Private day tour from Bansko to Kazanlak, the Valley of the Thracian Kings, Shipka monument and Shipka memorial church
Do you know what is one of the most symbolic marks of Bulgaria? It is the rose oil!
You might be surprised to learn that the main ingredient in some of the perfumes and skin care products that you have used, is actually the Bulgarian Rose Oil. The country produces tons of it every year but most of it gets exported to countries such as the USA, France and Italy.
If you are already intrigued and would like to learn more you should book a private day tour to The Town of Roses - Kazanlak. The largest valley of roses is located only a few kilometers away from Kazanlak, which makes the city the primary centre of rose oil production in Bulgaria.
One of the most interesting museums which could be visited in Kazanlak is the Museum of Roses founded only 40 years ago. It displays various tools and instruments needed to cultivate, transport and produce rose oil. Old photographs and documents serve as evidence how the Bulgarian Rose Valley became a major producer of rose oil worldwide.
Nowadays, at the beginning of the summer when the Kazanlak roses start to bloom, the city organizes a special ceremony. The entire festival lasts approximately a week with the main events being the Coronation of the Rose Queen and Rose Parade. Other events such as rose-picking, cultural folklore festival and carnivals are also part of the full programme. International tourists and locals are welcomed by the fun and chill atmosphere.
The Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak is another popular tourist attraction not too far from the city. The tomb was accidentally found only 80 years ago, but it dates back to the Hellenistic period from around the 4th Century BC. With a narrow corridor and wide round chamber, it is one of the most significant monuments of the Thracian culture.
Once you walk in, you will be immediately impressed by the magnificent wall paintings. Made with only four basic colours - red, black, yellow and white, the paintings are the best preserved masterpieces of this period worldwide. It is believed that a famous Thracian ruler was buried in the tomb, hence, the reason for the frescos with the warriors. The authenticity and uniqueness of the Kazanlak Thracian Tomb made it one of the top sites in the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO.
The next stop of you day tour from Bansko is Shipka Peak at 1,326 meters above sea level. This is one of the most important locations for Bulgarians and the nation’s history. To reach the peak, you drive on the scenic Shipka Pass, which would unveil stunning views of the Balkan Mountains in Bulgaria. You would be shocked to learn that only 140 years ago this was a location of conflicts during the Russo-Turkish War. The Battle of Shipka Pass was fought between the Russians, aided by Bulgarian Volunteers and the Ottoman Empire. After four long battles, the Ottoman Empire was defeated. Nowadays, on the top of the Shipka Peak is constructed a monument commemorating the Bulgarians and Russians who died in the battle. It is shaped as a truncated pyramid and is 31.5 meters tall.
Each and every Bulgarian has been to the Shipka Monument. The Liberation of Bulgaria is closely related to the events of the Russo-Turkish War. Bulgarians often visit the monument on 3rd March (the Bulgarian Liberation Day) when special celebrations are held on top of Shipka Peak.
Book a trip from Bansko now and visit those iconic historical locations in Bulgaria.
What you will visit on the tour:
- Kazanlak city;
- The Valley of the Thracian Kings;
- Shipka Monument;
- Shipka memorial church
Tour Duration
- 8 to 10 hours, depending on the itinerary, pick up and drop off location tour duration may vary.
