Why Kazanlak Bulgaria Rose Festival is NOT to Be Missed?

After breakfast, at 09:00 you will explore the capital of Bulgaria - Sofia, a city with a 7000-year-long history. A 3-hour sightseeing tour includes one of the symbols of the Bulgarian capital city the 4th-century Rotunda of St. George, the remains of the ancient city of Serdica, Banya Bashi Mosque and the mineral baths. You will have a short break at the fountains next to the famous Ivan Vazov National Theatre. You will pass by the National Assembly and take a photo with the monument of King Liberator. Your tour will end with one of the most popular places in Bulgaria – the impressive Alexander Nevsky Memorial Cathedral.

Your journey continues to Plovdiv – the “City of the seven hills’’. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Today’s Plovdiv is a cultural centre of Bulgaria and European Capital of Culture for 2019. The unique Old town boasts beautifully decorated houses, fortress walls, ancient Roman Theatre and magnificent churches. You will walk through the buzzing pedestrian street, which is the longest one in Europe. You will take a photo with the Ancient Roman Stadium, the Ethnographic Museum and you will end up visiting the fashionable Kapana art district.

Have the rest of the day at your leisure. You may enjoy the stunning views from the top of the Archaeological Complex Nebet Tepe.

Included:
• Overnight stay: Clepsydra Residence 4* or similar, Plovdiv
• Meals included: breakfast

Today you will head towards Bachkovo Monastery – this is the second largest Bulgarian monastery, founded in 1083. You can learn about the miracles attributed to the UNESCO-listed monastery’s icon of Saint Mary, with gorgeous views across the Rhodope Mountains.

Your next stop will be the remarkable Asen’s Fortress. Throughout its history, Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Bulgarians and Ottomans controlled the fortress. The Medieval fortress is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the region. Your journey continues to the famous mineral water springs of the village Starozagorski Bani.

Enjoy your afternoon at leisure and take advantage of the spa at the hotel.

Included:
• Overnight stay: Calista SPA Hotel 4* or similar, Starozagorski Bani
• Meals included: breakfast

Early drive to one of the oldest distilleries in the region. You will learn interesting facts about the cultivation of Rosa Damascena, the rose harvest and the rose distillation process itself. At the end of the tour, you may purchase rose oil, rose water, drinks and souvenirs with the aroma of roses. You will participate in the traditional rose picking at the rose fields near Kazanlak. You will enjoy the Carnival Parade in the city centre and feel the unique atmosphere of the Rose Festival in Kazanlak.

Taste the special celebration lunch with delicious Bulgarian meals and wine.

The region is famous as the valley of the Thracian Kings and dozens of ancient Thracian tombs represent it. You will discover the most spectacular one – the replica of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, followed by a visit to the Rose Museum. This the only museum in the world, dedicated to the oil-yielding plant – rose.

Enjoy your afternoon at leisure and relax with spa.

Included:
• Overnight stay: Calista SPA Hotel 4* or similar, Starozagorski Bani
• Meals included: breakfast and lunch

You will depart for Etar – a unique open-air museum, reproducing the way of life of the Bulgarians in the 19th century. This is a beautiful complex of traditional Bulgarian architecture and crafts.

Your next site is Veliko Tarnovo, the mediaeval capital of Bulgaria from the 12th to the 14th century. Often referred to as the "City of the Tsars", it attracts thousands of travellers with its unique architecture. You will enjoy the great view from the hill-fortress of Tsarevets. There you will take some great photos before you reach the Baldwin's Tower. Then you take a stroll through Samovodska market place, with its narrow winding cobbled streets, where every stone tells a story.

You will drive to nearby village of Arbanasi, to immerse yourself in the uniqueness of the Bulgarian spirit and traditional cuisine. You will learn how to prepare the famous Bulgarian homemade yogurt and learn more details of its history. Of course, you will have a chance to taste it along with a delicious cheesy pastry (banitsa).

Included:
• Overnight stay: Park Hotel Asenevtsi 4* or similar, Veliko Tarnovo
• Meals included: breakfast and afternoon snack

You will continue our journey with a drive to the charming town of Koprivshtitsa. It is famous for its fascinating history and authentic 19th-century architecture. This is the only city-museum in the country also recognised as a national architectural reserve. You will visit the original houses of the heroes of the April Uprising and learn about the dramatic Bulgarian history. You will visit the beautiful Lutova House with its woollen exhibits, rugs and blankets. You will cross the Kalachev Bridge, where the April Uprising in 1876 broke out. After lunch, you can take lovely photos with the monument of the legendary Georgi Benkovski.

You will have the rest of the afternoon to explore Sofia at your leisure. You can do some shopping, relax at a café on Vitosha street or buy souvenirs.

Then, in the evening at 21:00, you will have a farewell party with your travel companions, a chance to share your favourite memories from your Rose Festival tour.

Included:
• Overnight stay: Central Hotel Sofia 4* or similar, Sofia
• Meals included: breakfast

When it is time for your Bulgaria adventure to end, you will be picked up from the hotel for your airport transfer about three hours before your flight.

Included:
• Overnight stay: N/A
• Meals included: breakfast