Birding Central Turkey

Tour Code: TUR05

An 8-day holiday to enjoy the wildlife and archaeological highlights of central Anatolia and south-east Turkey, in particular the sought-after birds of this Western Palearctic country.

8 days from
£3,695
Land only price from
£3,395
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

Turkey's south-east is one of the Western Palearctic's most exciting birding frontiers. Here, the snow-clad peaks of the Taurus Mountains give way to ancient river valleys, vast wetlands and the fertile lands of the Euphrates, creating a remarkable diversity of habitats and an equally impressive bird list. Among the highlights of this tour are the haunting dawn calls of Caspian Snowcock high in the Aladağlar Mountains, close encounters with Northern Bald Ibis along the Euphrates, and the opportunity to observe sought-after Middle Eastern specialities such as Iraq Babbler, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, White-headed Duck and Red-tailed Wheatear. Along the way we will explore alpine meadows, dramatic gorges, reed-fringed marshes, pistachio orchards and semi-arid steppe, each supporting its own distinctive wildlife.

Yet this is far more than a birdwatching tour. From the extraordinary landscapes of Cappadocia, with its fairy chimneys and rock-hewn churches, to the atmospheric streets of Şanlıurfa and the timeless waters of the Euphrates, the journey is steeped in history and culture. We visit Byzantine cave sanctuaries in Soğanlı Valley, travel through landscapes that have shaped civilisations for millennia, and conclude with a visit to Göbekli Tepe, one of the world's most important archaeological discoveries. Combining superb birding, spectacular scenery and a rich cultural heritage, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of one of Turkey's most fascinating and rewarding regions.

  • Superb Western Palearctic birding in one of the region’s least-visited and most rewarding destinations
  • Excellent chances for sought-after species including Caspian Snowcock, Northern Bald Ibis, Iraq Babbler and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater
  • Explore a remarkable variety of habitats, from alpine peaks and mountain gorges to wetlands, river valleys and semi-arid steppe
  • Combine exciting birdwatching with Cappadocia’s unique landscapes and the ancient sanctuary of Göbekli Tepe
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Outbound flight to Kayseri Airport
Day 2
Aladaglar National Park via Sultan Marsh & Soğanlı Valley
Day 3
Aladaglar National Park
Day 4
Aladaglar National Park; Adana via Yumurtalik Lagoon
Day 5
Adana to Gaziantep via Isikli & Durnalik
Day 6
Gaziantep to Sanliurfa via Halfeti & Birecik
Day 7
Bozova and Gobekli Tepe
Day 8
Inbound flight from Sanliurfa Airport
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation:

    Comfortable tourist hotels with private facilities throughout.

  • Food:

    All breakfasts and dinners are included in the price. Lunches are not included; allow £15 per day.

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Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2027

Departures Availability Cost
Sun 2nd May – Sun 9th May SPACES £3,695
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Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,395
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£495

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

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