SWEDEN WILDLIFE ITINERARY
11 – 14 April 2002
If you enjoy birdwatching spectacles then what could be
better than watching thousands of magnificent Cranes gathering at Lake
Hornborga to display and dance with each other in absolute excitement as
their journey to their breeding grounds is almost over.
During this short tour, timed to coincide with the
arrival of peak numbers of Cranes (c6,000), we shall stay in the grounds
of a Swedish Castle, on the edge of the lake. Having seen these
majestic birds dancing during the day we can watch them fly to their roost
within yards of the window as we eat a fine dinner in the castle dining
room - an old style kitchen. Of course if you prefer we can take
our drinks in between courses onto the balcony to hear their
evocative calls as well! Fieldfares, Redwings and Brambling are seen in
the grounds.
Transport throughout the tour will be by
comfortable mini coach.
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Thu 11th April – LONDON – GOTHENBURG |
Depart London Heathrow at 1020hrs for flight xx to Gothenburg.
and transfer to our hotel. We shall spend the latter part of the
afternoon/early evening at Trandansen (an ideally located Visitor Centre
and viewing platform) to view the Cranes. Dinner this evening will be in
our hotel and will be followed by a short talk by the Warden of the Lake
Hornborga Reserve.
Our accommodation during our stay will be in one or two cottages within
a few yards of the castle. Each has been tastefully and comfortably
converted into a series of family suites with shared bathrooms. However,
we have arranged with the owners that wherever possible, our guests will
each be allocated a bedroom with sole use of a bathroom/toilet.
Three nights Lake Hornborga.
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Fri 12th April – LAKE OUSTEN - HORNBORGA |
After breakfast (buffet continental style) we shall visit Lake Ousten
Nature Reserve in the morning. A gentle walk across meadows and through
birch wood to observation towers overlooking the lake to look for Whooper
Swans, Bean Geese, Goldeneye, grebes and ducks. Beautifully located on the
edge of a small, rural village the local volunteers will provide us with
lunch at the Lake Ousten Visitor Centre. In the afternoon we shall visit
the Visitor Centre actually on Lake Hornborga for a short slide
presentation followed by a visit to the hides from which we should see
Red-necked, Black-necked and Slavonian Grebes, Smew, Goosander, Garganey,
Marsh and Hen Harrier, Osprey, White-tailed Sea Eagle, Whooper Swans plus
a large variety of waterfowl. Finally we shall return to Trandansen
once again to watch the spectacle of the dancing Cranes. Dinner at hotel.
Full day in
the forest and surrounding countryside with a local guide whose up to date
knowledge will help us try and locate such species as Dipper, Kingfisher,
Woodlark, Hawfinch, Goshawk, Black Woodpecker, Crested Tit, and hopefully
the elusive Capercaillie and Blackcock. To give us maximum flexibility
today we shall take a packed lunch from the hotel. In the early evening we
shall have dinner with a wildlife artist and his wife. They have worked to
combine a small, homely, informal restaurant with a studio and exhibition
gallery. There will be time to view his studio and art exhibition. If time
permits and local information suggests it will be worthwhile, we shall
make every effort to find some owl species (Tengmalm’s, Tawny, Eagle or
Pygmy are all possible) after dinner before returning to Dagsnas Slott.
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Sun 14th April – HORNBORGA – LONDON |
This morning we make a return visit to Lake Hornborga being dropped by
coach at Ytterberg and walking a footpath along the lake’s edge to the
Visitor Centre - trying to catch up with any species so far missed or
enjoying once again those we have already seen. One last chance to see the
Visitor Centre (exhibitions, shopping) where we shall have an early lunch
before driving to Gothenburg for afternoon departure to London
Heathrow at 1430 hrs.
We kindly request that if you are a smoker you do not smoke in vehicles
or at meal times. We respectfully request that cigarette butts are
disposed of suitably.
These details are correct at the time of printing. Although Worldwide
Journeys and Expeditions have no intention of making changes, it is
possible that alterations may have to be made as a result of factors that
are beyond our control.
Should you have any further personal travel requirements, such as a
private extension to your holiday or flights to and from a regional
airport, please ask. We shall be pleased to assist you.
If you have a medical condition that could affect the group or your own
involvement in the tour it is important you discuss this with us before
booking.
Price: £750.00 per person based on two sharing
Single supplement: £40.00 (subject to availability)
Maximum group size: 14
Price includes: International flights, airport departure taxes, 3
nights accommodation in twin-bedded room, all meals (apart from lunch on
the first day), transfers and the services of a guide.
Price excludes: Travel insurance, items of a personal nature such as
tips, drinks, telephone calls and laundry.
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