SCENT OF BULGARIA

ОПИСАНИЕ НА ПРОГРАМАТА

ROSES & TRADITIONS: A JOURNEY THROUGH BULGARIA

A journey crafted by women, for women. Designed for independent, life-loving women 45+ who appreciate culture, tradition, and the magic of seasonal experiences.

Step into Bulgaria’s timeless Rose Valley, where history and nature intertwine in an unforgettable celebration of beauty. Feel the soft petals between your fingers as you take part in the ancient tradition of rose picking, a ritual passed down for centuries. Breathe in the intoxicating scent of freshly harvested roses, taste flavors unique to this land, and discover crafts as delicate and intricate as the lace of Kalofer.

Then, let your creativity bloom as you take part in a hands-on perfume-making workshop, using the very essence of the roses you’ve just gathered. Blend, bottle, and take home your own signature scent—a fragrant memory of your time in Bulgaria.

This is more than a trip—it’s a sensory adventure, a tribute to tradition, and a rare opportunity to witness something that happens just once a year. And as you return home, you’ll carry with you not just memories, but handmade treasures and the scent of roses lingering in your heart.

Dates:

13/05 – 18/05

20/05 – 25/05

27/05 – 01/06

03/06 – 08/06

Solo, but never alone!

We know that traveling solo doesn’t always mean wanting to be alone—it just means you’re ready for new experiences, new connections, and a journey on your own terms. That’s exactly why our program is designed for independent women 45+ who love to explore without worrying about finding a travel companion.

Our prices are based on double occupancy, but if you’re coming solo, we’ve got you covered! We will pair you with a like-minded roommate—either someone you already know and request to share a room with or another solo traveler chosen at random. It’s a great way to meet new people while keeping the experience easy and stress-free.

So, no need to hesitate—just pack your bags and join us for an unforgettable journey!

Price per person in DBL room: 1200 € (990 £)

Single Supplement: 210 € (180 £)

Minimum number of tourists: 10

Maximum number of tourists: 15

Full Terms & Conditions can read HERE

пакетната цена включва:

2 nights in Sofia in highly-rated 3-star hotels on a BB basis (1 on arrival and 1 before the departure)
2 nights in a 4* hotel in the Valley of Roses on HB basis
1 night in Plovdiv in highly-rated 3-star hotels on a BB basis
1 lunch - Damascena complex according to pre-specified menu, water, soft drink
Workshop in Koprivshtitsa - 1 hour with souvenir making
Picking roses in the fields of the Damascena complex
Workshop in rose factory “Damascena” - 1 hour, making your own perfume
Demonstration and workshop in Kalofer - Kalofer lace
Visit to an ostrich farm - includes dessert creme caramel
Visit to Kapana - a district in Plovdiv
Licensed tour guide for a guided tour in Plovdiv - duration 2 hours
Transport - minibus 20 seats during the whole tour, bottled water
Transfer airport - hotel - airport** | **Transfer from/to airport have to be arranged in advance and will be by minibus or taxi, depending on numbers.
Service by a representative of Seventeen Travel
VAT and local taxes

срещу допълнително заплащане:

Lunch in Koprivshtitsa and Kalofer (approx £20)
Dinners in Sofia and Plovdiv - according to the chosen location
Visit to the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak with guided tour - £10 per person
Drinks during meals - alcoholic and soft drinks
Travel insurance & Assistance
Tips, personal expenses for meal, gifts, souvenirs
Air ticket to-from Sofia (we recommend flying with Ryanair as follows: Arrival before noon: FR 1730, arrival - according to desired schedule FR 1731 or FR 9962

Day 1 (Tuesday) - Welcome to Bulgaria!

Your adventure begins in the heart of Bulgaria - Sofia. Upon arrival in the city, you will check in to a 3-star hotel where you will have time for a short rest.
19:00 - Meet our representative in the hotel lobby for a glass of aromatic wine or a refreshing cocktail. We'll discuss the program, answer your questions and give you a few secret tips for the days ahead. Afterwards, you can stroll around Sofia in the evening or choose a cosy restaurant for dinner.

Day 2 (Wednesday) - On the trail of history and traditions

09:30 - We head to Koprivshtitsa - a town steeped in history, with cobbled streets, authentic Renaissance houses and revolutionary spirit.
11:00 - Arrival and immersion in the atmosphere of the Bulgarian Revival. We will visit three of the iconic houses-museums with an audio guide to get a feel of the era and the stories of the heroes born here.
An unforgettable experience will follow - a workshop for making souvenirs from non-woven textile (felting of wool). You will experience an ancient Bulgarian craft and create your own unique piece.
13:30 - Free time for walks and/or lunch with traditional Bulgarian dishes.
15:00 - Departure to the Rose Valley where we will stay for the next 2 nights.
17:00 - Check in at 4* hotel, amidst green gardens and fragrant rose plantations.
The evening will end with a sumptuous buffet dinner.

Day 3 (Thursday) - The scent of roses, meeting with ostriches and ancient Thracian kings

Greet the sunrise because the most beautiful things in life happen early in the morning. Today we're going rose picking - you'll be picking oil-bearing roses early in the morning when their fragrance is most intense. This is a tradition that has been preserved for centuries.
08:30 - Departure to the ethnographic complex and rose factory "Damascena". You will see how tender rose petals are turned into liquid gold - the famous Bulgarian rose oil. You will take part in a perfume workshop - a perfect souvenir with a personal touch. Tasting of rose products.
Lunch - in the restaurant of the complex, amid the scents of roses and food with authentic flavors of the region. Tasting of rose products.
14:00 - Time for something unconventional - a visit to an ostrich farm! Here you will learn interesting facts about these magnificent birds and taste a crème caramel made from ostrich eggs.
15:00 - Return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest and relaxation.
16:00 - Optional visit to the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (3rd century BC), included in the list of the global cultural inheritance of UNESCO in 1979.
Dinner at the hotel buffet.

Day 4 (Friday) - Fine Art and Bohemian Spirit

10:30 - We head to Kalofer - the town of Kalofer lace. We will meet talented craftsmen who will tell us about this fine art. We will have the opportunity to see demonstrations and even try to make lace ourselves!
After free time for walking and lunch, we will head to Plovdiv - the city that combines antiquity and modernity.
15:30 - Check in at a 3* hotel and a short rest.
17:00 - It's time for Kapana - the artistic district of Plovdiv, full of small galleries, boutique restaurants and street musicians. Immerse yourself in the magic of the city and end the evening with a glass of wine in one of the cosy local restaurants. Invidual activities, dinner, transportation.
(Depending on the location of the hotel and if necessary, a one-way transfer from the hotel to Kapana will be arranged).

Day 5 (Saturday) - Stories set in stone

10:00 - Guided tour of the Old Town of Plovdiv, the oldest living city in Europe. The cobbled streets will lead you to beautiful Renaissance houses, the ancient Roman theatre and hidden corners that keep the spirit of the centuries.
Free time for lunch and walks, and at 15:30 we depart for Sofia. Arrival around 17:30, check in at 3* hotel.
18:30 - Goodbye drink - last meeting with our representative in the hotel lobby, where you can share your impressions of Bulgaria.
Free time for dinner and sightseeing in the capital.