8-Day South-Eastern Sicily Birding Tour with Andrea Corso
Eight days of birding and natural history across Etna, the Catania Plain and south-eastern Sicily’s wetlands with Andrea Corso.
About this tour
This eight-day programme explores south-eastern Sicily with Andrea Corso, a Sicilian zoologist, raptor specialist and tour leader. Bird identification sits within a wider natural-history journey that can also take in orchids, reptiles, dragonflies and the island’s cultural landscape.
The sample circuit links volcanic and woodland habitats around Mount Etna with the open Catania Plain, the Simeto area and coastal wetlands near Siracusa. Vendicari, Cuba and Longarini, Priolo, Capo Murro di Porco and other productive sites can be selected according to season, access and recent observations.
The confirmed price is EUR 2,000 per person for 7 to 14 guests. Andrea’s current terms include guiding, tour logistics, food, hotel accommodation and a nine-seat rental van. Departure dates, meeting details and the final sequence are supplied for each group before booking.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Italy.
Birds you can spot
Tachymarptis melba
target
Ichthyaetus audouinii
target
Phoenicopterus roseus
target
Oenanthe isabellina
target
Falco biarmicus
target
Marmaronetta angustirostris
target
Anthus richardi
target
Alectoris graeca
target
Calonectris diomedea
target
Anthus campestris
target
Puffinus yelkouan
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Catania and transfer
Meet in Catania, review the week’s priorities and transfer toward the first birding base.
Day 2
Mount Etna specialities
Begin early for Sicilian Rock Partridge and explore Etna woodland and volcanic habitats for local subspecies, finches, raptors and wider natural history.
Day 3
Catania Plain and Simeto
Search open country, the Simeto river mouth and coastal sites for raptors, waterbirds, gulls and seasonal migrants.
Day 4
Siracusa coast and salt pans
Move toward Siracusa and bird coastal headlands, salt pans and migration watchpoints, with the route adjusted to weather and sightings.
Day 5
Vendicari, Cuba and Longarini
Explore south-eastern Sicily’s major wetland complex for ducks, waders, herons, gulls, raptors and unexpected migrants.
Day 6
Iblei Mountains and Ortigia
Combine natural history in the Iblei landscape with archaeology, local culture and an optional visit to historic Ortigia.
Day 7
Priolo, Magnisi and final birding
Use the final day for Priolo, Magnisi, Augusta or another productive site before returning toward Catania.
Locations & map
- Mount Etna - Sicily Italy (Volcanic slopes, pine and birch woodland, and open highland habitats.)
- Catania Plain - Sicily Italy (Open agricultural country and wetlands used by wintering and migrating raptors.)
- Siracusa Wetlands - Sicily Italy (Salt pans, river mouth, coastal scrub and marine viewpoints.)
- Vendicari and Longarini Wetlands - Sicily Italy (Coastal lagoons, salt marsh, reedbeds and Mediterranean scrub.)
4 stops in itinerary order. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: By request; the best route and timing are confirmed after inquiry
Included
- Birding and natural-history leadership - Andrea Corso leads the programme and adapts field priorities to the season and group.
- Tour logistics - The current partner-confirmed package includes the operating logistics for the eight-day programme.
- Food and hotel accommodation - Meals and the tour hotel are included under Andrea’s confirmed current terms.
- Nine-seat rental van - Ground transport uses the included nine-seat rental van.
Not included
- Flights to and from Sicily - Travel to the agreed Catania meeting point is not part of the listed land package.
- Travel insurance - Guests should arrange suitable personal travel and medical cover.
- Personal purchases and unlisted extras - Souvenirs, optional purchases and any service not named in the confirmed package are excluded.
Policies & FAQ
Payment Terms
What does the EUR 2,000 price cover?
For a group of 7 to 14, Andrea confirmed guiding, tour logistics, food, hotel accommodation and a nine-seat rental van at EUR 2,000 per person.
Which parts of Sicily does the route use?
The sample circuit combines Etna and the Catania Plain with Siracusa-area salt pans, coastal headlands and the wetland network around Vendicari, Cuba and Longarini.
Is this only a birdwatching holiday?
Birds are central, but Andrea’s zoological expertise also allows attention to orchids, reptiles, dragonflies and other natural history where conditions permit.
How fixed is the daily order?
The listed stages show the intended habitat range. Weather, access, migration and recent sightings can change the sequence or the precise sites.
Are all target birds certain to be seen?
No. The targets are evidence-based regional possibilities, while the presence and detectability of wild birds vary by season and field conditions.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.