BIESZCZADY - ANIMAL PARADISE

15-day tour concentrating on observation of fauna and flora, following animal trails, photographic sessions and visits to Krakow, Lancut, Jaroslaw and Wieliczka.
ITINERARY

DAY ONE
Arrive in Krakow. Dependent on the time, there will be a guided introduction to Krakow or an evening stroll around the Old Town, followed by welcome supper. Overnight stay in a hotel on the edge of the city.
DAY TWO
Travel to the foot of the Bieszczady Mountains. On the way we visit the magnificent baroque palace of Lancut with its unique Museum of Carriages, and Jaroslaw - a renaissance town called `small Krakow'. In the evening accommodation in a hotel in Przemysl - one of the oldest towns in Poland.
DAY THREE
Excursion to the breeding area of bee-eaters in the vicinity of Przemysl. In the afternoon, travel into the heart of Bieszczady - Ustrzyki Gorne.
DAYS FOUR TO TWELVE
Hiking in the Bieszczady Mountains including (optionally):
* full-day observation trips and photo safaris to the breeding areas of rare birds including birds of prey;
* a full day walk through impressive backwoods;
* ascents of the highest peaks of Bieszczady covered by the beautiful sub alpine meadows called "poloniny";
* observation and photography of reptiles and amphibians;
* visit to the spring ornithological camp held by students of the Jagiellonian University;
* visit to the bison sanctuary, of great interest, with about 150 bison living throughout the Bieszczady Mountains;
* tracking bear, wolf, red-deer, wild boar and other large mammals;
* special photographic sessions in a hide set with bait. If you are lucky you will have a close encounter with some animals;
* excursions to the interesting natural reserves and a visit to the Bieszczady National Park.
DAY THIRTEEN
Excursion to the Skansen - an open air museum of the regional architecture in Sanok. In the afternoon return to Krakow via Rymanow (health resort) and Biecz (a beautiful town of medieval origin).
Overnight stay in Cracow.
DAY FOURTEEN
In the morning, visit the still working salt mine in Wieliczka. Owing to its unique value, the mine has been placed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. In the afternoon - free time to explore Cracow.
Overnight stay in Cracow.
DAY FIFTEEN
There may be time for sight-seeing or shopping in Krakow befor e departure.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
ACCOMMODATION
You stay in comfortable, indigenous hotels in Krakow, sharing two rooms with adjacent shower and toilet. Mountain huts in the Bieszczady Mountains, often places of great character, normally include communal sleeping areas and basic facilities.
MEALS
Hot meals will be provided but you may be asked to prepare packed lunches yourselves, using ingredients supplied locally by the tour escort.
GROUP SIZE and STAFF
Maximum fifteen participants accompanied by Eko-Tourist's tour escort plus local experts/guides.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
During the tour there will be several full day walks amongst high mountains, following routes which are well within the capabilities of any reasonably fit person who enjoys walking. The choice of these routes will be governed by the discretion of the mountain guide and the preferences of participants. On some days it will be possible to opt out of the walk if you prefer a more restful alternative.