HIGHLIGHTS

Join us on a captivating photographic journey through Bulgaria and northern Greece, combining the powerful folklore of the Kukeri tradition with the breathtaking landscapes of Meteora.

Winter transforms Bulgaria into a living stage for the ancient Kukeri rituals—men dressed in elaborate, surreal costumes perform ceremonial dances believed to ward off evil spirits. We will photograph multiple local celebrations, culminating in the renowned Surva Festival in Pernik, one of the most important folkloric events in the Balkans.

Crossing into Greece, our focus shifts to the awe-inspiring Meteora monasteries, dramatically perched atop towering rock formations. These UNESCO-listed sites offer extraordinary opportunities for both landscape and architectural photography in changing winter light.

Along the way, we’ll also explore the Zagori region, photographing its historic stone bridges set within rugged mountain scenery, and seek out the magnificent Dalmatian pelicans, capturing compelling wildlife images in their natural habitat.

This tour blends culture, history, landscape, and wildlife—offering a rich and diverse photographic experience designed for photographers seeking both visual impact and meaningful storytelling.

Day 1   Thursday, 21 January 2027

This photo tour of Bulgaria and Greece starts and ends in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel in the city center (we can arrange the transfer even if you are arriving a few days before). Dinner in a typical Bulgarian restaurant in Sofia.  Meeting and introduction with the guides, itinerary details overview and other tour info. 

•  Accommodation – Sofia

•  Airport Transfer time – 1/2 hour / ≈15km

Day 2 & 3         Friday, 22 January 2027 & Saturday, 23 January 2027

These 2 days will be devoted to The International Festival of Masquerade Games "Surva" in Pernik town, internationally also known as Kukeri. The festival is a meeting of thousands of survakars, kukers, babugers, jamalars and many other masked groups from all ethnographic regions of Bulgaria and guests from abroad. 

In the center and on the streets of the city, groups will compete to demonstrate the colors of their games and unique masks and costumes. A dazzling spectacle, lights and illuminations will immerse us in the mystery of the festival race. We will be able to interact with the participants along the parade and on the improvised stages in the city. In 2014, Pernik and the Surva festival were included in the National Geographic magazine's ranking of the World's top winter destinations.

Friday is dedicated mostly to the youth groups and it is a great way to familiarize ourselves with the people, the festival, the traditions and how to approach it. Especially since it will not be as busy as the next day. 

Saturday is fully packed day with lots of action and groups. It is also the day with international groups so there is even more diversity of people and costumes. We will photograph the groups from a few different locations: the main stage, the area where the groups are queuing and the area where they initially arrive, organize themselves and warm up. 

The variety, energy and people photography opportunities are endless. If you thought the Venice carnival is interesting, you should try this festival! 

•  Accommodation – both days in Sofia

•  Transfer time – 2 hours / ≈80km per day 

Day 4   Sunday, 24 January 2027

In the morning we will have a private photo shoot with a small group of people dressed in Kukeri. This will give us the chance to get to know the people behind the masks and ask them questions about their traditions and how they are carrying it forward. 

Next stop will be a remote village in the Rhodope Mountains home to a Muslim community and famous for its fascinating wedding traditions. Unlike most of the deserted places of Bulgaria, the steep streets are constantly full of women with colorful headscarves, busy men and playing kids. If we are lucky to witness a local wedding we will enjoy an amazing explosion of colors, sounds and unique customs (winter time is the wedding season in this area). 

•  Accommodation in/near Bansko  

•  Transfer time – 3h hours 

Day 5   Monday, 25 January 2027

We will be very close to the Greek border so our photo tour will transit from Bulgaria to Greece. We will head towards the charming town of Ioannina on the shores of Pamvotis Lake and surrounded by mountains. The city flourished during the Byzantine era, it was a center for silversmithing and still has an impressive fortress from those times. Then it was under Turkish rule for over 400 years and we can still see tow mosques right by the lake. We will spend the late afternoon and the next morning exploring it (and the nearby island), learning its stories and photographing it at different times of the day. 

