Birding In Italy
Birding In Italy
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About
Hello, my name is Marco. I’m an Italian nature guide and field biologist, passionate about sharing my beautiful country and its unique bird species with like-minded birders from all over the world by offering fully customized birding tours in Italy. No matter where you wish to go in Italy or which species you would like to observe, I can put together the perfect birding itinerary for you and your group.
Capolona, Tuscany, Italy
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Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
273 reviews
Excellent
263
Very good
10
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
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extrabag
Paris, France
Feb 2025 • Family
We hired Marco for two days during our late February stay in Grosseto and couldn't have been more pleased with the experience. This proved to be an excellent time to visit - few tourists but abundant migratory wetland birds.
One of the highlights for us was the large flock of flamingos with their distinctive pink adults and grey juveniles. We were also thrilled to see Eurasian spoonbills, hovering kestrels, and so many other birds. Though we were a bit too late in the season for Siberian cranes, we were treated to some special sightings, including a flock of northern bald ibises (recently reintroduced to the wild) and a breeding pair of osprey (very rare still in Italy).
As a couple enthusiastic about birds but with limited expertise, we found Marco's guidance invaluable. The trip also served as an introduction to birdwatching for our children (13 and 10), with our younger one having limited patience for guided tours. Marco perfectly adapted the program to accommodate our family's mixed interests and attention spans.
Our mornings consisted of 3-4 hours of birdwatching in the Orbetello lagoon WWF reserve and the Diaccia Botrona natural reserve. Lunches at lovely trattorias were particularly appreciated by our children. Afternoons were devoted to exploring other fascinating sites: the extraordinary town of Pitigliano, walks through the coastal ecosystem (forest, marsh, dunes, and beach), views of the mysterious Etruscan via cava, and the walled town of Castiglione delle Pescaia.
Marco proved to be a congenial companion, well-informed on topics beyond birds, making the entire experience enjoyable for our whole family. We would happily go with him again and highly recommend his services to anyone visiting the region - especially families with varied interests.
One of the highlights for us was the large flock of flamingos with their distinctive pink adults and grey juveniles. We were also thrilled to see Eurasian spoonbills, hovering kestrels, and so many other birds. Though we were a bit too late in the season for Siberian cranes, we were treated to some special sightings, including a flock of northern bald ibises (recently reintroduced to the wild) and a breeding pair of osprey (very rare still in Italy).
As a couple enthusiastic about birds but with limited expertise, we found Marco's guidance invaluable. The trip also served as an introduction to birdwatching for our children (13 and 10), with our younger one having limited patience for guided tours. Marco perfectly adapted the program to accommodate our family's mixed interests and attention spans.
Our mornings consisted of 3-4 hours of birdwatching in the Orbetello lagoon WWF reserve and the Diaccia Botrona natural reserve. Lunches at lovely trattorias were particularly appreciated by our children. Afternoons were devoted to exploring other fascinating sites: the extraordinary town of Pitigliano, walks through the coastal ecosystem (forest, marsh, dunes, and beach), views of the mysterious Etruscan via cava, and the walled town of Castiglione delle Pescaia.
Marco proved to be a congenial companion, well-informed on topics beyond birds, making the entire experience enjoyable for our whole family. We would happily go with him again and highly recommend his services to anyone visiting the region - especially families with varied interests.
Written March 2, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
May 2024 • Friends
I recently enjoyed an exceptional birding tour in Umbria and Tuscany with our guide, Marco. His deep knowledge as a local ecologist and keen bird-spotting skills made the trip unforgettable.
Marco expertly identified and helped us spot a variety of species, including European Bee-eaters, Short-toed Snake Eagles, Hoopoes, and Woodchat Shrikes. His insightful explanations about the local ecology enriched our understanding of the birds and their habitats.
Marco's assistance went beyond identification—he also helped us compose wonderful pictures, ensuring we captured our sightings beautifully. His patience and dedication made everyone, from novices to experienced birders, feel included and capable.
The stunning landscapes of Umbria and Tuscany provided a breathtaking backdrop, enhancing the overall experience. Marco’s passion for nature and exceptional guiding skills made this trip truly outstanding. I highly recommend Marco for anyone looking to explore the avian wonders of these regions.
Marco expertly identified and helped us spot a variety of species, including European Bee-eaters, Short-toed Snake Eagles, Hoopoes, and Woodchat Shrikes. His insightful explanations about the local ecology enriched our understanding of the birds and their habitats.
Marco's assistance went beyond identification—he also helped us compose wonderful pictures, ensuring we captured our sightings beautifully. His patience and dedication made everyone, from novices to experienced birders, feel included and capable.
The stunning landscapes of Umbria and Tuscany provided a breathtaking backdrop, enhancing the overall experience. Marco’s passion for nature and exceptional guiding skills made this trip truly outstanding. I highly recommend Marco for anyone looking to explore the avian wonders of these regions.
