Italy may be famous for its beautiful cities, rich history, and amazing Italian food, but it’s also a great birding destination! Italy’s diverse landscapes range from the picturesque coastline to the stunning Italian Alps creating a wide array of habitats for the over 500 bird species that can be found here. Join Naturalist Journeys for a NEW! Italy birding and nature tour that explores three top birding areas surrounded by gorgeous scenery, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and scrumptious Italian food.

To make this a delightful vacation, we’ve selected three main areas for our journey—Venice, the Dolomites, and Bologna. We stay outside of Venice at Jesolo, a beautiful seaside resort, situated on the edge of the Venice Lagoon, great for shorebirds and waterfowl and its surrounding plains are rich with passerines. We then head north to the Dolomites, a stunning mountain range in the Italian Alps for wonderful walks as we find higher elevation species such as Eurasian Nutcracker, White-winged Snowfinch, and Wallcreeper. After five nights in the mountains, we head south to Bologna, a city rich with history and culture, but also great for birding in the surrounding rolling hills and centennial forests where we search for species like Red-footed Falcon, Woodchat Shrike, and Eurasian Green Woodpecker.

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Tour Highlights

  • Celebrate with us to launch our much-anticipated Italy journey, guided by one of Italy’s top birders who has a great appreciation of nature and culture
  • May is a great time to see all the amazing wildflowers blooming throughout Italy!
  • Explore the Venice Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about its impressive history while birding our way around it
  • Spend five nights in the Dolomites at two locations, exploring these impressive mountains to search for high elevation species
  • Visit Lago di Braies, a beautiful mountain lake, often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Dolomites’
  • Take a guided tour of Bologna to learn about the history and culture of this fascinating city where we stay for three nights
  • Explore Comacchio Lagoon, one of Italy’s most important ecological sites
  • Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine and sample local wines that the country is so well known for
  • Add to your trip if you wish with time to explore Venice on your own ahead of our trip
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Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Sun., May 18     Arrivals in Venice

Welcome to Italy! Please plan to arrive at the Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Venice by 4:00 PM. Venice is a vibrant city, and you may want to arrive a few days early to explore the distinctive architecture, rich history, and canals of this roadless, iconic city. 

Upon arrival, we transfer just outside Venice to the seaside resort town of Jesolo, located on the edge of the Venetian Lagoon. At a size of 200 square miles, the Venetian Lagoon, or Laguna di Venezia in Italian, is one of the largest wetlands in the Mediterranean basin. It has a variety of habitats including mudflats, tidal shallows, salt marshes, and wet fields that make it perfect for birding. Wetland birds we may see in the lagoon include Common Shelduck, Greater Flamingo, Pied Avocet, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Pygmy Cormorant, and Mediterranean Gull. 

After checking into our lovely accommodations, we take a short birding walk around the hotel to search for our first Italian birds!
Accommodations at the Hotel King Jesolo (D)

Mon., May 19   Venetian Lagoon 

We have two full days to explore the Venetian Lagoon, UNESCO World Heritage site, and surrounding areas. Just like the city of Venice, the lagoon has an impressive history that dates to the 5th Century. Formed around 6,000 years ago, the lagoon was created following the Ice Age when the Holocene marine transgression flooded the upper Adriatic coastal plain. Beginning in the 15th Century, hydraulic projects were designed to prevent the lagoon from turning into a marsh, which made many of the islands in the lagoon habitable. Today, the lagoon still serves as a seaport and major fishing area.

Our exploration of this fascinating area begins on the north side of the lagoon. We take short, easy walks along trails. Common birds in this area include Eurasian Curlew, Common Kingfisher, Sandwich Tern, Mediterranean Gull, and the always elegant looking Greater Flamingo. Shallow waters around the lagoon should be productive for a variety of shorebirds including Common Greenshank, Little Stint, and a number of sandpipers. The agricultural areas surrounding the lagoon are home to the colorful European Bee-eater, European Turtle-Dove, Cirl Bunting, and Crested Lark. 

