Western Tatras, Slovakia The Western Tatras is an area of outstanding natural beauty and base for a unique bear watch project, which is monitoring the region's brown bears. The research takes place in an area usually off- limits to the public, but by accompanying rangers you can be involved and follow the bears through a combination of trackers, searching for prints, cameras and GPS guided information. The project is run in conjunction with the High Tatras National Park Authority and the methods used have a proven record of successfully fi nding the bears. A great and exclusive opportunity. lorem tellus. Grand Castle Hotel HIGH A beautiful medieval castle, converted into luxury accommodation. Rooms are exquisite and reminiscent of the castle's rich history. The dining room offers a selection of delicious meals and fi ne wines. Rangers' mountain cottages Simple well- heated cottages. This is basic accommodation only usually available to national park staff and researchers. They provide an excellent base from which to track bears and sleep close to the wildlife. Some have electricity and bathrooms with hot water, others have a toilet nearby. Belianske Tatras The other area of the project is the Belianske Tatras. The region has one of the highest bear densities in the world but estimates on actual numbers of bears here vary largely, thus highlighting the need for more research. You can explore trails away from the tourist routes, which are excellent for wildlife, particularly the endangered Tatra chamois and endemic Tatra marmot. Wolves, red and roe deer, lynx, pine martins, golden eagles and many birds also live here. The scenery here is stunning, and the wild fl owers in spring are glorious. Pension Alzbetka HIGH An upmarket pension located near to the mountains in the town of Spisska Sobota. It's a delightful place to stay in- between your mountain adventures, featuring traditional decoration and good- sized, comfortable rooms. Rangers' mountain cottages Environmentally friendly cottages, with ( sometimes) shared accommodation. Meals are cooked by the research team - the main advantage of these cottages being exclusive access to bears, wildlife and the silence of the mountains. EUROPE | FINLAND & SLOVAKIA 91 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Poprad. Liptovsky Hradok, 1- night, Grand Castle Hotel Day 2 Drive into the Western Tatras with a researcher and expert ranger from the bear watch project. Explore the valley fl oors and mountain slopes, looking for bears and understanding signs of their presence. Ticha/ Koprova valleys, 1- night, rangers' cottage ( BLD) Day 3 Exploration in search of wildlife and checking evidence of animal movements from camera traps. Liptovsky Hradok, 1- night, Grand Castle Hotel ( BL) Day 4 Discussions on bear behaviour with the bear watch team and introduction to the collared bears at the heart of the project. Return to the mountains to fi nd and study one or more of the collared bears. Ticha/ Koprova valleys, 1- night, rangers' cottage ( BLD) Day 5 Continue bear study. Spisska Sobota, 1- night, Pension Alzbetka ( BL) Day 6 Explore wildlife trails with an expert ranger and researcher, tracking bears and wolves. Belianske Tatras, 1- night, rangers' cottage ( BLD) Day 7 Visit a beaver dam. Spisska Sobota, 1- night, Pension Alzbetka ( B) Day 8 Depart Poprad for UK ( B) Departure dates Daily, May to September Cost per person From £ 1569 What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, four nights hotel accommodation and three nights rangers' cottages, guided activities STUNNING SLOVAKIA This is an opportunity to be involved in a unique bear watching programme in Slovakia. You will accompany researchers on trails usually forbidden to the public, to monitor and search for brown bears, as part of a project to understand their movements, habits and environment. 180 Euros from your holiday price goes directly to the project. TAILOR- MADE Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com

Estrela Mountain, Portugal At 2,000m, Estrela Mountain is the highest point in Portugal. With its huge, breathtaking rocky landscape, it supports many mountain habitats and endemic species of plants and animals. The higher slopes of the mountain are home to reptiles, including Iberian rock lizard, and several mammals, including the emblematic red fox, otter, wild boar, genet and red squirrel. You'll also fi nd a multitude of bird species on Estrela Mountain, including rock thrush, ortolan bunting, rock bunting, Montagu's harrier, peregrine falcon, short- toed eagle, tawny pipit, crag martin, Dartford warbler, Bonelli's warbler and dipper. Spotting all of these animals and birds during the spring and summer is a true delight because the mountain is ablaze with colourful plants and fl owers. lorem tellus. Serra da Estrela Hotel MID The highest hotel in Portugal, the Serra da Estrela Hotel occupies a picturesque position at the mountain. It's recently been renovated to provide a comfortable base for wildlife enthusiasts, and its restaurant serves lovely traditional Portuguese food and regional wines. Tagus International River Natural Park Portugal is one of Europe's fi nest birdwatching destinations, and Tagus International River Natural Park is one of the premier areas in the country. In the estuary of the River Tagus alone, it's feasible to see 100 bird species in a day. The lowland habitat and strong Mediterranean characteristics are home to three species of vulture; the griffon vulture, black vulture and Egyptian vulture. It's also common to see golden eagle here, plus many more birds. Mammals also reside in this region, so you can observe and photograph small groups of red deer, wild boar and fallow deer. A multitude of activities, including cycling, walking and boat rides provide interesting ways to view the birds and wildlife. lorem tellus. Herdade da Poupa Hotel HIGH Hidden away on a large private estate, you'll fi nd the luxurious Herdade da Poupa Hotel. The hotel is committed to the environment, having won awards for the preservation of natural resources. It's perfect for wildlife enthusiasts who want a peaceful place to stay. And in the evenings, after your day's sightings, why not take a drink on the lovely terrace with a view? 92 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Lisbon. Estrela Mountain, 2- nights, Serra da Estrela Hotel ( D) Day 2 Walking and birdwatching at the mountain ( BLD) Day 3 A morning's wildlife activities, before transferring to Tagus International River Natural Park, 2- nights, Herdade da Poupa Hotel ( BLD) Day 4 Bird observation, to try and spot all three species of vulture ( BLD) Day 6 Depart Portugal for UK Departure dates Daily, April to mid- October Cost per person From £ 849 What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, four nights hotel accommodation, guided activities WILDLIFE IN PORTUGAL Portugal's climate and topography make it one of Europe's premier birdwatching destinations. In the centre of the country are its highest peak and the lovely Tagus International River Natural Park. We've put together an itinerary that features these two fantastic destinations, great for mammals and birds, and staying at wonderful accommodations where you can relax after your days' activities. TAILOR- MADE Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982