We recommend booking this tour during the rose harvest in May or June!
Stretching from the foot of the Sredna Gora mountain range to the sub-balkan region with the majestic peaks of the Balkan mountain range as a backdrop lies the famous Rose Valley region. The Rose Valley Wine & SPA Trail is inspired by the Thracian heritage found on these lands. Part of the Rose Valley stretches over an area called the Valley of the Kings because of the numerous tombs of Thracian kings discovered. During the tour you will visit two of the most famous Thracian tombs – the Thracian tomb of Kazanluk and the Thracian tomb of Starosel. The base for the tour is the famous SPA resort town of Hisarya, where 22 hot water springs are located. Read more about Hisarya on our blog post. Apart from indulging in the SPA services and recreational options offered at your hotel, Hisarya is a great place to discover on foot or on a bike. The tour includes a day trip to the gorgeous Plovdiv – Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, where we will also taste wine at a regional winery – the Dragomir Winery Estate. Following the Thracians’ footsteps, we will visit the town of Panagyurishte where the most exquisite Thracian golden treasure resides. Here the Rumelia Winery opens its doors to welcome you and introduce you to its award-winning wines among which its wine from the local variety Mavrud has gained considerable recognition. Learn about the centuries-old tradition of making high-quality rose oil at a rose oil distiller (during rose harvest in May-June) or at a rose musuem (during off-season). The tour ends with a fantastic visit to the Starosel Wine & SPA Complex. The enchanting Chateau Copsa reminiscent of the Medieval fortress that once existed not too far from today’s boutique winery makes for the perfect setting for a gourmet multi-course wine-paired farewell dinner.
Rose Valley Wine & SPA Trail
Day 1: Arrival
Transfer from Sofia airport at latest 14:00 to Hisarya. Check-in to a SPA hotel in Hisarya. Walking tour of Hisarya (if time permits). Free evening to enjoy dinner at your hotel or another restaurant in town. Your Tour Leader will be able to assist with restaurant recommendations and bookings.
Accommodation: SPA hotel in Hisarya
Day 2: Exploring Plovdiv and its wines
First thing in the morning, we head to Dragomir Winery located close to the ancient town of Plovdiv for a memorable tour and tasting. Dragomir winery is a high quality, boutique wine producer. Continue to the historic town of Plovdiv for lunch followed by a guided walking tour of Plovdiv and Old Plovdiv. End your tour with an urban wine tasting before returning to your hotel in Hisarya.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: SPA hotel in Hisarya
Day 3: Tracing the Thracians
After breakfast, drive about an hour to the town of Panagyurishte. Visit the Panagyurishte museum to see the acclaimed Panagyurishte treasure consisting of 9 vessels for wine from the Thracian era. Time for lunch in Panagyurishte. Visit to Rumelia Wine Cellar for a tour of the winery and tasting in the tasting room. Return to Hisarya to enjoy the afternoon and relax in the SPA or discover the town by foot or by bicycle.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: SPA hotel in Hisarya
Day 4: Ancient History and Bulgarian Rose Oil
Today is a day to discover more about the Thracians, Bulgarian wines and the famous rose oil of Bulgaria. Visit the Kazanlak Thracian Tomb (UNESCO). If it is rose picking season (May-beginning of June), a visit to rose oil distillery to see how rose oil is made will be arranged. If it is not rose picking season, visit the rose museum in Kazanlak to learn more about the traditions of rose oil production in Bulgaria. Enjoy lunch at Sopot winery, where the wines are paired with the menu. Return to Hisarya to enjoy some free time in the spa or in the pool. Free evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: SPA hotel in Hisarya
Day 5: Thracian Culture & Modern Wines
Visit the Starosel Thracian Tomb, and learn more about The Thracians and their burial rituals. Visit the nearby Starosel Wine & SPA Complex. Enjoy a tour of the winery followed by a wine tasting in the majestic underground tasting room. Lunch is served at the Starosel restaurant. Return to your hotel to rest. In the evening, we head to Chateau Copsa for a spectacular wine-paired farewell dinner. Return to your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: SPA hotel in Hisarya
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Sofia from Hisarya (2.5h). Drop-off at Sofia Airport or any other address in Sofia,
Included in the tour price
✓ Pick-up and drop-off at Sofia airport or Sofia center
✓ All ground transportation with a car/minivan included in the tour’s itinerary
✓ 5 nights at a SPA hotel in Hisarya
✓ 5 winery visits including wine tastings (5 wines per winery)