We also visit Laguna del Mort, a lake located east of Jesolo. Lined with lush vegetation and pines, there are easy walking paths along the lake and we look for Zitting Cisticola and Western Yellow Wagtail in the scrubby sandbar vegetation. In the wooded areas around the lake, we may hear the unmistakable fluting song of the Eurasian Golden Oriole. 

An abundance of roads throughout the lagoon gives us great access and we also visit the fascinating hamlets of Lio Maggiore and Lio Piccolo. This easy access to the lagoon offers great views of Venice while we bird!

We return to our lovely accommodation in the evening for a delicious dinner, perhaps with a glass of Italian wine, and you have the option to tally up your sightings. 
Accommodations at the Hotel King Jesolo (B,L,D)

Tues., May 20   Venetian Lagoon

This morning, after breakfast, we continue exploring the lagoon, shifting our focus to the south side. We take short walks at Oasi Valle Averto, an important reserve for wintering, migrating, and breeding birds that has been protected under the Ramsar Convention since 1989. Located south of Venice, this part of the lagoon is managed by volunteers from the World Wildlife Federation and is unique in that part of the reserve is used for a particular type of farm fishing called ‘vallicoltura’, which has been used for centuries along the Adriatic coast. In this area of the lagoon, we expect to see Greater Flamingo, Pygmy Cormorant, Pied Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, and perhaps if we’re lucky, Little or Spotted Crakes. 
Accommodations at the Hotel King Jesolo (B,L,D)

Wed., May 21   The Dolomites

After an exciting few days along the Italian coast, we head north to the mountains! The impressive and iconic Dolomites, which are part of the Italian Alps, are comprised of 18 peaks that are above 3,000 meters (9800 feet). One of the few remaining wilderness areas in Europe, the Dolomites are an ideal setting for a variety of flora and fauna, including some of the most sought-after birds on the continent. The next few days are sure to be full of incredible scenery along with interesting birds!

We make a stop along the way at the Cansiglio Forest, the second largest forest in Italy. Dominated by beech and fir trees, this 12,000 acre forest is home to a variety of birds and mammals. We search for Black Woodpecker, Red-backed Shrike, Goldcrest, Bullfinch, and more. Above the tall trees could be a soaring European Honey-Buzzard, Common Buzzard, Montagu’s Harrier, or Short-toed Snake-Eagle. Mammals in this area include three species of deer—Red, European Fallow, and Western Roe—along with rarer mammals such as Brown Bear and Least Weasel. 

As we near the Dolomites, we enter the Val di Cadore valley. We make a few stops along the way to check the cliffs and the Piave River for White-throated Dipper, Wallcreeper, White Wagtail, and Gray Wagtail. 

We continue on to Cortina and settle into our lovely accommodations for the next two nights. 
Accommodations at the Hotel Panda in Cortina (B,L,D)

Thurs., May 22   Dolomites

We have several days to explore this stunning area below the towering pinnacles of the Dolomites. We begin at Passo Falzarego, a mountain pass that connects Cortina d’Ampezzo to Agordo. In this area we may find Alpine Accentor, Yellow-billed Chough, Eurasian Nutcracker, Ring Ouzel, and the butterfly-like Wallcreeper. This is also a great place to find White-winged Snowfinch, one of Europe’s most charming birds. We may also spot the elegant Northern Chamois or charming Alpine Marmot.

We head to Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, one of the largest parks in the region at nearly 100 square miles. The scenery leaves us in awe with craggy peaks towering over alpine meadows and plateaus. We make stops to look for Northern Wheatear, Yellow-billed Chough, Common Redstart, and Eurasian Crag Martin, and other high elevation species. In the forests, we look for Hazel Grouse and Western Capercaillie, although these species can be hard to find. 

