Day Tour Rose Valley from Plovdiv - In the Footsteps of Rosa Damascena

Day Tour Rose Valley from Plovdiv - In the Footsteps of Rosa Damascena

Follow the steps of the notorious Rosa Damascena and learn about the cultivation of the flower and the traditions embedded in its history. On this tour, you will have the unique opportunity to enter a rose distillery and observe the process of rose oil extraction performed by the local people every year. Get the chance to taste some rose food specialties and to learn more about the rosebud picking rituals. Also, you will pass by some of the most historical towns in the valley which still preserve the rebellious spirit of the local population that lead to the wars against the Ottoman empire. Driving up the scenic road towards Shipka Pass, you will have plenty of time to admire the breathtaking views which will open after every turn, revealing the beauty of the surrounding Balkan Mountain Range. The Shipka Monument is one of the symbols of Bulgarian struggle for political, cultural and religious freedom and independence.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Kalofer, 4370, Bulgaria

Early in the morning, we depart towards the small town of Kalofer, huddled in the outskirts of the Balkan mountain where you will immerse into the spirit of the 19th century Revival Period. Stroll around the ethnographic and cultural center, popping in some of the best architectural examples build by the local population. Get familiar with the weaving legacy of the region and see the techniques embedded in these long-kept traditions.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Damascena Ethnographic Complex, Parvi Mai Street, Skobelevo Village 24, Pavel Banya 6148 Bulgaria

Our next stop will be the village of Skobelevo where our hosts will introduce you to the history of the famous rose-picking ritual. You will obtain the skills and techniques necessary to pick a rosebud. Take the opportunity to show what you have learned by filling a basket of roses by yourselves (May-June). Our next step will be the rose-distillery itself. A rose expert will guide you on this tour, explaining the various ways oil can be extracted from the roses and how the final product is achieved. It’s time for degustation! Taste the notorious rose products – liquor, Gyulovitsa and rose jam and sink into the delightful scent of roses and flowers. A traditional lunch follows all this.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Shipka Memorial Church, 6150 Shipka, Bulgaria

Passing by the town of Kazanluk – the birthplace of Rosa Damascena, we will continue to the impressive Shipka Memorial Church rising up the Balkan mountain and facing the whole Thracian Valley. The architectural style of the church fascinates its visitors from afar. The interior is decorated with gilded ornamentation and intricate paintings, dedicated to the Russian, Ukrainian and Bulgarian soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the Russo-Turkish War in 1877-78.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Shipka Monument, Stoletov Peak, Shipka 6150 Bulgaria

Our journey will finish at Shipka Pass where the famous battle between the Russian and the Ottoman armies happened. Climbing up to Shipka Monument will open the fantastic view of the whole region revealing the entire beauty of the Balkan mountain range. The area is well-known with the production of the Bulgarian buffalo yogurt. You will have the chance to try the specialty and learn about the history of its making.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Tomb of Seuthes III, 6150, Bulgaria

According to your interests, on our way back to Plovdiv we can stop at one of the biggest and most significant Thracian tombs in the area – Golyama Kosmatka. You will have the chance to learn more about the Thracian lifestyle and traditions

Duration: 30 minutes