Rose valley, Plovdiv, Sofia and rose festival in Bulgaria 2025

NATURE GETAWAY IN OLD PLOVDIV AND THE VALLEY OF ROSES
29th May to 2nd June 2025

Repeat trip due to popular demand!

Explore the history-rich sites of the 6th oldest city in the world, Plovdiv, (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/galleries/The-worlds-20-oldest-cities/1old-plovdiv/) visit Bulgaria’s enticing valley of roses with its acclaimed Rose Festival and discover the secrets of the age-old tradition of rose oil production.

OLD PLOVDIV – A JOURNEY TO ANTIQUITY

Plovdiv is one of the most ancient cities in the world with signs of habitation dating as far back as the 6th millennium BC. The Old Town of Plovdiv is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s small, quiet and picturesque and a real gem for culture and history lovers!

Fascinating highlights:
The world’s most aromatic rose oil today comes from Bulgaria.
‣ The highest percentage of rose attar in the world is obtained from the Valley of Roses, Bulgaria
‣ The Bulgarian “attar” of roses is an important component in the perfume business throughout the world.
‣ Rosa Damascena is the name of the oil-yielding rose, which made Bulgaria famous for the production of the best rose oil in the world. Damascus, Rosa Damascena Mill was brought to Bulgarian lands during the 17th century.
‣ Plovdiv is the World’s 6th most ancient city and European cultural capital for 2019.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtH_TAXUf80

The festival itself takes place every year on the first Sunday of June. It originates in the Rose Valley and runs across the near by towns of Karlovo, Kalofer, and Kazanlak. The area is breathtaking when the famous Bulgarian rose blossoms in May/June exuding its enticing fragrance.
3,5 tons of rose petals go into the making of one kilogram of rose oil, which costs as much as gold.

Join this extraordinary experience in Bulgaria, take part in the authentic rose-picking ritual and gain insights into the rose-distillation process. In addition to the authentic rose gathering ritual, the festival offers a small beauty-pageant of a kind, where the most beautiful girl amongst the rose-pickers is crowned Queen Rose.

But that’s not all! There are even more celebratory events taking place during the festival weekend, such as choir a cappella, folklore concerts, art shows, exhibitions, wine-tastings and much more!
Dates 29th May to 2nd June 2025

Itinerary:

Day 1
Arrival in Sofia
Meeting and greeting with your local host.
Guided walking tour and lunch
Departure for Plovdiv and check-in at your hotel. ( around one hour and 30 min drive)
Day 2
Breakfast.
Walking tour in the Old town of Plovdiv.
Lunch near Plovdiv Roman stadium.
Dinner and folklore program in an authentic Bulgarian restaurant
Day 3
Breakfast.
Lunch and wine tasting experience
Free time for shopping, sightseeing in Plovdiv.
Day 4
Breakfast.
Departure to Rose festival - a day full of impressions.
Transfer to Plovdiv in the evening
Day 5
Breakfast
Last impressions and departure for Sofia airport for an afternoon flight.

What is included:
4 nights in a 3-star central hotel in Plovdiv
4 breakfasts
2 Guided walking tours
One day trip to Rose Valley Festival
Rose picking ritual
Degustation of rose products: rose jam, rose liquor
Wine tasting- selection of 5 wines
Transfers from/to the airports in Bulgaria
Social event with the group, before flying to Bulgaria
Tour leader
Compliance with Travel Package Regulations and financial protection 1992

What is not included:
Flights: London- Sofia/Plovdiv;
Personal expenses;
Travel insurance.
The price for this trip: £540 in a twin/double room share.
Single supplement: £ 80
In conjunction with other groups.
To secure your place This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0740 3358828 for further details.