Our next mode of transportation is a cable car! We head to Rifugio Lagazuoi, the highest mountain hut in the region at 9,000 feet. Here, we have another chance at finding White-winged Snowfinch and Yellow-billed Chough while we admire the incredible views.
Accommodations at the Hotel Panda in Cortina (B,L,D)

Fri., May 23   Dolomites | Castelrotto

Today we explore different areas of the Dolomites. We head to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which are three distinctive peaks in the Dolomites. We take a short walk and look for groups of Yellow-billed Chough, which are common in this area, and Northern Wheatears bobbing and flitting their tails as they hunt their insect prey on the rocky fields and cliffs.

We also visit Lago di Braies, a stunning mountain lake often called the “Pearl of the Dolomites”. The emerald-colored lake is quite deep, reaching a depth of 36 meters. We admire the striking mountain backdrop as we take a short walk to search out Mistle Thrush, Eurasian Crag Martin, and Goldcrest among other species. 

Time permitting, we make a stop at a city park in Brunico for some birding on our way to Castelrotto, our home for the next three nights. Birds we may see at the park include Firecrest, Eurasian Siskin, Eurasian Nuthatch, and Eurasian Bullfinch.
Accommodations at the Hotel Mayr in Castelrotto (B,L,D)

Sat., May 24   Dolomites | Castelrotto

This morning, after breakfast, we head out to explore yet another stunning area of the Dolomites, Alpe di Siusi. Lush, green meadows with jutting mountains in the background provide the spectacular scenery of this high-alpine pasture, one of the largest in Europe. We may find White-throated Dipper in valley streams, Alpine Swift flying acrobatically above, and perhaps a Eurasian Griffon or Eurasian Goshawk.

We also explore the Resciesa Ridge area, north of Ortisei and part of the Puez-Geisler Nature Park. In the forested areas we hope to find Gray-headed, Eurasian Three-toed, and Black Woodpecker, as well as the huge Eurasian Eagle-Owl and the smallest owl in Europe, the Eurasian Pygmy-Owl. 
Accommodations at the Hotel Mayr in Castelrotto (B,L,D)

Sun., May 25   Dolomites | Castelrotto

After breakfast, we begin our final day in the Dolomites. We first head to Merano, an alpine town known for its art nouveau buildings and health spas. Birding this area, we may find Italian Sparrow, White Wagtail, Water Pipit, and Eurasian Linnet.

Continuing our journey, we stop in Bolzano, one of the largest cities in the Alps region, with beautiful parks and gardens. We spend some time birding around Bolzano in hopes of finding White-throated Dipper and Goldcrest.

A bit north of Bolzano, we stop in Collalbo to search for Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Pygmy-Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, European Blue Tit, Eurasian Bullfinch, and many other species. 
Accommodations at the Hotel Mayr in Castelrotto (B,L,D)

Mon., May 26   Bologna

This morning, we transfer to Bolzano to board a train to Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. The high-speed train ride takes approximately three hours and we arrive in time for lunch. The region boats beautiful, rolling hills, centennial forests, and magnificent castles and fortresses. We spend the next three days here to enjoy the hidden treasures of the Emilia-Romagna region.

Upon arrival, we have a guided tour of the city to learn about the history, culture, and architecture of this fascinating city that dates to at least the 6th Century BCE. In the evening, we enjoy a delicious Italian dinner, perhaps with the al ragù sauce that Bologna is famous for!
Accommodations at the Hotel Cavour in Bologna (B,L,D)

Tues., May 27 & Wed., May 28  Bologna

We have two full days to enjoy the Bologna area and explore trails, roads, and beautiful landscapes. We travel the back roads of the Colli Bolognesi, a hill chain that dominates the Po Valley with spectacular scenery. From the hills, we have views of the valleys stretching into the plains and if the sky is clear, the view of the Alps is almost unreal. The landscape in this area is dotted by rural farmhouses and even architecturally rich buildings surrounded by forests of pine and cypress.

