Flowers And Wildlife Of Northern Greece Tour

This tour, led by Javier Mendez, ornithologist and naturalist, combines both flora and fauna as well as stunning scenery that showcases the exceptional beauty and natural world of Northern Greece. Our tour begins at Lake Kerkini, set in a superb natural landscape and renowned for its bird life. We spend two nights here exploring both on and off the lake. You don't have to be an ardent bird watcher to enjoy what can be found here, just the numbers of birds found on the lake are enough to impress any visitor! It's then on to the picturesque village of Metsovo, that combines colourful traditions and a lovely nature. Our final destination is situation in the heart of the region of Epirus, the magical region of Zagoriahoria; wild, grand, silent and barely touched by modern civilization - an earthly paradise. We spend our days here seeking out wildflowers and listening out for birds whilst discovering a unique and little-known region of Greece that is almost untouched by the hands of time.

Please note, you don’t have to be an avid bird watcher or flower enthusiast to join this tour, if you just enjoy nature and the wonderful colours of spring, then consider joining us on this tour. 

Your guide
Javier Méndez is a professional ornithologist and naturalist who has been guiding birdwatchers, botanical groups, walkers and nature enthusiasts since 2001. He was born and bred in Menorca, which is where you would normally find him, but, having introduced him to this area of northern Greece, he was as keen as us to explore, discover and showcase this special area. Javier has been a keen birdwatcher and nature lover all his life. He speaks excellent English and has a natural and infectious enthusiasm for all aspects of nature, which we have no doubt will be shared and enjoyed during his guiding of this tour.

Birdlife at Kerkini 
The following is just a sample selection of birds that have been sighted at Lake Kerkini; Dalmatian pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus), a globally threatened species; Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus), Black stork (Ciconia nigra), Ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), White-tailed eagle (Haliaetus albicilla), Roller (Coracias garrulus), Rock Thrush (Monticola saxatilis), Barred warbler (Sylvia nisoria), Penduline tit (Remiz pendulinus) Golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus).

If you are interested in a larger list please get in touch.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Thessaloniki. 
Overnight at the beachside Golden Star Hotel, Perea, 20-minutes drive from Thessaloniki Airport.

Day 2:The Wildlife of Lake Kerkini.
We leave our hotel in the morning and drive to Lake Kerkini. Described as a bird watchers paradise, Lake Kerkini was formed in 1932 when the River Strymona, which flows from Bulgaria into Greece, was damned to prevent damage to crops and, ultimately, the economy of this large agricultural area, when the river flooded. Over time the lake grew and became an unexpected nesting and resting ground for many birds, both migratory and local. Vitally, it became a haven for the Dalmation Pelican, the rarest of the Pelican species and the most vulnerable. In 2003 the number of breeding pairs at Kerkini were just seven, by 2019 the numbers had grown to more than 250 breeding pairs. The lake was designated a national park in 2006 and continues to thrive and remains essential to both the birds and the local community.
Aside from enjoying the birdlife here, we will discover another important creature of the area, water buffalo, the largest numbers found in Greece, which are very much a part of the economic life of Lake Kerkini, both past and present.  Check-in to the Villa Belles Hotel, situated on the slopes of Mount Belles, for a two-night stay. The hotels elevated position ensures a wonderfully tranquil position as well as lovely views towards the lake and surrounding hills. Dinner included this evening at a local taverna.

Day 3: Lake Kerkini.
We continue our exploration of this beautiful area both on and off the lake. Exploring the lake by boat is of course a must, a wonderful opportunity to spot birds, both migratory and non-migratory.
If conditions are suitable, our guide will be pleased to offer a nocturnal walk on one of the evenings during our stay at Kerkini. Evening at leisure. 

