Imagine soaring through the rolling hills of Tuscany alongside majestic birds of prey. This captivating falconry experience in the Crete Senesi region offers a unique opportunity to learn about these incredible creatures and witness their graceful movements firsthand. Led by an expert trainer, Davide, you’ll have the chance to observe raptors like the Harris buzzard and Asian steppe eagle in flight, gaining a deeper appreciation for the ancient art of falconry. With stunning scenery, daily availability, and the potential for unforgettable photos, this immersive 1.5-hour activity promises to be a thrilling highlight of your Tuscan adventure. What secrets might the birds reveal about their remarkable abilities?
Key Points
- Immersive 1.5-hour experience with birds of prey like Harris buzzard and Asian steppe eagle in the scenic Crete Senesi landscape of Val d’Orcia, Tuscany.
- Opportunity to learn about the ancient art of falconry from an experienced trainer, Davide, who shares his passion and knowledge.
- Observe the majestic movements and natural behaviors of the birds in flight, with photo and video opportunities.
- Availability is subject to weather conditions, with no tours during rain, and a "reserve now, pay later" booking system with free cancellation.
- Activity is not suitable for those with mobility impairments, and children under 10 are excluded for safety reasons.
Experience Overview
The article introduces an immersive experience with birds of prey in the picturesque region of Val d’Orcia, Tuscany.
The 1.5-hour activity offers visitors a chance to get up close with impressive raptors like the Harris buzzard and Asian steppe eagle. Instruction is provided in both Italian and English, and a private group option is available.
The experience runs daily, weather permitting, with no tours held during rain. Visitors can marvel at the birds’ natural behaviors and learn about the UNESCO-recognized art of falconry from an experienced trainer.
The scenic views of the Crete Senesi landscape complement this unique wildlife encounter.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Italy.
Booking Information
Individuals can book this experience starting from €2,027 per person. No upfront payment is required, as the reservation operates on a "reserve now, pay later" basis. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The meeting point for this activity is located in Crete Senesi, Val d’Orcia.
| Booking Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | From €2,027 per person | |
| Reservation | Reserve now & pay later | No upfront payment |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours | Full refund |
| Meeting Point | Crete Senesi, Val d’Orcia |
The experience is available daily, weather permitting, with instruction provided in both Italian and English.
Highlights of the Experience
Close encounters with birds of prey, including the Harris buzzard and Asian steppe eagle, await visitors to this captivating experience.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the ancient art of falconry, a UNESCO-recognized heritage, from an experienced trainer.
During the 1.5-hour session, they’ll witness the majestic movements of these native and migratory wild species firsthand.
The scenic Crete Senesi landscape, with its rolling hills and picturesque vistas, provides a stunning backdrop to this unique interaction.
Visitors can capture the moment through photo and video opportunities, further enhancing the emotional and memorable nature of this one-of-a-kind encounter.
What to Expect
Visitors embark on a captivating journey as they arrive at the meeting point in Crete Senesi, Val d’Orcia. An experienced falconer, Davide, enthusiastically welcomes guests and equips them with falconry gloves.
The stage is set for an extraordinary encounter with birds of prey. Davide shares insights into the UNESCO-recognized art of falconry while introducing the Harris buzzard and Asian steppe eagle.
Guests observe the majestic birds’ natural behaviors and have the opportunity to witness them in flight. The stunning Crete Senesi landscape provides a picturesque backdrop, further enhancing the immersive experience.
Throughout the 1.5-hour session, guests can capture memorable moments through photos and videos, creating a lasting impression of this unique encounter.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyTrainer and Guides
As the focal point of the experience, the passionate and knowledgeable falconer, Davide, captivates guests with his expertise.
With over a decade of experience in the art of falconry, he shares his deep understanding of these magnificent birds of prey.
Davide’s engaging narratives bring the experience to life, educating participants on the history, behavior, and conservation efforts surrounding these species.
His gentle handling and clear instructions ensure a safe and enriching encounter, allowing guests to fully enjoy the world of falconry.
Davide’s dedication and enthusiasm inspire a newfound appreciation for these incredible raptors, leaving a lasting impression on all who participate in this unique Tuscan adventure.
Safety and Accessibility
Ensuring the safety and accessibility of participants is a top priority for the bird of prey experience. The activity isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, as navigating the terrain may prove challenging.
Children under 10 years old are also excluded, as their safety can’t be fully guaranteed during the close encounters with the birds.
However, the organizers provide a falconer’s glove for secure handling of the raptors, ensuring a safe and controlled interaction. The presence of an experienced animal trainer further enhances the safety protocols, allowing participants to observe and appreciate the birds without concern.
Scenic Landscape
The scenic Crete Senesi landscape, a picturesque region in the heart of Tuscany, serves as the breathtaking backdrop for the bird of prey experience.
Rolling hills dotted with cypress trees, vast open fields, and distant mountain ranges create a serene and captivating setting. Participants can soak in the panoramic views while witnessing the majestic birds soar overhead.
The earthy tones of the Crete Senesi, often described as a lunar landscape, provide a natural and complementary environment for the birds to showcase their impressive hunting skills and behaviors.
This unique combination of birds of prey and the stunning Tuscan scenery makes for an unforgettable and immersive experience.
Customer Reviews
Customers who have experienced the bird of prey encounter in Val d’Orcia, Tuscany, have consistently praised the activity, awarding it a remarkable 5/5 rating based on 3 reviews. Reviewers highlight the fascinating and intelligent birds, as well as the passionate and knowledgeable trainer, Davide. The unique and emotional experience of safely interacting with the birds is further enhanced by the provided photo and video service. This experience is strongly recommended for animal lovers and those curious about birds of prey, who can enjoy the scenic Crete Senesi landscape while learning about the UNESCO heritage art of falconry.
| Reviewer | Rating | Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5/5 | Fascinating and intelligent birds |
| 2 | 5/5 | Passionate and knowledgeable trainer, Davide |
| 3 | 5/5 | Unique and emotional experience, safe interaction with birds; Photo and video service enhances the experience |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Bird Handling Gloves?
No, you cannot bring your own bird handling gloves. The falconer provides a glove for use during the tour, as it’s part of the included equipment and ensures a safe interaction with the birds of prey.
Do I Need to Bring Food or Water for the Birds?
No, you don’t need to bring any food or water for the birds. The experienced falconer will provide everything the birds need during the 1.5-hour experience. You can focus on enjoying the up-close interaction with these majestic birds of prey.
Is There an Opportunity to Purchase Souvenirs or Gifts?
There’s no mention of opportunities to purchase souvenirs or gifts during the experience. The focus seems to be on the close encounter with the birds of prey and learning about falconry from the experienced trainer.
Can I Interact With the Birds Beyond the Scheduled Experience?
No, visitors can’t interact with the birds beyond the scheduled 1.5-hour experience. The tour doesn’t offer any additional opportunities to handle or get closer to the birds of prey outside the supervised falconry demonstration.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography or Video Recording?
Visitors are encouraged to take photos and videos throughout the experience. The booking includes photo and video opportunities, allowing guests to capture their memorable interactions with the birds of prey and the scenic Crete Senesi landscape.
Recap
Enjoy the ancient art of falconry and witness majestic birds of prey soar over the stunning Tuscan landscape. This unique experience promises to deepen your appreciation for these fascinating creatures while providing opportunities for memorable photographs. With an expert trainer, daily availability, and scenic views, it’s an unforgettable way to connect with nature and explore the rich history of falconry in Tuscany.
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