Bulgaria Photo Tour
February 25 to March 7, 2026
Discover the enchanting beauty of Bulgaria, a hidden gem for photographers seeking diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and exotic festivals that originated in ancient times. From the breathtaking peaks of the Rila and Pirin Mountains to the serene shores of the Black Sea, Bulgaria offers a stunning array of natural wonders. Wander through vibrant villages adorned with colorful houses and intricate woodwork, capturing the essence of traditional Bulgarian life. Explore ancient monasteries and UNESCO World Heritage sites that tell stories of centuries past. Whether you're drawn to the beauty of nature or the vibrant tapestry of its history, Bulgaria invites you to create unforgettable imagery of a very unique culture. This photography tour will immerse you in a world where every corner reveals a new masterpiece waiting to be captured.
What you will learn on this photo tour:
How to handhold camera and do HDR in cathedrals
Dealing with parallax problems with architecture
How to shoot festivals
The unique look of focus stacking with telephotos
A quick formula for maximum depth of field
Using ND filters to eliminate people from any scene
Creating compelling vertical panorama images
ITINERARY
Day 1, Feb. 25, Wednesday
Leave home and arrive in Sophia, Bulgaria (airport code SOF)) on this day. Upon arrival, you'll be met by a local representative and transferred to our hotel. Rest from the long flight, and if you are not too tired we can do some twilight and night photography in the old town. Overnight Sophia.
Day 2, Feb. 26, Thursday
We have an entire day to explore the photographic highlights of Sophia. This includes the unbelievable Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, beautiful both inside and out, Boyana Church with stunning frescoes painted in the 13th century, the impressive neoclassical theater, Ivan Vazov, built in 1907, and the oldest structure in Sophia, George Rotunda,
built in the 4th century A.D. At the end of the day, we will take some amazing pictures in the blue hour. Jim will discuss the advantages of doing HDR at twilight. Overnight Sophia.
Day 3, Feb. 27, Friday
We drive outside of Sophia today to visit the remarkable Rila Monastery. Founded in the 10th century, it is regarded as the one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical, and archeological monuments. After many raids and destruction from war, the monastery was rebuilt at the end of the 15th century. The interior completely is covered by stunning murals, unique to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, and the repetition of arches makes for endless dramatic compositions. In the afternoon we return to the capital. Overnight Sophia.
Day 4, Feb. 28, Saturday
We drive southeast this morning to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second largest city, through mountainous terrain. We will visit Asen's Fortress, a medieval structure that was captured by armies of the Third Crusade in the late 12th century. Not too far away is the Bachkovo Monastery, founded in the 11 century and one of the oldest in the Balkan Peninsula. The original paintings that adorn most of the surfaces in the interior are beautiful. The ossuary also has 1000-year old paintings on the walls and ceiling, and it contains the bones of the early monks. From here, we continue to Plovdiv, a city built on foundations provided by the Roman Empire. The ancient theater of Philippopolis, which once seated 6000 people, now hosts opera and concerts. Overnight Plovdiv.
Day 5, March 1, Sunday
After breakfast, we drive to Shirk Laka to photograph the ancient Kukeri festival. The origin of the festival goes back, by some estimates, 4000 years to Bulgaria's pagan past, to the Thracians who are still clouded in mystery. It is associated with the pursuit of people's attempts to affect nature by means of magic and the supernatural. The outrageous costuming is designed to scare away evil spirits, and it makes for phenomenal pictures. After an incredible day, we return to Plovdiv and overnight.
Day 6, March 2, Monday
After breakfast we head northeast toward Veliko Tarnovo. Enroute we visit one of the best examples of a Thracian tomb that dates from the 4th century
B.C. The elaborate artwork accompanies Thracian royalty into the afterlife. Upon arrival in Veliko Tarnovo, we'll have some time to explore the old town which was the historical capital of the second Bulgarian empire. It is known for its many churches and as the main residence of nobility. Overnight Veliko Tarnovo.
Day 7, March 3, Tuesday
We drive north today to the town of Belogradchik to photograph one of the best and most photogenic fortresses in Europe. It was initially constructed during the time of the Roman Empire, but it was extended in the 14th and 19th centuries to its present impressive size. The backdrop is a breathtaking stand of rocks, and the entire landscape if stunning. Overnight in Ruse where we can take great pictures at night of the beautiful architecture.
Day 8, March 4, Wednesday
After breakfast we depart Veliko Tarnovo and our first stop if the Thracian tomb of Sveshtari. Discovered recently in 1982, this 3rd century B.C. tomb has unique half-female, half-plant caryatids and painted murals. We continue east to photograph the Madara Rider, an ancient relief in a cliff face of a Thracian horseman accompanied by a faithful dog dating from the late 7th century. In the afternoon, we arrive at the port city of Varna where we'll have time to photograph some of the colorful architecture here as well as the magnificent Formation of the Mother of God Cathedral. After dinner we will shoot the cathedral at the blue hour. Overnight Varna.
Day 9, March 5, Thursday
Early morning photography of pretty streets in Varna produces excellent imagery because the city is empty of people and most vehicles. We return to the hotel for breakfast, and then we drive along the coast to photograph the rock formations and the ancient fortress at Kamen bryag and Cape Kaliakra. Striking stone monuments at the cape commemorate a long and tragic history of conquest, plunder, and cruelty throughout the centuries. Overnight Varna.
Day 10, March 6, Friday
This morning we transfer to the airport in Varna to connect with our homeward flight either through Sofia or directly through other European capitals.
Tour cost: $5610. Includes nine nights lodging based on a shared room basis, all breakfasts and all dinners beginning with the welcome dinner and ending with breakfast on Day 10, all ground transportation, airport transfers, the services of a local English speaking guide, all entrance fees, photo instruction, and critiques on demand.
Single room supplement: $550
Not included: International and domestic flights, items of a personal nature, alcoholic beverages, and trip cancellation and medical evacuation insurance.