This new and original journey explores one of Europe’s most captivating destinations: the Czech Republic. Tucked into the very heart of the continent, this small nation (slightly smaller than South Carolina) is remarkably rich in natural and cultural treasures. Its temperate setting—at the meeting point of oceanic and continental climates—also places it at a fascinating ornithological crossroads between Northern and Southern Europe.

The result is an exciting diversity of birdlife. Boreal breeders such as the Fieldfare and Boreal Owl share the landscape with Mediterranean species including the Eurasian Hoopoe and European Bee-eater. Over the course of our tour, we can expect a wonderful variety of upland, lowland, woodland, and wetland birds, along with other wildlife that thrives in these beautifully varied habitats.

Equally integral to our experience are the country’s storybook villages and historic towns, where centuries of architecture and culture provide a rich sense of place. This itinerary strikes a thoughtful balance: it offers rewarding, focused birding for keen enthusiasts, while also providing the broader cultural and scenic experiences that make it especially enjoyable for traveling companions and those who appreciate a well-rounded European adventure.

For those wishing to extend their stay, we encourage arriving a day or two early—or lingering afterward—to explore the enchanting city of Prague at your own pace. While our tour does not include dedicated sightseeing in Prague, its historic center, architecture, and café culture make it well worth additional time.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the Czech Republic’s remarkable crossroads of Northern and Southern European birdlife.
• Search for specialties from Boreal Owl and Eurasian Golden Oriole to European Bee-eater and Hoopoe.
• Wander through UNESCO-listed cultural landscapes including the Lednice–Valtice estate and historic town centers.
• Scan vast fishpond systems and reedbeds alive with grebes, herons, warblers, and breeding waterbirds.
• Discover the wild beauty of the Pálava Hills, where limestone cliffs rise above vineyards and floodplain forests.
• Experience storybook towns such as ?eský Krumlov and Tebo, blending rich history with relaxed European charm.

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Sun., Apr. 25      Arrival in Prague

Our tour begins when we gather at our hotel in Prague at 6:00 pm. Here we meet our local guide and fellow travelers for introductions and an overview of the exciting journey ahead, accompanied by a complimentary welcome drink.
Accommodations in Prague (D)

Mon., Apr. 26        Prague to Olomouc

After breakfast, we drive east toward the elegant city of Olomouc in North Moravia, situated at the confluence of the Morava and Byst?ice rivers. A direct drive would take about three hours, but we travel at a naturalist’s pace, stopping along the way to enjoy the countryside and search for birds.

Possible sightings include Western Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Green, Black, and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Eurasian Nuthatch, Western House Martin, Tree Pipit, Wood, Willow, and Icterine Warblers, Eurasian Blackcap, Song and Mistle Thrushes, Fieldfare, and Hawfinch.
Accommodations in Olomouc (B,L,D)

Tues., Apr. 27       Birding Around Olomouc

This morning we explore the woodlands and wetlands surrounding Olomouc. Species may include Spotted, European Pied, and Collared Flycatchers; European Goldcrest; Blue, Crested, Coal, Marsh, and Long-tailed Tits; Honey and Common Buzzards; Common Nightingale; Black and Common Redstarts; Eurasian Jay; Hooded Crow; European Goldfinch; and European Greenfinch.

After lunch, enjoy free time to explore this charming historic city. Settled in Roman times and flourishing in later centuries, Olomouc boasts a rich architectural heritage. Highlights include St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral, the historic town hall with its astronomical clock, and the Baroque Holy Trinity Column—designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodations in Olomouc (B,L,D)

Wed., Apr. 28       South Moravia & Lednice-Valtice

After breakfast we head south toward South Moravia, birding along the way. Woodlands en route may yield Middle and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Eurasian and Short-toed Treecreepers, Collared Flycatcher, and Hawfinch.

By afternoon we arrive in the spectacular Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to birds, European Hare and Roe Deer are often seen grazing in open fields. Near the Austrian border, the region also bears subtle reminders of its World War II history.
Accommodations in Lednice area (B,L,D)

Thurs., Apr. 29      Lednice Parklands

This morning we walk through the gardens and parklands of the Lednice château. Few places in Europe rival this blend of exceptional birding and grand cultural scenery. Ancient oaks line tranquil ponds where Great Crested and Little Grebes, Graylag Goose, Red-crested and Common Pochards, Northern Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, and Garganey are often present.

