Summary
This tour is designed for nature lovers and those who would like to discover Bulgaria in a different way. We have divided the itinerary into 2 parts – starting with bear-watching around Devin (West Rhodope Mountains) and then continue with bird-watching in the area of Madjarovo (East Rhodope Mountains) and Topolovgrad (Sakar Mountains).
The best possible time for this tour is from end April to beginning June. You will be accompanied by professionals and learn a lot about the brown bear and bird life of Bulgaria. There are some 550-600 brown bears still living here in the wild. And nearly 75% of all European species of birds can be seen in Bulgaria. This tour involves some walking in order to reach the best observation points. Binoculars and good cameras are essential – so don’t forget your equipment, whatever you do!
Tour highlights
- Bear-watching in the wild areas of Western Rhodope Mountains
- 100% guaranteed vulture observation in Eastern Rhodope Mountains
- Family-run accommodations and friendly hosts
- Lots of options for day walks in the mountains
Tour information
Price per person: 1690 € (valid for a group of 6 people)
Price for private tour: 3250 € (valid for a group of 2 people)
Single room supplement: 250 €
Dates available on request.
Day by day itinerary:
Arrive in Sofia – the capital of Bulgaria. From the airport we make a transfer to Devin. The town is in the vast Rhodopi Mountains and is famous for its healing mineral waters. Of course, it is also famous due to the population of brown bears. The bears live in the wild and usually can be seen at nighttime. Enjoy a traditional meal for dinner and discuss the tour with your guide.
Transfer: 3.00 hours
Night stop: Devin
Accommodation: Family-run guesthouse
Included Meals: Dinner
Activities during the day, bear watching tour at the end of the day:
During the day we could observe the bird biodiversity of the region, consisting of 141 nesting species, 68 of which are endangered. We will go after the Corn Crake, the Saker Falcon and the Lesser Kestrel (SPEC 1). Furthermore, this territory is of great importance for the conservation of the Goldcrest, Black Woodpecker, Hazel Hen, the Western Capercaillie, Grey-headed Woodpecker, the Peregrine Falcon, the Golden Eagle, etc.
If we have enough time we can also visit the Trigrad Gorge and the Devil’s Throat Cave (famous with its high underground waterfall). There are some walking routes in the vicinity of Devin too. Just ask your guide!
At sunset we make a short transfer with 4×4 jeeps and then a walk in the forest to reach the best observation point. In order to observe bears in their natural habitat we will stay in a special hideout. Return back to Trigrad for overnight – this can be very late and it depends on you how long we stay in the hideouts.
Transfer: 1.00 hour
Night stop: Trigrad village
Accommodation: 3* Family-run Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Optional activities during the day, bear watching tour at the end of the day:
- Horse-back riding in the forests of Rodopi Mountain.
- A hike on the Devin-river Eco-path.
- Swimming pools and spa-centers in Devin.
In the evening we once again travel to our hideouts for another bear-watching tour. Return back to Trigrad for dinner and overnight.
Night stop: Trigrad village
Accommodation: 3* Family-run Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer from Devin to the Eastern Rhodope Mountains. This will be a long transfer, which will show us much of Bulgaria’s nature. On the way we stop for some bird watching at Studen Kladenets Dam. In the afternoon we visit the nature information and conservation center in Madjarovo. This is Bulgaria’s realm for birds of prey. On spot we will learn more about the conservation projects of the local people and their work for preserving the vultures. Enjoy a traditional meal for dinner at a family-run guesthouse in The Wild Farm.
Transfer: 4.00 hours
Night stop: Gorno Pole Village
Accommodation: Family-run farm “The Wild Farm”
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we spend time in Madjarovo area, which is a true paradise for nature lovers. A large part of it is declared a nature reserve which provides good living conditions for its inhabitants. You can observe the following bird species: Griffon Vultures, Black Storks, Black and Egyptian Vultures, Long-legged Buzzards, Golden and Short-toed Eagles, Peregrine Falcons. Bird watching can be combined with hiking.
Transfer: 0.50 hours
Night stop: Gorno Pole Village
Accommodation: Family-run farm “The Wild Farm”
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer to Topolovgrad and birdwatching in Sakar Mountains. During the breeding season in Sakar you will have the chance to see Black Stork, Goshawk, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Woodchat, Lesser Grey and Masked Shrikes, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler, Wheatear, Black-headed Bunting, etc.
Transfer: 1.50 hours
Night stop: Topolovgrad
Accommodation: Family-run hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend some time in Sakar Mountains for more birdwatching there. In the early afternoon, we make a long transfer back to Sofia. This evening your guide will show you around and suggest places for dinner.
Transfer: 3.20 hours
Night stop: Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Tour ends in Sofia:
This is the last day of this tour. We make a sightseeing tour of Sofia and see the main cultural highlights like the Alexander Nevski Cathedral.
Transfer to Sofia Airport.
Transfer: 0.50 hours
Included Meals: Breakfast
The price includes:
- accommodation in family-run 3* hotels
- 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners
- professional English-speaking guide specialized in wildlife
- all wildlife observation activities mentioned in the itinerary
- all transfers according to the program in private minivan or minibus
The price excludes:
- meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- museum entrance fees
- personal expenses
- flights and taxes
- insurance
