Poland in Spring

I loved exploring new places and the unknown of what we would see everyday was tantalising and exciting. We saw a Pygmy Owl, I love owls! Luca our tour leader was excellent. He is without a doubt one the best naturalists I have ever met and I cannot recommend him highly enough. He had extensive knowledge which he readily shared, and was always ready to find answers to questions. His good humour and patience and thoughtful manner shone through. He was always thinking of every detail to help us get the best from our trip and he balanced the different needs to the group exceptionally well I thought. Piotr our local guide was also excellent. He was so enthusiastic and energetic and worked incredibly hard to make sure we saw as many species of birds as possible. His knowledge was excellent and his local knowledge and connections seemed to open lot of doors for us. Having both these guides gave us plenty of options to determine the pace of our trip for ourselves as they balanced each other well. I enjoyed this trip enormously and would recommend it.

C.C. Devon, May 24

Another very good wildlife trip with Naturetrek, well organised to give every opportunity to see the unique wildlife of the ancient forests and the river basin in Poland...Our evening view of a lynx sitting on a forest path was magical! We were even completing our full list of woodpeckers in Warsaw just before boarding the flight for home! Our leaders were most impressive and in particular -Peter did everything to enquire our tour was so worthwhile.

A.C. Hampshire

Our guides were both excellent and knew exactly where to find the birds within a few minutes of leaving the coach. Lukas is very knowledgeable on Poland and its history and keep us very well informed throughout the journey. The driver was helpful, courteous, smartly dressed and provided us with lots of very welcome hot drinks.

R.G. Norfolk

Very knowledgeable leaders and the local guide made this trip amusing and interesting. I enjoyed the holiday very much…it was extremely well organised and executed…the guides worked very hard indeed to satisfy the groups appetite for seeing as many birds and animals as possible.

V.P. Berkshire

On this holiday the leaders showed a willingness to accept that clients have different degrees of knowledge, commitment, and stamina. I was especially pleased with the calm manner in which they dealt with individuals needs yet still maintained a high level of guidance with regard to the wildlife.

D.D. London

This is my third Naturetrek holiday and they have all been superb. Obviously a high level of research and preparation went into the tour and the range of birds we saw was fantastic.

R.G. Oxfordshire

The holiday was excellent. The sightings of birds were brilliant but the bonding within the group and leaders really made it special. Everyone got on so well together, the two leaders complimented each other with their knowledge. Members of the group also helped with spotting the birds, and ensuring all other members of the group got to see all the birds by sharing their scopes at all times.... I had a great time and would have been very happy to catch the other coach going to the Pension Unikat (accommodation) to start their holiday.

M.A. Kent

As always a brilliant nature watching trip at two centres. Close up Bison and Elk were obvious bonuses but the birds did not disappoint either with well over 150 species many of which not found in Britain. Prize spots include Pygmy Owl, Corncrake, Common Rosefinch, Lesser Spotted Eagle amongst others. Beautiful hotel setting in the marshes, with a host of species in hotel grounds and the pretty forest village full of great habitats. Accommodation great with good food and great settings. Very necessary tiring days with satisfied sleep at nine (couldn't stay awake any longer). Up at six to the sound of Thrush Nightingale. What more could we ask.

R.P. Hampshire

An excellent week's holiday seeing the birdlife and other natural history in Poland. We stayed at two centres in the east, firstly near the forests, then in the marshland further north. Accommodation was excellent, as was the the wildlife that could be seen at both bases. Besides the key birds it was wonderful to see Bison close up in the early morning dew and mist.

D.F. Norfolk

This was our first 'Bird Watching' holiday, until now we had been bird watching whilst on holiday and we were delighted with every aspect of the holiday. Out trip leader Paul Tucker... was brilliant, but even his wide knowledge was surpassed by Oliwier our local guide. His knowledge habitats and knowledge of exactly where to take us to view particular species was exceptional. There were highlights everyday, to be taken to a particular tree in 100 sq. miles of forest to find a Pygmy Owl unbelievable. We loved every minute and have already booked our next holiday. Hotels, food, transport were all first class. We cannot recommend Naturetrek too highly.

B.R. Buckinghamshire

Many thanks for a first rate trip, well organised by the leaders in the field to provide a great birding experience in congenial company. Hard to improve on.

Mr A. Suffolk

We did not know what to expect on this holiday or what the wildlife and nature would be like. We were very happy with what we saw and did. Peter Dunn our leader was excellent in every way and his knowledge of the areas visited and the wildlife were outstanding.

S.W. Cambridgeshire

Peter Dunn - first class, enthusiastic, interesting, caring and engaging. Great time all round - even the weather was wonderful!!

J.S. Cambridgeshire

The staff at Unicat in Bialowieski gave me some excellent vegetarian food even thinking that when it was sausage day at breakfast I got a cheese fritter. All evening vegetarian meals were varied and tasted great. Liked the Bartek hotel, especially its location and we had a nice room. Overall a great week.

J.F. Essex

Thought that the leader Peter Dunn was excellent in his management of the group and the itinerary. He worked well with the local guide and together they adjusted the itinerary according to the weather.

J.S. Warwickshire

Everything was well organised and enjoyable. The leaders worked trips well around the weather forecast so that birds were easier to see.

S.S. Warwickshire

Andrzej Petryna's local knowledge of the birds and other wildlife at both locations was really impressive, as were his ID skills. The relatively small group size (we were the 'overflow' group) was a definite plus, particularly when birding in the forest. Highlights were very good views of most of the European Woodpeckers (including four I've not seen before) and also 'filling the scope' views of two bison and a young elk. The habitats at both locations were terrific.

C.W. Essex

I enjoy watching birds, particularly seeing on holiday those which are difficult to see in England. I cannot identify bird song, and have difficulty in spotting birds and identifying some of them, so it was very satisfying to have a leader of the calibre of Peter Dunn who was very kind and patient in ensuring the group saw each bird before moving on. Przemek was excellent in showing birds through his telescope and was charming, cheerful and humorous. They were both very good in modifying the itinerary when the weather was adverse.

J.S. Nottinghamshire

Well organised from start to finish. A very competent tour guide worked hard in the interests of the group and communicated very well, sharing his enthusiasm & knowledge freely. The choice and location of the 2 hotels was excellent.

S.S. Leicestershire

This was my first Naturetrek holiday and I can't believe what I've been missing! The siting of the two hotels were perfect... I won't forget waking one night and listening to the bitterns booming and the marsh frogs croaking.

M.V. Northumberland