Sofia, Plovdiv, and The Rose Valley in 2 Days

Discover the captivating essence of Bulgaria in just 48 hours. This compact itinerary blends the historic splendor of Sofia and Plovdiv with the fragrant charm of the Rose Valley. From iconic cathedrals to ancient Roman ruins, and from family-run distilleries to UNESCO-listed tombs, this whirlwind tour showcases the diverse treasures that make Bulgaria a truly remarkable destination. Whether you’re a history buff or a lover of natural beauty, this two-day adventure promises to leave a lasting impression.

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Key Points

This 2-day tour provides an immersive experience exploring the historical and cultural highlights of Sofia, Plovdiv, and the scenic Rose Valley in Bulgaria.
Visitors can discover the architectural gems of Sofia, including the Boyana Church, Alexander Nevski Cathedral, and St. Sofia Church.
The tour includes a visit to the UNESCO-listed Thracian Tomb and the History Museum in Kazanlak, known for its rose oil production.
Participants can enjoy a traditional Bulgarian meal in Plovdiv and a lunch at a private family distillery in a rose garden.
The tour is limited to 8 participants and is conducted in English, with the option of a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour lasts for 2 days and costs from $386.08 per person.

A 2-day tour costing from $386.08 per person.

It’s limited to 8 participants and conducted in English. Pickup from your Sofia location is included, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

There’s no need to pay upfront – you can reserve your spot and pay later.

Over two days, you’ll explore Sofia’s UNESCO sites and city center, then visit Plovdiv’s Roman ruins and Old Town, followed by a trip to the scenic Rose Valley and Kazanlak, known for its rose oil production.

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Day 1: Sofia and Plovdiv Exploration

On the first day, the tour kicks off with a 3-hour exploration of Sofia.

Visitors will see the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church, the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, St. Sofia Church, the National Theatre, and the St. George Rotunda.

After the Sofia visit, the group travels to Plovdiv, checks into their accommodations, and enjoys a traditional Bulgarian lunch.

In the afternoon, they’ll explore Plovdiv’s highlights, including the Roman Theatre, the Roman Stadium, and the charming Old Town with its cobblestone streets and Revival Period houses.

The first day concludes with an overnight stay in Plovdiv.

Boyana Church

One of the highlights of the Sofia tour is the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church.

This 13th-century church boasts stunning medieval frescoes covering its interior walls. The frescoes depict scenes from the Bible and are remarkably well-preserved, offering a glimpse into Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage.

The 13th-century Boyana Church showcases remarkably well-preserved medieval frescoes depicting biblical scenes, offering a glimpse into Bulgaria’s cultural heritage.

Visitors can admire the church’s remarkable architecture, including its distinctive semi-circular apse. The Boyana Church is an important example of the Palaeologian Renaissance style and is considered one of the most significant cultural monuments in Bulgaria.

Its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list attests to its outstanding universal value.

Discovering Sofia’s City Center

What else can visitors discover in Sofia’s city center during the tour?

They’ll explore key landmarks like the iconic Alexander Nevski Cathedral, an impressive neo-Byzantine orthodox cathedral.

Next, they’ll visit the Saint Sofia Church, an ancient brick church dating back to the 6th century.

The tour also includes the National Theatre, an ornate Neo-Renaissance building, and the St. George Rotunda, one of Sofia’s oldest preserved buildings.

These sites offer insights into Sofia’s rich history and architecture, complementing the earlier visit to the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church.

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Arrival in Plovdiv

After the morning tour of Sofia’s highlights, the group travels to the historic city of Plovdiv.

Upon arrival, they check into their accommodations:

After the morning tour, the group checks into their accommodations in Plovdiv.

The cobblestone streets of Plovdiv’s Old Town offer a glimpse into the city’s past.
Colorful Revival Period houses line the winding roads, exuding a charming ambiance.
The Roman Theatre and Stadium stand as impressive reminders of Plovdiv’s rich history.

After settling in, the group enjoys a traditional Bulgarian lunch, preparing for an afternoon exploring the highlights of Plovdiv.

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Exploring Plovdiv’s Historical Highlights

The tour group delves into Plovdiv’s historical highlights, starting with the impressive Roman Theatre. Dating back to the 1st century AD, the grand stone amphitheater still hosts concerts and events.

Next, they explore the Roman Stadium, one of the largest ancient stadiums in the country.

Wandering Plovdiv’s Old Town, they admire the cobblestone streets and Revival Period houses, transported to bygone eras.

At every turn, the group discovers new architectural treasures, from ornate fountains to stunning churches.

With each step, Plovdiv’s layered history unfolds, captivating the travelers.

Day 2: Rose Valley and Kazanlak

Departing Plovdiv after breakfast, the group travels to the picturesque Rose Valley, its scenic landscapes unfolding along the way.

They arrive in Kazanlak, known for its rose oil production and Thracian heritage:

They visit the Thracian Tomb of Kazanluk, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The group tours the History Museum of Kazanluk to learn about the region’s history.
They stop at the Shipka Memorial Church, a beautiful landmark in the area.

Lunch is enjoyed at Damascena, a private family distillery set in a rose garden, where they learn about rose growing and Bulgarian rose oil production.

The day ends with a return to Sofia.

Visiting the Thracian Tomb and Rose Oil Production

As they arrive in Kazanlak, the group visits the Thracian Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich Thracian heritage. After exploring the tomb, they head to the History Museum of Kazanluk to learn more about the Thracian civilization.

| Rose Oil Production | |

| ——————- | ————– |

| Main Ingredient | Rosa Damascena |

| Blooming Season | May-June |

| Harvesting Method | Hand-picking |

| Distillation Process| Steam |

| Annual Production | 1-2 tons |

Lunch at Damascena, a private family distillery, provides a chance to see the rose oil production in action and sample the fragrant, high-quality rose oil. The group departs with a deeper appreciation for Bulgaria’s botanical treasures.

Common Questions

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour to 3 Days?

Yes, it’s possible to extend the tour to 3 days. This would allow more time to explore the destinations in-depth and potentially include additional sites or activities in the itinerary.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. The provider offers flexibility to adjust the itinerary, group size, and other details to meet the specific needs and preferences of the private party.

Are There Any Additional Fees for the Optional Activities?

The tour doesn’t mention any additional fees for the optional activities. The inclusions cover all the major expenses like transportation, accommodation, and entrance fees. You’d only need to pay for your personal expenses like souvenirs.

Can We Visit the Plovdiv Wax Museum During the Tour?

The tour itinerary doesn’t mention a visit to the Plovdiv Wax Museum. The focus is on exploring Plovdiv’s historic sites like the Roman Theatre and Old Town. If you’d like to add the wax museum, you’ll need to check with the tour operator about availability and any additional fees.

Is It Possible to Arrange a Pick-Up From a Different Location in Sofia?

Yes, it’s possible to arrange a pick-up from a different location in Sofia. The tour provider offers included pickup from your location in Sofia, so you can request a pickup point that’s convenient for you.

The Sum Up

This two-day tour offers a captivating glimpse into Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage. From the architectural wonders of Sofia and Plovdiv to the fragrant rose gardens of the Rose Valley, travelers can enjoy the country’s history, traditions, and natural beauty. With carefully curated activities and an efficient itinerary, this tour provides an excellent introduction to the highlights of this enchanting destination.