Summary
Short breaks for busy people… Let us take you during your weekend to Rodopi Mountains, where you can have the chance to see a lifer for you – the elusive Wallcreeper. The rocks by the tiny Trigrad village are one of the best places in Europe for this species, where you can have the chance to see also many other rock dwelling birds. No the least this is another part of Bulgaria, much different in spiritual and cultural aspect compared to the Eastern parts of the mountains. After visiting the gorge we will go for a short hike to enjoy also some birds, inhabiting the steppe habitats by the town of Plovdiv and if time available – to see few other rarities along Maritsa River.

Itinerary

Day 1. Transfer from Sofia or Plovdiv to the village Trigrad (2,30 h drive from Plovdiv and 3,30-4,00 h drive from Sofia). If we start in the morning we will have plenty of time in the area to see also some other interesting birds like Peregrine Falcon, Alpine Swift, Black Woodpecker, Black Redstart, Crag Martin, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Rock Bunting, Common Crossbill and Nutcracker. Short stroll in the Devil’s Throat Cave is also a possible. It has its name from the fact that if you let something flow in the cave river it never comes out again. There is a cave waterfall – one of the highest underground waterfalls in Europe, 42 m high. We stay overnight in Trigrad.

Day 2. In the morning we will go to the gorge trying to find the Wallcreeper. One should have strong neck muscles because we may spend few hours in attempts to spot the hidden bird on the cliffs. In the afternoon we head for the town of Plovdiv where we stay overnight. If there is enough time we will stop for a while on the hills by the town of Pazardzhik (Calandra Lark, Isabelline Wheatear, Long-legged Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle).

Day 3. Depending on your schedule (flight or business) we either head to Sofia or if you do not have to get back early (or you have to remain in Plovdiv with no other plans for this day) we continue to Maritsa River. This part of the trip will enlarge your checklist for sure. Target species (especially during May-July) are: Levant Sparrowhawk, Roller, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Syrian Woodpecker, Red-backed Shrikes, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike, Golden Oriole, Spanish Sparrows, Black-headed Bunting etc. In the afternoon you have a transfer to Sofia or Plovdiv.

* It is possible to extend the program to 4-5 days if you wish to visit the Eastern part of the Rodopi Mountains, providing the exclusive opportunity to enjoy Griffon, Black and Egyptian Vultures at one place, Black Stork, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Nuthatch, Short-toed Eagle, Woodchat Shrike, many other birds of prey and great variety of warblers. Please contact us for itinerary ideas and special quotation.

Extensions: Yes, Black Sea

This is a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay in Bulgaria for one week more at the incredibly low price! We can offer a great variety of means of accommodation – from home stays (no meals) to 2, 3 and 4-star hotels (BB or HB) on the Southern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast:
- Sunny Beach – a big modern resort with hundreds of hotels, cafes, pubs, casinos, water-sports facilities etc.
- Nessebar, Sozopol – small towns (founded by the ancient Greeks) with picturesque Old Quarters and a specific atmosphere.
- Lozenetz – a peaceful small village with a beautiful beach. Only 4-5 km from the forests of the Strandzha Mountains where you can go walking, biking or riding horses.

Accommodation: We stay overnight in small hotels on HB (breakfast and dinner included). All rooms are equipped with private facilities. Ordering lunchpacks is also possible.

Guide: Yes, English-speaking.

Price: € 360 per person for 1 person

Price: € 280 per person for 2 or more

Ask for customized tour with special discount for your group here !

The price includes: transfers from/to Sofia or Plovdiv and throughout the whole journey, guiding according program, accommodation in family-run hotels with private facilities; boarding on HB with breakfast & dinner included.
The price includes: alcohol drinks, cigarettes and other personal expenses, entrance fee for caves, VAT and all local taxes.

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