Bulgarian Rose Oil is the essential oil extracted from the petals of one of the rarest flowers in the world, which is called the Rose Damascena. This special variety of roses is cultivated and harvested only in the region of the Rose Valley, also popular as the “Bulgarian Rose Valley”. The pure genuine Bulgarian Rose Oil is with no doubt one of the most precious essential oils in the world. Thanks to its amazing properties and multiple applications in skin care, it is widely used  in the medicine, in the aromatherapy and in the fine perfumery. One kilogram of rose oil is usually produced from 3000 to 3500 kilograms  of rose blossoms from the Damascena variety.

Characteristics of the rose oil

About 283 components are found in the composition of the Bulgarian rose oil. They are divided into two types of substances. These are the carriers and fixatives of scent. The carriers of scent is the liquid part of the oil that is called elaeoptene. The fixatives of scent are solid at room temperature and odorless, but they fix the scent and make it durable. Out of the numerous components of the elaeoptene the ones with rose scent are citronellol, geraniol, nerol, phenyl ethyl alcohol, but the typical rose odour is formed by the presence of microelements.

There are numerous rose distilleries in the area of Kazanlak that produce different products based on the rose extract. In Our Rose Festival Tours we always include visits to rose distilleries, where before our eyes the petals turn into rose oil.

Did you know about the Bulgarian Rose Oil Interesting Facts

• The roses bloom only once a year. The harvest period is in late May, early June
• The rose petals have to be collected between 5 and 11 am
• After noon the concentration of rose oil evaporates from the petals and part of it goes down to the stem
• To produce one kilogram (1200 ml) of rose oil is necessary around 3500 kilograms. It makes one and a half million of petals
• The price of one kilogram of rose oil is between 6500 and 7000 euro
• Main buyers of Bulgarian rose oil are France, the USA and China
• The main role of the rose oil in the perfumes is to fix the smell on the skin

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The touch to traditions transfers the magic and charm of the past into the modern days. The specific emotional store of Bulgarian customs provides opportunity to each guest to immerse into the life of Bulgarians. This is a great way to get to know at close quarters their spirit, way of living and personality.

The Bulgarian holiday calendar is a result of multi-century accumulation of ecclesiastic beliefs and Christian religious notions. Holidays such as Ignazhden, Mummers, Christmas, Baba Marta, Eniovden are motley blend of mythology, paganism, religion and folklore. The traditions, customs and crafts in Bulgaria and the popular mythology have left their marks on every holiday and ritual. They aim at paying homage, mitigating the power of nature, protecting against evil or bringing fertility, luck, health and love.

One of the symbols of Bulgaria are the Kukeri (Mummers)

This ritual has been practiced ever since the pagan period in the history of Bulgaria. It has had different purposes throughout the centuries, but usually the Kukeri aim at chasing away the evil spirits and bringing health and good crops.

Bulgarian folklore

The most striking thing about the Bulgarian folklore is the strong folk traditions which have survived to this day due to the rural character of the Bulgarian communities. It has resulted in an exceptionally vital and creative traditional culture. Traditional folk arts include wood-carving, ceramics, weaving and embroidery of costumes, household decorations, dances and richly varied folk music.

Wood used to be the main construction material and heavily ornamented wooden objects were common in old houses. To preserve traditional houses many village museums have been created throughout Bulgaria, such as the village of Zheravna and the village of Koprivshtitsa. The Old town of Nessebar and the Old town of Sozopol are sites that are must-see as well.

Tours including the above mentioned museum villages you can see here:

• One Day Tour to Koprivshtitsa from Sofia
• One Day Tour to Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa from Sofia
• Authentic Bulgaria Tour
• Bulgaria Tour History and Traditions

