5-Day Twin Centre Birding Holiday in the Rural Highlands of Alicante
Indicative Price Per Person : 590€ (for 4 people) / 760€ (for 2 people)
Available for individuals, couples and groups of three or four people – enquire for prices without obligation
This recently designed trip is aimed at clients who wish to fly into Alicante airport and is based in the rural highlands of the interior of this province. This little known region is a superb birding destination, and is also extremely rich in culture, history and gastronomy. To guarantee a truly authentic experience, you will stay for 4 nights at the beautifully restored Mas Fontanells, a country house hotel surrounded by forest, hills and olive groves.
Day 1 – Arrival & bird watching at the local salt marshes.
Pick up from Alicante airport. Depending upon arrival time, we can visit the local saltmarshes to see Slender-billed Gull, Audouin’s Gull,Greater Flamingo, Avocet, Black Winged Stilt and more. Then we’ll make the comfortable journey (approx 1hour) to the hotel where you’ll have dinner and spend the night.
Day 2 – Premier wetland reserves.
After pick up from the hotel, we’ll travel to one of the region’s premier wetland reserves, where we can see species such as Red Knobbed Coot, Bluethroat, Purple Swamphen, White Headed Duck, Marbled Teal, Marsh Harrier and more. This day can also include a small detour to visit the site of the region’s small population of Azure Winged Magpie (at no extra cost).
Day 3 – Mountains.
Today involves very little travelling as we’ll visit the mountains that are close to the hotel. Here we’ll begin the day with a short walk through a forest where we hope to see Crested Tit and other passerines before reaching a peak where Alpine Accentors spend the winter. Then we’ll explore a dramatic gorge where we’ll see Griffon Vulture, Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush and more.
Day 4 – Steppe & Lagoons.
Today we’ll experience a completely different habitat – the high steppe that lies to the west of the region. The vast open spaces, rich earth tones and huge skies make this a very special place. Here’s where the mighty Great Bustard roams, which is a sight never to forget. Other steppe birds include Calandra Lark, Rock Sparrow and Black Bellied Sandgrouse. Depending upon conditions, we may also see Common Crane and Golden Eagle.
Day 5 – Flexible according to your plans.
On the morning of Day 5 you will be collected from the hotel after breakfast. Depending upon your plans or wishes for the following days, you could be returned to either Alicante or Valencia airport, or be taken to either city should you wish to extend your stay with a cultural break. Other interesting locations could include the historical town of Xativa or any point on the coast between Alicante and Valencia.
Timing – This trip is designed for the months of December, January and February.
Accommodation – 4 nights half board accommodation in the lovingly restored “Mas Fontanells” situated in beautiful rural surroundings yet close to the historical village of Biar. Bed, breakfast and home cooked, traditional evening meals included*. Spacious en-suite rooms and lounge areas. The evenings will provide time for you to relax with your partner or group (without your guide). *Drinks are excluded.
Pricing – Prices from :
590€ per person (group of four)
760€ per person (couples)
Applicable for stays in December, January or February (excluding Christmas week). For specific fixed and firm prices, please contact us with the proposed dates of your stay and the number of people.
Prices include :
- Professional guiding services throughout the trip.
- Transport each day, including airport pick-up and drop-off.
- 4 nights half-board accommodation at Mas Fontanells
Prices exclude :
- Flights and travel insurance.
- Drinks at the hotel.
- Lunches.
To discuss further (without obligation) please feel free to contact us.
