Hotspots

Kerkini Lake National Park

Target Species

Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria

Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca

Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus

Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus

Brown Bear Ursus arctos

Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus

Trip Itinerary

(23.04.2027): Sofia – Kresna Gorge Migration Bottleneck – Sandanski

Arrive at Sofia Airport, with transfers available for all participants. Guests arriving early can enjoy free time exploring central Sofia. The group officially departs for Sandanski at 16:00 (arrivals after this time require a paid private transfer). En route, we stop at the dramatic Kresna Gorge—a vital bio-corridor and migratory bottleneck. We will scan the skies and rugged cliffs for species like the Griffon Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Western Rock Nuthatch, and Crag Martin. We then continue to Sandanski, a resort town known for its thermal springs and mild climate, checking in before a welcome dinner to discuss the upcoming expedition.

(24.04.2027): Lake Kerkini (Northern Greece) – Mediterranean Birding Paradise

Today is dedicated to Northern Greece’s Lake Kerkini, a top European spring birdwatching site just across the border. We will search the wetlands and marshes for Great White and Dalmatian Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorant, Eurasian Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Black Stork, Little Bittern, and various herons (Purple, Squacco, Night). The reedbeds ring with the songs of Penduline Tit, Great Reed, Savi’s, and Cetti’s Warblers. Exploring nearby forests, steppes, and arid hillsides, we will target Levant Sparrowhawk, Long-legged Buzzard, Eagle Owl, Rock Partridge, Wryneck, and several woodpeckers (Grey-headed, Lesser Spotted, Syrian). Additional targets include Masked, Woodchat, and Lesser Grey Shrikes, Semi-collared Flycatcher, Olivaceous Warbler, Calandra Lark, Red-rumped Swallow, and Cirl and Ortolan Buntings. In the late afternoon, we return to Bulgaria to spend the night in Ognyanovo, famous for its mineral baths.

(25.04.2027): Devin & Trigrad – Realm of the Wallcreeper & Brown Bear

A 2-hour transfer brings us to the dramatic Trigrad Gorge, premier habitat for the Wallcreeper. Among vertical limestone cliffs, fast streams, and coniferous forests, we will search for Peregrine Falcon, Alpine Swift, Crag Martin, Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Coal Tit, and Goldcrest. In the late afternoon, the group splits into subgroups of four to enter specialized observation hides deep in prime territory, spending the evening watching for Brown Bears. Afterwards, we transfer to the spa town of Devin for our overnight stay.

(26.04.2027): Madzharovo – Volcanic Crater & Raptor Hotspot

In the morning, we take a scenic drive east toward the Arda River valley and the Eastern Rhodopes, reaching Madzharovo—a striking landscape formed by an ancient volcanic crater. As pine forests yield to jagged cliffs and open oak woodlands, the regional birdlife shifts dramatically. We arrive in time for an afternoon introduction to the Balkans' premier raptor sanctuary. Overnight in Madzharovo.

(27.04.2027): Eastern Rhodopes – Raptors & Songbirds

Spend the day exploring the Eastern Rhodopes, a birdwatching paradise of scenic rock formations, clear rivers, wild orchids, and rich wildlife. We will search for soaring scavengers and birds of prey, including Egyptian, Griffon, and Golden Eagles, Booted and Lesser Spotted Eagles, Long-legged Buzzard, Black Kite, and Eleonora’s Falcon. Wetland and rocky habitat species include Black Stork, Chukar, Blue Rock Thrush, Western Rock Nuthatch, and Sardinian, Olive-tree, and Eastern Bonelli's Warblers, alongside Cirl, Ortolan, and Rock Buntings. Overnight in Madzharovo.

