Eastern Black Sea Coast

Stunning Raptor Migration

At the border to Georgia at the Black Sea lies the bizarre range of the Pontic Mountains. Raptors have to cross this barrier on their way across the Anatolian highlands. Even though it is less explored, this eastern migration route is as significant as the western one at the Bosporus. The mass migration of European Honey-Buzzards and the passing of single Steppe Eagles is an impressive sight. The eastern Black Sea Coast is famous for its scenic landscape. Lush forests with oriental beech and tea plantations range right up to the cliff line. In higher areas there are beautiful copses of oriental spruce and nordmann fir.

Day 1

Arrival

Flight via Ankara to Trabzon at the eastern Black Sea Coast. (1 overnight)

Day 2

Sumela Monastery, Zigana Mountains

Drive to Sumela Monastery (formerly Greek) that “hugs” the sheer rock wall, surrounded by a damp forest of oriental beech, oriental hornbeam and wych elm. Beautiful view of mountain forests after ascent. Continue into the steppe-like Turkish highlands via Zigana Pass. Stay in Erzurum (1800 metres altitude). (2 overnights).

Day 3

Karasu Headwater, Palandöken Mountains

In the wet plains, where the Karasu river (one of the two headwaters of Euphrates) has its source, observations of Whinchat, Common Rosefinch, Black-crowned Night-Heron and Common Crane. Continue up into the high mountain area of Palandöken Mountains (2900 metres) - Radde`s Accentor. Alternative: visit to Erzurum with Seljuk Double Minaret Madrasah and Grand Mosque.

Day 4

Lake Tortum, Church of Osk, Çoruh Valley, Altiparmak

Drive over a pass (White-winged Snow-finch, Shore Lark, rarely Red-tailed Wheatear) to Lake Tortum. Visit to the Georgian minster at Osk. Continue through stunning countryside with rock vaults and red and green shimmering hilly landscape down into the Çoruh river gorge. On a small road in the valley of the Antiparmak River (Caucasian White-throated Dipper) to simple lodgings in Antiparmak. (2 overnights)

Day 5

Kaçkar Moun-tains, Church of Parhal

Ascent up into the Kaçkar Mountains via the Georgian church of Parhal. Our destination is the Lake Karagöl (2800 metres) - Caucasian Grouse, Caspian Snowcock.

Day 6

Demirkent, Yayla

Drive to Demirkent in Çoruh Valley via Yusufeli, ascent to Yayla, a high mountain region. In this area with little rain, you can observe Bearded Vulture and Eurasian Griffon Vulture, and occasionally Cinereous Vulture. Hotel in Yusufeli. (1 overnight)

Day 7

Işhan, Dolışhana

Visit the Işhan church ruins. Descent into Çoruh Valley. Stop at the Georgian church Dolışhana in the Imerhevi valley. Six overnight stays in Artvin in a terraced hotel on the mountainside. Depending on the weather conditions on the Black Sea Coast it may be necessary to change the programme for the next five days. Weather permitting we will visit the observation spots near Arhavi. If it rains we will stay in the surrounding area of Artvin.

Day 8

Hopa, Georgian Border

Observations of bird migration near Hopa and further east to see the Raptor Migration along the coastline. Maybe a visit to the beautiful little town Hopa.

Day 9

Arhavi, Bird Migration

At the migration corridors through the mountain near Arhavi, at approximately 400 metres, tens of thousands of European Honey-Buzzards, Steppe Buzzards, Black Storks and other raptors can be observed. The passing of European Bee-eaters, Eurasian Golden-Orioles, Eurasian Sparrowhawks, Red-backed Shrikes and Common Quails is also very impressive. Opportunity to visit a tea factory in Arhavi.

Day 10

Genya Mountains

Walking-tour from Artvin through mixed forest and up to the high mountain areas of the Genya Mountains.

Day 11

Çoruh Valley, Borçka

Field trip in the Çoruh Valley (Black-eared Wheatear and other Mediterranean species). Observation of bird migration at Borçka.

Day 12

Ardanuç, Yeni Rabat

Drive via Ardanuç into the high mountain area above the tree-line with small mountain lakes to the pass at Yalnızçam. Visit to the ruins of the Georgian Yeni Rabat Church. Walking-tour downwards from the pass.

Day 13

Arhavi, Bird Migration, Falconers

Observation of raptors at the Black Sea Coast in Arhavi. In the evening meet with the resident falconers who use Eurasian Sparrowhawks to hunt Common Quails. Hotel in Arhavi. (1 overnight)

Day 14

Black Sea Coast, Trabzon

Drive along the Black Sea Coast via Rize to Trabzon. Visit to the Byzantine church Hagia Sophia (nowadays museum). Opportunity to visit the bazaar. (1 overnight)

Day 15

Departure

Transfer Trabzon airport. Return flight.