One-Day Rose Festival Tour from Sofia
Аn Unforgettable Day of Tradition, Fragrance, and Beauty
Take part in the centuries-old ritual of rose picking, learn about the wondrous properties of Bulgarian rose oil, and enjoy the local celebrations in Karlovo on our one-day Rose Festival Tour.
Traditional Rose Picking
Experience traditional rose picking in fragrant rows of blooming roses, and bring some petals home.
Organic Rose Oil Distillary
Learn about the process of distillation on a guided, behind-the-scenes tour through an organic rose oil distillery.
Karlovo Rose Festival
Join the lively afternoon celebrations of the Rose Festival in Karlovo, and sample local rose products.
Tour Itinerary
Morning:
Meet in central Sofia for an early departure to the heart of the Rose Valley. Your day begins with a private visit to an organic rose distillery, where you will learn about the cultivation of the Damask Rose, go out in the rose fields, and pick rose petals to bring home. Observe the distillation process during a behind-the-scenes tour, guided by the family who runs the distillery.
Noon & Afternoon:
Proceed to Karlovo, a charming old town, where the Rose Festival takes place. Visit a historical house showcasing Bulgaria’s Rose Heritage, where you can sample a variety of traditional rose products. Enjoy free time to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere where stalls, and artisan markets await. For those seeking a bit of adventure, there’s the option to take a 1 km walk to a picturesque nearby waterfall.
Return to Sofia in the early evening with memories of the Rose Valley’s freshness, beauty, and fragrances.
Date: May 31, 2025 – Saturday
Departure Time: 8:30 AM
Departure & Return Location: The parking behind St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia, Bulgaria
Tour Duration: (10-11 hrs) | Travel Time: ~ 5 hrs
Price: €90 per person
What's included
- Round-trip from central Sofia in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional Tour Guide throughout the tour
- Guided tour of an organic rose distillery
- Light welcome snack
- Traditional rose-picking experience (with petals to take home)
- Tasting of traditional rose products at the Karlovo Rose Festival; free time to enjoy the afternoon festivities
Not included
- Transport to pick-up destination in central Sofia
- Bevarages and meals
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for Driver and Tour Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for me?
If you love behind-the-scenes experiences and engaging your senses, this tour is perfect! The fitness level is light to moderate if you choose to take the light hike to a scenic waterfall nearby.
Is this an English-speaking tour?
The tour is in English. For special experiences, a local guide may speak in their native language, but we’ll provide translation into English.
What is the group size?
Our typical group size is between 12–25 participants. This range offers enough people to socialise and connect, but not so many that you feel lost in a crowd.
What should I bring for this tour?
For the tour, we recommend bringing cash for the Rose Festival market. Don’t forget a jacket for cooler mornings and evenings, comfortable shoes, perhaps a hat and sunscreen. Most importantly, bring your smile and a positive attitude – we want you to enjoy every moment of the experience!
What if I need to cancel?
Our cancellation policy is flexible, and partial refunds may be available. For details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions page.
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