4 days / 3 nights
Including a fascinating journey through the famous Valley of Roses

June 1st- 4th, 2012

The Rose Festival will take place on  June 3rd, 2012 at Kazanlak.

LOCAL ROSE FESTIVALS IN BULGARIA:

The Rose Festival in Strelcha - May 26th, 2012     
The Rose Festival in Karlovo - May 26th, 2012      
The Rose Festival in Pavel Banya - June 10th, 2012

Prices:
- 2 participants: € 565.00 p/p (double/twin room sharing)
- 4 participants: € 452.00 p/p (double/twin room sharing)
- 6 participants: € 389.00 p/p (double/twin room sharing)
- Single Supplement: € 49.00.

Cost includes:
1. Accommodation at comfortable, centrally located, 3-star hotels as per itinerary
2. Transportation by private car/van/minibus, depends on size of the travelling party
3. Full time bilingual licensed local driver/guide
4. Pre-set 3-course meals as per itinerary
5. Entrance fees as per itinerary

The Valley of Roses is majestic! It is the is the home of the exquisite and rare Bulgarian rose oil, also known as “attar of roses”, a well renowned world center for rose oil production and the source of many of the world’s finest perfumes. May and June are the most majestic months in the Rose Valley, as the rose fields are blossoming and the entire valley is enveloped with their fragrance. It is unique and rare experience to spend a night or two at Kazanlak in May or June- to breath, to immerse in the rose fragrance. Feel the roses as a resource for healing, creativity, balance, peace and beauty.The oil-yielding rose – Rosa Damascena - was brought to Bulgaria from India via Persia, Syria and Turkey. The Rose Valley is situated between the Balkan and Sredna Gora mountains . In the 19th century Rosa Damascena became the greatest wealth of the Kazanlak region. Today Rosa Damascenan is a symbol of Bulgaria. Rose picking lasts for about a month- from May 20 to June 20, but that depends on the spring weather conditions. Picking is done every morning from 5 a.m. till 9-10 a.m .

Some interesting facts about the Rose Valley and the Rose Festival in Bulgaria

The Valley of Roses is situated between the Balkan and Sredna Gora mountains. This area is Bulgaria’s most important centre of rose oil production, which is the main source for many of world’s finest perfumes.

The Rose Valley includes Karlovo , Kazanlak, Strelcha, Pavel Banya rose fields, as well as some parts of the Nova Zagora fields. The total area is about 3,300 square kilometers.

Strelcha is the biggest rose oil production region in Bulgaria. The rose fields in Strelcha spread around 4000 decares.  The rose oil from Strelcha’s rose fields has the highest quality possible.

The first Rose Festival took place in 1903 in Kazanlak. In 1906 was organized a Rose Festival in Karlovo. Celebrations were held annually, at the beginning of the rose- harvesting period. Later Strelcha and Pavel Banya- also known for their rose production, started organizing local Rose Festivals, too. The local Rose Festivals also elect The Queen of Roses. Manufacturers from the whole valley gather dressed up in rose flowers, dance and sing the whole day along the local Rose Festival.

If you would like to have an overnight in Kazanalak just before the start of the Rose Festival please contact us. If you would like to visit the local Rose Festivals in Strelcha, Karlovo or Pavel Banya – please contact us.

Making travel plans? Let us help! The Bulgarian Rose Festival at Kazanalak hosts guests from around the world. We can assist you in planning your trip to Bulgaria. The Rose Festival Bulgaria. The Rose Festival Kazanlak. Bulgaria Rose Valley. Travel Bulgaria. Visit Bulgaria

Itinerary: Sofia (1 night) - Plovdiv (1 night) - Sofia (1 night)

Day 1 (D)
1st June, 2012
Arrive at Sofia International Airport. You will be met by your local guide. Transfer to your hotel to check-in for two nights. Time to unpack and rest. Dinner at the hotel..

Day 2 (B, D)
2nd June, 2012
Breakfast at the hotel. We’ll start the day with sightseeing tour in downtown area: we’ll see some of the most famous historical, architectural and cultural landmarks of the city: Alexander Nevski Memorial church, a masterpiece of 20th century architecture; the remains of Roman Ulpia Serdica Fortification /3rd – 5th century/; St. George’s Rotunda /4th century/, famous for its original structure and unique frescoes. After lunch (not included), depart for Plovidv, Bulgaria’s second city. Arrive and settle at your hotel in downtown area. We’ll take a walking tour in this ancient city, which has astonishing historical and cultural heritage and an amazing Old Town, applying for UNESCO List of World Cultural Heritage. We’ll visit the Roman stadium and the fabulous amphitheatre built in the 2nd century during the time of Emperor Trajan and will walk in the Old Town to see some of its charming National Revival style houses of the 18th-19th century. Dinner will be enjoyed at a restaurant in town.

Day 3 (B, L)
  3rd June, 2012- THE ROSE FESTIVAL PROGRAM

After an early breakfast in the hotel we’ll leave Plovdiv for Kazanlak. The distance Plovdiv- Kazanlak is 120 kilometres/ 75 miles (about one hour and thirty minutes drive).

6:45 a.m. depart Plovdiv for Kazanlak .

8.30 a.m. Visit Rose distillery in the vicinity of Kazanlak. Meeting with bread and salt – old Bulgarian stile. Rose picking in the rose fields. The roses are picked traditionally by women dressed in Bulgarian folk costumes. The picking process requires great dexterity and patience. The flowers are carefully cut one by one and laid in willow-baskets which are then sent to the distilleries. We  test by smelling  of rose oil, lavender oil and rose water. Of course we try the beautiful Bulgarian rose jam and rose liqueur. We do not miss the Bulgarian home-made  banitza (cheese pastry).

11:00 a.m. We stroll along the streets of Kazanlak and feel the unique atmosphere of the Rose Festival Day.

12.00 a.m. We enjoy the incredible Festival Parade Carnival. In the Festival Parade Carnaval participates the Queen of Roses. The Carnival procession takes place in the streets of Kazanluk. The parade is led by a group of kukers (kukers are costumed men performing traditional Bulgarian rituals to scare away evil spirits). The festival continues with the sounds of Bulgarian folk music accompanied by lots of traditional dances. Folk groups reproduce scenes of the traditional atmosphere after 'a hard day's work' in the rose gardens. Young girls and boys dressed in traditional folk costumes meet the guests of the feast. We immerse in the majestic Rose Carnival Parade and see the participants from various cities and nations, who march in the streets of Kazanlak. People sing and dance in the streets of Kazanlak. For our guests Magic Tours have reserved chairs for the Carnival Parade, from where you can see the whole Carnival  Parade and make your unique pictures.

1.00 p.m. Picnic with Barbecue lunch with typical Bulgarian dishes, folklore program and beautiful Bulgarian wines.

2.45 p.m. End of the Barbeque lunch picnic.

3.00 p.m. Depart for Sofia. The distance between Sofia and Kazanlak is 200 kilometres/ 124 miles (2 hours and thirty minutes drive). Arrive in your hotel in Sofia and check-in for one night.

Day 4 (B)
4th June, 2012
Breakfast in the hotel. Free time in town for last minute personal activities.Transfer to Sofia Airport for departure flight. End of Program..