•  Accommodation – Ioannina 

•  Transfer time – 6h  

Day 6   Tuesday, 26 January 2027

We will continue our photo tour exploration of Greece with the region of Zagori. It is a less traveled part of Greece which in 2023 was enlisted as a UNESCO world heritage site acknowledging its well-preserved traditional architecture with houses and many stone bridges. Vikos gorge is one of the most impressive canyons anywhere in the world and we will go to a viewpoint to photograph it. 

In the afternoon we will arrive to Meteora, a fascinating place where Greek Orthodox monasteries were built on giant rock formations. We will stay in the nearby town of Kalabaka having direct views towards the rocks and some of the monasteries. 

•  Accommodation – Kalabaka (near Meteora)

•  Transfer time - 4 hours 

Day 7   Wednesday, 27 January 2027

We will spend the entire day uncovering the views and history of Meteora, this fascinating site and photographing it from many different angles and at different times of the day. We will start with an early morning shoot, then visit some of the monasteries and end the day with a sunset shoot. Weather at this time of the year can be moody, it can be foggy, it can rain, it can be cloudy or even snow so we will adapt to the conditions and take advantage of them. 

This site is the second most important for Greek Orthodoxy after Mount Athos and the monasteries there. And it is definitely the most impressive site you will see in Greece (and there are many of them). It is just amazing what was done here and that there are still monks who live and worship in these monasteries. 

One of the rocks is 600m high (2000 feet) and many others are over 300m (1000 feet). Six of the original 24 monasteries can be visited and we will visit at least 2 of them. The Meteora monasteries are one of the most interesting sights to visit and photograph in Europe and it will be one of the highlights of our trip. 

• Accommodation – Kalabaka (near Meteora)

• Transfer time - 2 hours 

Day 8   Thursday, 28 January 2027

In the morning we will go out for another photo shoot in Meteora, especially if the weather conditions are significantly different or better than on the previous day. 

We will then make our way back to the Greek-Bulgarian border. In this area there is a lake which is home to a large population of Dalmation pelicans. It is probably the best place in the world to photograph those pelicans. At this time of the year the gular turn bright red and they are also friendlier with people so they come really close to the boats making it very easy to photograph them. 

We will go out on the lake with a boat and photograph them. Often the water is very still creating mirror like reflections. And in the distance there are snowcapped mountains. 

• Accommodation – near Kerkini lake 

• Transfer time – 4h 

Day 10   Friday, 29 January 2027

In the morning we will go again on the lake to admire and photograph the pelicans. We are giving this a second try as the weather conditions can be very different from the previous afternoon. 

Then we will be back in Bulgaria where we will go again to the Muslim village in the Rhodope Mountains to hopefully catch another part of a wedding. Here the weddings have two main parts: on Fridays is the engagement part and on Sunday is the main wedding event. So last Sunday we looked for the main event and now we will be looking at the engagement part. 

• Accommodation – near Bansko  

• Transfer time – 4h 

Day 10   Saturday, 30 January 2027

We will then travel back to Sofia and on the way visit the largest and most important monastery in Bulgaria and UNESCO World Heritage Site - Rila Monastery. It was founded in the 10th century by a hermit named Ivan Rilski and has been under UNESCO’s protection since 1983. The beautiful architecture of the monastery corresponds perfectly with the surrounding high peaks of the Rila Mountains.

We will then arrive back to Sofia where we will have our farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant in Sofia.

• Accommodation – Sofia

• Transfer time – 4h 

Day 11  Sunday, 31 January 2027

This is your departure day. Transfer from the hotel to Sofia Airport.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this intense photo tour of Bulgaria and Greece and that you will bring back a lot of wonderful memories.  

• Airport Transfer time – 1/2 hour / ≈15km

Sofia:

Sofia at Crystal Palace Hotel, 4*

4 nights -  at the beginning and end of the trip

Kalambaka (near Meteora, in Greece):

Kosta Famissi Hotel, 3*

2 nights - here most good hotels are closed in late January so we really don’t have many options 

 Bansko:

Bansko at NP House, 4*

2 nights

lake Kerkini:

Limneio guesthouse

1 night - no elevator

Ioannina (Greece):

Kamares Boutique 4* Hotel

10 rooms - no elevator

Travel Essentials

The main international gateway is Fuaʻamotu International Airport (TBU) near the capital, Nukuʻalofa. From the USA, travelers typically connect through major hubs such as Los Angeles, Auckland, or Sydney, with onward flights to Tonga. While there are no direct flights from the U.S., these routes offer the most convenient and frequent connections.

