May 10 - 18 Mon - Tue
Group Size: 7
Starting Point: Toulouse
Based: Luz St-Sauveur 3 nights, Sabiñánigo 4 ni., Lannemezan 1 ni.
Walking: Easy
Description :
Embracing both sides of the central zone of the Pyrenees, this appealing new 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. Pyrenean Snakeshead and several primrose species prime the flower list.
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 stunning Blue Aphyllanthes adorns 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. Tuberous Meadow-rue is one of many striking plants.
Itinerary
Day 1 Mon: Toulouse Airport late morning, followed by journey to our base at Luz St-Sauveur arriving late afternoon.
Days 2 & 3 Tue & Wed: Cirque de Gavarnie and Col du Tourmalet are principal sites explored.
Days 4 - 7 Thu - Sun: A full but leisurely day of travel takes us across the Col Du Somport 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 Mon: Following breakfast we head back into France via the Bielsa Tunnel, spending a final night near Lannemezan.
Day 9 Tue: Travel to Toulouse from where we fly back to London Heathrow midday.
Cost: £970...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 £160 British Airways (LHR); £80 Easyjet (LGW).
See 'About Us' for statement about flights.
