Every Step Tells A Story
Every Step Tells A Story
Bulgaria
ROSES FESTIVAL 2027
An authentic experience in the heart of the Valley of Roses
1–6 June 2027 | 6 days / 5 nights
Day-by-Day Summary
Arrival at Sofia Airport and welcome by the English-speaking guide. Lunch at your leisure. After lunch, a guided walking tour of the Bulgarian capital to discover its most iconic sites: the Church of Sveta Nedelya, the Statue of Saint Sophia (the city’s symbol), Parliament Square, the Presidential Palace, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre and the remains of ancient Serdica, including the striking Rotunda of Saint George.
We continue with a visit to the early Christian Basilica of Saint Sophia, which gave the city its name, and to the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest and most imposing in the Balkans. We will also admire the Monument to Tsar Alexander II, the Liberator. A traditional dinner at an authentic restaurant, offering the chance to sample the finest traditional dishes.
Day 2 – Wednesday, 2 June 2027 | Sofia – Rila – Sofia
After breakfast, we set off to visit the Rila Monastery, the most important and revered Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and one of the country’s spiritual and cultural symbols. Founded in the 10th century by Saint John of Rila, a hermit and patron saint of the Bulgarian people, it stands in the
heart of the Rila Mountains, surrounded by spectacular natural scenery.
The complex is striking for its monumental architecture, arched colonnades, vibrant 19th-century frescoes and the main church with its finely carved iconostasis. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery has for centuries been a centre of faith, education and Bulgarian national identity, as well as an unmissable stop for anyone visiting the country. Return to Sofia. Visit to the Sofia Archaeological Museum. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 – Thursday, 3 June 2027 | Sofia – Plovdiv
After breakfast, departure for Plovdiv, named European Capital of Culture in 2019. Plovdiv is a city with a history stretching back a thousand years, situated on the Thracian plain, on the banks of the Maritsa River and spread across seven hills. Old Plovdiv, known as the ‘architectural reserve of the 18th and 19th centuries’, is a source of admiration for all visitors.
The remains of Thracian civilisation blend with Roman monuments, whilst ancient Turkish mosques add an oriental flavour to a city where successive and sometimes rival civilisations have managed to combine the best of what they had to offer, giving Plovdiv its unique character. More than 200 buildings in the city centre have been designated as architectural monuments. Plovdiv is famous not only for its cultural heritage: it is the oldest city in Europe, predating both Athens and Rome.
We’ll walk along the central pedestrianised street named after Prince Alexander of Battenberg, where you can admire the magnificent Neo-Baroque façades, before visiting the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena with its icons by the master Zahari Zograf, and the Ethnographic Museum. Dinner included.
Day 4 – Friday, 4 June 2027 | Plovdiv – Kazanlak – Stara Zagora
Departure for Kazanlak, in the heart of the Valley of the Roses. En route, we’ll visit a rose distillery, where you’ll learn about Bulgaria’s long-standing tradition of rose oil production. You will be able to watch the distillation process first-hand, during which the petals are transformed into precious essential oil.
Arrival in Kazanlak and a visit to the Rose Museum, which houses authentic artefacts dating back to the 18th century, the period when the first local families began extracting rose oil. The tour continues with a visit to the famous Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (4th century BC, a UNESCO World Heritage Site). In the evening, take part in the International Folklore Festival. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Stara Zagora or Pavel Banya.
Day 5 – Saturday, 5 June 2027 | Kazanlak – Sofia
The day is dedicated to the main events of the Rose Festival. After breakfast, we’ll visit the rose fields, where we’ll take part in the traditional flower-picking ritual.
Around midday, the carnival parade begins along the town’s main street – one of the most eagerly awaited events of the festival. Lunch at your leisure. After the parade, departure for Sofia. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6 – Sunday, 6 June 2027 | Sofia
After breakfast, free time for shopping and a panoramic tour of the city. Transfer to the airport. Departure
In June, Bulgaria turns pink.
We invite you to discover one of the Balkans’ most fascinating traditions: the Kazanlak Rose Festival, a unique event celebrating fragrance, folklore and history.
This special 4-day tour combines:
the traditional rose-picking in the fields at dawn
the grand carnival parade and the festival’s official events
UNESCO World Heritage sites (the Thracian Tombs of Kazanlak and Shipka)
exploring Sofia and Plovdiv, two of Bulgaria’s most fascinating cities
folklore, local traditions and authentic cuisine
A cultural and emotional experience, ideal for:
- organised groups
- customers who love authentic traditions
- cultural extensions in the Balkans
- curious and discerning travellers
Note:
In the event of there being no accommodation available in Kazanlak, the group will be accommodated in nearby towns, such as Pavel Banya, Stara Zagora or neighbouring areas. The town of Kazanlak has limited accommodation capacity and, during the Rose Festival, demand is always very high, with rooms selling out quickly.
“Sofia was a wonderful introduction to Bulgaria, but Plovdiv completely stole our hearts. Walking through the Old Town and seeing the Roman theatre felt like stepping through centuries of history.”
“We loved the contrast between Sofia and Plovdiv. Sofia felt vibrant and modern, while Plovdiv had this relaxed, artistic atmosphere that made us want to stay longer.”
“The journey through Kazanlak and Stara Zagora was a wonderful mix of culture, history and local traditions. It was one of those experiences that felt authentic rather than overly touristy.”