Seven nights from £1,065 per person. Departing on 5 May 2012
You'll love this tour if you like:
- Birdwatching
- Nature
- The great outdoors
- The natural beauty of spring
- Stunning scenery
- Mediterranean sunshine
The diverse natural landscape of Lesvos includes many habitats, including woodland, wetlands, rugged coastline, grasslands, hills and high mountains; all of which offer a welcoming natural environment to the native birds of the island and an attractive and rewarding resting ground for the enormous number of migrating birds that travel between Europe, Asia Minor and Africa.
Two characteristics make Lesvos unique for birds: the great diversity of habitats and its basic geography. Located in the eastern Mediterranean, its closest neighbour Turkey, it is positioned in the middle of bird migratory routes. Its rich vegetation and some exceptional wetlands entice both spring and autumn passage migrants, while also playing host to a broad mix of breeding birds such as Cinereous Bunting and Krüper's Nuthatch. To date, around 325 species have been recorded across the island.
The island has three protected nature areas, all of which belong to the ‘European Net for Nature 2000’. One of these is the wetlands of the Gulf of Kalloni, a particular highlight for birdwatchers, which we will visit on the first day of our tour.
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Mytilene, Lesvos, (regional flight from Manchester also available, subject to availability at time of booking and supplement). Transfer to Hotel Panorama in Petra, (approximately one hour), for 7 night stay on bed and breakfast basis. Welcome dinner (included).
Day 2: Skala Kalloni area.
Day 3: Molivos to Petra.
Day 4: Achladeri Plain and area.
Day 5: Free day.
Day 6: The South-West coast including Kalloni East River and the Parakila area.
Day 7: West to Ipsilou and Faneromeni
Day 8: Transfer back to Mytilene for return flight.
NB: The itinerary may vary according tolocal conditions and tour manager’s discretion
Please note: the itinerary will include gentle walking of up to 2–3 hours each day in sometimes ‘wild’ countryside in order to ensure the best opportunity to witness a representative range of birdlife so reasonable fitness and decent footwear with sturdy soles is important. Please note nothing too strenuous will be undertaken.The longest walk will be circa 5kms on a gentle path on Day 3.
INCLUDED
- Return charter flights from London Gatwick to Lesvos, including all payable taxes
- 7 nights' accommodation in standard room on bed and breakfast basis at 3-star Panorama Hotel, Petra based on occupancy of a twin/double room
- Welcome dinner and 4 picnic lunches
- Entrance fees
- Transfers and excursions as detailed
- Tour manager and guide throughout
NOT INCLUDED
- Single room supplement
- Holiday insurance
- Regional flight supplement (available on request)
- Meals other than those stated
- Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls
- Porterage and gratuities
Skala Kalloni Wetlands
The entire sea area is enclosed by the bay with inland wetlands providing an ecosystem that is particularly important for birds. Many rare and protected species are found here. Sixty-six species of migratory birds have been recorded and sixty-eight species of wetland birds remain on a permanent basis here. This premier area should produce a dazzling variety of water birds including herons, crakes, waders and wildfowl. Migrant terns should include White-winged Black and Whiskered Tern, and a wide variety of passerines are also possible.
Molivos to Petra
The beautiful valley track from ancient Molivos Castle to Petra takes us through excellent habitats for a variety of spring migrants, including Golden Oriole, Orphean and Barred Warblers, Red-footed Falcon and Masked Shrike. Another South-East European speciality, Sombre Tit, also breeds in the area.
Achladeri Plain
The Aleppo pine woods of Achladeri offer a chance to see one of the island's real specialities - Krüper's Nuthatch - along with woodland species such as Goshawk, Woodlark and Crossbill. We will also check a variety of local wetland sites for migrants including waders and Black Stork.
Kalloni East River and the Parakila area
The mixture of wetland, woodland and open country in this region should provide opportunities for a host of migrants, including a good variety of raptors such as Short-toed Eagle and Lesser Kestrel, and a chance for the elusive Olive-tree Warbler.
Ipsilou and Faneromeni
A day exploring the island's wildest scenery, including a visit to the remote mountain monastery at Ipsilou. Target species will include Isabelline Wheatear, Levant Sparrowhawk, Rock Sparrow and Cinereous Bunting. The fertile coastal farmland of the Faneromeni area is a magnet for tired and hungry migrants, so we should encounter a rich variety of birds here.
Molyvos (Mithimna)
Molyvos is situated just 5 kilometres from Petra, (where our tour is based), it is considered one of the most beautiful towns on the island. Situated on top of a small hill it is dominated by a medieval castle that was built by the Byzantines and renovated by the Gattelusis, from Genoa. The original castle was conquered by Achilles during the Trojan War. Ancient ruins are scattered around the town including impressive polygonal walls, which archaeologists continue to excavate.
Molyvos itself is a maze of attractive narrow streets lined with stone built houses colourfully capped with red ceramic roofs that rise picturesquely in tiers to the castle. Shops and tavernas fill the pretty streets and a pretty harbour offers an attractive place to enjoy a leisurely evening.
Free day - Exploring the foothills above Petra
For those who wish Steven will be happy to guide a short trip in the local area on your free day. Species encountered may include Middle-spotted Woodpecker, Black-eared Wheatear, Cretzschmar's Bunting, Blue Rock Thrush, Rufous Bush Robin, plus raptors, shrikes and other migrants.
Canada's Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise
Normandy by Eurostar
Istanbul City Breaks
Undiscovered Provence
Rhine Valley by Eurostar
California & the Golden West
Jura Mountains by Rail
Burgundy by Rail
Dutch Masters
