Exclusive Once a Year Event -Rose Festival in Bulgaria: 4 – 6 June / 2027

3 Days

Overview

Pick Roses at Sunrise & Join the Rose Festival Parade in Bulgaria!

Wake up before sunrise and step into the Bulgarian Rose Valley, where locals have been picking roses for centuries. Dress in traditional costume, join the ritual, and become part of the Rose Festival – not just a visitor!

Every spring the enchanting Valley of Roses in central Bulgaria is transformed into a fragrant sea of pink blossoms. This is the season of the celebrated Rose Festival, one of the most colorful cultural events in Eastern Europe.

For more than a century the festival has honored the harvest of the legendary Rosa Damascena, from which the world-famous Bulgarian rose oil is distilled — often called “liquid gold.”

This exclusive cultural weekend combines the vibrant traditions of the festival with the rich history of the region known as the Valley of the Thracian Kings, home to remarkable Thracian tombs and archaeological treasures.

Guests will stay near the historic city of Stara Zagora, built upon the ruins of the ancient Roman city Augusta Traiana, once one of the most important cities of Roman Thrace.

Accommodation is provided at an elegant thermal spa resort in Starozagorski Mineralni Bani, located about 30 minutes from the Rose Valley. The area has been renowned since Roman times for its natural mineral springs, whose warm mineral-rich waters are known for their relaxing and therapeutic properties.

After the lively festival celebrations, guests can unwind in the hotel’s thermal pools and spa facilities surrounded by peaceful parkland.

Tour Highlights

  • Authentic Rose Picking Ritual in the Valley of Roses
  • Festive atmosphere of the famous Rose Festival in Kazanlak
  • Spectacular Rose Queen Grand Parade
  • Visit to the Thracian royal tomb Golyama Kosmatka
  • UNESCO site Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
  • Rose-oil traditions at the Damascena Ethnographic Complex
  • Bulgarian crafts at the Ethnographic Complex Kulata
  • Relaxation in the thermal mineral waters of Starozagorski Mineralni Bani

Itinerary

  • Day
    01

    Sofia - Rose Valley - Stara Zagora

    08:00 – Departure from Sofia

    Departure from "Hola Bulgaria" meeting point in the city center.

    Scenic journey through central Bulgaria towards the picturesque Valley of Roses, located between the Balkan Mountains and the gentle slopes of the Sredna Gora.

    11:30 – Arrival in Kazanlak – the historic rose capital of Bulgaria.

    Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, one of the best-preserved Thracian monuments in the world, famous for its remarkable Hellenistic frescoes.

    12:30 – Visit to the Ethnographic Complex
    The Ethnographic Complex Kulata is a traditional cultural site located in the center of Kazanlak, recreating the atmosphere of a Bulgarian National Revival courtyard. Visitors can discover local crafts and traditions connected with the centuries-old production of rose oil from Rosa Damascena.

    13:00 – Lunch in Kazanlak
    Lunch at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant (not included in the tour price).

    Thracian Heritage – Golyama Kosmatka Tumulus

    Visit the impressive Golyama Kosmatka Tumulus, one of the most important discoveries in the Valley of the Thracian Kings. The tomb is believed to be the burial place of the Thracian ruler Seuthes III, founder of the nearby ancient city of Seuthopolis.

    14:30 – Festival of Bulgarian Crafts
    At the Valley of the Thracian Kings Archaeological Complex, master artisans demonstrate pottery, weaving, woodcarving and icon painting.

    16:00 – Visit to Shipka Memorial Church
    This magnificent Russian Revival church was built to commemorate the soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), which led to the liberation of Bulgaria. Its golden domes and colorful façade make it one of the most iconic landmarks in the region.

    16:40 – Transfer to Stara Zagora Thermes
    Free time to enjoy the thermal spa facilities.
    Dinner at the hotel (not included in price).
    Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day
    02

    Stara Zagora - Rose Valley - Stara Zagora / Rose Harvest Rituals

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will experience the most magical moment of the festival — the traditional rose-picking ritual.

    09:30 – Rose Picking Ceremony
    Participation in the traditional ritual in the rose gardens near the village of Yasenovo together with the Rose Queen. Local women dressed in colorful folk costumes sing traditional songs while gathering the delicate blossoms.

    11:00 – Traditional Rose Distillation Ritual
    Visit the beautiful Damascena Ethnographic Complex, an impressive rose-oil distillation estate surrounded by blooming rose gardens.

    Visitors learn about the delicate process that transforms thousands of rose petals into the precious essence used in the world’s finest perfumes.

    13:00 – Lunch at the Damascena Complex
    (not included in price)

    15:00 – Return to hotel
    Free time to enjoy the thermal spa and wellness facilities.

    Optional evening program:
    18:30 – International Folklore Festival in Kazanlak, featuring traditional dance and music performances from Bulgaria and around the world.

    Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day
    03

    Stara Zagora - Rose Valley - Sofia / Grand Rose Festival Parade

    Breakfast at the hotel. The final day of the festival features its most spectacular event.

    12:00 – Grand Festive Parade
    A colorful procession through the streets of Kazanlak featuring folklore ensembles, musicians and flower-decorated floats celebrating the beauty of the rose harvest.

    Free time for photos and souvenirs.

    15:00 – Departure to Sofia.

    19:00 - Arrival in Sofia at "Hola Bulgaria" meeting point at the city center, end of our services.

The price includes

  • 2 nights accommodation in a thermal spa hotel near Stara Zagora
  • Daily breakfast
  • Guided cultural excursions and exclusive festival visits as per itinerary
  • Entrance fees to all included attractions (Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, Golyama Kosmatka Tumulus, Shipka Memorial Church, Ethnographic Complex Kulata, Damascena Ethnographic Complex)
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide
  • Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour
  • Small - group tour: up to 14 guests
  • Free cancelation until 14th of May (after that becomes non- refundable)

The price does not include

  • International flights to/from Sofia
  • Hotel accommodation in Sofia
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunches, dinners, and beverages
  • Personal expenses, tips, or optional activities