Itinerary
- Day 1
Varna
Land at Varna Airport on an early flight, then spend the afternoon birding along the Northern seaside. You'll walk through coastal cliffs and steppe areas that are part of Via Pontica, keeping an eye out for Mediterranean Shag, Stone Curlew, Spotted Cuckoo, Alpine Swift, and various larks and warblers. The day ends with an overnight stay in Kavarna.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Afternoon birding along Northern seaside coastal cliffs and steppe areas
Landmarks/POIs Northern Seaside Coastal Cliffs Via Pontica - Day 2
Shabla - Durankulak
This entire day focuses on birding along the coastal line and vast marshlands around Shabla and Durankulak at Bulgaria's farthest Black Sea North point. The region is an important Via Pontica stop where you might spot Levant Sparrowhawk, Ruddy Shelduck, Black-winged Stilt, Bee-eater, and many other species. Return to Kavarna for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Birding along coastal line and marshlands around Shabla and Durankulak
Landmarks/POIs Shabla Marshlands Durankulak Via Pontica - Day 3
Dyulino Pass - Burgas
Start early with birding around northern seaside coastal cliffs, then head south with stops at Dyulino Pass, a mid-altitude Balkan Mountain pass near the sea. Lesser Spotted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, and Wryneck are species you might see here. You'll stay overnight near Burgas.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Early morning birding around northern seaside coastal cliffs
- Birding at Dyulino Pass exploring mid-altitude mountain habitat
Landmarks/POIs Dyulino Pass - Day 4
Burgas
Spend an intensive day birdwatching around Burgas and Pomorie lakes. These important Via Pontica wetlands include Mandra-Poda, Atanasovsko, and Pomoriysko lakes with fresh, brackish, and saline waters. Look for Greater Flamingo, White and Dalmatian Pelicans, various herons, egrets, terns, and warblers. Stay overnight near Burgas.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Intensive birdwatching around lakes of Burgas and Pomorie
- Entrance to Poda lagoon included
Landmarks/POIs Mandra-Poda Wetlands Atanasovsko Lake Pomoriysko Lake Poda Lagoon Via Pontica - Day 5
Strandja - Sakar - Madjarovo
Head up to the Eastern Rhodopes, where birds of prey dominate the landscape. You'll stop in the low-altitude mountains of Strandja and Sakar with river basins and vast habitats. Strandja is part of Via Pontica while Sakar is part of Via Aristotelis. Look for Imperial and Lesser Spotted Eagles, Saker Falcon, and other raptors. Overnight in Madjarovo.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Birding in Strandja Mountains
- Birding in Sakar Mountains
Landmarks/POIs Strandja Mountains Sakar Mountains Via Pontica Via Aristotelis 
- Day 6
Madjarovo
Spend an active birding day along Arda River and adjacent cliffs around Madjarovo, a desolate ornithologically important area with low-altitude mountain terrain and river meanders. You'll check out habitats around Krumovitza River and reservoirs at Studen Kladenetz and Ivaylovgrad. Black Stork, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, various eagles, and owls are all possibilities. Then head to Krumovgrad for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Birding along Arda River and adjacent cliffs around Madjarovo
- Birding around Krumovitza River
- Exploration of Studen Kladenetz and Ivaylovgrad reservoirs
Landmarks/POIs Arda River Krumovitza River Studen Kladenetz Reservoir Ivaylovgrad Reservoir - Day 7
Krumovgrad - Sofia
Start the morning birding along Krumovitza River and adjacent cliffs looking for raptors and warblers including Black Stork, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, and various eagles. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Sofia and stay overnight at the foot of Vitosha Mountain.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Birding along Krumovitza River and adjacent cliffs
Landmarks/POIs Krumovitza River Vitosha Mountain - Day 8
Sofia
Early-morning birdwatching in Vitosha Mountain, a mid-altitude mountain near Sofia and part of Via Aristotelis. Look for Corncrake, Tengmalm's and Scops Owl, Ring Ouzel, Pygmy Owl, and various woodpeckers. After birding, head to Sofia Airport for your departure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Early-morning birdwatching in Vitosha Mountain
Landmarks/POIs Vitosha Mountain Via Aristotelis
