Things to do in Kazanlak

Join us on a guided trip to one of the most iconic communist monuments from the past in Eastern Europe. The UFO-like abandoned building is located on top of Buzludzha peak in the Central Balkan mountains. Today an empty structure stripped of its initial purposes, it has gained many admirers and popularity around the world and is considered a remarkable representation of this part of history. 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. The tour starts at 7:00 AM at the back of the Alexander Nevski Cathedral. The transfer time is about 3.5 hours per direction and the tour is about 11 hours long. First, we will stop at the Complex of Damascena around 10:30. We will arrive at the Buzludzha monument around 13:30. Keep in mind that the Buzludzha monument is currently not open for visitors for safety reasons and cannot be seen from the inside. However, the views from the outside are well worth the time. The monument is atop the Buzludzha peak in the Balkan mountains (1.441m) so make sure you bring a jacket and comfortable shoes. The last stop will be at the Shipka memorial church. We leave for Sofia at around 16:00 and are back at the Alexander Nevski Cathedral around 19:30. The tour is offered as well with ONLINE, cloud-based audioguide in different languages (EN, ES, IT, FR, DE, RU). INTERNET required to download and use. The local tour operator, Traventuria, was awarded a “Business Which Supports Biodiversity” certification by the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation for its “Tours with a Cause” initiative.

Explore the Valley of the Roses on this exciting day trip from Sofia. Visit a Thracian tomb, admire mountain landscapes and learn all about rose oil production. An early start from Sofia will take you on the picturesque mountain road winding between the Balkan and Sredna Gora mountains. Arrive in Kazanlak in about 3 hours and will visit the famous Thracian tomb dating back to the 4th century BC, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then continue east to the Ethnographic Complex Damascena, located in the heart of the Valley of Roses, where you will learn why Bulgaria is famous for rose oil production. The next stop is the emblematic Memorial Temple of the Birth of Christ, built between 1885 and 1902 in Russian Moskovite style, a beautifully located Eastern-orthodox architectural jewel. The local tour operator, Traventuria, was awarded a “Business Which Supports Biodiversity” certification by the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation for its “Tours with a Cause” initiative.

At 08:00 your guide will pick you up from your hotel and your journey will start. You will have around 2 hours drive until you reach the Valley of the Thracian kings. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to numerous Thracian tombs and burial mounds dating back to the 5th century BC. As you travel to the site, imagine the grandeur and splendor of the Thracian civilization that flourished in this region over 2,000 years ago. Envision the powerful kings and queens who were buried in these tombs, surrounded by their wealth and treasures. Upon arrival, your highly educated guide will lead you on a tour of the site, bringing the history of the Thracians to life. You'll see the impressive 5 tombs, and learn about the customs and beliefs of this ancient civilization. As you explore the Valley of the Thracian Kings, you'll be struck by the beauty of the natural surroundings. The valley is surrounded by lush green forests, offering a peaceful and serene setting for your visit. After exploring the Kazanlak region, we will continue our journey toward Stara Zagora where we will observe the layers of human history between the Stone age and modern times. But first, we will walk in the beautiful city center where we will have lunch. When we regain our strength we will start our exploration. Augusta Trayana was founded in the 2nd century AD and was an important center for trade and culture. The city was named after the Roman emperor Trajan and was a thriving metropolis during the Roman Empire. You will walk on the original streets from those days and will see where the city council has gathered for its meetings. We will visit the remains of a Roman house where you will see amazing mosaics in perfect condition, and will get the feeling of the way of living in the city in the days of the Roman empire. During your walk in Stara Zagora, your guide will show you a unique place- the Museum of Religions. It is situated in one of the oldest Mosques in the Balkans- Eski Mosque from the early XV century. Our last stop of the day is the furthest that we will get back in time- to the Neolithic age. You will visit the ruins of 2 houses from those times. They were part of a big Neolithic settlement. These houses are one of the best-preserved prehistorical buildings in Europe. The exposition will bring you back to the VII Millennium BC and your guide will do his best to explain who those people were and how they lived. In addition to the houses, you will also see, an archaeological collection of objects, related to the culture and the religion of the Stone age people, discovered in the Stone age settlements. After this incredible visit, we will start our journey back to Plovdiv.

During this day tour you will have the chance to learn more about the mysterious Thracians, best known for the mythical hero Orpheus (ancient musician and thinker), Spartacus (Roman slave and gladiator, and leader of the famous slave revolt), as well as for the oldest golden treasure in the world. You will visit the History Museum in Kazanlak. During our day of Thracian heritage exploration, you will have the chance to admire the picturesque landscape, which obviously was highly valued by the Thracians as well. You will have a stop in a rose distillery, as the Valley is famous for rose production as well. The region of the Valley of the Thracian Kings, also known as the Valley of the roses (center for the production of rose oil) which was the preferred burial ground for Thracian nobility. The most famous ground is the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, recognized as a masterpiece of Thracian artwork. The tomb dates from the end of the 4th century BC and due to its well preserved and original frescoes it has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Another site that you will visit is the Tomb of Seuthes III (Thracian king), known also as the Golyama Kosmatka mound. The tomb dates from 5th century BC. It consists of three chambers and one corridor. Many valuable artefacts and works of art were found at the site. It’s one of the richest Thracian burials found till now. The last stop will be Ostrusha tomb, which dates back to the 4th century. It’s mainly famous for its unique ceiling- a combination of relief and fine decoration - different portraits, colorful figures and floral ornaments.