Sakar Mountains & Burgas Wetlands – Imperial Eagles & Via Pontica Flyway

After morning birding around Madzharovo, we drive east into the Sakar Mountains, a region of rolling hills and pastures. Key targets here include the Eastern Imperial, Lesser Spotted, Short-toed, and Booted Eagles, Long-legged Buzzard, and Lesser Kestrel. We will also search for Isabelline Wheatear, Olive-tree Warbler, Masked, Woodchat, and Red-backed Shrikes, and Cirl, Rock, and Black-headed Buntings. Later, we head toward the Southern Black Sea coast to Burgas, where we stay for the next two nights.

(29.04.2027): Via Pontica – Four Wetlands & Migrating Birds

Spend a relaxed day exploring the rich wetland complexes surrounding Burgas, key stopovers along the Via Pontica flyway. We will visit the salt pans of Atanasovsko Lake (a nature reserve with Bulgaria's highest species count), shallow Lake Vaya, and the reedbeds of Mandra Lake and Poda Lagoon. Target species include Dalmatian and White Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorant, Squacco Heron, Avocet, Kentish Plover, Whiskered and Little Terns, Mediterranean and Slender-billed Gulls, and Great Reed Warbler. Waders include Terek, Broad-billed, Wood, Marsh, and Curlew Sandpipers, alongside Greenshank and Spotted Redshank.

(30.04.2027): Burgas – Sofia – Morning Birding & Transfer to Sofia

Spend the final morning scanning the coastal wetlands and coves around Burgas for missed rarities, gulls, or late migrants. In the afternoon, we transfer west across the Thracian Valley back to Sofia. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the tour's highlights. Overnight in Sofia.

(01.05.2027): Sofia & Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by free time to explore Sofia's historic landmarks—such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral—depending on your flight schedule. Included transfers to Sofia Airport ensure a smooth conclusion to your Balkan birdwatching journey.

Experience the ultimate 9-day spring birdwatching journey across the Balkans, expertly crafted by Traventuria. From the sheer cliffs of the Western Rhodopes to the renowned habitats of Greece’s Lake Kerkini and Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, this guided small-group adventure is timed perfectly for peak breeding season and spring migration along the ancient Via Pontica flyway.

Key Destination Highlights:

Trigrad Gorge: Search for the elusive Wallcreeper amid dramatic limestone walls.

Lake Kerkini & Burgas Wetlands: Spot massive colonies of waterbirds and migrants in rich wetland ecosystems.

Madzharovo: Explore a premier raptor sanctuary surrounded by rugged volcanic landscapes.

Target Avian Species Include:

Raptors & Vultures: Egyptian, Cinereous, and Griffon Vultures, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk, and Red-footed Falcon.

Waterbirds & Waders: Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Black Stork, Ferruginous Duck, Whiskered Tern, and Mediterranean Gull.

Passerines & Specialists: Wallcreeper, Rock Nuthatch, Sombre Tit, Blue Rock Thrush, Paddyfield Warbler, Olive-tree Warbler, Barred Warbler, Bonelli’s Warbler, Roller, Calandra Lark, Masked Shrike, Isabelline Wheatear, Pied Wheatear, and Black-headed Bunting.

Join our expert local naturalists for an unforgettable, bird-rich expedition. Places are limited—book your spot today!

Gallery

Bulgaria & Northern Greece: Spring Migration Magic

✓ What's included

- Accommodation: 3-star hotels and top-rated guesthouses with en-suite twin rooms on a bed-and-breakfast basis;
- Transportation: ground transport is included in the basic price. You will be travelling in one of the minibuses from Traventuria's fleet;
- English-speaking tour guide throughout the entire trip;
- Scoping tube;
- VAT and all local taxes

✕ Not included

- Flight tickets;
- Insurance;
- Other meals besides breakfast;
- Late (after 4 pm) airport transfer on the day of arrival;
- Personal expenses;
- Tour extensions;
- Tips.

Request a booking

Dates 23 Apr – 1 May 2027

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Date 23 Apr – 1 May 2027

Duration 9 days

Group size 7 (min 2)

Languages English

Guide Georgi Gerdzhikov

Countries Bulgaria Greece

Bulgaria & Northern Greece: Spring Migration Magic