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1. Bulgaria is one of the oldest European countries, founded in 681.
2. The only one that hasn’t changed its name.
3. Bulgaria ranks third in Europe in the number of valuable archaeological monuments after Italy and Greece.
4. Alexander Nevsky is the oldest autocephalous Slavonic Orthodox Church in the world.
5. The Bulgarian army has never lost a single flag in battle.
6. After Bulgaria joined the EU on 1 January 2007, the Cyrillic alphabet became the third official alphabet in the EU.
7. The ancient Bulgarian calendar was declared the most accurate in the world by UNESCO in 1976.
8. Plovdiv is the oldest inhabited city in Europe.
9. Bulgaria’s oldest gold treasure (Contains over 3000 gold objects dating back more than 6000 years)
10. Bulgaria ranks fourth in the world in university education per capita.
11. A Bulgarian folk song is sent into space aboard the US space probe Voyager I.
12. Almost a third of Bulgaria’s territory is covered by forests.
13. The Bulgarian Air Force develops the first bomb dropped from the air in our military history. This took place on 16 October 1912.
14. The first woman in the world to participate in a military flight was the Bulgarian Raina Kasabova.
15. The highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula is located in Bulgaria and rises to 2925 m above sea level.
16. Bulgaria was home to the Thracians, and the hero called Spartacus was born in Bulgaria.
17. Bulgaria produces 85% of the world’s rose oil. Roses are grown in the Rose Valley of Bulgaria (Kazanlak) and are a key ingredient in the production of perfumes.
18. The bagpipe (known in Bulgaria as “gaida”) is a traditional Bulgarian instrument. Other countries that use the bagpipe as an instrument are Ireland and Scotland.
19. In the 40 Little Known Facts About Bulgaria is also the Bulgarian yoghurt, that is the best and tastiest in the world. Lactobacillus bulgaricus, which gives yoghurt its unique taste, is found only in Bulgaria.
20. Bulgaria is the second country in Europe with the largest number of natural mineral springs. Bulgaria is a paradise for spa tourism.
21. Bulgarians nod their heads for “no” and shake their heads for “yes”. National peculiarity.
22. “Name days” are celebrated as well as birthdays and are even more precious for some people.
23. Bulgarians welcome spring on March 1. They give a martenitsa (white and red bracelet) to each of their friends to congratulate them on the beginning of spring and to wish them good health. They wear it until they see a stork or a blossoming tree.
24. Bulgarians are pouring water at the door for success. When a family member leaves home for a special event – the first day of school, graduation, before an exam, a wedding, etc. , the other family members sprinkle water at the door before he leaves, saying, “May your success flow like water. “
25. The Bulgarian 14th of February is the Day of the Winegrower and people celebrate then their love for wine vineyards.
26. The world’s first digital wristwatch was developed by the Bulgarian Petar Petrov.
27. The first electronic computer was invented by John Vincent Atanasoff, who had Bulgarian roots.+
28. The Bulgarian national football team finished in fourth place at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
29. Bulgarian Dan Kolov is the first wrestler in the world with 1500 wins and only 2 losses.
30. For 29 years no athlete has managed to improve the record of the Bulgarian Stefka Kostadinova in the high jump from the World Championships in Rome – the sensational 2. 09 meters.
31. Bulgaria is one of the largest wine exporting countries in the world. Wine production in our country has a long history dating back to Thracian times.
32. For more than 700 years Bulgaria was twice the size of its present territory and reached the location of three seas – the Aegean, the Adriatic and the Black Sea.
33. There are 142 resorts in Bulgaria – 26 seaside, 56 mountain and 58 spa resorts.
34. There are 9 UNESCO sites in Bulgaria. 7 cultural and 2 natural sites
35. Bulgaria has one of the fastest internet connections in Europe.
36. Sofia is one of the most affordable European capitals for a tourist to visit.
37. Bulgarian women are considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
38. Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is only 15 minutes away from Vitosha.
39. Bulgaria is third ranks in Europe in biodiversity with a number of rare and endemic species.
40. Last, but not least in the 40 Little Known Facts About Bulgaria: The Bulgarian flag consists of three colors: white, green and red, arranged horizontally from top to bottom. The color white is a symbol of hope, the color green is a symbol of our beautiful nature, and the color red is a symbol of the blood that has permeated our lands.

Tours of Sofia

One Day Tours from Sofia

Rose Festival Tours

Testimonials about us please check here: Trip Advisor Testimonials Easy Bulgaria Travel Ltd

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The Rose Festival in Kazanlak

The Rose Festival in Kazanlak takes place during the first weekend of June. The culmination of the festivities is on Sunday when the visitors enjoy the parade organized by the Kazanlak Municipality.

The Rose Festival in Karlovo

The Rose Festival in Karlovo takes places during the last weekend of May in the town of Karlovo.

The Festival of the Costumes in the village of Zheravna

The Festival of the Costumes in the village of Zheravna takes place in mid-August. During the three festival days, according to the rules, all participants have to dress in a folk costume, which can be authentic, stage or stylized. Also allowed are clothing from the early 20th century, old military uniforms, as well as traditional ones of other countries. No cameras are allowed ;))).

