THE GARGANO
ITALY'S SECRET GARDEN
Separated from the central spine of Italy's peninsula by the plains of Apulia, the Gargano feels like an island in the Adriatic Sea.
Its beautiful limestone hills rise to over three thousand feet and manage to pack an unbelievable flora into an area only fifty miles square. From the beautiful cool green beech and oak forests and limestone karst moonscapes of the higher reaches the hills plunge towards a deep blue Adriatic where the local inhabitants cling to the cliff-tops in stunning jumbled white-walled towns. No less than sixty-nine Orchid species have been recorded and we should see around fifty during our stay. The sheer abundance of Pink Butterfly Orchids and Green-winged Orchids is a revelation and amongst these we can find swarms of the Gargano's speciality - Bee Orchids. Many are found only in this region - Ophrys apulica, Ophrys archipelagi, Ophrys parvimaculata, Ophrys promontorii and the abundant and aptly-named Ophrys garganica. But Orchids are only part of the show. Swathes of Anemones, Cyclamens, Violas and Narcissus poeticus decorate the woodland floor. Woodpeckers, Hawfinches and Flycatchers inhabit their newly leafy boughs. Swallowtails and Southern Festoons sail across fields adorned with superb shows of Irises and Wild Tulips. At reed-rimmed coastal wetlands are Spoonbills, Glossy Ibis, Bearded Tits, Greater Flamingos and colonies of Slender-billed Gulls. We have chosen two very peaceful hotels on either side of the peninsula so that you can enjoy the wonderful fauna, flora and scenery of the Gargano right up to your hotel balcony!
INFORMATION
Focus
Orchids and Spring Flowers. Also Birds, Butterflies, Reptiles and Landscapes. Just a little culture too!
Leaders
Walking
Relaxed and easy. Up to two or three miles on some days but much less on others, and always at a slow pace, ideally suited to photographers. Much the time will be spent in fields and meadows on limestone where the ground may be a little rough in places.
Included in the Price
All flights. All transport, accommodation and meals in Italy. Services of your leaders. Please note: items of a personal nature including insurance, drinks and tips, are not included.
Group Size
The minimum is 5 and the maximum is 15. Only one leader will accompany a group of 6 or less.
Accommodation
need from accent
Climate
Rather variable. Mostly warm and sunny, but sometimes cooler with showers or even occasional rainy days.
How To Book
Download a booking form (or contact us and we will send one to you)from the Booking Information section. Complete and send to us. You will be sent confirmation of your place and about twelve weeks before departure a detailed information pack will be dispatched to you. Flower and bird checklists are available.
