Things to do in

Kazanlak

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.

An early start from Sofia will take you on the picturesque mountain road winding between the Balkan and Sredna Gora mountains. You will 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.

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.