The Famous Oil-Yielding Bulgarian Rose

The famous oil-yielding Bulgarian rose is an inseparable element of Bulgarian history and culture. It has been honoured by a number of famous, as well as lesser-known writers and artists. Its name is commemorated by countless folklore songs. As a trademark of the country, the Bulgarian rose is celebrated every year in a very special ceremony – the Rose Festival. In early June the Rose Valley comes alive with the songs and dances of the rose-pickers. They come at early dawn dressed in careful national costumes. The event takes place every year on the first Sunday in June. It stretches out from the Rose Valley to the towns Karlovo, Kalofer and Kazanlak and is strikingly beautiful when the famous Bulgarian rose blossoms in May/June and the area is consumed by fragrance.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to encounter a piece of authentic Bulgaria, as well as the chance to enjoy genuine folk dances and songs, to see a very special ceremony and have the experience of a lifetime.

Highlights:
♦ Rose Valley – the famous site where the Rose festival and rose-picking takes place
♦ Kazanlak – located in the Valley of Roses with more than 90 cultural and historical monuments in the vicinity of the city
♦ Plovdiv is one of the oldest European towns existing as a settlement for some 8,000 years
♦ Veliko Tarnovo (the Old Bulgarian capital) is regally situated along the historical hills of Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and Sveta Gora on the banks of the Yantra River.
♦ Koprivshtitsa – one of the most best preserved towns with houses from the National Revival Period

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival
Arrival at Sofia or Plovdiv Airport and meet with one of our professional and friendly guides.Overnight stay in Sofia or Plovdiv.

Day 2. Rose Festival in Kazanlak
Early drive to the rose fields near Kazanlak for participation in the traditional rose-picking followed by the authentic rose boiling demonstration. Attend the Carnival Parade in the town centre. Enjoy the special celebration lunch with delicious Bulgarian dishes and wine, accompanied by magnificent folklore dances and songs. Dinner and overnight stay in Kazanlak.

Day 3. The Thracian Tombs – Shipka monument – Etnographic museum Etara - Veliko Turnovo
This day we see two Thracian tombs, the one in Kazanlak and the lately discovered "Goliama Kosmatka" which will be followed by a visit to Shipka's gold-domed memorial church. Continue on to Veliko Tarnovo – capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185-1396). We will then get a chance to visit the Etara Open-air Ethnographic Museum. Dinner and overnight stay in Veliko Tarnovo or Arbanasi

Day 4. Veliko Turnovo – Arbanassi
Sightseeing in Veliko Tarnovo – a city considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. In the afternoon visit the village of Arbanasi – a piece of unbroken Bulgarian tradition. Overnight stay in Veliko Tarnovo or Arbanasi.

Day 5. Veliko Turnovo – Koprivshtitsa – Sofia
Morning departure to Sofia with a visit on the way of the unique town of Koprivshtitsa. Dinner and overnight stay in Sofia.

Day 6. Sofia
Sightseeing tour in Sofia – the capital city of Bulgaria. Sofia has been inhabited for 7,000 years. It was called Serdica by the Thracians. Dinner and overnight stay in Sofia.

Day 7. Sofia- Plovdiv
Drive to Plovdiv – the second largest city in Bulgaria. Plovdiv was founded by the Thracians who called the city Evmolpia. Dinner and overnight either in Plovdiv or Sofia.

Day 8. Departure
Time to go home. Transfer to Sofia.

Recommended travel period of the year: The Rose Festival takes place each year during the first weekend of June. This programme can change according to your flight schedule.

Price Includes:
accommodation on HB (breakfast & dinner included)
airport transfers on arrival and departure days as set by the itinerary (Day 1 and Day 8)
English-speaking guide
entrance fees

Not Included:
entrance fees outside the program; souvenirs/rose oil testers
airport transfers outside the tour itinerary
other meals
personal expenses

Additional Services:
airport transfers outside the tour itinerary: 15 EUR per transfer for vehicle 1-3 pax / 25 EUR for vehicle 4-7 pax

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