Join us on an unforgettable Bulgaria photography tour designed to immerse you in the vibrant traditions of the Surva Festival. Over the course of a week, we travel to experience and photograph one of Bulgaria’s most striking cultural events, rooted in ancient customs.
“Ancient traditions and festivals of Bulgaria”
With exclusive access to performers at major festivals and visits to small, traditional villages, this tour offers a rare opportunity to capture authentic and unique images of Bulgaria’s intricate masks, lively rituals, and welcoming people. Whether it’s candid portraits or dynamic festival scenes, you’ll have endless opportunities to photograph the essence of the Surva Festival and Bulgaria’s rich heritage.
TOUR INFO
Dates | 9-15 January 2026 |
Duration | 7 days / 6 nights |
Group size | 6 guests |
Price | 3100 € |
Single Supplement | 420 € |
Pro | Dancho Hristov & Luka Esenko or Amadeja Knez |
Arrival | Sofia Airport |
Departure | Sofia Airport |
This Bulgaria photography tour does not require any special physical fitness. However, it is essential to dress warmly and come prepared with water- and snow-resistant shoes, warm gloves, and a waterproof jacket to ensure comfort in winter conditions.
Surva Festival & Traditions ITINERARY
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and traditions of Bulgaria through the lens of your camera, as we travel to explore and photograph the enchanting Surva festivals.
Day 1:
Arrival in Sofia
We meet at the airport and transfer to our hotel, conveniently located in the city center. This prime location allows easy access to the city’s landmarks, including the main cathedral. After check-in, we have free time to rest or explore Sofia’s charming streets. A group welcome dinner at one of Sofia’s traditional restaurants.
Day 2:
Sofia to Simitli – Festival Begins
We start the day with an early morning photography session in Sofia, capturing the city before it fully wakes. After breakfast, we travel to Simitli to attend “The Ancient Land of the Kukeri” festival. This is a remarkable chance to photograph the elaborate Surva masks from across Bulgaria. Groups from villages around the country showcase their unique costumes and perform traditional dances on the stadium stage. With special media passes, we have exclusive access to walk among the performers and photograph their incredible artistry up close.
Day 3:
Simitli – Festival Continues
After breakfast, we return to Simitli for another full day of photographing the kukeri. We capture candid moments as performers prepare for their stage appearances—portraits, interactions, and behind-the-scenes action bring the festival’s energy to life. Later, we explore the old town of Blagoevgrad, a picturesque setting perfect for evening photography, before enjoying a traditional Bulgarian dinner.
Day 4:
Rila Monastery and Pernik
In the morning, we travel to the iconic Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Bulgaria’s most treasured landmarks. With its ornate frescoes, richly decorated walls, and serene surroundings, it offers incredible opportunities for architectural and cultural photography. In the afternoon, we continue to Pernik, where we check in to our hotel. If time allows, we visit nearby villages to photograph locals as they prepare for the upcoming Surva festival.
Day 5:
Surva festival in Traditional Villages
After a relaxed morning, we travel to nearby villages where the Surva festivities begin in earnest. Each village hosts its own smaller celebration, giving us the chance to photograph performers in their intricate masks and costumes as they prepare. This is a unique opportunity for portraits and candid shots of the rituals and interactions among the locals. In the evening, we attend the grand Surva festival, where groups from various villages gather to perform. The night culminates with a massive bonfire and fireworks, creating a dazzling visual spectacle for photography.
Day 6:
Surva Festival Finale and Return to Sofia
On our final day of photographing the Surva festival, we return to the villages to capture the most authentic moments. As the Survakari parade through the village streets, we photograph their intricate masks and vibrant processions. Villagers welcome them with homemade delicacies, wine, and rakia, creating a lively and heartfelt atmosphere. This is a rare chance to photograph Bulgaria’s traditions up close. In the afternoon, we travel back to Sofia, where we conclude the tour with a farewell dinner at one of the city’s fine restaurants.
Day 7:
Departure from Bulgaria
After breakfast, we enjoy some final photography in Sofia before airport transfers are provided for each participant. This marks the end of our unforgettable journey through Bulgaria’s culture and traditions.






Bulgaria Photography Tour Includes
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.
ACCOMMODATION
We have carefully selected hotels for their proximity to the events, cleanliness, and comfort. These are 3- and 4-star properties offering standard facilities to ensure a pleasant stay. Contact us for more details about the accommodations and the trip!
Extend your stay!
If one week feels too short for your adventure, let us know! We can arrange trip extensions in Bulgaria or Greece, ensuring you make the most of your travel experience.

Photos of Surva festivals in Bulgaria
Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to experience and photograph the incredible ancient traditions of Bulgaria!