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Rollers & Vultures: Photo Journey through Bulgaria and Greece

€1630 per person

Our specialized photography tour invites you to make stunning pictures of some of the most striking species in European birdlife: the colored European Roller, the European bee-eater and the majestic trio of vultures – Egyptian, Griffon, and Cinereous.

From well-positioned photo hides, you’ll have the chance to capture close-up images of rare raptors and songbirds in two of the Balkan Peninsula’s most celebrated birding locations: Madzharovo — known as the “Kingdom of Vultures” — and the Dadia–Lefkimi–Soufli National Park, a biodiversity hotspot just across the Greek border.

This is a boutique tour aimed at bird photographers who want access to well-established locations with a high success rate and professional guidance. We keep the group small to ensure the best experience and shooting conditions.

This is a private tour, fully customizable to your interests, pace, and photography goals — just let us know what excites you most, and we’ll shape the experience around it.

Availability is limited due to the small group format — get in touch to start planning your custom photo tour.

Madzharovo, nestled in the heart of an ancient volcanic crater, is a true paradise for birdwatchers — a place where majestic vultures soar above rugged cliffs and birdwatching begins the moment you step outside. Surrounded by dramatic rock formations and the meandering Arda River, this Eastern Rhodope gem offers encounters with species like Griffon, Egyptian, and Cinereous Vultures, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Stork, and many more.

Dadia National Park is a mosaic of oak forests, meadows, and rocky outcrops, widely regarded as one of Greece’s richest biodiversity hotspots. While it is best known for its raptors, including all four of Europe’s vulture species, its scenic trails and unspoiled landscapes make every walk a delight — with wildflowers, butterflies, and surprise bird sightings along the way.

  • Duration
    7 days
  • What is included
    ground transportation, English-speaking driver/guide, accommodation at a 3-star hotel, photo hide rental
  • What is not included
    flight tickets, insurance, meals and drinks, other personal expenses, tips
  • Best period
    mid May - June
1
Day 1
Arrival at Sofia Airport, where you'll meet your guide. Transfer (approx. 3 hours) to the Eastern Rhodopes and check in to a cozy guesthouse in Madzharovo, your base for the next three nights. Madzharovo is a dramatic landscape of volcanic cliffs and river bends — one of Europe’s best spots for photographing vultures and other raptors. Evening: Welcome briefing and gear check. Note: Pickup from airport in Bourgas (Bulgaria) and Thessaloniki (Greece) is also available
2
Day 2
Early departure for the vulture hide (approx. 1-hour transfer). This spacious and comfortable hide accommodates up to 8 photographers and offers exceptional opportunities for photographing:
  • Griffon Vulture
  • Egyptian Vulture
  • Cinereous Vulture
  • Black Kite, Golden Eagle
  • Occasional Golden Jackal and Red Fox
Full day spent in the hide until sunset.
3
Day 3
A second full day in the photo hide, maximizing your chances for dynamic shots and varying light conditions. Wildlife behavior often differs from day to day, offering new photo opportunities.
4
Day 4
Early morning visit to a Lesser Kestrel hide (space for 2 photographers), focused on capturing these agile birds in flight and perched among branches. Depending on group size, participants will take turns in the hide, while others can photograph species in the surrounding area — either from the vehicle or during a short walk. Midday: Lunch in the region, followed by a stop at a Bee-eater colony near Orestiada, Greece. Mobile hides will be set up for photographing European Bee-eaters in golden afternoon light. Evening transfer (approx. 1 hour) to Dadia National Park, where you'll spend the next three nights.
5
Day 5
Full-day photography from a well-equipped hide near Dadia, designed for close-up shots of:
  • European Roller
  • European Bee-eater
  • Raptors like Black Kite, Common Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Eagle
6
Day 6
Another full day in a second nearby hide managed by our local partner, offering slightly different angles, lighting, or species interactions. Great for capturing flight sequences or improving your results from Day 5.
7
Day 7
Morning photo session is possible depending from the your flight time. Transfer to the airport (the transfer to Sofia airport is 4.5 hours). Departure.  

TOUR LOCATION

Price
  • 2 people - € 3270 per person
  • 3 people - € 2500 per person
  • 4 people - € 2150 per person
  • 5 people - € 1920 per person
  • 6 people - € 1780 per person
  • 7 people - € 1630 per person
The price includes
  • English-speaking guide throughout the tour;
  • Rental of photo hides according to the itinerary;
  • All ground transportation costs are included; We will be travelling with a  modern and comfortable vehicle from Traventuria's fleet;
  • Accommodation in a double/twin room at 3-star hotels with en suite double rooms on full board. Packed lunch can be ordered from the hotel. Dinner can be organized at the hotel.
The price excludes
  • Flight tickets to Bulgaria
  • Insurance
  • Other meals and drinks
  • Other personal expenses
  • Tips
Itinerary modifications
  • Day 3 and/or Day 6, which repeat hide sessions, can be skipped upon request to shorten the itinerary
  • The tour runs as private and the itinerary can be tailored to every client’s interests and preferences
Minimum group size & Maximum capacity
  • Minimum: 2 people
  • Maximum: 7 people
Recommended camera equipment
  • A camera with a 300mm+ lens (or longer) is recommended
  • You should also pack a tripod with a gimble head (recommended). Extra memory cards and batteries, cleaning set for the cameras and lenses.

Send an enquiry about this tour