Bulgarian Roses – Thracian Tomb – Veliko Turnovo

We enjoyed a wonderful jam-packed day of touring.  Much of the day was spent in the mountains where the trees are currently a vibrant green colour.

Bulgaria is known world-wide for its “Rose Oil” production.  The harvest season starts in a couple weeks and lasts for a month.  Roses are picked in the early AM.  We visited a large rose oil producer and admired their multi-million dollar facility.  Of course after our tour and tasting (rose jam and 40% alcohol rose liquor) everyone purchased rose products in their well-stocked gift store.

A delicious luncheon was held in a wonderful restaurant in the town of Kazanlak, Bulgaria.

Afterwards we visited UNESCO’s, Thracian Tomb of Kazanaik – AMAZING!

Later we continued to ETAR – an impressive representation of a Bulgarian Village in the revival period.  Many local craftsman were working in their shops and I purchased a “few” of their high-quality products to bring home – so did a number of my passengers.

Daniel, our local host enjoys the authentic Turkish Coffee that they prepare in one of the little very unique cafes at ETAR.  The server put the coffee pot on a bed of hotel sand and then prepared his coffee.

For two nights we are staying in the touristy town of Veliko Turnovo where the views are spectacular!

Dinner was served in one of the towns finest restaurants – we basically filled the place.  Their food was scrumptious – the piano player extremely talented – and the interior was awesome.