Bulgaria photography tour, Surva festivals & traditions
Description of Bulgaria photography tour, Surva festivals & traditions
A remarkable Bulgaria photography tour that gives you special behind-the-scenes access to one of Europe's most unique cultural events. As part of a small group (just six people!) led by a local tutor-guide, you'll spend a week immersed in the Surva Festival, where three days of folk festivities see thousands of people from all over the country taking part in rituals to welcome the new year and ward off evil spirits.
The grand finale, featuring intricate masks and costumes, a parade and a bonfire, takes place in the village of Pernik. But before that you'll travel around the countryside, stopping in villages where people are preparing for the masquerades. Watch traditional dance and music performances, with the chance to respectfully photograph the performers as they prepare, with their permission.
Other highlights of the trip include an early morning photography tour of Sofia as the capital wakes up and a visit to the magnificent Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Bulgaria’s most famous highlights. There will be lots of chances throughout the week to practise and develop your abilities in both rural and urban environments.
While you will spend the majority of your time out and about, there will be free time to relax as part of your group. Often, your tutor-guide will facilitate feedback sessions, where the group can share some of their work. This is an integral part of many of our photography tours, ensuring that you don't just have a great time, but you can also improve your skills in a supportive, friendly environment.
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1 Reviews of Bulgaria photography tour, Surva festivals & traditions
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026 by Julie Bull
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
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 travellers booking this holiday?
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 holiday 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 holiday overall?
Absolutely wonderful. Whenever we thought it couldn't get any better - it did!
Responsible Travel
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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