✓ Guided walking tour of Plovdiv and Old Plovdiv
✓ Meals as per itinerary (incl. multi-course gourmet wine-paired farewell dinner on last day)
✓ Wine tasting at local Plovdiv enoteca
✓ Visit to Panagyurishte Museum
✓ Visit to the Thracian Tomb of Kazanluk
✓ Visit to the Thracian Tomb of Starosel
✓ English-speaking Tour leader from Bulgaria Wine Tours
✓ Tour operator insurance in case of non-provision of services
Not included in the tour price
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Flight tickets
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Private transfers
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Meals and beverages not mentioned in the tour description
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Travel and medical insurance (please, consult your insurance provider)
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Visa fees, if applicable
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Extras and incidentals
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Tips
Price of the The Rose Valley Wine & SPA Trail
€ 740 per person for a group of 6 persons (*)(**)
€ 880 per person for a group of 4-5 persons
€ 960 per person for a group of 2-3 persons
Single supplement: EUR 115
Contact us for a quotation for groups larger than 6 persons.
* The BGN/EUR exchange rate is fixed at 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN (http://www.bnb.bg/?toLang=_EN)
** Price per person is based on double occupancy e.g. two persons sharing a room
Payment Policy:
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A deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to be paid within 7 days of the invoice issue date.
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The balance of the amount due to the Company must be paid no later than 45 days before departure.
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In the event that the Client makes a booking within 45 days of departure of the tour, the full tour price must be paid up-front.
Payment method:
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Bank transfer
Bulgaria Wine Tours Ltd.
Bank name: Raiffeisen Bank
Bank address: 1 Knyaginya Mariya Luiza Str., Plovdiv 4000
BIC: RZBBBGSF
IBAN: BG09RZBB91551005461558
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Credit or debit card
We accept credit/debit card payment. Information will be provided along with your booking.
Please, refer to the Booking Terms & Conditions for more detailed information about payment.
Arrival/Departure
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Transfer on Day 1 is from Sofia centre/airport to Hisarya at latest 14:00 or at an agreed time.
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A representative from Bulgaria Wine Tours will greet you in arrivals hall. The representative will have a Bulgaria Wine Tours sign.
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Transport time between Sofia airport and Hisarya on Day 1 is about 2 hours.
Visa Requirements
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In general, EU citizens do not require visas to travel to Bulgaria. Citizens of some other countries also do not need visas to travel to Bulgaria. For visa requirements to enter Bulgaria, please consult the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at: http://www.mfa.bg/en/pages/109/index.html or the respective institutions in your country of residence.
Insurance
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You are encouraged to purchase travel and medical insurance at your own judgement.
Notes
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The tour does not require any special medical condition or fitness level. The tour does not involve intensive walking, hiking, or other physical effort apart from the normal efforts for sightseeing.
Additional services or surcharges
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Please contact us for prices and information on extra overnights in Sofia or Plovdiv
For any questions, please contact us at: +359 (0) 882 602 021 or email us at: info@bulgariawinetours.com
Why Choose Us
✓ Because we are the original tour operator in Bulgaria specializing in wine tours.
✓ Because we have visited each and every winery, hotel and place we offer on this tour in order to ensure the highest possible quality of the offered services.
✓ Because we work closely with the wineries and the hotels offered on this tour and we are flexible to accommodate your wishes.
✓ Because we have made academic research on the potential of wine tourism in Bulgaria: https://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/search/publication/4091904.
✓ Because we are promoting alternative tourism and helping the development of rural regions in Bulgaria.
✓ Because you will be supporting a young start-up.
✓ Because we will make sure you have fun and enjoy the tour!
Tour Map
