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An expert led tour of the Lake Kerkini area mainly looking at birdlife but also butterflies and dragonflies. A wonderful area for wildlife with delightful villages and a great local hotel by the lakeside. The two guides were excellent at pointing out features and identifying birds and wildlife.
A.D. West Sussex
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Go Slow in Northern Greece
Tour Code: GRC13A relaxed-paced, 8-day birdwatching holiday to Lake Kerkini, one of the finest wetlands in Greece.
8 days
from
£1,995 (Inc flights)
£1,995 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£1,745
£1,745
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Contained by the natural barriers of the Kerkini Mountains to the north and the Mavrovouni Mountains to the south, Lake Kerkini lies close to the Bulgarian border in northern Greece, and is renowned as one of the finest wetland sites in Europe. The lake and its surrounding regions are the focus of this tour, which begins with a direct 3-hour flight from London to Thessaloniki and a 2-hour drive to a lakeside hotel; our base for the next seven nights. Although most famous for its breeding populations of endangered Dalmatian Pelicans and Pygmy Cormorants, the huge heronry in the centre of Lake Kerkini at this time of year provides sanctuary for a wealth of other waterbirds, including numerous egrets, Spoonbills, Night, Purple and Squacco Herons. As we explore the surrounding countryside we will be captivated by the sights and sounds of spring as Bee-eaters swoop down acrobatically in pursuit of insects and Golden Orioles utter their fluty calls from stands of trees. Red-backed, Woodchat and delicate Masked Shrikes wreak havoc among the local insect population, whilst Black-headed, Cirl and Corn Buntings sing from roadside bushes. A wide variety of warblers, including Subalpine, Olivaceous and Olive-tree — the latter something of a speciality of northern Greece — should also be in song, although their more covert nature may make them somewhat harder to observe. As we explore further afield we should also find Lesser Spotted, Short-toed and Booted Eagles soaring overhead, Black Storks, Penduline Tits and Great Reed Warblers around the lakeshore and Western Rock Nuthatches, Rock Thrushes and both Ortolan and Rock Buntings on the nearby mountain slopes.
- Relaxing boat trips to view nesting water birds
- Daily passage of migrant birds
- Breeding Dalmatian Pelicans
- Exciting breeding species such as Olive Tree Warbler and Masked Shrike
- Comfortable lakeside single-centre base
- Delicious local cuisine and warm hospitality
- Guided by an expert Naturetrek naturalist
Grading
A conventional natural history tour including gentle walks.NULL
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Thessalonika; drive Lake Kerkini
Day 2/7
Exploration of Lake Kerkini and surrounding areas
Day 8
Drive Thessalonika and fly UK
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
We stay in a comfortable hotel with views of Lake Kerkini, each room with private facilities.
- Food:
All meals are included in the price.
Reviews
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Relaxed, well-led and thoroughly enjoyable trip. Boat trips atmospheric and superb.
R.R. Antrim -
Some wonderful birdlife and excellent boat trip. Liked hotel location and view of lake.
J.R. Northumberland
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Tue 6th May – Tue 13th May
SPACES
£1,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,745
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
