NEW! Hungary - Winter Short Break

This new early- winter tour takes us to the quaint and under-birded historic town of Tata in Hungary, located one hour west of Budapest. Situated at the heart of an internationally important passage and wintering area for wildfowl, Tata is known as the “Hungarian Goose Capital”, and tour highlights should include the presence of thousands of Russian Greater White-fronted Goose, together with “eastern” Greylags and smaller numbers of Tundra Bean Goose. A few Taiga Bean, Red-breasted and Lesser White-fronted Goose are also often in the area. Our expert local knowledge will maximise our chances of seeing many of these.

This season, with very few leaves on the trees, is a great time to see woodpeckers, and Black, Grey-headed, Green, Middle Spotted, Lesser Spotted, Great Spotted and Syrian Woodpecker are all likely. Raptors include Hen and Marsh Harrier, White-tailed and Eastern Imperial Eagle, Peregrine, Common and Rough-legged Buzzard and Saker Falcon. Other possible birds include Great Grey Shrike, Crested Lark, Hawfinch, “continental” Bullfinch, both Short-toed and Common Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Marsh Tit, Long-tailed Tit, the latter being continental 'caudatus' birds often with white heads, and flocks of Fieldfare. Tree Sparrow, White Wagtail and Black Redstart are common in the town. Pygmy Cormorant, Great White Egret and Common Bittern are at fishponds where reedbeds host Bearded Tit, and Penduline Tit are often in adjacent willows. Wintering ducks often include Smew and Caspian Gulls are common. Last, but not least, we will also visit a Long-eared Owl roost, where the birds are often very confiding and photogenic.

Tata is an interesting historic town. To its north is the Danube, to the east the limestone Gerecse Hills, dotted with vineyards, and to the south the forested Vertes Hills. Its colourful history is reflected in its baroque and renaissance architecture. Besides Magyars, Tata was also settled by Romans and Ottomans. At its heart is the Old Lake, a protected wetland Ramsar site where thousands of wildfowl roost and drink in autumn and winter. This is a lovely short birding holiday which should be ideal for most Heatherlea birders!

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

Day 1: Thur 21 November 2024 - Arrival and first birding
After relaxing in our complimentary VIP Airport Lounge, we fly to Budapest, then drive around an hour westwards to Tata. The landscapes and habitats in and around this very pleasant, historical town are diverse: lakes, fishponds, steppe grasslands, farmlands, woodlands, limestone hills, parkland and the River Danube. All of this is found in a compact area, meaning no long drives and many sites are protected as reserves. Tata lies in a famed wine producing region and we may well find time to sample the local varieties! Overnight for three nights in a pleasant hotel in the town.

Days 2 & 3: Fri 22 and Sat 23 November - Birding around Tata
We have two full days to explore this rich mosaic of bird habitats. Above all, this tour is timed to coincide with the presence of thousands of geese: indeed, being at the heart of an internationally important passage and wintering area for wildfowl, Tata is known as the “Hungarian Goose Capital”. The most numerous species is Russian Greater White-fronted, followed by “eastern” Greylag and smaller numbers of Tundra Bean. A few Taiga Bean, Red-breasted and Lesser White-fronted Goose are often in the area, too. Our expert local knowledge will maximise our chances of seeing many of these.

At this time of year there are very few leaves on the trees, making this a great time to see woodpeckers, and Black, Grey-headed, Green, Middle Spotted, Lesser Spotted, Great Spotted and Syrian Woodpecker are all likely. Raptors include Hen and Marsh Harrier, White-tailed and Eastern Imperial Eagle, Peregrine, Common and Rough-legged Buzzard and Saker Falcon. Other possible birds include Great Grey Shrike, Crested Lark, Hawfinch, “continental” Bullfinch, both Short-toed and Common Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Marsh Tit, Long-tailed Tit, the latter being continental 'caudatus' birds often with white-heads, and flocks of Fieldfare. Tree Sparrow, White Wagtail and Black Redstart are common in the town. Pygmy Cormorant, Great White Egret and Common Bittern are at fishponds where reedbeds host Bearded Tit, and Penduline Tit are often in adjacent willows. Wintering ducks often include Smew, and Caspian Gull are common. Last, but not least, we will also visit a Long-eared Owl roost, where birds are often very confiding and photogenic. There will be much to do and see on this bird-packed break!

Day 4: Sun 24 November - Final birding and departure
After breakfast we will enjoy some more local birding, before driving back to Budapest Liszt Airport for our return flight. Should you be staying on in Budapest, we will deliver you to your hotel.

What's included in your holiday price:

• scheduled return flights between London and Budapest, airport taxes, ground transportation in a modern and spacious air-conditioned vehicle,
• three nights' comfortable accommodation with all meals; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
• the services of your leaders.
• entrance fees to parks and reserves, and tips to hotels and restaurants.
• The Heatherlea Pre-Flight Service offers everything you need at the airport, including hotels, car parking, airport lounges, regional flights, and upgrades. Let Heatherlea take the strain! Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge included free of charge subject to terms and conditions. Read more...

What's not included in your holiday price:

• personal insurance, drinks and other personal expenses, optional tips to the driver and local guide, and any other costs not specified as 'included'.

Your Guide)s)

Gerard Gorman
Born in the UK, Gerard has lived in Budapest for many years. A very experienced birding and wildlife guide, he has led over 500 group tours around the world, and speaks several languages. His main interest is woodpeckers, and he is author of a guide to all the world's species.
 

More holiday information

Accommodation is in comfortable hotels with all rooms en suite.
Food. Breakfast is continental style. Fruit juice and tea or coffee is usually available. Picnic lunches will be provided by your guide and will include a variety of local produce plus soft drinks. The country's unique cuisine has influences from the Central Asian Magyar founders of the nation, Turks, Germans, French, Austrians, Czechs, Slovaks, Serbians, and Croatians. The simple agrarian and shepherd lifestyles of the Hungarian Plain and mountains have also helped shape the country's unique dishes. Sauces rich in sour cream, delicacies such as goose liver and an emphasis on meats, including game such as boar and venison, are often on the menu. Fish stew or a thick and sometimes peppery fish soup - is also quite popular. Other traditional favourites include veal paprika stew and roast chicken with cottage cheese noodles. Gulyás (a hot dish that usually consists of beef, onions, capsicum and paprika), Halaszle (a Hungarian fish made with extra hot paprikas), Toltott kaposzta (cabbage stuffed with meat and other vegetables and spices) and Porkolt (a hot dish which is almost always made of meat, onion capsicum and paprika powder. Any kind of meat can be used, such as beef, lamb, pork, chicken, liver, offal and sometimes even fish). Fabulous desserts, served with strong espresso, include strudels, tortes and the legendary Gundel pancakes with chocolate rum sauce.
Walking is generally light/moderate. There may be some uphill track and road walking, though generally an average level of fitness is required.
Weather. Hungary has a temperate climate, with cold, cloudy, humid winters and warm summers. The weather will most likely be quite cool with temperatures ranging between -1 and 7°C. Rain is quite likely at this time of year.
Insects biting insects may be encountered near wetlands. A good repellent is recommended.
Group size is restricted to 7 clients per guide.
Flights are by scheduled airline, from London Gatwick - regional departures may be possible, please ask for further details. We can quote without flights should you wish to make your own arrangements. If you wish to add an extension either before or after your holiday, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange this for you.