Day 4: Kalochori lagoon, Axios Delta National Park and Metsovo.
Leaving Kerkini behind, we head west towards Metsovo, exploring the Axios Delta National Park on the way. This important wetland area, known for its extensive biodiversity, is formed by the deltas of the rivers Axios and Aliakmon as well as the estuaries of two other rivers. Extending to almost 340 square kilometres, it hosts a large number of birds, including many waders and other water birds, as well as many species of plants. From here it's on to picturesque Metsovo, situated at a height of 1160 metres on the slopes of the Pindos Mountains, and check-in to the very comfortable Hotel Kassaros, situated in the heart of the village, for a one-night stay. Evening at leisure with the opportunity to try some of the local specialties Metsovo is known for; excellent spit roast meat reared on the high slopes around Metsovo, smoked cheese, a signature product of the village, and excellent local wine that is produced here from the highest vineyards of Northern Greece. 

Day 5: Zagoriahoria.
We spend the morning exploring the fields close to Metsovo for plants and birdlife before continuing on to the village of Monodendri, situated amidst the timelessly scenic Zagoriahoria. Enroute we will stop by the reedbeds of Lake Pamvotis, Ioannina, to see what birds we might spot on the lake. Arriving in Monodendri we will explore a little around the village before checking in to the Philoxenia hotel. Lunch included today. Evening at leisure.

Days 6: Beloi Balcony.
Today we head to the highest of the Zagoria villages, Vradeto (1700m), and follow a path towards a view point into the dramatic Vikos Gorge, botanising and  looking out for birds as we go. It's an easy path, approximately an hours walk in each direction.  Later we stop to admire some of the picturesque Zagorian stone bridges, a scenic trademark of the area, before heading back to our hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 7: Voidamatis River and the Papigos.
Both botanising and birding will take place today on our drive to two exceptionally charming and typically traditional Zagorian villages, that both fully represent the authentic and picturesque character of the attractive Zagorian architecture. We will botanise along a road we call the ‘sage route’, because of the abundance of colourful sage that usually flowers here in May, then its on to the translucent and ice cold Voidamatis River to botanise by the river before continuing up to the famous Papigo villages, where we will enjoy lunch (included) in a local taverna that offers, in equal measures, good food and stunning views. Evening at leisure.

Day 8: Transfer from Monodendri to Corfu for the return flight to London.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 18 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Return flights from London Gatwick to Thessaloniki and from Corfu to London Gatwick
• One night at the four-star Golden Star Hotel, Perea, two nights’ accommodation at the three-star Villa Belles Hotel Kerkini, one night at the boutique style Kassaros Hotel Metsovo, and three nights at the three-star Philoxenia Hotel Monodendri, on bed and breakfast basis, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• One dinner and two lunches
• Boat trip on Lake Kerkini
• All transfers 
• Full touring itinerary 
• Tour manager, Jane Freeman, and guide, Javier Mendez, throughout 

NOT INCLUDED

• Single room supplement
• Holiday insurance
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTELS

Excellent quality hotels are used for this tour, each offering a high standard of service and comfort.

Golden Star Hotel, Perea 
Situated just 17 kilometres from Thessaloniki and only a 20-minute drive from the airport, the four-star Golden Star Hotel provides a relaxed place to stay for the start of our tour. Set on the sea front in the small seaside resort of Perea, provides ease of access to local tavernas and the seaside promenade. The comfortable rooms all have balconies and air-conditioning. The hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar.

Hotel Website 

Villa Belles, Akritochori

Situated on the slopes of Mount Belles, overlooking Kerkini Lake, this traditional style three-star hotel offers comfortable rooms and a tranquil countryside position. Rooms have balconies and air-conditioning.

Hotel Website 

Kassaros Hotel, Metsovo

Decorated in traditional Metsovon style, this very comfortable hotel is centrally located close to the village square where you can find shops and tavernas. Hotel facilities include a cozy bar. All rooms have air-conditioning.

Hotel Website

Philoxenia Hotel, Monodendri
Featuring wooden ceilings and floors, warm colours and dark wood furnishings; the family-run Philoxenia hotel offers comfortable pristine bedrooms with private bathrooms. A breakfast buffet, with wonderful homemade dishes, is served daily in the tastefully furnished dining area. Hotel facilities include a bar, outdoor and indoor seating area.

Hotel Website