Bulgaria |
A Mix of Pagan and Christian Rituals Brings Blessings in the New Year
Jan 18 — 28, 2024 Limited to 8 participants Connect with the ancient pagan traditions of Bulgaria where deep in the winter, the Kukeri roam the villages chasing away evil and bringing health and prosperity to the believers. These folkloric festivals date back to the 5th century surviving the Ottoman Empire, early Christian influences and the troubling days of communism.
Join Dan and Jill Burkholder and a small group for this intriguing photo tour of Bulgaria, a Balkan nation at the crossroads of many cultures blended from its location between Greece, Romania, Serbia, The Republic of Macedonia and Turkey. Time moves at its own pace and local people preserve an old way of life with honored traditions. Our visit will include medieval castles, picturesque landscapes and the complex history of ancient Thracian and Roman influences plus more recent communist times as a former member of the Soviet Union.
All types of digital photography are embraced: DSLRs, iPhones and mirrorless cameras are all welcome. Dan Burkholder, master photographer, artist and photographic innovator, promotes a lightweight approach to image making where you can shoot with any digital camera that allows you to transfer images to your iPhones and iPads. You’ll discover the joy of editing on your iPhone during lunch or on your iPad in the middle of the night — a dream for the travel photographer! Joining Dan will be Jill Skupin Burkholder; Daniel Rosca, a Romanian photographer and guide along with Presiyan Petkov, a photographer and guide from Bulgaria. Daniel and Presiyan coordinate all aspects of the trip, ensuring that the days are packed with local experiences that show the full character of the country. All four group leaders will be at your side providing photographic know-how, local knowledge and a light-hearted approach to sharing friendship and making memories during this unique adventure. 
Bulgaria, Jan 18 - 28, 2024, Deposit OnlyDEPOSIT - Photo Tour of Bulgaria A lightweight, modern approach to our image making with photo critiques and classes all based on iPhones and iPads. Total cost is $5200. Send your deposit today to hold a spot or email for more information. PrerequisitesWe require Travel/Cancellation Insurance that includes Overseas Medical Care and Evacuation (available from your travel agent or agencies like Travelguard.com and TravelInsure.com). Many policies offered by credit cards do not include these options so be sure that you are medically covered for your trip. We strongly encourage that you be up-to-date with any recommended vaccinations including for COVID.
Bring winter appropriate clothing and comfortable waterproof boots good for exploring both urban and rural settings. Any camera is welcome — from DSLR to Mirrorless to iPhone. iPhones and iPads should be newer models that can run iOS version 16.x or 17.x (coming in September, 2023) because these models make it much easier for us to share images during classroom critiques and lessons. A month before departure, you will receive additional detailed information to help you prepare for your adventure. From camera gear advice to packing suggestions, you’ll get lots of guidance to ensure your trip is one of learning and image making instead of headaches and hassles. |
Kukeri image by Georgid
Trip OverviewThe photo tour begins in the capital, Sofia, staying 2 nights in the city and driving to the Rila Monastery as a day trip. Then the group sets out traveling a loop through the country, with accommodations in family guesthouses and smaller villages when possible. This approach offers a more traditional experience and easy access to exceptional photographic settings. We'll be light on our feet as we travel throughout the countryside in four-wheel drive cars with three people per car plus a driver. Each day and evening offer photo opportunities, both planned and unexpected as unique travel experiences present themselves.
Details are listed in the Day to Day Itinerary but planned locations include Koprivshitsa, Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo. Returning to Sofia for three nights, we will attend two days of "Surva," The International Festival of Masquerade Games in the town of Pernik. The masked Kukeri groups come from all over the country to perform representing all the ethnographic regions of Bulgaria. This amazing photo opportunity captures the mystery and magic of ancient traditions being kept alive by local families preserving the costumes and ringing the bells to chase away evil and bring prosperity and health.
The itinerary is subject to change but will always be planned for the best photographic opportunities. For a friendly relaxed atmosphere and to provide lots of individual attention, the group is limited to 8 participants. The photo tour cost is $5200. Included: • Ten nights lodging and 11 days of photographic instruction • Various entrance fees and shooting opportunities • Ground transportation in 4-wheel drive cars (3 participants + driver) • All Breakfasts • 4 Dinners (listed in the itinerary) • Bottled water • Fluent, English-speaking Bulgarian guide/photographer • Fluent, English-speaking Romanian guide/photographer • Transfers to and from the airport Not included: • Passport • Meals not listed above • Airfares and related taxes or fees to and from Bulgaria • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages • Personal expenses, services, or purchases • Transportation after the workshop ends • Any recommended vaccinations • Travel/cancellation Insurance which includes Overseas Medical Care and Evacuation (available from your travel agent) 
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Payment and Cancellation Policy
Hold your spot with a $1200 deposit with the balance due Nov 18. If you need to cancel before Nov 18, $600 will be refunded. Because of advanced planning, if the cancellation is within 60 days of the workshop start date, we will not be able to refund any of the workshop fee.
On the unlikely chance that we need to cancel the workshop for any reason, you will be refunded the entire workshop price.
Rooms are based on double occupancy and all have private baths. If you prefer a single room, there is one fee of $450. We will make every effort to connect you with a roommate should you like to share a room. However, if we’re unable to make a match, the single supplement fee will apply. Let us know early if you have difficulty with stairs or have other special needs.
On the unlikely chance that we need to cancel the workshop for any reason, you will be refunded the entire workshop price.
Rooms are based on double occupancy and all have private baths. If you prefer a single room, there is one fee of $450. We will make every effort to connect you with a roommate should you like to share a room. However, if we’re unable to make a match, the single supplement fee will apply. Let us know early if you have difficulty with stairs or have other special needs.