Hidden treasures of the Balkans
Montenegro, Albania and Croatia, 10 days

Montenegro is the youngest country in Europe that became independent from Serbia in 2006. Despite its tiny size it contains a wealth of different habitats all within easy reach. The Mediterranean Sea Coast has the most striking scenery in Europe, but besides beaches also offers saltpans, sand dunes and the delta of River Bojana, all important migration stopovers. Further inland lies Lake Skadar sandwiched between mountains and fed by scenic Rijeka Crnojevica. The lake is home to thousands of Pygmy Cormorants and is the westernmost nesting place of Dalmatian Pelicans. Durmitor National Park offers unspoilt mountains with huge coniferous forests home to Three-toed Woodpecker, Nutcracker and Eastern Bonelli's Warbler amongst others.
Albania is one of the least known countries in Europe. Although it is characterised by dramatic mountains, sandy beaches, historic cities and Roman ruins, only a few people visit this far corner of our continent. From the birder’s point of view much of the country’s birdlife is unexplored, so surprises are guaranteed. Karavasta Lagoon is one of the few protected areas with a healthy population of Dalmatian Pelicans and an important wetland for migrating waterbirds.

Day 1
Upon arrival to Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia you will be met by your English-speaking Ecotours guide. We then drive to our accommodation near Dubrovnik.
Overnight: Near Dubrovnik

Day 2
Starting from Dubrovnik we cross the border into Montenegro and soon reach the scenic Bay of Kotor, the southernmost fjord in Europe. Our road follows the lakeside until reaching Kotor, a beautiful town between the lake and dramatic cliffs. The road climbs up high into the mountains after Kotor. From the top we can enjoy the breathtaking vista of Kotor Bay and the surrounding mountains. We then drive through Lovcen National Park stopping en route for birding. The park is very diverse creating the border between the Mediterranean Coast and the inland. Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Thrush, Western Rock Nuthatch, Black-eared Wheatear, Cirl and Rock Bunting, Golden Eagle are all possible here.
We cross Cetinje, the former capital of Montenegro and enter the valley of Rijeka Crnojevica that leads towards Skadar Lake. The landscape is once again astonishing as the river meanders between the hills into the lake. We spend two nights in Virpazar, a sleepy town on the lakeside, where Scops Owls call during the evenings.
Overnight: Virpazar

Day 3
We take a boat ride on Lake Skadar, one of the largest freshwater lakes of Europe, to search for the last surviving Dalmatian Pelicans of the lake. Black-necked Grebes, Pygmy Cormorants, Glossy Ibis, Squacco Heron, Ferruginous Ducks, herons and egrets, Spoonbills, marsh terns and Red-rumped Swallows are numerous and migration might turn up surprises. After the boat ride we drive to the coast to explore the coastal site of Buljarica. It is a long beach with adjoining wetlands surrounded by olive groves and coastal cliffs. Birds of the area include Levant Sparrowhawk, Eleonora’s Falcon, Rock Partridge, Olive-tree Warbler, Sombre Tit, Rock Nuthatch and Blue Rock Thrush. Later in the afternoon we visit some nice forests along Skadar Lake that are home to Great Spotted Cuckoo, Rufous Bush-Robin and Sombre Tit.
Overnight: Virpazar

Day 4
We leave Virpazar and visit Ulcinj saltpans along the coast that attracts many birds during migration including Greater Flamingo, Dalmatian Pelican and Collared Pratincole. Then we explore Velika Plaza along the River Buna comprising of sand dunes, adjoining grassland, forests and wetlands that is an important breeding area and migration stopover. It is famous for its population of Baillon’s Crake, but Collared Pranticole, Stone Curlew and Roller also breed here.
Around noon we cross the border into Albania. We stop in Shkodra to visit the castle for views over the lake and the Buna River. Then we drive to the coastal town of Durres where we spend two nights.
Overnight: Durres

Day 5
We explore Karavasta Lagoon, an important coastal wetland home to a nice population of Dalmatian Pelicans. Migration brings thousands of waterbirds including an occasional Marsh Sandpiper or Broad-billed Sandpiper. Leaving the lagoons we drive further south through hilly countryside, home to Red-rumped Swallow, Woodchat Shrike, Golden Oriole, Spanish Sparrow and Black-headed Bunting. We visit the Greco-Roman ruins of Apollonia established in 558 BC by the greeks in a lush valley dotted with olive trees and then return to Durres.
Overnight: Durres

Day 6
We drive back to Montenegro visiting the scenic castle of Kruja close to Tirana. Passing Shkodra we reach the border of Montenegro and drive further northwest into the mountains. We stop shortly to admire Ostrog Monastery built high upon a steep cliff. Late afternoon we reach Zabljak in Durmitor National Park where we spend two nights.
Overnight: Zabljak

Day 7
We spend the day in Durmitor National Park exploring pristine forests for Three-toed Woodpecker, Eastern Bonelli's Warbler, Crested Tit, Firecrest, Nutcracker and Common Crossbill. Reaching the dwarf pine area might provide Ring Ouzel and Alpine Chough. The higher regions are home to Shore Lark, Water Pipit, Alpine Accentor and Snowfinch, but due to weather conditions access may be difficult. We will also visit Tara Canyon, the deepest gorge in Europe where we have chances for Rock Partridge, Wallcreeper and Rock Thrush. Birds of prey are also represented well in the park and we will keep an eye on the sky for Goshawk, Golden Eagle, Short-toed Eagle or Peregrine. Red-backed and Lesser Grey Shrikes are common in the region, too.
Overnight: Zabljak

Day 8
After a morning birding in the Durmitor NP we drive back to Dubrovnik birding on the way. In the afternoon we arrive to our accommodation and it will be possible to visit the beautiful city of Dubrovnik before dinner.
Overnight: Near Dubrovnik

Day 9
We take the ferry from Dubrovnik to cross to the Adriatic island of Mljet. Parts of the island belong to Mljet National Park with two salt lakes and pristine forests of Aleppo Pine and Evergreen Oak. Pallid Swift, Alpine Swift, Tawny Pipit, Eastern Orphean Warbler and Red-backed Shrike are relatively common on the island, but if we are lucky we might see Mediterranean Shearwater, Eleonora’s Falcon, Audouin’s Gull or even Lanner. Butterflies, dragonflies and reptiles are also well represented on the island.
Overnight: Near Dubrovnik

Day 10
After a final morning birding around our accommodation we drive to Dubrovnik Airport to take our flight back to the UK.