Day 1

Landing at Bucharest Airport (Romania), then transfer about 150 km to the village of Vetren, municipality of Silistra town. We will cross the Romanian – Bulgarian border (Danube River) by ferry , where we can expect to see our first species for the trip and some rarities such as Pygmy Cormorant. Vetren village is located in immediate vicinity to the majestic Danube River and the worldwide-renowned managed reserve of the biosphere Srebarna Lake, which is under UNESCO’s aegis as a Monument of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Depending on the time of our arrival we can make a short walk to the Danube River, where we expect to see: Hawfinch, Syrian Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, Fieldfare, Redwing, Rough-legged Buzzard, Merlin. Dinner follows and accommodation at Pelican Birding Lodge for an overnight http://www.pelican-birding-lodge.com/

Day 2

Today transfer to North-Eastern Bulgaria follows, where the main wintering grounds for the Red-breasted Goose are. During the transfer, we will make observation along the road of the Srebarna Nature Reserve, the Bulgarian village of Sratsimir (from where we can observe the Romanian fields of Bugeac Lake for our first flock of geese), and some other spots before our final destination. Accommodation at hotel ‘Our Home’ for 3 nights. The hotel is situated in the town of Kavarna. The scenery from the hotel is spectacular with the glittering blue sea and the nearby hills and valleys. Numerous flocks of geese can often be seen to fly or circle over the hotel. Dinner and overnight at ‘Our Home’ hotel

Day 3

After breakfast a visit to the nature reserve of Kaliakra and Bolata valley and Kamen Briag village. This is a real steppe for, as far as the eye can see, there is only a grassy plain interspersed here and there with scrub and small stunted trees. The steppe is traversed by unexpectedly deep valleys. The coast is rocky, with vertical reddish-orange cliffs falling away from over 100m into the clear bluish green depths of the sea. Here we will have the first opportunity to observe the Red-breasted geese. We hope also to see Wren, Dunnock, Short-eared Owl, White-fronted Goose, Calandra Lark, Crested Lark, and other species. Packed lunch for the day, if the weather permits. After lunch we will make our final visit for the day - Topola cliff , where we hope to see the Eurasian Eagle Owl . Dinner and staying overnight at ‘Our Home’ hotel.

Day 4

A trip to Durankulak Lake and its surrounding areas. A large sandy beach separates the lake from the sea. The lake with its extensive reed-beds and open water is one of the most important wetlands for breeding and migrating birds. Here one can observe the greatest concentration in Europe of the globally threatened Red-breasted Goose (up to 53 000 individuals in 2013), and the White-fronted Goose (at times up to 250 000 individuals). Other interesting and likely sightings are also the globally threatened Lesser White-fronted Goose, Long-legged Buzzard, Rough-legged Buzzard, Calandra Lark and other species. Packed lunch for the day, if the weather permits. Dinner and night at ‘Our Home’hotel.

Day 5

After breakfast, follows a trip to Shabla lake and its surroundings. This area is also of great importance for migrating and breeding birds. The lake is separated from the sea by a long sand bar. The same encounters with birds are likely to happen as on the 4th day. Packed lunch for the day, if the weather permits. After lunch time we slowly drive inland to cross Dobrudza steppes and to reach Danube river valley again for our last overnight at Pelican Birding Lodge, Vetren village. Diner and overnight.

Day 6

After an early breakfast, transfer to Bucharest airport follows, where our tour comes to its end. During the transfer we will make few observations along the road, where possible.