A mixed colony of White Storks, Grey Herons, Black-crowned Night Herons, and Great Cormorants nests on one of the pond islands, and up to seven species of woodpecker occur here. Eurasian Beaver are present as well—we may see evidence of their activity or even the animals themselves.
Accommodations in Lednice area (B,L,D)

Fri., Apr. 30       The Pálava Hills & Nové Mlýny

Today we explore the diverse habitats of South Moravia. At the Nové Mlýny reservoirs, mixed colonies of Caspian, Mediterranean, and Black-headed Gulls nest alongside Common Terns. Reedbeds may hold Purple Heron, Bearded Reedling, Penduline Tit, Common Reed Bunting, and—if fortunate—Water Rail or Little Bittern.

In floodplain forests along the River Dyje, breeding species include Black Stork, Red and Black Kites, White-tailed Eagle, Eurasian Hobby, and Gray-headed Woodpecker. Warbler diversity is impressive, including Sedge, Savi’s, River, Great Reed, Common Reed, and Marsh Warblers.

The limestone Pálava Hills rise dramatically above the valley, crowned by the ruins of D?vi?ky Castle. Here we look for Barred Warbler, Greater and Lesser Whitethroats, Red-backed Shrike, Common Cuckoo, European Turtle Dove, Syrian Woodpecker, European Serin, and colorful European Bee-eaters. The hills are also rich in butterflies.

South Moravia is the Czech Republic’s wine region, and organically managed vineyards may host Hoopoe, Woodlark, and Eurasian Wryneck. On one evening, we may venture out in search of Eurasian Eagle Owl.
Accommodations in Lednice area (B,L,D)

Sat., May 1        South Bohemia & Trebon

We travel west into South Bohemia, birding en route at traditional fishpond systems surrounded by reedbeds. Expect grebes including Great Crested, Little, and Red-necked, along with ducks and reed-loving warblers.

Pastures and meadows may hold Rook, Eurasian Skylark, European Stonechat, Whinchat, Western Yellow Wagtail, Yellowhammer, and Corn Bunting, and we are likely to encounter more White Storks on their impressive nests.

Our destination is the picturesque town of Trebon, known for its Renaissance square and relaxed atmosphere. A visit to the historic Bohemia Regent Brewery—founded in the 14th century—is highly recommended.
Accommodations in Trebon (B,L,D)

Sun., May 2       Trebon Biosphere Reserve

Today we explore the Trebon Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO and the Ramsar Convention. This idyllic landscape of meadows, marshes, woodlands, and centuries-old fishponds supports rich birdlife.

Highlights may include Common Goldeneye (which breed in nestboxes here), Green Sandpiper, Kingfisher, Bluethroat, Common Grasshopper Warbler, Garden Warbler, and possibly Common Crane. Mammals such as European Otter and Red Squirrel occur, along with amphibians and reptiles including Grass Snake and Fire-bellied Toad.

One evening, we head out at dusk in search of Tawny and Eurasian Pygmy Owls, Eurasian Nightjar, and Eurasian Woodcock.
Accommodations in Trebon (B,L,D)

Mon., May 3       ?eský Krumlov

We spend the morning birding for any species still on our wish list. In the afternoon, we visit the enchanting town of ?eský Krumlov, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Gothic castle towers above the River Vltava, and the main square is lined with Renaissance and Baroque façades.
Accommodations in Trebon (B,L,D)

Tues., May 4         Departure

After breakfast, we transfer to Prague Airport (approximately 2.5 hours), where our memorable Czech journey concludes. (B)

Cost of the Journey

The cost of the journey is per person, based on occupancy: $5190 DBL / $5705 SGL, from Prague. This cost includes: accommodations for 9 nights, meals as noted in the itinerary, professional guide services, local guides, local park and reserve entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. All tips other than your NJ guide (optional) and local guide are included (this includes tips for your driver, lodge and staff, day activities, meals and other services).

It does not include roundtrip airfare to and from Prague, or items of a personal nature such as laundry or drinks from the bar.

• Gerard Gorman
  

  Gerard Gorman is a deeply experienced birding and wildlife guide, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe where his knowledge of the wildlife sites of the region is second to none, having visited every country from the Baltic to the Black Sea. In recent years he has led several Naturalist Journeys groups across Europe and Africa. Gerard is also an author, and his books include Central and Eastern European Wildlife (Bradt, 2008) and Birding in Eastern Europe (WildSounds, 2006). His main ornithological interest focuses on woodpeckers, and he is regarded as an authority, authoring an unprecedented seven books on the family, including the acclaimed Woodpeckers of the World (Bloomsbury, 2014) and Woodpecker (Reaktion, 2017). His latest works include, The Wryneck (Pelagic Publishing, 2022), the definitive monograph on this fascinating species, and The Green Woodpecker (Pelagic Publishing, 2023). Gerard is also interested in wildlife tracking, and his Pocket Guide to Tracks and Signs of European Wildlife (Bloomsbury) was published in 2014.

  Photo credit: probirder.com

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