Birding Balkans – 11 Days 5 Countries

From EUR2,490.00

Trip Type

Birding
Activities

Birding
Group Size

2 Min - 4 Max
Reviews

0 Reviews
Locations

Albania , All Destinations , Balkans Tours , Greece , Kosovo , Montenegro , North Macedonia
Fixed Departure

September 22, 2027

Keywords Birding Balkans

Trip code WT-CODE 8324

This 11-day birding adventure explores some of the most spectacular landscapes and richest bird habitats of the Western Balkans. Travelling through, the tour combines coastal wetlands, ancient lakes, Mediterranean valleys, alpine mountains, and primeval forests. The region is one of the most diverse and least explored birding destinations in Europe, offering excellent opportunities to observe a wide variety of species within relatively short travel distances.

The journey begins in Albania, where we explore the lagoons and wetlands of Kune –Vain Nature Park and take a boat excursion on Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in the Balkans. These wetlands are important stopover and breeding sites along the Adriatic Flyway and host species such as Dalmatian Pelican, Ferruginous Duck, Whiskered Tern, Montagu’s Harrier, and numerous herons and passerines.

Crossing into Montenegro, we visit the famous Ulcinj Salina, one of the richest bird areas in the region, before heading into the spectacular mountain landscapes of Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we search for mountain and forest species including Three-toed Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Ring Ouzel, Rock Partridge, Alpine Chough, and Water Pipit. Our route also includes a visit to Biogradska Gora National Park, home to one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe and important habitat for Western Capercaillie.

The tour continues into Kosovo, where we explore the dramatic Accursed Mountains National Park, a remote alpine landscape rich in wildlife and known for its population of Brown Bears. Along the way we search for species such as crossbills and the spectacular Wallcreeper.

In North Macedonia, we visit several outstanding birding sites including Demir Kapija Gorge, home to Olive-tree Warbler and many Mediterranean species, and the cliffs of Tikveš Gorge, where Griffon Vultures soar above rugged limestone landscapes and Egyptian Vultures may also be seen. The journey then continues to the beautiful Prespa Lakes, an internationally important wetland shared by three countries and one of the most important breeding areas for pelicans in Europe.

The tour also includes visits to Dojran Lake and the famous Lake Kerkini in Greece, a renowned birdwatching hotspot hosting large colonies of waterbirds including the Dalmatian Pelican and species such as Spur-winged Lapwing. Finally, we explore Galicica National Park and the shores of the ancient Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity.

Throughout the tour we expect to observe more than 160 species of birds, including a combination of Mediterranean, alpine, wetland, and forest species. In addition to birds, the region offers opportunities to see mammals such as Chamois and signs of Brown Bears, as well as a rich diversity of butterflies and plants.

Beyond birdwatching, this journey also offers a cultural experience through historic cities, traditional villages, and the unique landscapes of the Balkans. The combination of remarkable wildlife, diverse habitats, and dramatic scenery makes this tour a truly unforgettable exploration of one of Europe’s most exciting emerging birding destinations.

This exciting birding tour explores some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Balkans while searching for over 160 bird species across five countries. From Adriatic wetlands and ancient lakes to primeval forests and alpine mountains, the journey combines remarkable biodiversity with dramatic scenery and rich cultural heritage. The Balkans remain one of Europe’s most rewarding and still relatively undiscovered birding regions.

Full itinerary can be send upon request.

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival in Albania – Kune–Vain Wetlands – Shkodra

Arrival and transfer to the Adriatic coast where we begin birding in the rich wetlands of Kune–Vain Nature Park. Lagoons, reedbeds and coastal habitats host a wide range of Mediterranean species before we continue to the historic city of Shkodra for our first overnight stay.

Day 2

Lake Shkodra

Morning boat excursion on Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in the Balkans. The lake is famous for its colonies of waterbirds including pelicans, terns and herons. In the afternoon we explore nearby Mediterranean scrub habitats for a variety of passerines.

Day 3

Ulcinj Salina – Durmitor National Park

Crossing into Montenegro we visit the famous Ulcinj Salina, one of the richest birding wetlands along the Adriatic Flyway. After exploring the saltpans and lagoons we continue inland towards the spectacular mountain landscapes of Durmitor National Park.

Day 4

Durmitor National Park

Birding in the forests and mountain landscapes of Durmitor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its alpine scenery and rich wildlife. The area hosts several woodpecker species as well as mountain birds typical of the Balkan highlands.

Day 5

Durmitor – Biogradska Gora – Accursed Mountains

After a scenic stop at the dramatic Tara River Canyon, we explore the primeval forests of Biogradska Gora National Park, one of Europe’s last remaining ancient forests. Later we continue towards the wild landscapes of the Accursed Mountains in Kosovo.

Day 6

Accursed Mountains – Prishtina

Morning birding in the rugged alpine landscapes of Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park, an area known for its remote mountain scenery, rich biodiversity and population of Brown Bears. In the afternoon we travel to Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo.

Day 7

Skopje – Demir Kapija

We enter North Macedonia and continue towards the famous Demir Kapija Gorge, a spectacular Mediterranean valley known for its cliffs, vineyards and excellent birdlife including several southern European species.

Day 8

Dojran Lake – Kerkini Lake (Greece)

Early morning visit to Dojran Lake, followed by birding near Ano Poroia before exploring the famous Lake Kerkini in Greece. This internationally important wetland hosts impressive colonies of waterbirds including the Dalmatian Pelican.

Day 9

Tikveš Gorge – Prespa Lakes

In the spectacular cliffs of Tikveš Gorge we search for soaring raptors including Griffon Vultures and possibly Egyptian Vulture. Later we continue to the beautiful Prespa Lakes, one of the most important wetland ecosystems in the Balkans.

Day 10

Galicica National Park – Lake Ohrid – Pogradec

Exploring the scenic landscapes of Galicica National Park, located between the Prespa and Ohrid lakes. Later we descend to the shores of the ancient Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spend the night in Pogradec.