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The Valley of the Roses & Koprivshitsa

An exciting full day trip revealing the secrets and splendor of the Bulgarian rose oil production, the ancient Thracian tomb of Kazanlak and the breathtaking mountainous area of the Freedom monument in Shipka. AS a bonus on the way back to Sofia you will have free time to explore on your own the charming town of Koprivshtitsa showcasing over 200 different Bulgarian Renaissance types of mansions. An early start from Sofia will take us accroos the fertile Thracian Plane. We will arrive in Kazanlak in about 3 hours and we will visit to the famous Thracian tomb dating back to the 4th century BC, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then we continue east to the Ethnographic Complex Damascena, located in the heart of the Valley of Roses, where you will learn why Bulgaria is famous for rose oil production. The next stop is the iconic Memorial Temple of the Birth of Christ, built between 1885 and 1902 in Russian Moskovite style, a beautifully located Eastern-orthodox architectural jewel. If time allows we can "venture" further up the Balkan Mountains for great views from the Shipka peak. On the return journey to Sofia we will use a different route via the road between the majestic Balkan Mountains and the gentle hills of Sredna Gora Moutains. A planned stop in Koprivshtitsa will give the advantage to explore this Revival Period archtectural gem. 

Prices

  • 1 pers. – 205 Euro
  • 2 pers – 109 Euro per person
  • 3 pers – 85 Euro per person
  • 4-7 pers – 70 Euro per person
  • 8-12 pers – 62 Euro per person

Special offer of 50 euro per person for the following periods:
Every Saturday and Sunday (12th of May – 12th of June)

All prices include an English-speaking guide in Kazanlak, modern A/C equipped vehicle and all transportation costs along the way.
Prices do not include entrance fees, personal expenses, food, beverages and gratuities.

 

Tour Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the blossom and tender fragrance of the Rose Valley (roses bloom only once annually)
  • See the iconic Kazanluk Thracian Tomb (UNESCO)
  • Learn about the technology of the rose oil (and rakia (Bulgarian brandy) as well) production and sample some rose products
  • Visit and tour on your own the Revival-period Koprivshtitsa (shortstop, driver-only)

Extras

  • Entrance fee for the Kazanluk Thracian Tomb (UNESCO)
  • Entrance fee for the Ethnographic Complex “Damascena”
  • Pick up from your accommodation – 5/10 euros per reservation, depending on the hotel
  • Drop off at your accommodation – 5 euro per reservation
  • Traventuria Ltd is an environmentally responsible company that supports the work of the World Wide Fund. You can also help by donating funds for their activities during the booking process.

Good to know before you go

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable to walk on cobbled streets
  • Especially in summer bring a sun hat, sun lotion and sunglasses
  • The tour is not suitable for disabled people and children under 6 years old

Program

  • EVERY DAY: Every day from May till June

    Departure from the parking lot behind Alexander Nevski Cathedral

  • Arrival in the town of Kazanlak and heading to the rose fields, where you’ll have an excellent opportunity for some great photos.

  • Visit of Ethnographic Complex “Damascena”, where you’ll learn more about the production and use of the rose oil

  • Free time for lunch

  • A visit to the Thracian tomb, a UNESCO site, dating back from the 4th century BC

  • A guided visit to the elegant Russian style church of the Nativity and if time allows to the Shipka peak for great panoramic views

  • You’ll leave our local guide in Kazanlak and will use a different route between the Balkan and Sredna Gora Mountain. Your English-speaking driver will stop you for a short break in Koprvishtitsa, a small town showcasing in the best way the Bulgarian Renaissance architecture

  • Return back to Sofia at Alexander Nevski Cathedral