Salix is an Anglo-Ukrainian company specialising in high quality birdwatching, nature, heritage and fishing tours in southern Ukraine.

Our tours take place in Crimea and the Lower Danube Region of south-west Odessa oblast, either as single locations or, with enough time, combined.

Still known locally by its medieval name of Bessarabia, the Lower Danube region bordering Ukraine, Romania and Moldova has hosted significant Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Slavic civilisations, forming an intricate tapestry of local culture.

Furthermore, Bessarabia is recognised as a place of global ecological importance: truly "Europe's subtropical zone". It holds the largest complex of wetlands, riverine forests and steppes in Central Europe. There are over 1,000 species of flowers and more than 200 birds including pelicans, herons and eagles. These sights are experienced by taking quiet boat tours on the Danube Lakes and in the Danube Delta.

The Lower Danube also offers outstanding fishing, featuring some of the largest catfish and wild carp in Europe.

Crimea hardly needs any introduction: the peninsula bounded by the Black and Azov Seas was the scene of a famous war between 1854 and 1856, involving Imperial Russia on the one side, and an alliance of the United Kingdom, France, the Ottoman Empire, and Piedmont-Sardinia on the other. In 1853, after a dispute with the Ottoman Empire over protection of Orthodox Christians, Russia invaded Moldavia and Wallachia, both then semi-autonomous vassals of the Ottoman Empire, resulting in a declaration of war by the Ottomans. The war was characterised by military and logistical incompetence, not least the Charge of the Light Brigade. The terrible treatment of wounded soldiers in the winter of 1855 prompted the work of Florence Nightingale and led to the introduction of modern nursing methods. Neither side was able to claim a real victory, despite the fall of Sevastopol to the allies.

The Crimean scenery is equally famous, with its soaring mountain ranges clothed with old growth forests, rolling steppes and sandy beaches. Among the birds breeding there are demoiselle cranes, great bustards, little bustards, and great black-headed gulls.

Our guides have a deep knowledge of local history, fishing and nature that provide our guests with an enjoyable and stimulating excursion. The historic delta town of Vilkovo is one of the highlights.

We provide high-standard accommodation, with the traditional cuisine of both Crimea and Bessarabia (including fresh fish and roast duck).

In addition to our scheduled tours, we can plan tours to meet your own requirements: from two to ten days, for two to ten people: visit our typical tour and nature pages for what you can expect to do and see. There is also detailed information about locations, together with a range of maps to help you get your bearings. And you can find out about our forthcoming tour programme with our partners.

We offer exceptional value for money. Prices average €115 per person per day for a party of four ex Odessa or Kyiv, all inclusive. See our travel information for more information, send us an email (see below) or phone our office.

+380 487 289 737 / 738

We are members of The International Ecotourism Society and responsibletravel.com, and abide by their codes of conduct.