Spring in the Hortobágy
May TBA, 2011
$TBA plus airfare
* Please see price note below

Steppes and Forests in Autumn
October 17-24, 2010
$2,275
* Please see price note below

TOUR DESCRIPTIONS

Spring in the Hortobágy - TBA

We visit the fabulous steppes, lakes, and marshes of the Hortobágy and the Hungarian forests at the peak of the breeding season. Join us for some of the best birdwatching in Europe!

The sweeping landscapes of the steppe country extend across a huge swathe of temperate Eurasia, eastwards to Mongolia and beyond. In only one place does a part of this vast steppe wilderness extend a finger into Europe - the plains of Eastern Hungary. This is the Hortobágy, an ancient flood-plain of steppe grasslands - green and lush in May -and ancient meadows interspersed with marshes and pools. Apart from the odd scattered woodland, nothing breaks the skyline of this immense open landscape reminiscent of the South American pampas, which contains not only steppe grasslands, but also a chain of wetlands of international importance. The famous Hortobágy Puszta was once a wild place of fishermen, shepherds and horsemen. This ancient landscape is still grazed by herds of the huge, long-horned Hungarian Grey Cattle, descendants of the hardy cattle driven here by the original Hungarian horsemen more than a thousand years ago. Shepherd dogs, some looking like small bears, run circles around the herds of the strange Racka Sheep, also of ancient lineage, while herds of pigs, including the ancient 'woolly pig' also roam free. One of Europe's largest national parks, the Hortobágy offers some of Europe's most exciting birdwatching.

During our visit we shall also go up into the forests of the Zemplen Hills, for a range of raptors and other forest specialities. These green, rolling, forest-swathed hills, with the famous Tokaj vineyards clothing their southern slopes, are home to a superb range of central European forest specialities, including Eastern Imperial Eagle, Ural Owl, and an astonishing nine species of woodpecker - and we could see them all on the same day!

Accommodation : Good hotels with all rooms en suite. For lunches we usually visit some excellent local restaurants, or picnic in the forest.

Leaders : Tim Earl and a local guide

Numbers : Maximum 14 clients

The price per person includes, 7 nights' accommodation, all meals, incidental tips, coach transport and the services of the leaders.

The price does NOT include airfare to Budapest, holiday insurance, optional tips for the driver and local guide, drinks, and other items of a personal nature.

Check out our detailed itinerary for Spring in the Hortobágy.

Steppes and Forests in Autumn
October TBA

We visit the fabulous steppes, lakes, and marshes of the Hortobágy and the Hungarian forests at the very best time for the spectacular migration of cranes and geese. Join us for some of the best autumn birdwatching in Europe!

The sweeping landscapes of the steppe country extend across a huge swathe of temperate Eurasia, eastwards to Mongolia and beyond. In only one place does a part of this vast steppe wilderness just stretch into Europe - the plains of Eastern Hungary. This is the Hortobágy, an ancient flood-plain that contains not only steppe grasslands, but also a chain of wetlands of international importance. One of Europe's largest national parks, the Hortobágy offers some of Europe's most exciting birdwatching, particularly in the autumn.

This is the main eastern flyway for Cranes in Europe. At their peak, there may be no less than 60,000 of these magnificent birds in the area. The sight of squadron upon squadron of them filling the sky with their wings, and the air with their calls as they go to roost, must surely be one of Europe's great wildlife spectacles.

During our stay we shall also go up into the forests of the Zemplen Hills, for a range of raptors and other forest specialities, including owls and woodpeckers, which are often relatively easy to see at this time of year.

Accommodation : Good hotels with all rooms en suite.

Leaders : Mike Read and local guides

Numbers : Max.14 clients

The price per person includes 7 nights' accommodation, all meals, transport, incidental tips, and the services of the leaders.

The price excludes round-trip airfare to Budapest, holiday insurance, optional tips for the driver and local leader, drinks, and other personal expenses.

Check out our detailed itinerary for Steppes and Forests in Autumn.

* Please note price is based on the pound sterling as of TBA  and can fluctuate depending on the value of the U.S. Dollar to the pound sterling. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at final billing, 90 days prior to departure.

All Caligo Ventures Tours and other programs are subject to our Standard Terms and Conditions. Please review them prior to any purchase.