Buzludzha monument Stara Zagora Province

Our trip will start with pick up from your hotel at 09:30. First, we will visit the Museum of Socialist Art in Sofia. There we will have the chance to see over 70 works of monumental sculpture, exhibited in a park covering 7,500 sq.m. On a special pedestal, the large five-pointed star that once crowned the former Party House in the center of Sofia is on display. If the day of your trip is Monday we are replacing the museum with another astonishing Communist monument- the Bells Park. It was constructed in 1979 by the daughter of the last Communist leader of Bulgaria by the initiative called "The Flag of Peace". Children from both sides of The Iron Curtain were meeting each other and making bells which are presented in the park. When we finish our walk in the museum we will continue the trip to our next destination - Buzludzha monument, which is one of the most notable from the socialist period After approximately a 3-hour scenic drive we will reach Buzludzha monument. It was erected in 1981 to commemorate socialism. Work on the monument began in 1974 and was undertaken by units of the Bulgarian Army assisted by numerous artisans responsible for the large statues and murals. After the government’s fall from power in 1989, the site was abandoned and left open to vandalism.

Thracians and Communists?!? Could they have anything in common?!? Believe it or not – the answer is YES! - Strive for immortality of their leaders - Monumental temples decorated with frescoes of the lives of their chieftains - The status of their leaders as demigods and heroes Want to see and learn more? Join our tour to two of the most iconic Monuments of Immortality in Bulgaria: the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site - Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak and the iconic UFO-like abandoned communist building atop the Buzludzha mountain.

At 08:00 your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Plovdiv and will have around 2 hours drive to our first point of interest- Buzludzha monument, which is one of the most notable from the socialist period After approximately a 3-hour scenic drive we will reach Buzludzha monument. It was erected in 1981 to commemorate socialism. Work on the monument began in 1974 and was undertaken by units of the Bulgarian Army assisted by numerous artisans responsible for the large statues and murals. After the government’s fall from power in 1989, the site was abandoned and left open to vandalism until recently. The monument was restored because of the incredible labor of many volunteers, artists, and experts from Bulgaria and other European countries. After the amazing visit to the Buzludzha monument, we will go down from the mountain and will drive toward one of the very few towns established during the Communist era. It is a very charming little town with wonderful parks and typical Communist monumental buildings. We will walk into the center and you will feel the atmosphere of the period. Our next stop will be the Museum of Aviation which is located on the grounds of the Plovdiv International Airport and houses a wide range of aircrafts, including fighter jets, helicopters, and transport planes. One of the highlights of the museum is the MiG-21, which was a staple of the Bulgarian Air Force during the Cold War. The aircraft is in excellent condition and visitors can even climb inside the cockpit to get a feel for what it was like to fly one of these powerful machines. Another impressive feature of the museum is the collection of helicopters, including the iconic Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter. The museum also has a variety of interactive exhibits and displays that provide a wealth of information about the history of aviation in Bulgaria and the role of the Bulgarian Air Force in world history, also an exhibition dedicated to the Space program. After this interesting visit, we will drive back to Plovdiv. Your guide will drop you anywhere you like in the city.

Our day starts towards the Valley of the Roses - one of the symbols of Bulgaria. The journey is very scenic and follows the Balkan Range - the longest chain of mountains in Bulgaria. The rose oil is traditional here for centuries and there is a specific place with unique climate and soil where Rosa Damascena is growing. We will visit a traditional Rose distillery where we will find out more about the process of extracting the oil from the flowers. We then continue on a high mountain street towards the Shipka monument - a symbol of freedom for every Bulgarian and arena of epic battles during the Otoman period in the late 19th century. Our adventure then will take us to Buzludzha - the cradle of the Communism in Bulgaria. The huge unique monument erected on the top of the Balkan Mountain, was officially open in 1981 personally by the dictator Todor Zhivkov. Today it is still a sacral place for the Communist party since the annually congress is traditionally held there. Besides this, it is such a magnificent landmark in the nature. In one day we will admire the highlights of Bulgaria and will learn more about our traditions, culture and history. This is unique experience, best time of the year to visit - May and June, when the roses bloom.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Electreco Tours from Sofia to explore the Valley of Roses and the iconic Buzludzha Monument in a single day. Our eco-friendly electric vehicles provide a comfortable and sustainable way to experience these fascinating destinations. The adventure begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Sofia. From there, we'll travel through picturesque landscapes towards the Valley of Roses, located in central Bulgaria. As we journey through the valley, you'll be captivated by the endless fields of fragrant roses, for which the region is famous. Our first stop is at a local rose distillery, where you'll learn about the centuries-old tradition of rose oil production. Discover the intricate process of extracting rose oil and immerse yourself in the intoxicating aroma of fresh roses.We will make a short stop at the wonderful Ethnographic Complex of Damascena where you can learn more about the production of the famous Bulgarian rose oil. Next, we'll visit the Buzludzha Monument, a striking symbol of Bulgaria's communist past. Perched atop the Buzludzha Peak, this abandoned monument boasts a unique and futuristic design. As we explore the monument, you'll hear stories about its history and significance, from its construction during the communist era to its current state of abandonment. Throughout the tour, our expert guides will provide fascinating insights into the history, culture, and significance of each destination. You'll have ample time to explore and take in the breathtaking views, capturing memories that will last a lifetime. At the end of the day, we'll return to Sofia, where you'll be dropped off at your accommodation, filled with unforgettable experiences and a deeper understanding of Bulgaria's rich heritage. Join us on this eco-friendly adventure to the Valley of Roses and the Buzludzha Monument, where history and nature converge in spectacular fashion.