Bulgaria: An Autumn Wildlife Odyssey

Day 1. Sofia to Plovdiv: The Journey Begins
Your tour begins at Sofia Airport, where you’ll meet your guide. Morning and early afternoon arrivals will be transferred to Sofia’s city center to enjoy free time exploring the capital’s landmarks at leisure.

At 16:00, the group officially departs for Plovdiv, the cultural heart of Bulgaria and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Please note that arrivals after this time will require a separate transfer for an additional fee. Plovdiv provides a fantastic first insight into the country’s layered history and vibrant atmosphere. After checking into our 3-star hotel, we gather for a welcome dinner to meet the group and discuss the wildlife highlights awaiting us.

Day 2. Nature in Action: Vultures, Eagles, and Pelicans
We head to the rugged Balkan Mountains for a high-intensity wildlife spectacle. Near the town of Kotel, we’ve arranged a private vulture feeding specifically for our group. It is a raw, powerful scene as dozens of Griffon and Black Vultures descend from the thermals. You’ll likely see Golden Jackals and Foxes darting in, providing a rare look at the fierce competition between Europe’s scavengers. In the afternoon, we move to the Karnobat Highlands, where the rolling hills act as a natural funnel for migrating eagles and buzzards. We finish the day at the southern pans of Atanasovsko Lake. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Burgas.

Day 3: The Via Pontica Flyway: Sea, Lagoons and Salt Pans
Today, we immerse ourselves in the most vital section of the Black Sea migration corridor. Moving south through the Bourgas wetland complex, we explore the northern salt pans of  Atanasovo Lake, a critical stopover site for thousands of migrating waders. After exploring Bourgas Lake for pelicans, ducks and other waders, we stop at the Poda Lagoon to explore a mosaic of habitats, keeping an eye out for migrants that follow the Via Pontica route. Our final stop is Mandra Lake, where we scan the reedbeds for rarities.

Day 4: The Bourgas Bottleneck: Rarities and Migration
We dedicate another day to this avian crossroads to monitor the intensity of the fall migration. We will explore fresh and saline habitats, as well as quiet sea coves, looking for diverse gulls, terns, and ducks. These wetlands are a true paradise for waders, and we will scan the mudflats for both common migrants and seasonal rarities. If the sky is clear, we will celebrate the last sun rays, making the colors of the salt pans and their birdlife even more vivid and photogenic.

Day 5: Pomorie Lagoon & The Road to Plovdiv
We begin the morning at the Pomorie Lagoon, where a narrow sandbar separates the saline waters from the sea. This is a premier location for specialized gulls, terns, and often elegant flamingos. In the afternoon, we leave the coast and transfer west to Plovdiv. This journey back to the Thracian Valley allows for a relaxing evening in Bulgaria’s cultural capital, strategically positioning us for a shorter climb into the high Rhodope Mountains tomorrow.

Day 6: Into the Rhodopes & Brown Bear Viewing
We head deep into the ancient forests of the Western Rhodope Mountains. Upon arrival, you’ll be introduced to local rangers who will brief the group on Brown Bear behaviour and tracking conditions. Our daytime explorations include guided treks through prime wildlife territory to identify fresh tracks and mammal sign. As evening approaches, we will split into small groups of four to enter the specialized bear observation hides. Positioned at a site frequented by Red Deer and Wild Boar, we hope to watch Brown Bears from a distance of just 20–30 meters.

Day 7: Trigrad Gorge & Return to Sofia
Our morning is dedicated to the vertical world of the Trigrad Gorge. Towering limestone walls create a dramatic backdrop as we focus on rock-dwelling birds and forest specialties. For those interested in a subterranean adventure, there is an option to visit the Devil’s Throat Cave—a legendary site featuring one of the highest cave halls in Europe and a massive underground waterfall. In the afternoon, we leave the rugged beauty of the Rhodopes and begin our transfer back to Sofia for a final farewell dinner.

Day 8: Breakfast & Departure
After a final breakfast at our hotel, the tour concludes. Transfers to Sofia Airport will be provided for all participants, regardless of their scheduled flight time, ensuring a seamless end to your Bulgarian adventure.

Price: 985 euros

The price includes:

• Professional English-speaking wildlife guide
• All transportation costs
• Accommodation: Centrally located or close to the ewildlife sites, 3-star hotels with en-suite double/twin rooms on a bed & breakfast basis (ordering packed lunch is possible for each of the days; good restaurants will be suggested by your guide for dinner). Single room supplement:175 euros
• Welcome dinner on the first day
• Entrance ticket to Poda Nature Reserve

The price does not include:

• Other meals
• Personal expenses
• Tips