Passport & Visa

Visitors to Tonga must hold a valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the date of entry. Many nationalities, including U.S. citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival for stays up to 31 days. Visa fees vary but are generally modest; be sure to check current regulations before traveling.

Cuisine

Tongan cuisine emphasizes fresh, local ingredients with a delicious blend of Polynesian flavors. Expect meals featuring staples like taro, cassava, fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and coconut. Traditional dishes often include roasted meats, fish, and root vegetables cooked in an earth oven called an “umu.” Most meals on tours are served at trusted local restaurants or resorts, and vegetarian options are generally available with prior notice.

Weather in Late July

July falls within Tonga’s dry season and is considered one of the best times to visit. Expect mild, comfortable temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s °F (24–29°C). The weather is generally sunny with low humidity and minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities and underwater photography. Evenings can be pleasantly cool, so layering light clothing is recommended.

Tonga’s climate is pleasantly mild, cooler and less humid than nearby Fiji or Samoa. The best travel months are during winter (June to September), with daytime temperatures generally ranging from the high 70s to low 80s (°F). Weather can change quickly, from bright sunshine to rain showers within hours. It can feel chilly when out on the boat, so layering is recommended. Mosquitoes are less active in winter but bringing insect repellent for evenings is advisable.

What to Expect

Close and Respectful Whale Encounters: Enjoy small, carefully managed group excursions that prioritize the well-being of the whales and their natural habitat.

Guidance from Experts: Benefit from the knowledge and experience of skilled marine guides dedicated to helping you make the most of your time with these incredible creatures.

Sustainable Comfort: Stay in cozy, eco-friendly beachfront cottages that blend rustic charm with environmental mindfulness, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Tonga’s pristine surroundings.

Days Full of Adventure: From swimming with whales to kayaking and island hikes, each day offers exciting opportunities to explore. Evenings bring peaceful moments with breathtaking sunsets over the South Pacific.

This adventure is rated Moderate, on our activity scale. You should be comfortable snorkeling in open ocean conditions, which may include moderate waves and currents. While whale encounters are generally relaxed, they can occasionally require sustained swimming, especially if the whale is moving. Being prepared physically will help you fully enjoy these incredible moments.

Typical Day Includes:

Approximately 4 hours on the boat
Between 1 to 4 hours of snorkeling
Opportunities for kayaking and biking
Visits to local villages and cultural experiences

Whether you’re drawn by Tonga’s spectacular whale encounters, rich cultural heritage, or stunning landscapes, the islands offer a warm welcome and unforgettable experiences that captivate both photographers and traveler.

Who Should Join?

This journey is ideal for those who prioritize authentic adventure over luxury—perfect for photographers, wildlife lovers, and travelers who appreciate the beauty of nature and meaningful experiences.

Getting There

Tonga is accessed via Fuaʻamotu International Airport (TBU), located near the capital, Nukuʻalofa. The easiest and most reliable route from the United States is to fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Auckland, New Zealand (AKL), with onward connections to Tonga on Air New Zealand or Fiji Airways. Some itineraries may also route through Fiji (Nadi – NAN) before continuing to Tonga.

Flights typically arrive in Tongatapu, where we connect onward to the Haʻapai region for the start of our adventure. While travel time is long, the journey is straightforward, and we’re happy to assist with flight planning to ensure smooth connections.

ELECTRICITY

Tonga operates on 240V at 50Hz, using Type I power plugs (the same as Australia and New Zealand). Travelers from the U.S. or Europe will need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter for their devices.

Rest Day

Please note that Sundays are observed as a national rest day in Tonga. Most businesses and services, including tour activities, pause on this day to honor local customs and traditions. No scheduled activities will take place on Sundays, providing a perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on your journey.