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Bulgaria, Sofia, Plovdiv and the Rose Valley

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NATURE GETAWAY IN OLD PLOVDIV AND THE VALLEY OF ROSES
28th May to 1st June 2026Repeat 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 ANTIQUITYPlovdiv 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_TAXUf80The festival itself takes place every year on the first Saturday 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 28th May to 1st June 2026Itinerary:Day 1
Arrival in Plovdiv
Meeting and greeting with your local host.
Guided walking tour and lunch
Leisure evening
Day 2
Breakfast.
Walking tour in the Old town of Plovdiv.
Lunch near Plovdiv Roman stadium.
Dinner with the group
Day 3
Breakfast.
Departure to Rose festival - a day full of impressions.
Transfer to Plovdiv in the evening
Day 4
Breakfast.
Lunch and wine tasting experience
Free time for shopping, sightseeing in Plovdiv.
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
Entrance fee to Old Plovdiv Revival house
Degustation of rose products: rose jam, rose liquor
Wine tasting experience and appetisers
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 1992What is not included:
Flights: London- Sofia/Plovdiv;
Personal expenses;
Travel insurance.
The price for this trip: £580 in a twin/double room share.
Single supplement: £ 80To secure your place £150 (non-refundable deposit) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0740 3358828 for further details.

Date	Thu 28-05-2026 11:00 am
Event End Date	Mon 01-06-2026 6:00 pm
Capacity	12
Registered	0
Individual Price	Free
Created By	Anne Galloway
Members Restrictions	Open To All Members
Categories	HOLIDAYS, Culture, Social