We visit the Parco di Gessi, located in the foothills of southeast Bologna. The park is rich in geological features with sinkholes, plateaus, rocky cliffs, and over 100 caves. We take several short walks in the park to explore the different habitats. This is a great spot to find species favoring transition zones such as Corn Bunting, Greater Whitethroat, Red-backed Shrike, and Common Quail. Other species we may encounter here include Moltoni's Warbler, Melodius Warbler, Eurasian Hobby, and Wood Lark. 

We also visit Vena del Gesso Regional Park, recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A karst complex that is full of caves and tunnels, the park stretches over 15 miles long and cuts across the valleys of the Santerno, Senio, and Lamone Rivers. This area also contains the largest chain of selenitic gypsum in all of Europe. Selentite, also known as ‘moonstone’, was used to make windows in ancient times. We walk a variety of short trails in this area to search for Common Stonechat, Eurasian Golden Oriole, European Bee-eater, Common Kestrel, and Red-footed Falcon. In the evenings we may even hear the gentle hoots of the Eurasian Scops-Owl. 
Accommodations at the Hotel Cavour in Bologna (B,L,D)

Thurs., May 29   Transfer to Venice 

This morning, we depart towards Venice with a stop at the Comacchio Lagoon, one of Italy’s most important ecological sites as it is one of the largest wetland complexes in the country. The lagoon is known locally as ‘valli’ and offers shelter for many species such as Mediterranean and Slender-billed Gulls, Black-winged Stilt, Common and Spotted Redshanks, Kentish Plover, and many others. We may even see a Montagu’s Harrier flying low over the fields or European Honey-buzzard soaring above!

We finish our day back in Venice and have one last unforgettable Italian dinner to celebrate our fabulous journey. 
Accommodations at the Hotel Ca'Nigra in Venice (B,L,D)

Fri., May 30   Departures

Departures today are at your leisure, or stay in Italy longer and enjoy Venice or some of the other great Italian cities!

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    Eurasian Eagle-Owl

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    Comacchio Lagoon

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    European Roller

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    Common Crane

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    Dolomites Italy

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    Chamois

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    Eurasian Green Woodpecker

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    Venetian Lagoon

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    Common Kestrel

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    Bologna, Italy

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    Common Kingfisher

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    Long-tailed Tit

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    Bologna, Italy

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    Black Grouse

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    Jesolo Beach, Venice

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    Goshawk

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    Dolomites Italy

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    Great Spotted Woodpecker

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    Comacchio Lagoon

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    Tawny Owl

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    Venice, Italy

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    White Wagtail

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    Dolomites Italy

Cost of the Journey

The cost of the journey, $7390 DBL / $8590 SGL, from Venice, Italy, is based on double occupancy and includes: accommodations for 12 nights, meals as noted in the itinerary, professional guide services, local guides, local park and reserve entrance fees, train and gondola tickets, and miscellaneous program expenses.

It does not include roundtrip airfare to and from Venice, Italy, airport transfers or items of a personal nature such as: laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar, or gratuities. 

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Venice

Arrival Details: Please plan flights to arrive on May 18, 2025, no later than 4:00 PM

Departure Details: Please plan flights to depart on May 30, 2025, at your leisure

Travel Tip: If you arrive early to rest up from your travels or explore the city of Venice, there are many hotels to choose from. There is no shortage of things to see and do in Venice. A gondola ride through the canals is a great way to see the city while relaxing. There are also many museums and sites, including St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, or get a head start on sampling some delicious Italian food and wine. You can also book an early night at our first night tour hotel, the Hotel King Jesolo.

  • Peg Abbott

    Peg Abbott is the owner and lead guide of Naturalist Journeys, LLC. She has been designing, guiding, and organizing natural history tours for more than 25 years, working for the National Audubon Society and other organizations before launching Naturalist Journeys, LLC in 1998. Her work has taken her from Alaska to Africa and Argentina, as well as many other locations around the world. She has conducted research on several bird and mammal species and keeps a close interest in Yellowstone and Mexican wolf reintroduction projects. Her interests include all aspects of natural history and geology. After 20 years in and around the Yellowstone area, Peg relocated in 2003 to the birding mecca of Portal, AZ.

