Birdwatchingin NorthernGreece
Discovery
Solos Board
£2249
7 nights in Mainland Greece
What to expect
Four Birdwatching Tours
Exceptional birdwatching across Northern Greece, with opportunities to spot a variety of species
Natural Habitats
Discover some of northern Greece’s most important wetlands, home to hundreds of bird species
Birdwatching by Boat
Take to the water at Lake Kerkini and the Evros Delta, offering fantastic opportunities to observe birdlife
Thassos Island
Explore the beautiful island of Thassos, from historic Limenas to the dramatic Monastery of Archangel Michael
About this trip...
What's included?
Return flights & transfers-
One piece of checked baggage
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Airport taxes and charges
Twin/Double Room for sole use
Solos Board: Breakfast daily & three dinners
Welcome drink and information evening
Four fully guided birdwatching tours-
Boat tour at Evros Delta
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Boat tour at Lake Kerkini
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Guided tour of Thassos Island including ferry
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Guided tour of Ancient Phillippi
Free Solos App with all your travel documents-
Dedicated Whatsapp group for your trip
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
Fully financially protected
What's extra:
- Insurance click here
- Climate Crisis Resilience Tax – 3* Hotel €5, 4* Hotel €10 & 5* Hotel €15, per night, payable locally
Itinerary
- Arrival in Thessaloniki
- Kalochori Lagoon
- Nestos National Park
- Evros Delta
- Thassos Island tour
- Ancient Philippi & Lake Kerkini
- Lake Kerkini
- Departure from Thessaloniki
What you'll be doing
Day One: Welcome to Thessaloniki
Upon arrival at Thessaloniki Airport, we'll be met and transferred to our hotel. This evening, we join our fellow travellers for a welcome drink and tour briefing followed by our first taste of Greek cuisine. Afterwards, we may wish to take a gentle stroll along Thessaloniki’s lively waterfront promenade, soaking up the atmosphere of this vibrant city.
- Dinner included
Day Two: Kalochori Lagoon
Key Bird Species:
- Iconic Visitors: Greater Flamingo, Dalmatian & Great White Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill.
- Waders & Shorebirds: Pied Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Kentish & Little Ringed Plovers, Collared Pratincole, Curlew, Redshank.
- Raptors: White-tailed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Osprey, Buzzards, Kestrels.
- Waterfowl: Mallards, Garganey, Shelducks, Cormorants.
- Passerines: European Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Warblers, Tits (like Penduline Tit).
- Terns: Gull-billed Tern, Little Tern, Mediterranean Gull.
- Breakfast included
Day Three: Nestos National Park & Xanthi
After breakfast, depart for the Nestos National Park, travelling towards Lake Vistonida and Porto Lagos, an important wetland area renowned for its rich birdlife. Lake Vistonida is home to more than 260 recorded bird species, including Greater Flamingos, Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans, herons, cormorants and a variety of ducks and waders. The area also provides an opportunity to spot birds of prey, including the impressive White-tailed Eagle. With large numbers of waterbirds gathering during the winter months and migratory species passing through in spring and autumn, the lake offers excellent birdwatching opportunities throughout the year.
Continue to Xanthi, where we'll have time to explore the atmospheric Old Town, known for its charming cobbled streets, traditional Ottoman-era houses and lively cafés. Afterwards, continue to Alexandroupolis for our overnight stay.
Key Bird Species:
- Waders & Waterfowl: Greater Flamingo (year-round), Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Shelduck, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, White-headed Duck, Pochard, Coot.
- Pelicans & Cormorants: Dalmatian Pelican, Great White Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Great Cormorant.
- Herons & Egrets: Grey Heron, Little Egret, Squacco Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Great White Egret.
- Raptors: White-tailed Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Short-toed Snake-Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Lesser Kestrel.
- Migrants & Others: Glossy Ibis, Slender-billed Curlew, Ruddy Shelduck, Beeeaters, Shrikes (Lesser Grey, Woodchat), Terns (Little, Gull-billed), Audouin's Gull.
- Breakfast included
Day Four: Evros Delta
After breakfast, depart for the Evros Delta, one of Greece’s most important wetlands and a spectacular destination for birdwatching. On arrival, enjoy a boat excursion through the delta, exploring its network of lagoons, channels and wetlands while looking out for the rich variety of birdlife that inhabits the area. The Evros Delta is home to more than 300 bird species and is particularly renowned for its impressive wintering flocks of geese and swans, including Lesser White-fronted Geese, Red-breasted Geese and Bewick’s Swans. Depending on the season, you may also spot Greater Flamingos, Great White and Dalmatian Pelicans, Spoonbills and birds of prey such as the White-tailed Eagle. The delta is also an important stopover and breeding ground for numerous migratory species, including Black Storks and Collared Pratincoles.