The Nestinarstvo Festival (Fire Dancing or Dancing on Hot Coals)

The Fire Dancing is a unique fiery ritual practiced in villages in southeastern Bulgaria, not far to the Black Sea coast. The performers dance barefoot on hot coals. The festival takes place every yaear around May 21, when in Bulgraia we celebrate the St. Constantine and Helena day.

The Festival of the Cherry in Kuystendil

The Festival of the Cherry takes place every year in the town of Kyustendil, usually in the last weekend of June.  Kyustendil is the region where the locals produce the best-quality cherries. They are regarded as heralds of summer and the gate that leads to fertility in the whole Kyustendil region.

The Surva Festival in the town of Pernik

One of the most popular Festivals in Bulgaria is The Surva Festival takes place in the town of Pernik. It is the biggest event of this type not only in Bulgaria but also on the Balkan Peninsula. It promotes variations of ancient Bulgarian customs that are still alive today. For two whole days groups from the country and abroad will show you their unique traditions, masks and costumes.

The International Bagpipe Festival in Gela

The International Bagpipe Festival in the village of Gela takes places every year in the beginning of August. The greenfields and vast pastures around the village of Gela gather thousands of people who take part in this festival of Bulgarian music and traditions. Participants enjoy the magnetism and the magnificence of the sound of the Bulgraian Bagpipe.

The Festival of the Yougurt in the town of Razgrad

Every summer in July, the Bulgarian town of Razgrad becomes a center of the unique Yoghurt Festival. This festival is combined with the Festival of Old Bulgarian traditions and Authentic Bulgarian Folklore.
Famous Bulgarian yoghurt companies offer their production at the festival as well as home made yoghurt. Visitors have the chance to taste the special Bulgarian yoghurt and try different dishes based on it. Traditionally every year at the Bulgarian Yoghurt Festival the participants take part in the “Best home made yoghurt” competition.

The Rozhen Festival (Rozhen National Folklore Fair)

Pirin Sings Folklore Festival

Pirin Folk Festival is an international festival of creativity in digital cultures, bringing together the world’s most talented creative coders, innovators, artists and designers. It takes place every year in September in the town of Sandanski, southwestern Bulgaria, near the border with Greece. Participants from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece and Romania take part in the contest.

Here you can find Our Tours for the Rose Festival in Kazanlak.

For other festivals please Contact Us!

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The Bulgarians love the nice table and the delicious dishes, the good wine and brandy. The Bulgarian table is before all a ritual and an opportunity for beloved people and friends to gather together and celebrate the occasion. Every region has rituals and rites of its own connected with the table. The result is a wonderful mixture of beautiful culinary views, aromas and tastes beyond explanations.

Why are the Bulgarian yoghurt and cheese so delicious?

Lets disclose this secret. They are made of the milk of cows, sheep and goats that have grazed at pastures rich in fragrant herbs. Milk which has in it much of the power of the still virgin nature of Bulgaria.

The Bulgarian yoghurt

It is a diary product, which is the result of milk`s fermentation. The name of the main micro-organism is Lactobacillus Bulgaricus and one can  find it in its natural state only at the territory of Bulgaria. The Bulgarian yoghurt has an exceptionally favorable effect upon human health. It balances the micro flora of the stomach, dissociates the harmful substances and strengthens the immune system.

The Bulgarian brine cheese

It is a unique national product which is made in our land from ancient times. Its origin is connected to the way of living of the ancient inhabitants which processed the milk with various products. The cheese is made of pre-heated milk which is cooled and then is made sour with the help of cheese sourdough and enzymes. Then it is filtrated and left to ripen for at least 45 days. Last step is to be salted and packed in boxes containing brine.

The cold yoghurt soup is a very popular summer soup. The necessary ingredients are yoghurt, chopped cucumber and dill, some nuts and salt to taste. All these whipped with water.

The Bulgarian cuisine will not be complete without the Bulgarian barbeque. The preparation of it is a ritual, which is not to be missed. A whole skewered lamb is being roasted on fire for 6 or 7 hours, while being slowly turned around and poured on with sauce to keep it juicy. In the mean time the people keep the the spirits high with glasses of heavy red wine and various appetizers. The most popular meat is pork, but also chicken and veal. Beef is not widely spread.

No wander a man feels like singing! And no wander that the Bulgarians are so cheerful people!

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The festival takes place every year, during the first weekend of June. This is the culmination of all the festivities that start in the beginning of May. The big event is the parade on the main street that attracts thousands of travelers from all over the world. Students from all schools in the region, kinder gardens, organizations and clubs parade on the main street dressed in different costumes. In the morning all the guests of the town visit the near by rose fields where they pick up roses, take photos and enjoy performances of folklore dances.