    Photo credit: Carol Simon

    Other trips with Peg Abbott

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Make sure your passport is valid for six months AFTER your return date from Italy. The passport must have at least six months validity remaining to be allowed entry.
  • A tourist visa may be required of US citizens for stays of this length. Expected changes to entrance requirements in Europe have been delayed until 2025. More information is available at European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) website.
  • Please check current CDC recommendations for travel to Italy and consult with your doctor about general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section below.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is strongly recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Plan your flight reservations arriving into and out of Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Send a copy of your itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office please.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Arrival in Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Venice

Please note: If you are delayed in travel, please refer to your emergency contact list, and contact your ground operator, with a copy to our office. You may also phone or text your guide. Quite a few guides will set up a WhatsApp connection so you can also reach your guide by phone.

Please plan to arrive by 4:00 PM on your tour start date. We have about a thirty minute or so drive to the hotel. Your emergency contact/hotel list (to be sent ahead of departure) will be helpful at Immigration when they ask where you are going. We will let you know the pickup arrangements a few weeks before the tour.

If you arrive early and plan to rent a car, an INTERNATIONAL driver’s license is required in Italy.

Please check the Travel Details section of this tour for additional information and updates.

Departures from Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Venice

We will return to Venice on your tour end date in time for flights out – our group shuttles will be in the morning, if you depart later than mid-day from Venice, enjoy some local birding and you can taxi back to the airport later in the day.

Please check the Travel Details section of this tour for additional information and updates.

Passports, Visas & Documents

U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least 6 months beyond the date of reentry. We advise having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps. 

You may need a visa to visit European countries in 2025. Requirements requiring visitors from more than 60 visa-free countries (including the U.S.) to get a travel authorization when entering Europe for brief stays have been delayed until 2025. Learn more at European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) website.

You may also visit the U.S. International Travel Information for Italy website.

As a precaution for lost or misplaced documents you carry on your person during travel, we highly recommend you keep hard and digital backup copies on your phone (either photo or PDF scan), as well as a hard copy left with your emergency contact at home. The recommended important documents to copy include but are not limited to; your passport ID page, travel visa, the front and back of your credit card(s), the airline barcode on your luggage. This will greatly expedite getting new ones if necessary – we hope everyone will always keep travel documents close so that losing them will not be an issue.

General Health & Inoculations Information – Be Prepared!

We will share your health information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important as we want to be best prepared in case of medical emergency. 

Vaccinations: The CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date with routine vaccinations and basic travel vaccines (such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid) before traveling to any destination. Please check with your doctor for recommendations at least 4-6 weeks before departing on your trip.  Check the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) website for Italy for other helpful information or reach them by phone at (800) CDC-INFO (800-232-4636). Consider bringing copies of your vaccination records with you.

Common Ailments: Although general medicines may be readily available, travelers are advised to bring their own supply for the duration of their visit. We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for common ailments (such as upset stomach, headache, motion sickness, diahhrea, etc.).  Altitude sickness can affect some and if there is a concern, be prepared.

Prescriptions and Allergies: You should bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you take, a copy of the prescription and a list of generic names of your medicine as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs while abroad.  It is a good idea to pack any meds you take regularly in your carry-on luggage and an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. You’ll want to keep medications in their original, labeled containers.  It is also recommended to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies or chronic medical problems so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health.

Weather & Climate

Italy generally has warm weather in the spring. Highs average in the low 70s°F with lows in the mid-50s°F., with mild to moderate humidity. It will be slightly cooler in the Dolomites with highs in the 60s°F and lows in the mid 40s°F. Rain is possible, so be sure to pack a rain jacket. Come prepared with layers of clothing, including a rain-jacket that can double as a windbreaker, and an umbrella. Bring walking boots for use in the day and more comfortable shoes for meals and relaxing.

