BULGARIA ROSE VALLEY TOUR
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DURATION : 7 days
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START & FINISH in Sofia
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GROUP SIZE: 12 – 25 ppl
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INTERESTS: Culture & History; Flowers & Nature
MAY 28, 2025 – JUNE 03, 2025
Double Room Occupancy: EUR €1,280 / GBP £1,088 / USD $1,446
Single Room Supplement: EUR €310 / GBP £264 / USD $351
*Please, note that the primary pricing is in Euros (€), but payments in GBP (£) or USD ($) are also available, with exchange rates subject to market fluctuation.
Soak in the rose fragrance out in the fields and during a behind-the-scenes visit to a rose oil distillery.
Explore shops offering Bulgaria’s finest essential oils, extracts, and floral waters.
Witness the beauty of traditional crafts in Etara and Tarnovo’s arts and crafts street.
Visit Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo – some of Bulgaria’s most charming cities.
“Bulgaria’s Rose Valley is stunning, and the thoughtful touches made this tour unforgettable: our guide’s stories, the cosy hotels, and the little-known places we explored.”
~ Emily R.
Immerse yourself in traditional rose-picking, witness the delicate process of rose oil distillation, and participate in local festivities.
Along the way, visit historic and cultural landmarks, including Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s most vibrant cultural hub, and the charming medieval town of Veliko Tarnovo. This 7-day Bulgaria Rose Valley tour promises unforgettable memories and captivating fragrances at every stop.
Tour Highlights
Join us on our annual Bulgaria Rose Valley tour and experience the beauty of Bulgarian roses first-hand. Visit picturesque towns, and learn the curious history behind Bulgaria’s most ancient UNESCO site.
Soak in the Fragrant Roses
…out in the rose fields, during the distillation of rose oil, or while sampling and selecting rose oil products.
Cultural Heritage
Visit Plovdiv – one of Europe’s oldest cities, and Kazanlak Tomb – Bulgaria’s most ancient UNESCO site.
Traditional Arts & Crafts
Experience the timeless beauty of traditional crafts in Etara and shop for top artisanal products on Tarnovo’s craft street.
Day 1: Welcome to Sofia, Bulgaria
Arrive at your conveniently located hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria’s busy capital. Meet your tour host and fellow travelers over a delicious welcome dinner, and get a taste of the fragrant days to come.
Welcome Dinner | Rosslyn Central Park Hotel Sofia or Similar
Day 2: Sofia Guided Tour and First Rose Encounters
Begin the day with a guided walking tour of Sofia, and explore its three distinct layers of history: ancient roots, 20th-century history, and modern developments. Afterward, journey into the Bulgarian countryside for a delicious traditional lunch and your first rose encounter. Visit an essential oil distillery where you will learn about the process of rose cultivation and oil extraction, and perhaps purchase high-quality rose products. Later, continue to Plovdiv and enjoy a relaxed evening in this charming city.
Driving time: ~3.5 hrs | Breakfast, Lunch | Grand Hotel Plovdiv or Similar
Day 3: Discover Plovdiv - One of the World's Most Ancient Cities
Start the day with a walking tour of Plovdiv, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Explore the picturesque Old Town, and colorful merchant houses, and admire the stunning views from the ancient Roman theatre.
Enjoy free time for lunch and a stroll along the main shopping street or the vibrant Kapana district, known for its artistic vibe. This afternoon, head to the Rose Valley and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in your SPA hotel.
Driving time: ~2 hrs | Breakfast, Dinner | Spa Hotel Hisar or Similar
Day 4: Rose Picking and Festivities in Bulgaria's Rose Valley
Start your day with a traditional morning rose-picking experience in the scenic Valley of Roses. Enjoy a delicious lunch before attending the lively Rose Festival in Karlovo, a charming town nestled in the foothills of the Balkan mountain. Take in the festive atmosphere, mingle with the crowds, and explore the various activities in your free time. In the afternoon, return to your SPA hotel in the Rose Valley for a relaxing evening.
Driving time: ~2 hr | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Spa Hotel Hisar or Similar
Day 5: Essential Oils, Traditional Crafts and Ancient History
Start the day with a visit to an ancient UNESCO site – the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, then proceed to the Museum of Essential Oils. Make a stop at the beautiful Shipka church before heading the the Balkan mountains. After a delicious lunch, enjoy free time at Etara, an open-air ethnographic museum showcasing Bulgaria’s rich crafts and traditions. End the day in Veliko Tarnovo and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Driving time: ~2.5 hrs | Breakfast, Lunch | Park Hotel Novel or Similar
Day 6: Veliko Tarnovo - Bulgaria's Charming Medieval Capital
Discover the medieval splendor of Veliko Tarnovo on a guided tour, taking you through the old town and Tsarevets Fortress. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping and then transfer to Sofia to celebrate the end of your journey with a delicious farewell dinner.
Driving time: ~3.5 hr | Breakfast, Dinner | Rosslyn Central Park Hotel Sofia or Similar
Day 7: Goodbye, Dear Travellers
Your tour comes to an end – it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow travelers and tour host. Take home the fragrant memories of Bulgaria’s rose fields or continue to your next adventure! See you next time!
Breakfast & Goodbyes
INCLUSIONS
What's included
- 6 nights in 4-star hotels throughout the tour
- Daily breakfast
- 3 lunches and 4 dinners (not including drinks)
- Professional Tour Host throughout the tour
- Transportation in luxury air-conditioned coach (not including airport transfers)
- Admission to Plovdiv Old Town Houses and Ancient Theatre, Kazanlak Tomb, Museum of Essential Oils, Etara Museum, Tsarevets Hill
- Special Experiences: Traditional rose picking and festivities, Essential oil distillary tour
EXclusions
Not included
- Flights to and from the destination
- Visas and passport fees
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Bevarages and meals outside of those described
- Gratuities for Driver, Tour Host and Local Guides: for guidelines, please click here
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for me?
If you enjoy traditional sightseeing but also have a passion for essential oils, perfumes, and wellness, you’re going to love this tour! Alongside exploring picturesque towns, we’ll visit the Rose Valley for special-access experiences like essential oil distilleries, traditional rose picking, festivities, and more. You’ll also have the chance to discover artisanal rose products, from pure rose oil to natural cosmetics.
The fitness level is moderate; we’ll be walking through town centers, and rose fields, so comfortable shoes and a love for exploring on foot are important.
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 kind of hotels are included?
We aim to select unique accommodations, either in rustic countryside settings or, when in a larger city, comfortable four-star hotels located near key sites so you can easily enjoy your free time.
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.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
Many of our participants are solo travellers, and you’ll have the opportunity to connect with others. You can choose to be paired with another solo traveller (subject to availability) or opt for a single room supplement.
What are the visa requirements?
Visa requirements for both depend on your nationality. Citizens from many countries, including those from the EU, USA, Canada, and Australia, do not require a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) within the Schengen Area, which includes Bulgaria.
While these are the general guidelines, it is essential to confirm the visa requirements with your local authorities, as rules may change. Travellers from certain countries may need to apply for an e-Visa or a traditional visa before arrival.
Please, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. We recommend consulting your local embassy or consulate for the most accurate information.
Should I carry cash or rely on card payments in Bulgaria?
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
We can accommodate most dietary needs, but we ask that you inform us at the time of booking to ensure we can make the necessary arrangements.
What should I bring for this tour?
For the tour, we recommend bringing breathable clothes for comfort during the day, a jacket for cooler mornings and evenings, and comfortable shoes for walking. 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. We strongly recommend getting travel insurance for such cases.
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