Written June 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Voyager27825419369
Seattle, WA
Sep 2024 • Solo
I went on a excellent guided birding trip with Marco around lake Trasimeno where the focus was on shorebirds. We picked up a few passerines as well along the way. We had a good lunch at a local spot with nice views of the lake and the Tuscan countryside. Marco also shared interesting information about the history of Tuscany and the 18th century stone houses that one sees abandoned here and there. He also took me on a little tour to get some great views and photos of this beautiful part of the world.
Written September 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jul 2024 • Family
Marco knows birds! I added 27 lifers during my day excursion! He knows the area like the back of his hand and navigated us efficiently through multiple habitats creating one of those days that you hate to see come to an end. Adding to the great day was stopping at family-owned local establishments for refreshments and lunch. Marco even was able to entertain my teenage son who I made go birding that day. My only regret of the day was not having time for a day ending beer with Marco!
Written August 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sep 2024 • Solo
Great day birding with Marco... We traveled around Lago Tresimeno, Lago Montepulciano, and Lago di Chiusi, and some of the surround agricultural land and some wooded areas. September is not the best time for birding, but we saw lots of ducks, other water birds, some nice raptors and passerines, and a few wild boars! The countryside is gorgeous and Marco was a nice and interesting guy to spend the day with.. He suggested I come back in spring or winter when there are more birds, but is was a delightful day for me!
Written September 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oct 2024 • Couples
We spent a wonderful day birding with Marco in the Bolonga / Po Valley area. We went to:
* Vedrana
* Oasi di vallessanta
* Comacchio lagoon
- Oasi zavelea
- Statione foce
We saw over 30 birds (many being life birds), including Slavonian grebe, Pygmy cormorant , Eurasian teal, Caspian tern, lapwings, pied avocet, redshank, great spotted woodpecker, marsh harrier, greyleg goose, spoonbill, sacred ibis, egret - little, great & cattle, grey herons, mallard ducks, shell ducks, common buzzard, pheasants, common snipe, flamingo, crested grebe, magpie, hooded crow, gulls - yellow legged & black headed, collared dove, and kestrel.
Marco is extremely knowledgeable, quickly spotting and identifying birds. He knows the area very well. It was interesting to compare the European birds to their Australian namesake and note the differences.
It was also great to see the countryside, farming / agriculture practices and some other wildlife.
We spent a day in Tuscany with a colleague of Marco’s seven years ago. These guys really know their birds.
Highly recommend bird watching in Italy.
We will do another region with Marco when we come back.
* Vedrana
* Oasi di vallessanta
* Comacchio lagoon
- Oasi zavelea
- Statione foce
We saw over 30 birds (many being life birds), including Slavonian grebe, Pygmy cormorant , Eurasian teal, Caspian tern, lapwings, pied avocet, redshank, great spotted woodpecker, marsh harrier, greyleg goose, spoonbill, sacred ibis, egret - little, great & cattle, grey herons, mallard ducks, shell ducks, common buzzard, pheasants, common snipe, flamingo, crested grebe, magpie, hooded crow, gulls - yellow legged & black headed, collared dove, and kestrel.
Marco is extremely knowledgeable, quickly spotting and identifying birds. He knows the area very well. It was interesting to compare the European birds to their Australian namesake and note the differences.
It was also great to see the countryside, farming / agriculture practices and some other wildlife.
We spent a day in Tuscany with a colleague of Marco’s seven years ago. These guys really know their birds.
Highly recommend bird watching in Italy.
We will do another region with Marco when we come back.
Written October 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
0Christoph
Kelowna, Canada
Nov 2024 • Couples
We went on a 4 day tour with Marco exploring Tuscany. He was an excellent guide with a good mastery of local birds. Beyond just birding, he was able to create a memorable itinerary allowing us to explore Tuscany. He also provided valuable insight into the traditions and culture of Italy.
Written November 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jun 2024 • Family
We (my sister and I) did 2 days birding with Marco. He showed us amazing habitats where he found both common and rare birds. In particular, he knew where specific species would be and had a keen eye to help us find them. He was also very nice to chat with and very punctual (even a bit early) to our meeting points. Overall a knowledgeable, nice person who was generous with his knowledge. It was a pleasure.
Written June 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oct 2024 • Business
I came to Tuscany and Latzio with a hiking group of 25 people. Marco Valtriani took major part in design the tour and the hikes. The hikes were most interesting with different scenery and historical sites. Marco was a great guide and coordinator for everything. We had great time.
I highly recommend to use Marco as professional, friendly and in general very nice person to work with,
I highly recommend to use Marco as professional, friendly and in general very nice person to work with,
Written January 21, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sean S
New York City, New York
May 2024 • Solo
I can highly recommend birding with Marco. He’s very knowledgeable. He took me to four different stops, encompassing three distinct environments: field, river / marsh, and mountaintop. We also did some birding from the car. Got a lot of new lifers; saw three rare Montagu’s Harriers; and we even found one of my nemesis birds: the Eurasian Hoopoe!
Written May 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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