- Waterfowl & Waders: Flamingos, Spoonbills, Glossy Ibis, Pygmy Cormorants, Great White Pelicans, Dalmatian Pelicans, White-fronted Geese, Red-breasted Geese, Bewick's Swans, Curlews, Avocets, Spur-winged Lapwing.
- Raptors: White-tailed Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Black Kite, Marsh Harrier, Hobby, Levant Sparrowhawk.
- Waders & Shorebirds: Stone Curlew, Collared Pratincole.
- Summer Visitors/Breeders: Black Stork, Bee-eater, Roller, Masked Shrike, Greater Short-toed Lark.
- Resident Birds: Green Woodpecker, Syrian Woodpecker, Eagle Owl.
- Breakfast included
Day Five: Thassos Island Tour
Today, enjoy a scenic ferry crossing to the beautiful island of Thassos, renowned for its rich history, traditional villages and stunning coastal scenery. Visit the spectacular cliff-top Monastery of Archangel Michael, with breathtaking views across the Aegean, before continuing to the charming mountain village of Panagia. Wander its cobbled streets, admire the traditional stone houses and soak up its authentic island atmosphere, followed by a tasting of Thassos’s renowned locally produced olive oil. Returning to Limenas, explore the lively capital, where ancient ruins sit alongside the vibrant waterfront, before taking the ferry back to the mainland and continuing to the coastal city of Kavala. After checking into our hotel, enjoy an evening at leisure.
- Breakfast included
Day Six: Ancient Philippi & Lake Kerkini
After breakfast, we first visit the ancient city of Philippi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of northern Greece’s most significant archaeological sites. Founded by Philip II of Macedon, the city flourished under Roman rule and is closely associated with St Paul, who established one of Europe’s earliest Christian communities here. Explore the impressive ruins, including the Roman Forum, ancient theatre and early Christian basilicas, before continuing to Lake Kerkini, one of Greece’s most important wetlands and a renowned birdwatching destination, home to more than 300 recorded bird species.
- Breakfast included
Day Seven: Lake Kerkini
Enjoy a boat excursion across the lake, offering the opportunity to explore its beautiful natural surroundings and observe the abundant birdlife. Keep an eye out for the lake’s famous Dalmatian Pelicans and Pygmy Cormorants, as well as herons, waterbirds and birds of prey that inhabit the area. The boat tour provides a wonderful way to experience the tranquillity and spectacular scenery of Lake Kerkini while discovering its diverse wildlife.
- Pelicans & Cormorants: Dalmatian Pelican, White Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant.
- Herons & Egrets: Squacco Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Purple Heron, Little Egret.
- Raptors: Lesser Spotted Eagle, Booted Eagle, Honey Buzzard, Black Kite, Levant Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Falcon, Red-footed Falcon, Egyptian Vulture.
- Waders & Waterbirds: Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Ferruginous Duck, Black Tern, Collared Pratincole, Greater Crested Grebe.
- Passerines (Songbirds): Golden Oriole, Firecrest, Masked Shrike, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Cirl Bunting, Hawfinch, Crested Lark, Golden Oriole, Beeeater, Hoopoe, Wallcreeper (in quarries).
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Eight: Departure
After breakfast, we transfer to Thessaloniki Airport for our departure.
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Breakfast included
Accommodation
(as specified or similar)- Day 1 - 2 | Capsis Hotel, Thessaloniki
- Day 3 - 4 | Grecotel Egnatia, Alexandroupolis
- Day 5 | Lucy Hotel, Kavala
- Day 6 - 7 | Oikoperiigitis Hotel, Kerkini
Day 1 - 2 | Capsis Hotel, Thessaloniki
Capsis Hotel Thessaloniki is located close to Thessaloniki’s central area and within walking distance of major attractions like Aristotelous Square. The hotel offers a wide range of facilities including a rooftop swimming pool and bar(mid-May to early October), fitness centre, spa with hammam and sauna, café and restaurant. Rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, TV, air conditioning, safe, kettle and hairdryer.
Day 3 - 4 | Grecotel Egnatia, Alexandroupolis
Day 5 | Lucy Hotel, Kavala
Day 6 - 7 | Oikoperiigitis Hotel, Kerkini
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
- less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
