matochina and the rock church of Mihalich. Day 4: Today we are leaving Madjarovo and heading west to the remote area of Studen Kladenez game reserve, where we will stay for two nights. We will spend the whole day stopping by and exploring different parts of Eastern Rhodopes as the picturesque valley of Krumpvitza River in the area of Dolna Kula village, the traditional vulture feeding station near Potochnitza village and the famous Thracian burial cliff holes close to Arda river. In the late afternoon we will reach the cozy hunting lodge in the remote game reserve. We will accommodate here for two nights. Day 5: A full day in the game reserve. Today we will explore one of the hidden gems of Eastern Rhodopes. The area is located on the southern shore of Studen Kladenetz reservoir and there is only one access point via dirt road north of Nanovitza village. That makes the place very difficult to get to and therefore almost nobody visits it. That’s why it is still completely wild and undisturbed. Here we will enjoy great variety of birds, herds of Fallow Deer, diverse wild life and breath-taking views. Recently, in the frame of rewilding project, in the area were reintroduced European Bisons and now the herd is roaming free and thrives in the wilderness. Day 6: Today our quest comes to an end. After breakfast we are heading back to Sofia (or other destination convenient for you) for departure. ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR TOUR: • Adding extra days to the itinerary • Boat trip in Studen Kladenetz reservoir • Visiting Vulture photography hide • Wine testing • Kayaking in Arda river • Bison tracking with experienced local guide from the game reserve
What's Included?
The prices include: All the ground transport, Airport transfers, FB – full board, accommodation in hotels and guest houses, English (or by availability German) speaking expert field guide, all the taxes for reserves. The prices don’t include: Insurance, international flights, beverages, and all the items of personal nature. • Adding extra days to the itinerary • Boat trip in Studen Kladenetz reservoir • Visiting Vulture photography hide • Wine tasting • Kayaking in Arda river • Bison tracking with experienced local guide from the game reserve
How your experience helps rewilding efforts
By joining our tours, you have the rare opportunity to get to know some of the wildest places in Europe and discover their unspoiled beauty. We can offer you truly exiting moments in the wonderful countryside of Bulgaria and help you to encounter its spectacular wildlife, ancient culture and exceptionally good local food and drinks. Our experienced guides will lead you trough this adventure and will let you dive deep beneath the surface of these magical places giving you the feel of being in really good hands. We will consider all of your preferences and will give you the flexibility to concentrate on what you like most. These tours are designed especially for you. This will be your private wild quest. Let’s go!
Dates & Duration
Best time for the tour: End March-June We're flexible with the dates!
Seasonal Availability
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
Food & Stay
FOOD: Full board is included during the tour. On some of the days picnic lunches will be necessary due to the day activities. STAY: During the tour accommodation will be organized in small families hotels or comfortable guest houses.
Languages spoken
- English
- German
Difficulty
Easy walks of up to 1-2 km per day.
Group size
2-6 people. We can organize the tour for bigger groups up to 16 people on request.
What to Bring
Binoculars!
This experience involves
- Wildlife tracking
- Birdwatching
- Educational experience
Herbivores in this landscape
- European bison
- Red deer
- Fallow deer
- Roe deer
- Suslik
Carnivores in this landscape
- Grey wolf
- Wildcat
- Goldon jackal
Scavengers and other large birds in this landscape
- Cinereous vulture
- Griffon vulture
- Egyptian vulture
- White-tailed eagle
- Golden eagle
- Imperial eagle
Fish/crayfish/molluscs in this landscape
- Trout
Location
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About the listing author
Pandion Wild Tours Ltd is the leading Bulgarian company in the field of birdwatching, wildlife and nature tourism. We started our activities in 1990, under the name Pandion-D. The company was established by Nikolay Dilchev, a professional biologist.
Pandion Wild Tours Ltd has specialized in the field of wildlife, nature and historical tourism. We offer a great diversity of wildlife and nature holidays & tours in Europe’s richest region in terms of biodiversity: Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula.
Pandion Wild Tours Ltd is the leading Bulgarian company in the field of birdwatching, wildlife and nature tourism. We started our activities in 1990, under the name Pandion-D. The company was established by Nikolay Dilchev, a professional biologist.
Pandion Wild Tours Ltd has specialized in the field of wildlife, nature and historical tourism. We offer a great diversity of wildlife and nature holidays & tours in Europe’s richest region in terms of biodiversity: Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula.
Eastern Rhodopes and Sakar Mountain (6 days)
€1,480.00 per tour
Have questions? Feel free to ask!