- Private Guide Bulgaria
- Posts
- Bulgaria's Rose Festival is Back 🌹
Bulgaria's Rose Festival is Back 🌹
Hi travel enthusiasts 👋
Picture this: rows of rose bushes as far as you can see, the air thick with fragrance, folk music drifting across the fields, and locals in traditional costume carefully picking blooms at dawn.
That's the Rose Festival in Kazanlak, and it's one of those experiences that's hard to describe until you've been there.
The 123rd Rose Festival takes place June 5–7, 2026 in Kazanlak, Bulgaria, right in the heart of the Valley of Roses. We'd love to take you there.
Rose-picking ritual during the Rose Festival in Kazanlak
🌹 What's it all about?
Bulgaria has been growing Rosa Damascena (the rose variety behind fine perfumes) since the 17th century. The Valley of Roses produces around 70% of the world's rose oil, and every June, Kazanlak throws a proper celebration in its honour.
Over three days, the town fills up with rose-picking rituals, a carnival parade, open-air concerts, craft markets, wine tastings, and the crowning of the Queen of Roses. It's colourful, fragrant, and genuinely fun for solo travellers, couples, and families alike.
🎟️ How to join us
📍 Where: Kazanlak, Bulgaria (220km away from the capital Sofia)
🗓️ When: June 5th to 7th 2026
We organize both private and group tours from Sofia, starting from 130 EUR per person. You can choose which day of the festival suits you best, and optionally add a visit to the striking Buzludzha Monument or the Damascena rose distillery for a fuller day out.
The Rose Festival can also be added as a part of a longer Bulgaria or Balkans itinerary, just let us know.
What Our Guests Are Saying
“We want to see the Bulgarian Rose Festival. Adriana organize the itinerary and Kiril drives/ guides us. Kiril made our trip more enjoyable and memorable. He left a good impression at the first time we met. Thank again Kiril and Adriana for such professional services!”
“Had great views of the valley below on a day trip out to the Buzludzha Monument (aka UFO). Arrived nice and early at the rose harvest, so fewer people around and lots of roses still on the bushes! Our guides were fantastic and accommodating, their guidance on local foods was much appreciated. Great experience, totally recommend them!”
Ready to join us?
Spots fill up quickly for the festival weekend; contact us to secure your place. Just tell us your dates, group size, and whether you'd prefer a private or group tour.
Book your Rose Festival tour →
Or simply reply to this email, and we'll create your custom itinerary.
Let's travel together!
Adriana from Private Guide Bulgaria