Food & Drinks

Italian cuisine is one of the highlights of this tour! Please advise us as soon as possible of your dietary preferences or restrictions. If there is anything you particularly don’t like to eat, it is useful for us to know. With enough advanced notice we are usually able to accommodate most special requests. If you have dietary restrictions, it is best to ask servers for the appropriate information about the food. We appreciate your flexibility and openness to the new and foreign foods that you may experience on this trip.

As with any travel, minor intestinal problems are possible, so we suggest bringing a remedy for traveler’s diarrhea. Please discuss appropriate medication with your physician.

Tap water is not considered unsafe, however, if you prefer to drink bottled water, you can purchase it at the hotel. Tap water is okay to use for brushing your teeth. On particularly hot days be sure to increase your intake of fluids.

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Please, pack light and carry your medication, airline tickets, passport, visa, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your CARRY-ON. 

Please note that that luggage will be transported with you in the vehicles. Only bring luggage that you can comfortable carry yourself. Soft luggage is much easier to pack in the vehicle than more rigid hard-sided pieces. So, if you have the choice, please use soft luggage. Be sure to have your name, address, and itinerary on the inside of the bag, as well as a luggage tag with your name on the handle. It is recommended that you limit yourself to one checked suitcase and it is wise to check with your air carrier on luggage restrictions before your fly. Please remember that your carry-on bag must be able to fit under the seat. You will want a daypack for field trips, so this is the ideal carry-on.

Dress is very informal and comfortable throughout the trip. You may wish to change for dinners, but casual dress is suitable at all locations. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Lightweight, long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun and vegetation. But if you like to wear them, by all means bring some shorts. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy. A jacket should be enough in the cooler mornings and evenings. We strongly recommend neutral or dark-colored clothing for every wildlife area that we will visit on the tour. Clothing should be unobtrusive, i.e. no bright yellows, reds or white, as this can disturb wildlife and makes us very conspicuous.

TRAVEL TIP: Imagine NOT getting your suitcase. Wear your most important shoes for the field and have one day’s clothing change (including a change of underwear!). And please do not pack any essential medications, or your vital optics, in your checked luggage!

Spending Money

The Euro (EUR) is the currency in Italy. For the current exchange rate, please refer to online converter tool like www.xe.com, or your bank. We advise you carry a mix of different types of payments, such as the local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card. If you plan to exchange cash in country, bring large U.S. bills ($50 or $100) in good condition (no rips or tears) that will give you the better rate when exchanging to local currency.

It will helpful to arrive in Italy with some local currency just in case you encounter an “out of order” ATM or a local bank holiday. You may exchange some money into Euros before your trip through your bank, an exchange office, a travel agent, a AAA office, your departing airport in the U.S. or the Venice airport.

If you need more Euros, the easiest way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local currency and your bank statement will show the amount withdrawn in US Dollars at the conversion rate of that day. Many banks charge a fee of $1 - $5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. Check with your bank before departure and become familiar with how to use your ATM card and PIN number ahead of the journey. 

Credit cards are widely accepted in Italy. We suggest you have more than one card available. You may want to bring more than one brand of card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), if possible. Not every shop will accept every card. Some smaller shops and restaurants require cash, so it is always a good idea to ask before making a purchase. Also, we recommend that you advise your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling in Europe to avoid questions, card freezes, or charges.

Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted. They can be difficult to exchange. That said, while we do not advise you that you bring them as your main source of funds, it might be nice to have one or two in case of emergency.

Gratuities

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for your hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show our appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this can be split among them.

*Please note that these suggested tips are quoted in U.S. Dollars. You will want to convert and tip in Euros.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

To make International calls, the country code for the USA is 1. When calling the U.S. from a foreign country using a landline, you may want to use a prepaid calling card to avoid unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards can typically be purchased locally.

International calls to the United States: Dial 00 + (1) + country code + area code + number.