On Friday and Saturday evening there are folklore concerts and competitions on the main square in Kazanlak. All participants are dress up in traditional costumes presenting different regions of Bulgaria. The spectators enjoy the colorful Bulgarian garments and the beauty of the traditional Bulgarian dances.

During the Rose Festival in Kazanlak the visitors can attend different events. Very interesting is the Election of Queen Rose that takes place few days earlier. On the day of the parade, the Queen Rose is one of the main figures.

Rose Picking Ritual

It is one of the most exciting rituals during the festive period and the favorite to many tourists. If you want to experience rose picking you have to wake up very early in the morning, at around 5 am. The rose oil is concentrated in the petals until 11 am. Later, part of it goes down tp the stem and part of it evaporates.

The Bulgarian Rose Oil

Around 70% of the rose oil in the world is produced in Bulgaria. One can find the vast rose fields in the region called the Valley of Roses. This beautiful area is located between two mountain ranges – the Balkan Range and the Sredna Gora and its unique location defines the mild climate of the valley and the rich soil. To produce one kilogram (or 1200ml) of rose oil is necessary to collect 3500 kilograms of petals from the Damascena variety. It is the most popular sort of roses with biggest concentration of oil in its petals. To extract oil from the white variety called Alba will be necessary 5000 kilograms of petals. To boil rose oil from some other varieties, will be necessary between 8000 and 10 000 kilograms of petals.

Here you will find Our Tours Including the Rose Festival.

Dates of the Rose Festival in 2026 – June 6 and June 7.

For more information about the Rose Valley, Guide for the Rose festival and its history, please visit Bulgaria Rose Festival Guide 2026.

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Plovdiv was the first Bulgarian city chosen to be a Cultural Capital of Europe.

In 2019, twenty years after the city was a host of the Month of Culture in 1999, it celebrated the most prestigious cultural initiative of the European Union.

Visit Plovdiv – European Capital of Culture is a unique project for Bulgaria, which provided opportunities for the development of the potential of the city. Also, it acquired new international visibility and perspective of the Bulgarian culture as a whole.

Visit Plovdiv – European Capital of Culture 2019 included also activities and events in the South Central Region of Bulgaria.

Matera, the beautiful city in Italy, was the twin-capital, together with Plovdiv. The two cities collaborated actively and had common projects and initiatives. For 2019 Matera also represented the region of Basilicata.

Plovdiv Day Tour is a must-do tour when you visit Bulgaria. “Ancient and Eternal” Plovdiv is one of the most appealing cities in Bulgaria and the Balkans. The first foundations laid here between 6-8000 years ago, thus making it older than Rome or even Beijing. Plovdiv is a great combination of real historical and archaeological treasures with the liveliness of a modern city and great cultural and night life.

Recently in Plovdiv was open for visitors the Big Archbishop Basilica dating to the 4th century. It will capture you with its more than 2000 sq. meters of mosaics. On the floor have been depicted more than 200 hundred species of birds, many of them Christian symbols. The most impressive is the peacock, symbol of the immortality of the Church and of the Soul.

For our tours from Sofia to Plovdiv please have a look at our One Day Tour from Sofia to Plovdiv.

Testimonials about us please check here: Trip Advisor Testimonials Easy Bulgaria Travel Ltd

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– Best time to visit Bulgaria is in April, May and September, October
– Busiest months are May, June – September
– Hottest months are June, July and August
– Best time for the beach is July and August
– High Tourist season is from end of April to end of September
– Low season is between November – March
– Ski season is from end of December until beginning of March

The busiest tourist season is between end of April and end of October. The cultural and historical tourism is in April, May and June and then very busy is September and less busy, but still very nice in October. July and August are rather good for a beach holiday.

The Climate in Bulgaria

The climate of Bulgaria is temperate continental, with a Black Sea influencein the east and a Mediterranean influence in the south. The Average January temperature is from -2 to +2C or 28 -35F (down to -10C or -14F in the mountains). The average July temperature is 19-25C or 66-77F. The plains receive snowfall from mid-October to mid-May with an average of 25-30 days with a snow-cover. Hail falls between May and August.

Complete information about Bulgaria you will find here: About Bulgaria

Some of our Tours of Bulgaria you will find here: Bulgaria Tours

For Testimonials about us please see here: Trip Advisor

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