Travel to Bulgaria

Bulgaria: Festival of Roses

A Festival 104 Years Old
7 days/6 nights

2008 Tour Dates:
June 5 - June 11

The Republic of Bulgaria is situated in the middle of the Balkan Peninsula on the busy crossroads of different cultures. The home of the ancient Thracian race was invaded by Slavs and conquered by Alexander the Great, the Roman and Byzantine Empires. After half a century of communism modern Bulgaria is a country which is bravely struggling to adapt to European standards, while its people remain hospitable in the face of constant changes. Come with us in 2008 on our tour of this enigmatic Balkan country and let Kutrubes Travel plan your Bulgarian Vacation.

In 1903 the citizens of the small town of Kazanluk organized the first rose festival dedicated to flowers, beauty, and grace. The Rose Festival has come to be a symbol of the reflection of the lifestyle, the spirit and culture typical of the Kazanluk Region. Thus, like Brazil has its Carnival, Germany - the Beer Festival, Holland - the Tulip Festival, Bulgaria has a festival of its own - The Rose Festival.

June 5
Arrival in Sofia and transfer to the village of Oreshak, near Troyan Monastery the third largest in Bulgaria. If time permits, visit the monastery and the eight halls of the National Arts and Crafts Exhibition in Oreshak. (D)

June 6
Departure from Oreshak to Veliko Turnovo, the mediaeval capital city of Bulgaria. Tour in Veliko Turnovo with Tsarevets Royal Hill and the fortress. Lunch and afternoon at the Arbanasi museum village. Departure via Shipka memorial peak to Kazanluk, the centre of Rose Valley. Short stop en route at the Etura Open Air Ethnographic complex. Check in at the hotel near Kazanluk. Later, a lesson in Bulgarian folklore dancing with a professional choreographer and diploma for each participant. Dinner and the official opening of the Festival of Roses. (B, L, D)

June 7
After breakfast try some Rose picking in the fields. Visit a modern and traditional Distillery, tasting essential oils, Bulgarian pastry, liquors and rose jam. Learn the production process. Each participant will receive a small present. Visit Kazanluk's Thracian tomb (UNESCO) and the Goliama Kosmatka Thracian tomb. Visit Shipka memorial Church. Lunch is a BBQ with a folklore performance. Departure to Koprivshtitsa museum town for overnight. (B, L, D)

June 8
Departure to Plovdiv to start a full day tour with visits to the Ancient Roman Amphitheatre, Sts. Constantine and Helena Church, and the Ethnographic museum. Afternoon stop at Bashkovo Monastery the second largest monastery in Bulgaria. Try wine tasting at a boutique wine cellar in Brestovitsa village. Return to Koprivshtitsa. (B, L)

June 9
Morning tour of Koprivshtitsa followed by departure to Sofia. There will be a Panoramic tour of Sofia, including the main places of interest such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sofia's Church, the Parliament Square, the office of the Presidency, the St. George Rotunda, the National Theatre, and City Garden. (B, L)

June 10
Morning visit of Boyana Church (UNESCO site) in the suburbs of Sofia. Departure for the Rila Monastery, the most important monastery in Bulgaria and a UNESCO site. In the evening return to Sofia. (B, L)

June 11
Transfer to airport.

TOUR PRICE:

Land Cost Per Person:
(double occupancy)

10 travelers: $835.00
8 travelers: $1118.00
6 travelers: $1192.00
4 travelers: $1328.00
2 travelers: $1602.00

Single supplement: $280.00

Kutrubes Travel has SPECIAL AIRFARES - Contact us for details.

Price Includes:

Accommodation at 3* hotels
Deluxe transportation
Driver
English speaking guide
Transfer from/to airport
Meals as per the program
Rose Festival events
Wine tasting
Entrance fees

Price Does Not Include:

Airfare (unless otherwise arranged)
Departure and custom fees
Gratuities and individual daily expenses
Additional beverages
Travel insurance
Trip cancellation
Medical and luggage insurance are recommended for coverage against all unforeseen circumstances

Payment and Refund Policies

If you have any questions or you'd like to book this trip, please contact us.

Custom itineraries available to this or any of the destinations we travel to.

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