Birdwatching Balkans Tour | Albania, N. Macedonia & Greece, Kosovo

From EUR1,830.00

Trip Type

Birding
Activities

No Activities
Group Size

2 Min - 6 Max
Reviews

0 Reviews
Locations

Albania , All Destinations , Balkans Tours , Greece , Kosovo , North Macedonia
Trip Duration

10 Day(s) 9 Night(s)

Trip code WT-CODE 7158

Birdwatching Balkans - this 10-day birding journey through Albania, North Macedonia, northern Greece, and Kosovo offers an unforgettable exploration of the Balkans’ wild beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Designed for passionate birders and nature enthusiasts, the itinerary combines spectacular birding sites with stunning landscapes, UNESCO heritage towns, and authentic local experiences. From alpine lakes and dramatic gorges to wetlands and vineyards, each day presents new opportunities to observe rare and iconic species.

The adventure begins at Lake Ohrid in Pogradec, Albania, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. Here, crystal-clear waters and lush surrounding mountains provide a habitat for Pygmy Cormorants, Great-crested and Little Grebes, Red-backed and Cirl Buntings, and other passerines. A short drive along the lakeshore allows for bird photography amid serene scenery.

Next, Prespa National Park reveals its ecological richness, where both Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans are commonly seen. A boat trip to Maligrad Island showcases dense colonies of Alpine Swifts and a remarkable variety of reptiles, including Greek Tortoises and water snakes. Crossing into Greek Prespa, the world’s largest Dalmatian Pelican colony on Lesser Prespa Lake offers unforgettable close encounters with these majestic birds.

In Galicica National Park, North Macedonia, alpine meadows and ridges host Skylarks, Woodlarks, Northern Wheatears, Tawny Pipits, Serins, and raptors. A visit to Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage town, enriches the journey with medieval churches, monasteries, and a fortress overlooking the lake.

The tour continues to Demir Kapija and the Tikveš region, where dramatic gorges provide nesting sites for Griffon Vultures and Egyptian Vultures, while Mediterranean-type scrub and woodlands attract Olive Tree Warblers, European Rollers, Golden Orioles, and other passerines. Birders will also attempt to locate the nest of the Eastern Imperial Eagle.

Wetlands become a highlight with visits to Lake Dojran, straddling North Macedonia and Greece, and Lake Kerkini in northern Greece. Both lakes support Dalmatian Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorants, Ferruginous Ducks, waders, herons, and a host of spring migrants. Kerkini also offers very close views of raptors including Booted, Short-toed, Lesser Spotted, and Imperial Eagles. Reed-beds, islands, and lake margins provide excellent opportunities to observe passerines such as Masked Shrikes, Woodchat Shrikes, and Isabelline Wheatears.

The tour concludes in Prishtina, Kosovo, with a visit to the Henci Wetland, an important spring birding site for waterbirds and reed-bed species. A stroll through the city center and dinner at a local restaurant provide a relaxing cultural finale before departure.

Throughout the journey, travelers enjoy a combination of wildlife observation, photography opportunities, and local cultural experiences. Dramatic cliffs, sparkling lakes, rolling vineyards, and alpine meadows create breathtaking backdrops, while meals range from scenic picnics to authentic local cuisine. This tour is designed not only for observing species but also for fully immersing in the natural and cultural richness of the Balkans, offering an unforgettable experience for birders and nature lovers alike.

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Itineraries

Day 1

Tirana → Ohrid Lake (Albania)

Drive to the stunning UNESCO Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. Enjoy relaxed birding along the shoreline with species such as Pygmy Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, buntings, shrikes and other passerines. Overnight in a lakeside hotel in Pogradec.

Day 2

Prespa National Park (Albania)

Explore the Albanian side of Prespa, an internationally important bird area. Highlights include both pelican species (Dalmatian & Great White Pelican), Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Partridge, Horned Lark and rich herpetofauna. Boat trip to Maligrad Island with a stop at the Alpine Swift colony. Return to Pogradec.

Day 3

Lesser Prespa Lake (Greece)

Cross into Greece to visit the world’s largest Dalmatian Pelican colony. Full day of birding and photography across the wetlands of Lesser Prespa. Return to Pogradec in the evening.

Day 4

Galičica National Park (North Macedonia) & Evening in Ohrid

A spectacular day in the alpine zone of Galičica NP with opportunities for Skylark, Woodlark, Tawny Pipit, Northern Wheatear and Serin. Dinner and a short visit in the historic UNESCO town of Ohrid. Overnight in Pogradec.

Day 5

Pogradec → Tikveš Region → Demir Kapija (North Macedonia)

Travel east into North Macedonia, stopping near Kavadarci to explore the famous Griffon Vulture colony. Possibility for Egyptian Vulture, Golden Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, butterflies and Mediterranean flora. Continue to the vineyard region of Demir Kapija.

Day 6

Demir Kapija: Raptors & Mediterranean Habitats

Full day exploring this exceptional raptor hotspot. Target species include Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Booted Eagle and Roller. Rich in warblers (Olive Tree, Sardinian, Subalpine, Eastern Orphean), hoopoes and colourful passerines. Outstanding landscapes and photography opportunities.

Day 7

Lake Dojran (North Macedonia & Greece)

Bird-rich shallow lake shared by both countries. Expect Ferruginous Duck, Pygmy Cormorant, pelicans, waders, and many migrants in reedbeds and meadows. Full day exploring the wetlands before returning to Demir Kapija.

Day 8

Lake Kerkini (Greece)

One of Greece’s best birding sites. Watch Dalmatian Pelicans nesting on platforms at close range, plus heronries, waders, and raptors such as Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle and Lesser Spotted Eagle. Excellent passerine variety including shrikes, larks and wheatears. Return to Demir Kapija.

Day 9

Demir Kapija → Prishtina (Kosovo)

Drive toward Kosovo’s capital and visit Henci Wetland, a peaceful marsh rich in spring migrants and wetland species. Evening walk in Prishtina with dinner in the city center. Overnight in Prishtina.