Kazanlak is located in the very central part of Bulgaria, right in the heart of the Valley of Roses, also known as the Valley of the Thracian Kings. The oldest settlement in the area of the modern-day city dates back to the Neolithic era (6th to the 5th millennium B.C.). During the 4th and 3rd centuries BC the Thracian ruler Seuthes 3rd took an important place in the historical development of Thrace during the Hellenistic era. The Thracian city of Seuthopolis was discovered near Kazanlak, and thoroughly studied at the time of the construction of the Koprinka Reservoir. Kazanlak is the center of rose-oil extraction in Bulgaria, and the oil-producing rose of Kazanlak is one of the most widely recognizable national symbols. Bulgaria is the major supplier of rose oil in the world for the cosmetic industry, and Kazanlak's rose gardens are the largest rose gardens in the whole world. It is one of the very little places in the entire world that can grow this particular rose (Rosa Damascena or Rose from Damascus). Kazanlak is located 200 kilometers east of Sofia along the Balkan range, so youshould start off your tour at around 8:30. The recently renewed road brings the journey down to a 3-hour scenic drive. You will start your visit with Shipka Memorial Church, built in a beautiful 17th century Russian style after the liberation from Turkish occupation in 1878, in honor of the Russian and Bulgarian victims. From there you will go to Goliama Kosmatka, the tomb of Seuthes 3rd. After a quick lunch in a nearby restaurant, you go to Kazanlak to visit of the UNESCO world heritage tomb. The monument dates back to the 4th century B.C. and its murals are memorable for the splendid horses and especially for the gesture of farewell, in which the seated couple grasp each other's wrists in a moment of tenderness and equality. On the way back you will make a visit to a local rose garden and distillery, where you will see how rose essence is extracted and be able to buy some rose-scented souvenirs. You will return to Sofia at around 18:30. Please note this is a fast-paced tour.

On the first day of your tour, you will explore Sofia and Plovdiv with your guide and learn about the history and culture of Bulgaria. Your tour will start once you are picked up in Sofia, and you will begin a 3-hour tour of Sofia. In Sofia, you will stop at the UNESCO site Boyana Church before heading towards the city center. Here you will visit several sites including the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Saint Sofia Church, The National Theatre, St. George Rotunda, amongst several other sites.  From Sofia, you will travel to Plovdiv where you will check into your accommodations and have a lunch in a traditional Bulgarian restaurant before you start your tour of the city. Plovdiv has several sites that will be explored on your tour of the city. You will see the Roman Theatre and the Roman Stadium that remain in the city, and as you explore the Old Town you will walk along narrow cobblestone streets passing Revival Period houses. After touring through Plovdiv you will return to your hotel and end the first day of your tour.  On day two of your tour, you will depart Plovdiv after breakfast and travel to the Rose Valley, passing picturesque landscapes of the region along the way. After an hour and a half transfer, you will arrive in the town of Kazanlak not only famous for its rose oil production but as an important place for the mythical Thracians. Here you will visit the Thracian Tomb of Kazanluk a masterpiece of Thracian artwork and UNESCO world heritage site. You will also enjoy a visit to the History Museum of Kazanluk, and Shipka Memorial Church allowing you to learn and experience the history of the region. Before heading back to Sofia you will stop at Damascena, a private family distillery located in the heart of the Rose Valley. Here you will have lunch in a rose garden and afterward learn about the rose growing industry and production of Bulgarian rose oil. From here you will travel back to Sofia and your tour will end once you are dropped off at your accommodations. 

Departure from Sofia at 8:00 a.m., the journey passes through a scenic route at the foot of the old mountain, about 3 hours in one direction, fairy tail road .Visit to the Damascen ethnographic complex, a walk in it (1.5 hours), following the process for products made from rose oil, you can buy products for yourself or a gift for loved ones. Then we head to the rose museum in the center of Kazanlak, which is located 20 minutes by car from Damascena, the museum is the oldest and most authentic, which also has an assortment of interesting products history and free time in the center of the town, total time about (2.5 hours). We have to go back to Sofia about 3 hours direction.

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.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with us from Sofia to explore the Valley of Roses and the iconic Buzludzha Monument in a single day. Our eco-friendly 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.

During this eco private tour, you'll delve into the mysterious world of the Thracians, renowned for figures like the mythical hero Orpheus, the gladiator Spartacus, their mysteries and religion as a way of immortality. The Valley of the Thracian Kings, was coined, obviously to bring parallels with the Valley of Kings in Egypt. The region is the preferred burial ground for the Thracian nobility for centuries, resulting in the creation of about 1,300 tumuli, of them, about 300 have been archaeologically researched. The tumuli are not just tombs, they are also temples since the Thracians believed that their kings are demigods or heroes. Our journey begins with a 3 hours picturesque ride to the middle of Bulgaria driving by the Balkan Mountains to the city of Kazanlak. There we start with a visit to the History Museum in Kazanlak, offering insights into the rich heritage of this ancient civilization. We continue with a visits to the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved frescoes dating back to the 4th century BC. Continuing our exploration, we'll discover the Tomb of Seuthes III, also known as the Golyama Kosmatka mound, boasting valuable artifacts and artworks from the 5th century BC. Our final stop is the Ostrusha Tomb, renowned for its exquisite ceiling adorned with intricate reliefs, colorful figures, and floral motifs, dating back to the 4th century BC. Finally, we go back to Sofia. With Electreco Tours, immerse yourself in the captivating history and cultural legacy of the Thracian civilization, as we unveil the secrets of the Valley of the Thracian Kings.