Cell phone service is available. Check with your carrier for coverage and turn on international service. If you bring the phone for internet and an alarm, but do not want charges, make sure you know how to turn OFF your cellular data function on your cell phone. You could incur huge charges if you are not on Wi-Fi. It may be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card in Italy. If you wish to use a local SIM, make certain that your phone can accept one.

Wi-Fi is available in the all rooms, lounge, and reception area at the hotels. If your phone can connect to WiFi, you may be able to make voice and video calls free of charge. Please contact your cell phone provider for further details. Another option if you have access to WIFI, is to use smartphone apps like WhatsApp, Skye, or Viber to send of text messages, and make voice calls, or video calls. Many smartphones, tablets, or laptops come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download for free. If bringing a laptop or tablet, get a good dustcover to protect it at all times.

Electricity

Italy uses 230V AC 50Hz. An international travel adaptor is needed and can be purchased in most airport departure lounges. Two round pins are the most frequently encountered sockets. Sometimes the sockets are recessed as shown so make sure your adaptor fits that type of outlet.  Helpful information can be found at www.power-plugs-sockets.com

Time

Italy is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 6 hours earlier than New York City (Eastern Time). Italy observes Summer Time (or Daylight Savings Time). On April 29, sunrise will be at 6:20 AM and sunset at 8:06 PM. A great website if you want to tell someone to check ahead of calling you is www.timeanddate.com.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys or telephone at our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!

Pace & Protocols +

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of Read more

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Naturalist Journeys International Trips: Guide Role

Naturalist Journeys supports ecotourism and the development of excellent local guides. Once we know our international partners and guides well, we can send out small groups working directly with these trusted partners, adding a Naturalist Journeys guide to assist the local expert when we have a group of 6-7 or more. This helps us keep your costs down while retaining tour quality. The local guide is your main guide. You can expect your Naturalist Journeys guide to be well-researched and often they are experienced in the destination, but their role is not to be primary, it is to help to organize logistics, help you find birds, mammals, and interesting other species in the field, keep reports, help facilitate group interactions, and to keep the trip within Naturalist Journeys' style. Local guides live in the countries we travel to, know the destinations intimately, and are often the strongest force for conservation in their countries. They open many doors for us to have a rich experience.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

As a courtesy to each other, we ask that all travelers please rotate seating. On international trips we may all be in one small bus, on some trips we are in vans, particularly the roomy Sprinter Vans when available. Some areas require us to be in smaller 4-wheel drive or safari vehicles. Rotation allows you to sit with different drivers and alternate front and back seating.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives’ permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Travel Insurance

You are traveling in remote areas. Naturalist Journeys strongly recommends you have full medical and evacuation insurance from a company such as Allianz, for all international travel. If you do not have medical coverage or evacuation coverage on your existing travel insurance policy or for some reason elected not to take that out, we advise getting an evacuation plan with Global Rescue, World Nomads, Medjet, Allianz (they can do evacuation only) or a similar company. These plans are typically $300-$400 for a year for multiple destinations. This coverage may be a part of a larger Travel Insurance policy but can also be purchased on its own.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please pack light! Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid Read more

Please pack light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds. Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

In general, the weather during your stay should be mild (65-75°F) during the day, and nights and mornings cooling down into the 40s°F to 50s°F. Check your favorite weather website closer to your departure to better predict what the weather will be on your adventure.

Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Fabrics like fleece, as well as rain gear, will protect you from rain and wind and keep you warm. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy. Note on clothing colors and insect repellent: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors.

