This fifteen day tour is based on centres in the Rhodope Mountains and on the Black Sea Coast. There will be departures available from various UK airports.

Birds remain the focus of the tour, but Maurice Waterhouse’s extensive knowledge of butterflies, flora and fauna, will ensure that you gain a fascinating insight into many aspects of Bulgaria’s natural beauty.

During the first week you will visit some favourite places such as the Ropotamo river, Kamchia, Cape Kaliakra – breeding site for the Pied Wheatear and Calandra Lark – and the lakes and fishponds at Atanassovo and Burgas. In the Danube region you visit Sreburna Lake Reserve – the only Bulgarian nesting site for the Dalmatian Pelican – and the river itself.

In the second week you will travel to the beautiful Rhodope Mountains. By popular request we have extended your stay in Kurdjali to take advantage of the wealth of birds at Studen Kladenets and to visit the Vulture Feeding Station. There should be Eastern Redstart and Chuckar Partridge in this area. Then you travel west to the ski resort of Pamporovo, with excursions to Trigrad Gorge and Dobrostan, where you may see Pallid Swift, Scops Owl, Wall Creeper, Golden Eagle and Alpine Chough.

Bulgaria's magnificent scenery, friendly people and excellent wine and food are additional highlights. The BBFS offers you the benefits of its twenty years' experience of organising tours to Bulgaria, well-known leaders and simply unbeatable prices.

Final details, bird lists and general information will be sent to participants with their tickets. Please note that this is not a luxury holiday. Hotels are comfortable, and in out of the way places, the best available. The holiday is on a Half-Board basis. Our tour price includes a donation to the BSPB to assist their conservation programme.

Sunday 4 June - Departures from various UK airports to Burgas, flight time approximately three and a half hours. Transfer by coach to Nessebur, (about 30 minutes drive) to Hotels Linoff and Flora. Dinner (or a buffet supper for late arrivals) is included.

Monday 5 June - Excursions to Ropotamo, Alepu and Arkutino Reserves. Dinner.

Tuesday 6 June - Travel north to Dobrich, calling at Kamchia Reserve. Two overnights in Hotel Bulgaria. Dinner.

Wednesday 7 June - Excursion to the Danube and Sreburna Lake. Dinner.

Thursday 8 June - Return to Nessebur for three nights. Visit to Cape Kaliakra on the way. Dinner.

Friday 9 June - Excursion to Atanassovo and Burgas Lakes. Dinner.

Saturday 10 June - Excursion to Cape Emona and Sunny Beach. Dinner.

Sunday 11 June - Travel by coach from the coast to Kurdjali in the Rhodope Mountains, for three overnights. Birdwatching stops on the way. Dinner.

Monday 12 June - Excursion to Studen Kladenets and the Vulture Feeding Station. Dinner.

Tuesday 13 June - Visit to Krumovgrad and Dolna Kula. Dinner.

Wednesday 14 June - Drive to Pamporovo with stops on the way to look at flora, butterflies and birds. Three overnights at Hotel Perelik. Dinner.

Thursday 15 June - Visit Trigrad Gorge and Devin. Dinner.

Friday 16 June - Excursion to Dobrostan Reserve. Dinner.

Saturday 17 June - Return by coach via Bachkovo Monastery to Flora and Linoff Hotels in Nessebur. Dinner.

Sunday 18 June - Transfer to Burgas Airport at various times for flights to UK regional airports.

1. Half Board.
2. Good tourist hotels (2* and 3*) with private facilities on a twin bedded shared occupancy basis.
3. UK and Bulgarian Airport Taxes (£33).
4. Coach for transfers and excursions.
5. Guide/Interpreter.
6. Expert British and Bulgarian leaders.
7. Donation to Bulgarian SPB.

1. Flight supplements where applicable.
2. Lunches (about £3 or less).
3. Travel Insurance (compulsory).
4. Drinks and personal expenses.
5. Single room supplement (£85).