May 19 – 27  Sat - Sun
Group Size: 7
Starting Point: Toulouse
Based: Luz St-Sauveur 3 nights, Sabiñánigo 4 ni, Lourdes 1 ni.
Walking: Easy

Description: Embracing the central zone of the Pyrenees, spanning France and Spain, this appealing event features the best of both, catering equally for  bird,  mammal and wild-flower enthusiasts - essentially in the most superb settings. The tour commences and concludes from Toulouse. 

In France we explore the Cirque de Gavarnie and Col du Tourmalet, where Water Pipit, Alpine Accentor, Citril Finch, Ring Ouzel, Alpine Chough and even Black Woodpecker are star birds. The Pyrenean Chamois is seen in mountain meadows, Alpine Marmots cannot fail to charm as they scamper about scree slopes, and on fast-flowing streams we shall keep an eye out for the elusive Pyrenean Desman. Pyrenean Snakeshead, Pyrenean Columbine, Alpine Snowbell and several primrose species prime the flower list – alpine meadows are an absolute kaleidoscope of colour.

On the Spanish side raptors are at the fore, top of our list being the majestic Lammergeier, encountered in Ordesa National Park.  Griffon Vultures are everywhere, with a supporting cast that includes Egyptian Vulture; Black Kite; Bonelli's, Booted and Short-toed Eagles, and Goshawk. 

Around our hotel in Sabiñánigo we can expect to see White Stork, Tawny Pipit, Cirl Bunting, Nightingale, Spanish Sparrow, Serin and Scops Owl, while the attractive Tuberous Meadow-rue and stunning Blue Aphyllanthes adorn surrounding banks.

In steep-sided gorges we look for Wallcreepers and see the enormous white flower-heads of Pyrenean Saxifrage. Small passerine birds in wooded valleys include Firecrest, Subalpine Warbler and Crested Tit, while in semi-open country we meet with Hoopoe, Bee-eater and Red-backed Shrike.

Itinerary
Days 1 - 3 Sat - Mon:  Morning flight from London Heathrow to Toulouse, followed by journey to our base at Luz St-Sauveur arriving late afternoon. Cirque de Gavarnie and Col du Tourmalet are principal sites explored. 

Days 4 - 7 Tue - Fri:  A full but leisurely day of travel takes us across the Col Du Pourtal into Spain, with numerous stops en route to birdwatch or botanise. 

Daily excursions from Sabiñánigo explore the contrasting Spanish side of the Pyrenees. 

Day 8  Sat:  Following breakfast we head back into France via Col du Somport, spending a final night near Lourdes.

Day 9  Sun:  Travel to Toulouse from where we fly back to London Heathrow early evening.

Cost:  £1120...includes:  Accommodation  (b&b plus evening meal; ground travel.

Excludes:  Air travel, lunches, coffee stops, bar items etc.

Deposit: £150                                                           

Single Room Supplement: £140

Return flight cost from London to Toulouse:   
circa £180 British Airways (LHR);  £80 Easyjet (LGW).