Clothing & Gear

  • Long pants, 2-3 pair. One of these might be rain pants you wear over long underwear or tights for comfort. Quick dry hiking pants work well if you plan to do hand laundry.
  • Long-sleeved shirts/turtlenecks, 3-4 – think layering
  • T-shirts or equivalent, 1 (optional) for layering
  • Personal underclothing and pajamas
  • Raincoat and pants – these double as wind break
  • Medium to heavy outer jacket for warmth and wind protection, can layer with your raingear
  • Warm sweater or fleece shirt
  • Fleece or down vest (windproof, if possible, this is a great clothing item for this climate).
  • Rain gear – these double as windbreaks. A two-piece suit is preferred. It is important that this be both waterproof and breathable, you will most likely be wearing it for active activities (walking, birding), as well as large enough to fit over other layers for sedentary activities (boat trips) as an additional layer.
  • Warm jacket (windproof) can be same as your rain gear if you layer adequately.
  • Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes, think of what feels good at day’s end)
  • Hat with broad brim for sun
  • Scarf or neck gaiter, warm, water-repellent lightweight gloves, warm hat
  • Socks – several warm pairs, and several pairs of a lightweight, easy to wash and dry material
  • Comfortable walking shoes (such as tennis shoes)
  • Supportive hiking boots that can keep your feet dry. You may want to treat your boots with snow- seal or other similar product. Another good option is an LL Bean type boot with rubber bottoms and leather uppers. Bring shoes with good support and firm grip tread.
  • Comfortable shoes for evenings, travel days
  • Bandana (optional)

Equipment & Miscellaneous

  • E-ticket verification
  • Personal identification
  • Passport with copy kept elsewhere
  • Small daypack or fanny pack to carry gear while hiking (essential!)
  • Umbrella (compact and not brightly colored)
  • Walking sticks (optional)
  • Small flashlight with fresh batteries
  • Alarm clock (If you use your phone, important to turn off data roaming)
  • Sunscreen/lip balm
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Toiletry articles
  • Insect repellent, there will be mosquitoes!
  • Sleeping mask or equivalent to cover your eyes if you are light sensitive
  • Earplugs if you are noise sensitive
  • Binoculars (a hotel shower cap is great to cover these when it is raining)
  • Spotting scope (optional, guides will have a scope to share, but feel free to bring your own)
  • Camera and extra battery, digital chips etc., lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual – at least load that to your kindle or phone... Do a good check before leaving. (optional)
  • Electrical transformer and plug adaptor
  • Water bottle (or plan to reuse a store-bought water bottle upon arrival if preferred)
  • Gallon-size Ziploc bags for keeping things dry
  • Laundry soap for hand washing, travel sewing kit
  • Notebook and pen or journal (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)
  • Phrase book (optional)

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing – your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Aid Items

  • Personal medications (and copy of vital prescriptions)
  • Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van drives, etc.
  • Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments
  • Copy of eyeglass prescription and any medical alerts
  • Insurance information and vaccine records
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
  • Band-aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
  • Antibacterial soap in small container for quick handwashing

Suggested Reading List +

  Top Picks Birds of Italy Merlin App – Italy Pack. A phone-based birding app from Cornell University Read more

 

Top Picks

Birds of Italy

Merlin App – Italy Pack. A phone-based birding app from Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. Before departing the U.S., download the app for free, then from within the app, download the “pack” for Italy

Field Guides

Birds of Italy

Italy Birds: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species

Birds of Europe

History & Culture

The Pursuit of Italy: A History of a Land, Its Region, and Their Peoples

Frommer’s Italy 2025 

Moon Handbooks, Italy

A Brief History of Italy

Easy Italian Phrasebook

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

Italy

Venice

Dolomites

Bologna

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Birding Italy

Wildlife in the Dolomites

Flora and Fauna in the Dolomites

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

UNESCO Site- Venice and Its Lagoon

Parks in the Dolomites

Geology & Geography

Geography and Geology of Italy

Geography of Italy

History & Culture

History and facts about Italy

Italian Culture

Italian Cuisine

Helpful Travel Websites

Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

National Passport Information Center

U.S. Department of State International Travel Information

Homeland Security Real ID Act

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Canada Travel Advice and Advisories

Travel Health Pro (UK)

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Foreign Exchange Rates

ATM Locator

Electricity and Plugs

Date, Time, and Holidays


Photo credits coming soon.

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