An expedition that will immerse you in the world of birds.

An exciting, active, and educational 6-day journey into the world of birds along the Vidzeme coastline and in nature reserves — perfect for ornithologists, enthusiasts, and photographers seeking ecotourism destinations.

During the trip, explore Latvia’s bogs, meadows, wetlands, and forests in protected nature areas. All excursions are led by a nature researcher and ornithologist.

Day One: Niedrāji–Pilka Bog Trail

The Niedrāji–Pilka bog trail is a classic raised bog with a relaxing boardwalk and a viewing platform for birdwatching. The bog is an important resting and nesting site for birds such as cranes, common gulls, and terns. With some luck, you may also spot the black stork, bean goose, wood sandpiper, lesser spotted eagle, capercaillie, hazel grouse, yellow wagtail, and more.

• Early departure from Riga

• Birdwatching on the Niedrāji–Pilka bog trail

• Brunch with picnic packs

• Check-in at a comfortable 3*+ hotel on the Vidzeme coast

• Lunch (not included), free time to explore Salacgrīva

• Dinner

• Sunset viewing in Tūja

• Overnight stay

Day Two: Randu Meadows

Randu Meadows is an internationally recognised bird migration and nesting site. Across 200 ha, nearly one-third of Latvia’s plant species (around 600), including many rare and endangered EU species, can be found. The area features a nature trail and a birdwatching tower. It is one of Latvia’s top birdwatching locations — the national record for the 2019 Birdwatching Competition was set here with 121 species observed in a single day.

• Pre-breakfast walk in Randu Meadows

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Free time

• Lunch break (not included)

• Exploring Ainaži and walking along the Ainaži pier

• Dinner

Day Three: Seda Bog

An outstanding bird conservation area, nature reserve, and Natura 2000 site. Former peat extraction fields, now filled with standing water, have become rich habitats for waterbird nesting, surrounded by reed beds and sedges. The area includes excellent boreal forests with old pines on inland dunes. In addition to rare bird species, many rare invertebrates are found here.

• Breakfast, check-out

• Birdwatching along Seda Bog’s trails and towers

• Transfer to Alūksne

• Sightseeing in Alūksne, lunch break (not included)

• Train ride with the historic Bānītis to Gulbene

• Check-in at the hotel

• Dinner

Day Four: Lubāna Wetland

This area is included in the international BirdLife International list of Important Bird Areas. The Lubāna Wetland Nature Reserve offers the chance to observe 224 bird species, about 70 of which are rare and protected. Lake Lubāns and the fishponds are among Latvia’s most important resting and feeding sites for migrating waterbirds, and nesting grounds for 29 bird species of special European conservation concern — including the Lesser Spotted Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Osprey, Whooper Swan, Corncrake, and Great Snipe.

• Early morning walk on the Lubāna Wetland nature trails

• Picnic breakfast

• Return to the hotel

• Visit to Cesvaine Castle

• Free time in Gulbene, lunch break (not included)

• Optional SPA visit (not included)

• Dinner

Day Five: Teiči Nature Reserve

Teiči Bog is one of the largest untouched raised bogs in the Baltics. The Teiči Nature Reserve is crucial for:

– conserving rare bog-specific bird species;

– serving as an important feeding and resting site for migrating waterbirds;

– preserving wetland flora and habitats;

– protecting numerous invertebrate species.

It has been an EU Important Bird Area since 1994, a Ramsar site of international significance, and a Natura 2000 protected area. A total of 209 bird species have been recorded here, including 172 nesting or potentially nesting species and 37 observed during migration or winter. The reserve hosts 74 bird species listed as specially protected and included in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive.

• Breakfast

• Check-out

• Birdwatching in Teiči Bog

• Lunch break in Madona

• Check-in at a 3*+ hotel

• Optional SPA visit (not included)

• Dinner

Day Six: Dviete Floodplain

The Dviete Floodplain is a Natura 2000 site and an Important Bird Area. It is one of Latvia’s richest and most diverse bird habitats and a significant spring staging area for migrating waterbirds — thousands of geese and ducks gather here each season. It is an important nesting site for the Corncrake. In total, 28 protected species have been recorded here, including the Eurasian Bittern (Botaurus stellaris), Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Bewick’s Swan (Cygnus columbianus), Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus), Smew (Mergus albellus), Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus), Black Tern (Chlidonias niger), and others.

• Breakfast

• Check-out

• Drive to birdwatching in the Dviete Floodplain

• Lunch break (not included) and free time in Jēkabpils

• Visit to Krustpils Castle

• Coffee break and homemade ice cream tasting

• Return trip home

If you’d like, I can also prepare a shorter promotional version, a brochure-style summary, or a visually structured itinerary.