Birds, Beavers and Bisons

For a lot of people, Poland is associated with grey shipyards, Solidarity and the breakdown of a socialistic regime. Not many people know that Poland holds the most pristine and unspoiled habitats in Europe and offers one of the best wildlife and cultural experiences on the continent.
This tour will take you to a peaceful rural landscape in the north east part of the country, where we will explore three prestine locations: Bialowieski, Narwianski and Biebrzanski National Parks. The parks are known as the Green Lungs of Poland, whose ecological importance and serene beauty are unparalleled anywhere in Europe.
The Bialowieza Forest is Europe's last natural deciduous and mixed forest preserved in a primeval state
Hardly touched by human management throughout its history and under strict protection for over 70 years, the Bialowieza forest has developed naturally, sustaining the unique character of its primeval origin.
The unique value of Bialowieza Forest is its biological richness. The flora comprises over 4,500 species. Over 630 species of vascular plants, 150 species of moss, 210 species of lichens and over 3000 species of fungi grow here. Over 10,000 animal species inhabit the forest of which the majority are insects (over 9,000). One hundred and twenty species of birds breed in the forest, including 12 species of raptors, eight species of owls and an impressive nine species of woodpeckers!
What could be a better home for Europe’s biggest land mammal, the magnificent European Bison. Two thousands years ago, it inhabited most of Europe. Today, in Bialowieza, a free-living population of 300 thrives in their natural environment. The forest is also home to Wolf, Wild Boar, Lynx, Elk, Red Deer, Roe Deer, Beaver and 12 species of bats.
This incredible diversity of plants and animals in its primeval form has been recognised by the UNESCO and the Bialowieza Forest has been included in the list of World Heritage Sites and as a Biosphere Reserve.
The Biebrza Wetland is the largest and the best preserved peat bog in Europe
The Biebrza Marshes encompass a variety of undisturbed and valuable natural wetland habitats, including various types of marshes, peatlands and wet forests. It stretches for 120 km in length and up to 40 km in width.
Biebrza’s greatest assets are the birds. The park was included in the list of the Ramsar sites in 1995 as an internationally important wetland for migratory birds. Of the 235 species of birds recorded, 157 breed here and a further 19 are possible breeders. The Biebrza is a stronghold for many central European species. Here, Great Snipe males display in numbers unparalleled anywhere in central Europe. Between 2,500 to 3,500 pairs of Aquatic Warbler breed in the marshes, making it the second most important breeding area in its entire range. Two hundred pairs of Cranes breed here, the largest population in central Europe. So are the breeding populations of White-winged Black Terns (up to 5,000 breeding pairs), Scarlet Rosefinches (3,000 - 4,000 pairs), Water Rails, Spotted Crakes, Corncrakes, Bitterns and Eagle Owls. Here, the Elk can be seen at its best looking relaxed in an open space.
Detailed Itinerary Booking InfoTour Details
Date
20-27 May 2020
Price
£1380 per person sharing
Single Supplement
£170
Group Size
5-6
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival to Warsaw and transfer to Bialowieza Forest
Days 2-4
Bialowieza Forest
Day 5
Narwianski National Park and transfer to Biebrza Marshes
Days 6-7
Biebrza Marshes
Day 8
Departure from Warsaw
The Price Includes
all accommodation on a shared basis
all meals
all excursions and transfers by vehicle and boats park and tour guides’ fees
The Price Does Not Include
all items of a personal nature
drinks at the bar
flight cancellation, baggage and medical insurance
scheduled return flight from Britain to Warsaw. A group booking, however, will be made, but you will deal with a travel agent directly. Alternatively, you can make your own arrangements
Please Note
all passengers must cover themselves against flight cancellation, luggage loss and medical costs for the duration of their trip
a deposit of £100 is requested with a booking form. The final payment is required by 28 February