A fascinating educational tour and photo safari of the rare world of the reptiles and amphibians of Greece!
| Tour number: |
GR1/13 |
| Travel time: | 27.04.2013-04.05.2013 |
| Minimum participants: | 3 |
| Maximum participants: | 12 |
| Difficulty level: |  |
Turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs and newts.
The mainland and insular parts of Greece have one of the richest diversity of reptiles and amphibians in Europe with 23 species of amphibians and 67 reptile species including many rare and highly endangered species such as the Loggerhead Turtle, the Spur-thighed tortoise, the Mediterranean and African Chameleon and the Milos Viper.
With the help of our expert herpetologist, we will explore the world of these magnificent creatures and enjoy many rare photo opportunities. We will learn about their habitats and distinctive behavior, the threats to their existence and what we can do to help and protect them.
We will also admire and experience the exceptional beauty of two very important wetlands of Greece - Lake Kerkini and Prespa National Park.
Itinerary
Days 1- 8
Day 1: Arrival - Lake Kerkini
Upon arrival at Thessaloniki International Airport you'll meet your tour guide and soon after we will transfer you to Lake Kerkini Nature Reserve. After checking-in at our hotel a welcome cocktail follows where our reptile specialist, Ilias Strachinis, will give us an introductory lecture on Lake Kerkini, its' wildlife and on the reptiles and amphibians of the area.
Meals: Welcome cocktail, dinner. Accommodation: Nastou View Hotel.
Day 2: Lake Kerkini
After breakfast we'll visit selected areas of the lake focusing on terrapins and tortoises, snakes and lizards. We'll have an opportunity to photograph indigenous species such as the European and the Balkan pond turtle, the Hermann's and Spur-thighed tortoise and the Balkan green lizard. After lunch at a local tavern we'll continue exploring until we'll return to our hotel for a little rest and relaxation before a night watch. During this exciting night tourwe'll identify different frog and toad species of the area by watching and listening, and learn about their lives and behavior.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Accommodation: Nastou View Hotel.
Day 3: Lake Kerkini
Same as Day 2.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Nastou View Hotel.
Day 4: Lake Kerkini -Prespa National Park
Very early in the morning we'll depart for Prespa National Park. During our day tour we'll have an opportunity to observe and photograph many rare species such as the Blue-throated Keeled Lizard, the Erhard's Wall Lizard, the Aesculapian Snake and the Macedonian Crested Newt. After dinner a night watch will follow to observe and identify the amphibians of the area.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: Guesthouse Agios Germanos
Day 5: Lake Prespa
The Lake is not only a premier birding site in Greece but also a paradise for reptile and amphibian lovers. 22 reptile and 11 amphibian species have been recorded here. During our day and night tour around the lake we'll identify and study as many species as possible.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: Guesthouse Agios Germanos
Day 6: Lake Prespa - Thessaloniki
Breakfast and a morning watch. After lunch at a local tavern we'll have an opportunity for another day watch. In the late afternoon we'll drive to Thessaloniki for spending the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Accommodation: Hotel Olympia Thessaloniki
Day 7: Thessaloniki
On our last day of the tour we'll have a morning and an afternoon observation around the surrounding hills and wetlands of Thessaloniki, observing tortoises and terrapins and many other reptile and amphibian species including the Starred Agama, the Green lizard, the Yellow-Bellied Toad and if we're lucky the Dahl's Whip Snake and the Snake- eyed Skink.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Olympia Thessaloniki
Day 8: Thessaloniki Int. Airport
After breakfast we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight.
Meals: Breakfast.
Services
Prices include:
- 7 nights' accommodation with breakfast in double rooms with shower/WC, air conditioning, TV, telephone and internet access.
- A welcome cocktail, 6 lunches and 7 dinners.
- All the transfers according to the itinerary.
- Experienced english speaking herpetologist.
- All activities according to the itinerary.
Not included:
- Transfer to and from Greece.
- All personal expenses.
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Other sites of interest not included in this itinerary.
- Travel insurance
Things to know
Accommodation
• Nastou View Hotel
• Guesthouse Agios Germanos
• Hotel Olympia Thessaloniki
Recommended clothing and equipment:
• Small Daypack
• Rubber boots
• Casual clothing / comfortable clothing
• Hat
• Water bottle
• Sun cream
• Sun glasses
• Insect repellent
• Camera & Binoculars
Remarks:
- Minimum age requirement: 10 years. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Tour guide: Our tour guide is the reptile specialist Ilias Strachinis, founder of Herpetofauna.gr and member of Societas Hellenica Herpetologica.
- This tour may subject to change at the discretion of our tour leader if local weather conditions are unfavorable.
- For detailed explanations to the degrees of difficulty please follow this link: Explanation to the degrees of difficulty
- Information about visa and entry regulations, health information and tips for equipment, see this link: Things to know-1
- Please note our information about possible exchange rate fluctuations: Exchange rate fluctuation