7 days/ 6 nights
Specific Tour
Unlimited
English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
In the heart of Bulgaria lies a region where legend, fragrance, and tradition converge — once ruled by the Thracians and still shaped by the rhythms of nature. This 7-day boutique tour explores two of the country’s most emblematic regions: the Thracian Valley, cradle of ancient winemaking, and the Rose Valley, where every spring the air blooms with color and scent.
Nestled between the Balkan Mountains and the Sredna Gora range, the Rose Valley is renowned for the cultivation of Rosa damascena. Each May and June, its pink fields release a fragrance prized by perfumers and healers for centuries. The famed rose oil — or “attar of roses” — is extracted through early-morning hand-picking and steam distillation. The annual Rose Festival in Kazanlak celebrates this tradition with folk dances and processions.
Beneath this fragrant beauty lies another legacy: that of the Thracians, one of Europe’s oldest civilizations. Masters of goldwork and ritual, they left behind tombs and temples painted with vivid frescoes and mythology. Near Kazanlak, the Valley of the Thracian Kings reveals sacred mounds, many UNESCO-listed, where royalty was laid to rest.
Parallel to the rose fields runs the Thracian Lowland — one of Europe’s oldest wine regions. With thousands of years of history, it remains central to Bulgaria’s winemaking revival. Indigenous grapes like Mavrud and Rubin flourish alongside classic varietals, producing bold reds, delicate whites, and elegant rosés rooted in tradition and terroir.
This tour invites you beyond the vineyards and valleys — to cobbled alleys in Plovdiv, to hands-on tastings in family-run estates, and into tombs echoing with ancestral memory. Whether drawn by wine, roses, or history, you’ll find a layered and unforgettable experience in the heart of Bulgaria’s cultural landscape.
Arrival at Sofia Airport and transfer to Plovdiv – one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. The route leads through the fertile lands of the Thracian Valley, shaped by centuries of agricultural and viticultural activity. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Plovdiv.
Guided walking tour of Plovdiv’s Old Town: visit the Ancient Roman Theatre, explore Revival-period merchant houses with colorful facades and ornate interiors, and walk along the Roman Stadium. Discover Kapana – the creative district filled with art galleries and cafés. Visit a wine bar for a tasting of local varieties from the Thracian Valley, accompanied by tasty local delicacies. Overnight in Plovdiv.
Full-day journey through the Thracian Lowlands – one of Bulgaria’s most renowned wine regions. Visits to two carefully selected wineries with guided tastings, focusing on both tradition and innovation. Learn about the historical significance of wine in Thracian rites and ceremonies. Enjoy a rustic lunch to complement the wine experience. Arrival in Kazanlak in the late afternoon. Check-in and free time. Overnight in Kazanlak.
Morning visit to a rose distillery (in bloom season) with explanation of traditional rose oil production, using Rosa Damascena – the variety cultivated in the region for centuries. Option for rose picking during the May–June harvest season. Then visit another significant Thracian tomb believed to have belonged to a regional ruler. Continue to Kazanlak and the the Rose Museum. Visit the UNESCO-listed Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, notable for its original 4th-century BCE frescoes depicting a royal burial ritual. Overnight in Kazanlak.
Travel to the town of Karlovo at the foot of the Balkan Mountains. Visit a distinguished local winery known for its terroir-driven approach and scenic estate. Tour the vineyard and cellar and enjoy a guided tasting of wines made from both regional and international grapes. Afternoon transfer to Sofia. Overnight in Sofia.
Walking tour of Sofia’s city center: visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – the largest Orthodox church in the country, the ancient Roman complex of Serdica, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the official Presidency building, and the Rotunda of St. George – the oldest preserved building in the city. Free time for museums, shopping, or exploring the café culture of the capital. Overnight in Sofia.
Transfer to Sofia Airport for departure.
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