The Colours of the White (Photo Winter in the Bulgarian Mountains)

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival to Sofia

Day 2. Vitosha
On the first day of this tour we will trek the high parts of Vitosha Mountain, where we will have the pleasure of our first photo shooting. Vitosha is considered one of the most precious treasures of Sofia that has a population of nearly 2 million people. There is no other European capital with such a high mountain situated so close to the city. There are numerous tourist paths in Vitosha, while the roads and the lifts offer easy and quick access to its Alpine parts. From the highest top – Cherni Vrah (2290 m) a panoramic view is revealed in all directions but the view to the Rila Mountains is probably the most beautiful. And we will enjoy a view of all of Sofia from Kamen Del peak (1862 m) – a view that deserves not only to be seen but also photographed at nightfall. Between the two peaks lies a vast plateau – Torfeno Banishte reserve, crossing its territory will give us a unique sense of space and distance.
The trekking starts and ends at Aleko tourist center (1810 m). We will get there by car from Sofia (40-50 min). Ascent/descent: about 500 m. Usually you can buy some food at Cherni Vrah station, but you cannot rely on that. That is why we recommend that you bring sandwiches with you. Overnight in Sofia.

Day 3. Rila
Transfer from Sofia to Borovets ski resort (70 km, about 1,5 hrs), from where we will use the cabin lift, which will spare us 1000 m ascent of the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula – Musala (2925 m). It will take about 4-hour trekking from the upper lift station to the peak. A weather station was built there in the beginning of the 1930s. Its stone building is a great item complementing the pictures, which can be taken from the peak. To the north you will see Vitosha, behind it - the Balkan Mountains, in the other direction you will see Pirin. About 30-40 minutes from the top is situated Ledeno Ezero (Ice Lake) shelter (2710 m), where we will overnight. Its proximity to the top will give us the opportunity to stay longer on Musala in order to take evening and night pictures – with a starry sky above the snow-covered tops.
The trekking starts at the upper lift station of Yastrebets (2369 m). Ascent/descent: 600 m/200 m. You have to bring your own lunch, dinner and breakfast. There are blankets in the shelter, but you can bring your own sleeping bag. Bring a head lamp as well for the night trekking from the peak to the hut.

Day 4. Rila Monastery
We will return from the shelter to the upper lift station and go down to Borovets resort. Transfer to RIla Monastery (120 km, about 2 hrs). Rila Monastery is the largest and the most beautiful Bulgarian monastery, under UNESCO’s protection since 1983. It was founded in the 10th c. by a hermit named Ivan Rilski, who is the most famous Bulgarian saint. The beautiful architecture of the monastery corresponds perfectly with the surrounding high peaks of Rila Mountains. The oldest preserved building is from 14th c. – Hrelyo’s Tower that served as a defense tower during the Turkish invasion.
We will have lunch close to the monastery, and dinner – in the resort town of Bansko, situated at the foot of Pirin Mountains. The transfer from Rila Monastery to Bansko will take about an hour and half (90 km)

Day 5. Pirin
Pirin is the Bulgarian beauty. In summer time its sharp Alpine peaks and numerous glacial lakes are an irresistible magnet for every photographer and nature lover. In winter the mountain is even more beautiful – the snow is shimmering in all the colours of the rainbow especially at sunset. We will also try at this time of day to be at one of the most iconic peaks in Pirin - Polezhan (2851 m). The ascent to the top starts at Bezbog hut (2240 m), to where a short transfer from Bansko (20 km) and a chair lift will take us.
The trekking up to the peak is about 3-4 hours (600 m ascent/descent). On our way back to the hut, where we will overnight, it will already be dark so don’t forget your headlamps. Put enough food in your backpack for lunch.

Day 6. Sofia
We will use the lift to get to where the car is waiting for us. Transfer to Sofia (3-4 hours). We will spend the afternoon taking pictures in the Bulgarian capital. We will tour the landmarks of the city photographing the most iconic buildings – Alexander Nevski cathedral, St. Sofia and St. George brick churches – built IV-V c., National Theater etc.

Day 7. Departure

Necessary equipment (beside the photo gear): clothes suitable for the high winter mountain – thermo underwear, polar jackets, windstopper, waterproof trousers, shoes for winter trekking, gaiters, hat and gloves, headlamp, sunscreen cream and sunglasses, lip balm, a suitable backpack, sleeping bag.