Day 1 - We will meet at the Seville airport or hotel of your choice and drive to Los Palacios, and Brazo del Este. This nature reserve, on the east side of the Guadalquivir River, can be enormously productive, with highlights such as Purple and Squacco Heron, Eurasian Penduline-Tit, Whiskered Tern, Western Swamphen, Great Reed Warbler and Savi’s Warbler. Here it’s also possible to see introduced populations of Yellow-crowned Bishop and Black-headed Weaver. After a productive birding day we will drive to Chipiona, where we will visit the only colony of Little Swift in Europe, and where we will be staying during our rst night.
Day 2 - Today we will depart early from the Hotel, as we will visit the Outskirts of Doñana National Park in Cádiz (1:45 hours drive from Tarifa), East of Guadalquivir River. This is one of the least visited and most rewarding birding areas in Doñana. A mosaic of sh farming and salt work facilities, along with lagoons, vineyards and pastures, creates a diverse wetland. Large numbers of Flamingos, Waders (ca. 20 species), Egrets and Herons will be present in the area, along with Slender-billed Gulls, Little and Caspian Terns and Western Swamphens. Some of our main targets will be the White-headed Duck and the Marbled Teal, which often provide good views in the pools. Then, we will head to Tarifa where we will stay for four nights.
Day 3 - After breakfast at the Hotel we will visit the nearby Los Lances beach observatory, overviewing a coastal lagoon. Here we will look for Audouin’s and Mediterranean Gulls, Kentish Plovers and Terns. The surrounding pastures are excellent for an array of passerines including Zitting Cisticola, Tawny Pipit, Corn Bunting and the Iberian race of the Yellow Wagtail. Then, we will head to the best raptor migration observatories in the Tarifa area, just at the moment when thermal updrafts take power activating the movement of raptors. In the afternoon we will take a walk in one of the best trails of the Cork-Forest in Los Alcornocales Natural Park.Overnight in Tarifa.
Day 4 - We will dedicate a full day in the vicinity of Tarifa. We will visit Baelo Claudia, an ancient Roman town, established in the late 2nd century BC. It became a significant port for trade with North Africa, particularly for the production of garum, a sauce. Today, it's a well-preserved archaeological site offering insights into Roman urban planning, architecture, and daily life. Another highlight will be the visit to the newly established breeding colony of Northern Bald Ibis, a critically endangered bird which has been successfully reintroduced in the region. In the afternoon, we will embark on an exciting 2.5-hour whale-watching trip off Tarifa, targeting Pilot Whales , Bottlenose Dolphins and the scarce Balearic Shearwater
Day 5 - Today we will head inland, up to the mountains inland Cádiz and Málaga province, a radically different landscape. The limestone outcrops create a beautiful scenery and is home to the Spanish Ibex. Here, we will have the chance to observe Black Wheatear, Rock Bunting and Rock Sparrow. In term of Raptors, Griffons are widespread and we will have the chance to observe Bonelli’s and Golden Eagle. Along the way, we will pass through several “Pueblos Blancos” (White villages) which are typical in this region of Spain. We will spend the afternoon in Ronda, one of the most charming historical cities of the country. Overnight in Ronda.
Day 6 - We will spend the day in the productive lagoon of Fuentedepiedra and nearby area of Campillos, which holds one of the largest colonies of Greater Flamingos in Europe. In addition, we will nd good numbers of waterbirds and waders, with high chances of Marbled and White-headed Ducks, and in the bushes around there’s a healthy population of Western Olivaceous Warbler. Overnight in Osuna.
Day 7 - This morning we have our first chance to see steppe specialists, like Great Bustard and Little Bustard, European Roller and Black-bellied Sandgrouse. Then, we will drive to the charming town of Hornachos, where we will look for Black Wheatear and Rock Bunting. Also, near Hornachos we will have a good chance for Spanish Imperial Eagle. From here we will drive to Monfragüe National Park, where we will stay for the next three nights.
Day 8 & 9 - This fabulous region of mountains, gorges, forests, and woodlands holds Spain’s major breeding sites for the rare Spanish Eagle. The area is also home to the world’s largest breeding colony of Cinereous Vulture. Other birds that we’ll be searching for during our time here include Black Stork, Bonelli’s Eagle, the smartly plumaged Iberian Magpie, Black-winged Kite, European Roller, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Red-rumped Swallow and Spectacled Warbler. Overnight near Monfragüe National Park.
Day 10 & 11 - This morning we will explore the wetlands of Arrocampo, where we will look for Black-winged Kite and Water Rail, among other species. In the afternoon we will drive towards the Sierra de Gredos. We will have a full day in Gredos to enjoy the cooler temperatures and many new bird species. The dramatic Pico Almanzor and verdant pine forests serve as a splendid backdrop as we search for Iberian Green Woodpecker, Western Bonelli’s Warbler, Eurasian Nuthatch, Goldcrest, Northern Wheatear, Rock and Cirl Buntings, Dunnock and Citril Finch. At higher elevations Bluethroat, White-throated Dipper, Grey Wagtail, European Crested Tit, European Pied Flycatcher and Red Crossbill are possible. Overnight in Gredos.
Day 12 - This morning we may have one nal opportunity to target any remaining species in the vicinity of our hotel. Ultimately, we will drive to Madrid where your tour will conclude.
