Dardanelles Cross

This tour provides an excellent opportunity to see not only migrants such as flycatchers and warblers, but also Eastern Mediterranean specialties, such as Cretzschmar's Bunting and Ruppel's Warbler. Western Turkey is also a very important centre for civilization: The tour includes visits to Ephesus, Troy and historical Istanbul.

Passerine migration over the Dardanelles, Mediterranean oak scrub. Optional visits to ancient Troy and Pergamon.

Duration: 7 days

Recommended timing: March-April

Day 1

Arrival at Izmir. Overnight in Kuşadası.

Day 2

Archeology in Ephesus and surrounding in the morning. Trip to Dilek National Park and Priene in the afternoon. Overnight in Kuşadası.

Day 3

Birdwatching near Gediz Delta. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 4

Travel from Izmir to the north to Çanakkale. On the way visit Pergamon and Troy. Overnight in Çanakkale.

Day 5

Travel from Çanakkale, Lake Manyas in the morning, Kocaçay Delta in the afternoon. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 6

Cultural day. Morning in the Historical Peninsula. In the afternoon visit to one Modern Art Museum. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 7

Raptor migration over Istanbul. Possible species: Honey Buzzard, Black Kite, Black Stork, Lesser Spotted Eagle and Booted Eagle. Wetland visit or Art Museum in the afternoon. Night in Istanbul.

Day 8

Departure from Istanbul.