 Birdwatching tour (guided)
South Moravia and South Bohemia abound with bird reserves and sanctuaries. Over the rare wetlands and numerous ponds of these two regions, many species of water fowl can be sighted, with the accompanying commentary of an expert ornitologist.
(Check the waypoints of this tour on our Interactive Map)
| Day 1 | Vienna - Mikulov
You will be picked up at Vienna Airport or your Vienna hotel, and transferred to the Czech border town of Mikulov, an ancient and historic town, bordering on several natural areas. At that evening’s welcome dinner, you will meet your fellow bird-watchers and your guide, a local ornithologist.
Overnight in Mikulov.
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| Day 2,3 | Mikulov
This part of South Moravia is the warmest corner of the Czech Republic, and features a unique collection of startlingly diverse natural areas. Among the white limestone Palava Hills, you will fancy yourself to be in sunny Italy. The call of the Syrian Woodpecker can be heard even in town; the other species of woodpecker (Black, Grey-headed, Green, Great-spotted, Middle-spotted, Lesser-spotted and Wryneck) together provide the full collection of European species of lowland woodpeckers. Hawfinch is one of the commonest species, as well as the Serin, the Collared Flycatcher and the Black Redstart. The Lednice fishponds and Nove Mlyny water reservoirs are two distinct habitats, with high numbers of northern species of geese (Bean, White-fronted), wintering White-tailed eagles, Smews and already-displaying Red-crested Pochard. The floodplain forests host Red and Black Kites, the very rare Saker, and the Palava limestones’ Peregrine Falcon.
Overnight in Mikulov.
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| Day 4,5 | Trebon
We will travel to the South Bohemian town of Trebon, a lowland area with numerous lakes and ponds, interconnected by canals, all created by man in the Middle Ages. The extensive wetlands and bogs surrounding the lovely historic town of Trebon are a UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserve. White-tailed Eagles are the symbol of the lake area of South Bohemia. More than 200 fishponds of all sizes and shapes, many rivers, and broad-leafed and coniferous forests attract more different bird species than any other area in the Czech Republic. Goldeneye, Marsh Harrier, Bluethroat, Penduline Tit are common at moat of the large fishponds, and Pygmy, Tengmalm´s Owls often call from spruce forests. Last winter’s visitors are still here, including Smew, Goosander, Been Geese.
Overnight in Trebon.
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| Day 6 | Cesky Krumlov
We will take a break from bird-watching and stop to experience Cesky Krumlov, a magically beautiful town built over a bend in the Vltava River, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see there a fabulous castle, surrounded by a perfectly preserved medieval town, with little winding streets, museums and galleries, cafes and restaurants.
Overnight in Cesky Krumlov.
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| Day 7,8 | Sumava
After breakfast we will transfer to the Sumava National Park in Western Bohemia. The Sumava Black Grouse can be found just a few miles from the hotel, and woodpeckers are in the top of their activity. Sumava National Park is the biggest of 4 National Parks in the Czech Republic, with an area of 69 000 ha. It is a beautiful area of forests (mainly spruce), meadows and peat bogs. Among the most interesting are owls and woodpeckers, including the Pygmy Owl, Tengmalm´s Owl, and very new population of Ural Owl, and also Black, Grey-headed,Three-toed and even White-backed Woodpeckers. There is also a good chance of seeing the Nutcracker, the Great Grey Shrike, the Ring Ouzel (Central Europe subspecies alpestris), the Firecrest, and others. |
| Day 9 | Prague
After breakfast we leave for Prague, and a one-day tour of this magnificent city. Your will see the main historic sights, including Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, the Old Town and its main square, and much more. In the evening tour will come to a close, with a farewell dinner in a traditional Prague restaurant.
Overnight in Prague.
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| Day 10 | Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. |
| Price (per person): |
EUR 1,985 (based on twin-bedded room) |
| Single supplement: |
EUR 350 |
| Price includes: |
• accommodation with breakfast and dinner 10 nights
• transportation by air-conditioned minibus
• professional services of a trained guide
• tickets to all visited sites
• value added tax |
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Greenways
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