Balkan Loop Tour: Sofia – Nis – Skopje – Sofia (2 Days)
From 229 €/person
Duration
Start: 8:30
End: 18:30h
Recommended period
All year round, best period 15th May- 15th June (rose picking)
Driving time
6h 30m approximately
Handicap accessible
Yes, fairly accessible
Special requirements
Comfortable shoes
8:30 h we start our trip to Kazanlak which is located over 200 km east of Sofia along the Balkan range The renovated road takes you there in about 3 hours' scenic drive. We start our visit with Shipka Memorial Church, built after the Liberation from Turkish occupation in 1878 in honor of the Russian and Bulgarian victims, in a rich and beautiful 17th century Russian style. Then we go to Goliama Kosmatka - the tomb of Seuthes 3rd. After a quick lunch in a nearby restaurant, we go to Kazanlak for a visit of the UNESCO world heritage tomb. The monument dates back to the 4th century BC 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 we will visit a local rose garden and distillery (Damascena or other), where you will see how rose essence is extracted and you will be able to buy some rose-scented souvenirs.
19:00 h. we come back to Sofia. Please note this is a fast-paced tour, so we kindly ask you to follow your guide closely and promptly.
Kazanlak is located in the very central part of Bulgaria, right in the heart of the Valley of Roses or 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-5th millennium BC). During the 4th-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)
Prices | 1 person | 2 persons | 3 persons | 4-8 persons | 9-18 persons |
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229 € per person | 129 € per person | 99 € per person | 89 € per person | 79 € per person |
The tour price is based on the number of people in your party includes: pick-up and transfer to/from your hotel/accommodation in Sofia, guide in English, parking fees, entrance fees. Meals and personal expenses are not included. Private option +30%.
The departure point for this tour is from your hotel or accommodation within Sofia city limits. You will be notified for the exact pick up time from our agents approximately 2 days before your tour.
Visit the Valley of the Roses, also known as the Valley of the Thracian Kings.
Dive back into time in Thracian Tombs and monuments from the Russian Turkish War.
Visit of an Authentic Rose Distillery and a chance to get genuine rose oil products.
Picturesque scenery during the whole day.
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