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Hungary at Christmas
Tour Code: HUN08An 8-day holiday featuring the best of the winter birdlife of Hungary, plus festive highlights in Budapest.
£3,395
£2,995
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Hungary is an excellent wildlife destination all year round, and in the winter it is renowned for the large numbers of waterfowl that spend several months on the vast inland wetland areas, plus woodland bird species in large tracts of forest. This two-centre holiday explores these habitats which offer a varied and bountiful number of species, whilst also including time in Budapest to enjoy the Christmas festivities of the capital.
We begin with four nights to the south of Budapest, and on the edge of Kiskunsag National Park, which is the ideal location from which to explore the steppes, marshes and lakes of this productive area, as well as easy access to one of Europe’s finest cities. Huge flocks of geese are attracted to these wintering grounds and we can expect to see Greater and maybe Lesser White-fronted Geese, as well as the endangered Red-breasted Geese. Great Bustard have a strong population here, and we will see them in wintering flocks as well, whilst Great Grey Shrikes patrol the grasslands and both Bearded and Penduline Tits can be found in large numbers in the reedbeds. Eastern Imperial Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, and Saker Falcon are resident, whilst Hen Harrier, Merlin and Rough-legged Buzzard are present at this time of year. We will spend some time in Budapest as well, enjoying the special atmosphere of the festive season, including a sightseeing cruise on the Danube, admiring many of the city's famous buildings, plus we will enjoy a classical music concert one evening.
We then head to the Bukk Hills for the last three nights of the holiday, stopping en route at a large roost of wintering Long-eared Owls, providing an excellent opportunity to see this charming owl species from close range, plus some lakes to look for Smew and other ducks. In the Beech, Hornbeam and Oak covered hills of the Bukk, one of our main focuses will be the majestic Ural Owl, as well as eight species of woodpeckers, that are all possible, including White-backed, Black, Lesser Spotted and Grey-headed Woodpecker. Hawfinches and Bramblings can be found anywhere in the region, and we will visit an abandoned quarry hoping for Wallcreeper and Alpine Accentor. On the penultimate evening of the holiday we will have dinner and wine-tasting in a unique, traditionally Hungarian setting.
- Look for Great Bustard in Kiskunság National Park
- Raptors including Eastern Imperial & White-tailed Eagles, Saker Falcon & Rough-legged Buzzard
- Scan the wetlands and fishponds of Kiskunság NP for flocks of geese and other waterfowl
- Explore the forested Bükk Hills for Ural Owl and eight species of woodpecker
- Danube boat trip and festive concert in Budapest
- Opportunity to extend your tour in Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital city
- Led by expert naturalist guides
Grading
A
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
The first hotel is on the banks of a Danube channel to the south of Budapest, whilst the second hotel in the village of Noszvaj is very good quality. All rooms have private facilities.
Please note: Should you wish to see more of Hungary's beautiful capital city, we would recommend you extend your stay at the beginning or end of the holiday. - Food:
All food included in the price, with a traditional festive Hungarian dinner on the penultimate evening.
Dates & Prices
2026
2027
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.
Enquire
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!
