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NEW! Po Delta plus Florence & Pisa

Fascinating birding in one of Europe's most important National Parks, followed by a fantastic few days exploring Florence and Pisa.

This is a unique holiday, combining enjoyable birding in the Po Delta area with a three-night visit to Florence.

The Po Delta is one of Europe’s most important national parks. The landscape is flat and wet, so waterbirds predominate, though in early spring passage migrants including raptors and passerines give an interesting dimension. Key birds include Pygmy Cormorant, Marsh Sandpiper, Caspian Tern, Slender-billed and Mediterranean Gull, Black-necked Grebe, Montagu's Harrier and more. We also hope to take a gentle boat trip into the calm, shallow waters of the Adriatic Sea, where waders, gulls, terns and more can be seen from a unique perspective.

After four nights in the Po Delta area we transfer to Florence

 

Florence/Pisa info to add

A unique two-centre experience combining absorbing birding with a great city break!

Enjoy your complimentary pre-flight overnight hotel before your holiday begins. Full details from our office! Read more about our Pre-flight Service here!

Days 1 to 4: Mon 4 Apr to Thur 7 Apr                 Arrival and the Po Delta 
After relaxing in our complimentary VIP Airport Lounge, we fly London Gatwick to Bologna a short transfer from our first hotel. Birds of this vast wetland include Black-necked Grebe, Pygmy Cormorant, Purple, Night and Squacco Heron, Great White, Cattle and Little Egret, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Ferruginous Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Little Bittern, Marsh Harrier, many waders perhaps including Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt, Wood Sandpiper, Avocet, Kentish Plover, Little Stint and Whimbrel, Caspian and Gull-billed Tern, Mediterranean and Slender-billed Gull, Cetti’s, Fan-tailed, Great Reed and Sedge Warbler, Firecrest, Penduline Tit, Spanish Sparrow and Serin. Just as rewarding will be our hunt for migrants, which might include Saker Falcon, Montagu's Harrier, Black Kite, White Stork, Hoopoe and several races of Yellow Wagtail. Nightingale, Cetti's Warbler, Great Reed Warbler and many other small passerines should be heard and seen.

Other excitement in previous holidays include an Adder swallowing a large Marsh Frog before our eyes, good views of Coypu and time spent identifying several races of Yellow Wagtail on passage to more northerly breeding grounds. We usually record 15-20 species of butterfly, perhaps including European and Scarce Swallowtails, Mallow Skipper, and Eastern Dappled White among others.

On this part of the holiday we hope to be joined by our friend and top local birder Menotti Passarella. 'What Menotti doesn't know about the birds ............ of the Po Delta isn't worth knowing' Bob Scott, 'Where to go birdwatching in the Po Delta'. We are always guaranteed fascinating birding with Menotti, and often gain access to places not normally open to the public. We may also take a boat trip out into the shallow Adriatic lagoon to see breeding Slender-billed Gull, depending upon availability. 

Our exceptional hotel in the Po Delta region is a major element of our holiday experience. A beautiful building set in acres of open fields and tended gardens, everyone who has been here has loved this delightful venue. Breakfasts are expansive and luxurious, picnic lunches are included for our three days in the field, and evening meals are superb. A real treat, and very much a taste of rural Italy, we spend four nights at Villa Belfiore.

Day 5 to Day 8: Fri 8 - Sun 10   Florence & Pisa      

 

Florence info to be added

 

Day 8:  Mon 10 Apr   Departure
Depending on flight times we may be able to enjoy a little time exploring Florence before we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK.

Please note: all itineraries are given as a guide only. Actual holiday content may vary according to the judgement of your guide, and elements beyond our control (eg weather).

More information coming soon.

Other birding and wildlife holidays in Italy

Why choose Heatherlea for your birding and wildlife holiday in Europe?

Our overseas holidays are planned with care to offer great birding and wildlife, led by capable Leaders who really look after you. Every holiday is run the 'Heatherlea Way', and we hope our Overseas Adventures remind you of the quality and care so many of you enjoy in Scotland. That means rewarding and exciting days in the field, and good quality accommodation and meals, with a real flavour of the country we are visiting. Heatherlea always seek to include the personal touches that make all the difference.

Heatherlea holidays are not ‘dawn to dusk’ expeditions. Our less-intensive approach is ideal for those who want to relax whilst experiencing the best wildlife watching, and wherever possible we organise early or late activity on an optional basis. We also take sensible breaks when in very hot places and regular comfort breaks on every holiday whenever possible. All itineraries are planned carefully around the best wildlife opportunities, and you won’t miss out on memorable wildlife, whilst enjoying relaxed, informal days that are great fun.

The really important part of any wildlife holiday is the experience for you, our valued customer. Heatherlea invest in many things to offer you the best possible service;

  • We have been organising birding and wildlife holidays for over 30 seasons, and have a highly experienced and capable office team. We also offer a telephone and email service outside normal office hours.
  • Heatherlea overseas holidays have a maximum of 12 clients per trip, putting the emphasis on personal service, and helping you get the best possible experience.
  • Our holidays often include things which others might invite you to pay yourself, for instance Departure Taxes and tips to hotels.
  • All elements of our holidays are sold under our own licence, ATOL 6113. Under ‘Flight-Plus’ legislation it is a legal requirement of any tour operator to hold an ATOL licence for the supply of any overseas holiday where a flight is involved, if that holiday includes either overseas accommodation and/or car hire. It can be a criminal offence for an operator to book flights as part of a package without an ATOL licence. Heatherlea also hold full Tour Operator Insurance for your added protection.
  • Heatherlea is your complete wildlife holiday provider. Our ‘Back Office’ team can organise all your pre-flight and other travel needs. Our specialists will help you book the right services, at the best price. Book holiday extensions through us, and your ATOL protection is extended further. We don’t charge extra for this service.
  • Heatherlea is a limited company, registered in Scotland, and registered to pay VAT (applies to all holidays within the European Union).

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About Heatherlea Holidays

Contact Information

The Mountview Hotel, Nethybridge,
PH25 3EB Scotland

T: +44(0)1479 821248

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