July Butterfly Tour (Bulgaria)

July Butterfly Tour (Bulgaria) Boloria graeca © S.Beshkov July Butterfly Tour (Bulgaria) Chestnut Heath (Coenonympha glycerion) © S.Beshkov July Butterfly Tour (Bulgaria) Cyaniris semiargus © S.Beshkov July Butterfly Tour (Bulgaria) Hipparchia syriaca © S.Beshkov July Butterfly Tour (Bulgaria) Limenitis populi © S.Beshkov July Butterfly Tour (Bulgaria) Lycaena dispar © S.Beshkov July Butterfly Tour (Bulgaria) Vanessa antiopa © S.Beshkov July Butterfly Tour (Bulgaria) Parnassius apollo © S.Beshkov

8 days
01 July 2024 - 08 July 2024

Day 1

The tour starts at Bulgarian capital city of Sofia with transfer to the small mountain town of Koprivshtitsa located at the foot of Sredna Gora Range. During the transfer we will carry out our first observations. Koprivshtitza is a famous historical place recognized as a village-museum with authentic architecture. Located at an altitude of about 1000m asl in Sredna Gora Range, surrounded by mountain meadows, beech and coniferous forests. Accommodation for 2 nights at a local hotel.

Day 2

Observations will be held at several places near Koprivshtitza town. Species likely to be seen on the meadows around the town are Balkan Copper, (Lycaena candens) , Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus), Chestnut Heath (Coenonympha glycerion). Later during the day will visit another locality . Species likely to be observed are Scarce Copper (Lycaena virgaureae), Poplar Admiral (Limenitis populi), Purple Emperor (Apatura iris), Heath Fritillary (Melitaea athalia), Woodland Grayling (Hipparchia fagi), White Admiral( (Limenitis reducta), Freyer's Purple Emperor (Apatura metis), Hungarian Glider( Neptis rivularis), Knapweed Fritillary (Melitaea phoebe), Spotted Fritillary (Melitaea didyma) , Twin Spot Fritillary (Brenthis hecate), Arran Brown (Erebia ligea), Almond Ringlet (Erebia alberganus), Large Blue (Maculinaea arion).

Day 3

Transfer to the Eastern Rodopi Mountains, town of Kroumovgrad. While on the way there we’ll make several stops for making some observations. One is a locality near Maritza river. Species likely to be observed there are Large Copper (Lycaena dispar), Lesser Fiery Copper ( Lycaena thersamon) , Purple-Shot Copper ( Lycaena alciphron), Lesser Spotted Fritillary (Melitaea trivia), Map Butterfly (Arashnia levana), Marbled White (Melanargia galathea), Plebeius sephirus, Hipparchia syriaca, Lattice Brown (Kirinia roxelana). Accommodation at a local h otel for 3 nights.

Day 4

Observations in the vicinity of Arda River Valley, Kladenets village. The most interesting species likely to be seen are Sandy Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus cinarae), Southern Small White (Pieris mannii), Krueper's Small White (Pieris krueperi), Eastern Wood White (Leptidea duponcheli), Eastern Pale Clouded Yellow (Colias erate), Lesser Bath White (Pontia chloridice), Little Tiger Blue (Tarucus balcanicus), Eastern Baton Blue (Pseudophilotes vicrama schiffernuelleri), Aricia anteros, Oberthür's Grizzled Skipper ( Pyrgus armoricanus) , Yellow Banded Skipper (Pirgus sidae).

Day 5

Observations in the vicinity of Madzharovo Town. In the morning we will visit a rocky area near Arda River. The most interesting species we can possibly observe are, Grecian Copper (Lycaena ottomana), Balkan Marbled White ( Melanargia larissa), Mountain Small White ( Pieris ergane), Aricia anteros, Plebeius sephirus, Amanda's Blue ( Polyommatus amandus).

Day 6

Transfer to Central Rodopi Mountains. While on the way there we will make observations at several places on both sides of the road. The most interesting species we possibly can observe are Cartherocehaus palaemon, Balkan Copper (Lycaena candens), Woodland Ringlet (Erebia medusa), Large Ringlet (Erebia Euryale), Bright Eyed Ringlet ( Erebia oeme). Accomodation at local hotel for 1 night.

Day 7

Making observations in the vicinity of Trigrad Village. The most interesting species we can possibly observe there are Amanda's Blue (Polyommatus amandus), False Eros Blue (Polyommatus eroides), Scotch Argus (Erebia aethiops), Eastern Large Heath (Coenonympha rhodopensis), Appolo (Parnassius Apollo), Mountain Small White (Pieris ergane), Escher's Blue (Polyommatus escheri), Polyommatus admetus, Ripart's Anomalous Blue (Polyommatus ripartii), Marsh Fritillary ( Euphydryas aurinia) , White Admiral (Limenitis camilla), Black Ringlet (Erebia melas). Late in the afternoon transfer to Dabrash hotel and accommodation for 1 night.

Day 8

After breakfast transfer to Sofia airport follows, where our tour comes to end.

8 days
01 July 2024 - 08 July 2024


Bulgaria is located in the central and eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula and covers a surface area of about 111000 sq. km. On this relatively small area is the greatest displacement of the peninsula-0 to 2925 m a.s.l. which, along with the two clearly manifested climatic zones (continental and transitional-Mediterranean) determine the great diversity of habitats: from transitional-Mediterranean to high-mountain (alpine) ones. The present butterfly fauna has formed itself as a consequence of diverse climatic conditions, relief, texture and vegetation as well as the presence of refuges where, during the ice age, relic species have been preserved or endemic species have formed. This fauna of Bulgaria is the richest one among all European countries outside the Mediterranean zone-currently 215 species have been reliably registered for our country.

Languages

English

Group size

5 - 15

Individual tour

2 - 4

Weather

During the period of the tour the weather is warm and steady, days are still quite long and rainfalls are far from being as frequent as in the spring. Temperatures often reach 30C and more.

Clothing

It's summer. Wear light clothes - T-shirts and shorts rather than long trousers, sandals, sunglasses, and those who wish bathing suits too. Hats to protect against the sun and face cream in case of burns. It is advisable to have a pair of comfortable walking shoes (for the mountainous areas) and raincoats or jackets in case of summer showers.

Walking

3-4 km per day

available

01 July 2024 - 08 July 2024

Land only price

€1,150.00

Single room supplement

€150.00

Deposit

€150.00

Individuals

€1,300.00

Additional price info

Payment may be made in all convertible currencies at the Euro exchange rate for the day of payment. The prices include : All the ground transport, FB – full board with packed lunches, where is necessary, accommodation in hotels and guest houses. English speaking guide, All the taxes for reserves. The prices don’t include : Insurance, drinks, and all the items of personal nature



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