Bulgaria photography tour, Surva festivals & traditions
Our Bulgaria photography tour is a thrilling opportunity to explore traditional culture up close as you enjoy unrivalled access to the rituals, performances and costumery of the Surva Festival.
Morning photography tour of Sofia Special media passes for The Ancient Land of the Kukeri Festival in Simitli Get candid behind-the-scenes shots of performers Evening photography in Blagoevgrad Rila Monastery Tour small villages as they prepare for Surva Pernik Watch the bonfire and parade at the Grand Surva Festival
Price
€3750 excluding flights
More info
The Bulgaria photography tour is all inclusive, accommodation (6 nights), all meals and drinks, airport transfers and all transportation during the tour, photography tuition, entrance fees and all local taxes.
2027 tour is 8 days.
Description of Bulgaria photography tour, Surva festivals & traditions
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Price information
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Travel guides
A photography vacation is a wonderful way to learn a new and valuable skill.
Attending a local festival provides a fascinating insight into a culture – as well as being great fun.
Vacation information
Dietary requirements:
We can cater for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Reviews
1 Reviews of Bulgaria photography tour, Surva festivals & traditions
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026 by Julie Bull
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it was memorable and exciting. The first day was fabulous, and every day was even better than the previous day.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take warm, waterproof clothes, crampons or shoe spikes for the ice. Have plenty of card space on your cameras and be ready for some long but amazing days.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes it did. We used several local restaurants and the tour leaders engaged with local people so that we felt welcome and not intrusive when photographing people.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely wonderful. Whenever we thought it couldn't get any better - it did!
Responsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) vacation so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your vacation to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
Our Surva Festival Photography Tour is designed not only to celebrate Bulgaria’s rich traditions but also to make a positive impact on the environment. We believe that travel should be responsible, and we take meaningful steps to minimize our ecological footprint while ensuring an enriching experience for our participants.One of the ways we reduce waste is by eliminating single-use plastic bottles. Instead, we encourage all participants to bring and refill their thermos flasks daily, helping to cut down on plastic pollution. Additionally, our itinerary is carefully planned to reduce unnecessary driving. By staying at local accommodations close to the festival sites, we minimize long transfers and excessive fuel consumption while also supporting small, family-owned businesses that rely on sustainable tourism.
We are committed to going paperless—our itineraries, brochures, and invoices are entirely digital. By eliminating printed materials, we significantly reduce paper waste while ensuring our participants have easy access to all trip details online. This not only saves resources but also allows for more efficient communication before and during the tour.
Beyond reducing our carbon footprint, we actively promote an appreciation for Bulgaria’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. Whenever possible, we include visits to natural sites, offering our participants the chance to experience the country’s stunning ecosystems firsthand. We also take the opportunity to educate travelers about Bulgaria’s ecological challenges, from deforestation to habitat loss, and discuss the importance of conservation efforts in the region. As passionate birders, we love to share our knowledge, pointing out bird species we encounter along the way and fostering a deeper appreciation for Bulgaria’s rich biodiversity.
By blending cultural immersion with responsible travel, we ensure that our photography tours not only capture the beauty of Bulgaria but also contribute to the preservation of its traditions, landscapes, and wildlife for future generations.
People
Our Surva Festival Photography Tour is deeply committed to supporting and uplifting local communities in Bulgaria. We actively promote traditional crafts and artistry, showcasing exquisite handmade Bulgarian embroidery (shevitsi), pottery from Troyan, and Kukeri masks crafted by local artisans. By choosing family-owned restaurants and accommodations, we ensure that our participants experience authentic Bulgarian hospitality while directly supporting small businesses. We celebrate Bulgaria’s rich culinary heritage by educating travelers about local dishes, traditional recipes, and the sourcing of ingredients.Beyond tourism, we engage directly with local guides, photographers, and performers, ensuring that the money we bring goes straight to the people who make the festival and culture come alive. We take great care in portraying locals with respect and authenticity, sharing their life stories and highlighting their dedication to preserving traditions. Through meaningful interactions and cultural insights, our participants leave with a deeper understanding of Bulgarian heritage, history, and everyday life—making their journey as enriching for the people they meet as it is for themselves.
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