Andalucía, Coto Doñana and Extremadura in the Spring
April TBA, 2011
$ TBA plus airfare
* Please see price note below

Extremadura
September TBA, 2011
$ TBA plus airfare
* Please see price note below

TOUR DESCRIPTIONS

Andalucía, Coto Doñana and Extremadura in the Spring

A spring trip to Spain, at probably the best time of year, when the steppes are in bloom, spring migration is at its peak, and the birding is at its very best!

We begin the tour in Andalucía, in the dry and mountainous coastal area forming one of the great migration channels of Europe, from where huge numbers of birds are arriving from across the Strait of Gibraltar. After a three-night stay here we travel north to the fabled Coto Doñana, one of Europe's largest and most important wetland areas. Here the Guadalquivir empties into a low-lying area of channels and shallow lakes, many of which are given protection within the Parque Nacional de Doñana and adjacent Parque Natural. Although access into the National Park is limited, there is excellent birdwatching available in this surrounding habitat, which varies from streamside and open pinewoods, dry scrub and open fields to the various wetlands.

We then travel north to the wild and beautiful country of Extremadura, about 250km south-west of Madrid, which holds some of Europe's most endangered bird species in their last strongholds. The rolling plains of the "Spanish Steppes" are home to Europe's largest remaining population of its largest bird, Great Bustard, together with good numbers of Little Bustard, and both Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse. This is probably the best area in Europe for raptors, too, with a unique assemblage of species including Black Vulture, Spanish Imperial Eagle and Black-shouldered Kite.

Accommodation: In Andalucía we stay in a 3-star hotel in El Rocio and a 4-star hotel in Zahara with all rooms en suite. In Extremadura we stay at the Finca Santa Marta, a small country hotel delightfully converted from a former olive farm in the Extremadura countryside. All rooms are en suite.

Principal Leader: John Muddeman

Numbers : Maximum 12 clients

Walking: Short walks of 1 - 2 miles on easy trails and footpaths. Optional climb up steps to viewpoint in Monfragüe.

The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of accommodation as detailed above, all meals, minibus transport, admissions and the services of the leader. The price does NOT include round-trip airfare to Spain, holiday insurance, drinks and items of a personal nature.

Check out our detailed itinerary for Andalucía, Coto Doñana and Extremadura
in the Spring

Extremadura in the Autumn

We travel to the lovely Finca Santa Marta, in the heart of one of our favourite areas in Europe, Spain's secret wilderness of Extremadura. The wild and beautiful country of Extremadura holds some of Europe's most endangered bird species in their last strongholds. The rolling plains of the 'Spanish Steppes' are home to Europe's largest remaining population of its largest bird, Great Bustard, together with good numbers of Little Bustard, and both Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse. A spectacular assemblage of raptors includes Black Vulture, Spanish Imperial Eagle and Black-shouldered Kite.

Accommodation : We stay at Finca Santa Marta, a small country hotel delightfully converted from a former olive farm in the Extremadura countryside. All rooms are en suite.

Leaders : John Muddeman and Ray Nowicki

Numbers : Max.12 clients

The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of accommodation as detailed above, all meals, airport taxes, minibus transport, admissions and the services of the leaders. The price excludes holiday insurance, drinks and other personal expenses.

Check out more information on our tour to Extremadura in the 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.