The Valley of the Thracian Kings and Roses

About
A sightseeing trip to the history-rich town of Kazanlak - a place where the Valley of the Roses and the Valley of the Thracian Kings overlap. We will visit its archeological landmarks, including the Golyama Kosmatka tomb and the Kazanlak tomb – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights
• Explore the Golyama Kosmatka tomb, circa 5th century BC – the resting place of King Seuthes III
• See the Kazanlak Tomb UNESCO World Heritage Site and its exceptional ceiling mural
• Learn about the Bulgarian rose at the stunning Damascena Ethnographic Complex
Description
This trip takes us to the city of Kazanlak – a place where the Valley of the Roses and the Valley of the Thracian Kings overlap. It is a historic center surrounded by several major archeological sites. Particularly important are the Thracian tombs in the area. There are around 60,000 burial mounds scattered across the territory of Bulgaria, only 1000 of which have been uncovered and studied. What is known as the “Valley of the Thracian Kings” is where the rulers of these ancient tribes were buried with their horse and items they might need in the afterlife.

The Kazanlak Tomb (circa 4th-3rd century BC) is one of the most significant monuments of Thracian culture in the country, included in UNESCO’s list of global cultural inheritance. The remains of a man and a woman were buried inside. This tomb is known for the remarkable wall paintings covering the walls of the corridor and the dome ceiling. The murals depict scenes from the life of the Thracian ruler buried inside the tomb.
The rich history of Kazanlak is not limited to ancient times. It has retained its significance throughout the centuries, and to this day it is an important cultural center.
The Damascena Ethnographic Complex is located a few kilometers away from the town of Kazanlak and is the last stop of our tour for the day.

Damascena gives you the chance to experience the full range of rose products Bulgaria has to offer. You’ll learn about the techniques used to create the Bulgarian rose products, historically and today. You’ll have the chance to taste rose jam, rose honey, rose liquor and rose brandy. You can sample some of the variety of rose-derived essential oils. If you wish to take some of these exquisite products with you as a souvenir or as gifts, you can find all you need at the gift shop. The complex itself is part of that experience – the authentic traditional architecture and gorgeous garden, along with the delicious local cuisine served at its restaurant, make it a joy to visit and a great place to ease you into the world of Bulgarian rose oil.
Price per person
• For a group of 6-10: 28 €
• For a group of 4-5 or more: 32 €
• For a group of 2-3: 60 €
• For individual trekkers: 120 €
Inclusions / exclusions
The price includes
• Professional tour guide
• Transfers
The price does not include
• Lunch
• Entrance fee to the tombs
• Entrance fee to the Damascena Complex: 6 € per person for less than 6 people, 3 € per person for groups of over 6 people
• Rose beverage and refreshment tasting: 7 € per person
Notes
Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes.
Day Tours
Казанлък, България
Starting point - Plovdiv, Bulgaria
5 hours
Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring
Live tour guide available in English
Maxiumum number of participants - 10 people