Karlovo is a surprisingly lively hub for cultural and culinary tours, set amid Bulgaria’s stunning landscapes. Unlike larger cities, Karlovo offers a chance to connect with authentic traditions—be it through harvesting roses, making yogurt, or celebrating lavender. Our favorite? The Picking Roses Workshop & Extracting Rose Oil because it combines hands-on activity with a deep dive into Bulgaria’s fragrant heritage. Watching rose oil being distilled at a tiny local distillery is a sensory experience you won’t forget, especially when dressed in traditional folk attire. Plus, it’s a lovely way to learn about Bulgaria’s long-standing rose-growing traditions. If you’re curious about regional flavors, the Rose Jam Workshop and Leavening of Authentic Yoghurt is a close second, offering a tasty look into Bulgaria’s culinary heritage right in Plovdiv.
To help you decide, we’ve put together a quick overview of the best tours in Karlovo, complete with details about what makes each one stand out.
1. Picking Roses Workshop & Extracting Rose Oil in the Rose Valley
At number one on our list is the Picking Roses Workshop & Extracting Rose Oil experience. This 3-hour adventure takes place at the Gardens of Karlovo, where you’ll dive into Bulgaria’s most famous tradition—the harvesting of Damascene roses during the bloom season. You’ll don traditional costumes and pick roses by hand, learning about both the cultural significance and the practical process. Afterward, the workshop continues in a small distillery, where you’ll see how real Bulgarian rose oil and rose water are made using age-old methods. The experience is highly interactive, making it perfect for travelers eager to get their hands dirty and learn about Bulgaria’s fragrant craft firsthand. You’ll also visit a local rose soap factory, adding a fragrant touch to your day.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its authenticity and the warmth of the guides, who share their knowledge about Bulgaria’s rose industry—an important part of local life. With a perfect rating of 5.0/5 from four reviews, visitors consistently praise the “local flavor” and “fantastic experience.” At $150.10 per person, it offers a good value considering the depth of culture.
Bottom Line: If you love hands-on activities and want to learn a true Bulgarian craft, this tour offers an authentic, fragrant experience you’ll remember.
2. Rose Jam Workshop and Leavening of Authentic Yoghurt in a Traditional House
Coming in at number two is the Rose Jam Workshop and Leavening of Authentic Yoghurt—a treat for food lovers. This 3-hour tour takes place in a traditional Bulgarian house, where you’ll learn how to make rose jam during the peak harvest season between May and June. The guide will demonstrate the process of turning Damascene rose petals into sweet, fragrant jam, which has been made in Bulgaria for centuries. Alongside this, you’ll also see how Bulgaria’s famous yogurt is traditionally prepared, with a live cooking demo. Afterward, you’ll get to taste the homemade yogurt, fig jam, and a classic banitsa pastry.
This tour stands out for its focus on authentic flavors and hands-on participation. The intimate setting and the opportunity to taste fresh-made products make it ideal for foodies. With a 5.0/5 rating from a single review, the experience seems to leave a memorable impression, especially considering its reasonable price of $115.19 per person. The tour also includes private transfers from Karlovo, Plovdiv, or Sofia on request, adding convenience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those eager to explore Bulgaria’s culinary traditions, especially if you want to taste the results of your labor.
$115.19 per person
3. Karlovo: Skip the Line Tickets to Karlovo Lavender Festival
Number three on our list is the Lavender Festival held in Karlovo, a full-day experience for travelers who want to enjoy local festivities. Taking place on June 21st, this event celebrates Bulgaria’s beloved lavender harvest. With skip-the-line tickets, you’ll avoid long waits and jump straight into the action. The festival features the Lavender Harvesting Ritual, folklore performances, and local artisans showcasing Bulgarian traditions. You can sample homemade lavender tea and bread, making it a sensory-rich day.
While this tour doesn’t have reviews listed, the festival itself is a lively celebration of Bulgaria’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. It’s suited for travelers interested in festivals and outdoor experiences, with plenty of photo opportunities and chances to mingle with locals. The 12-hour day costs $93 per person, offering excellent value for a full day filled with cultural activities.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice if you’re visiting in June and want to experience Bulgaria’s vibrant festival atmosphere, complete with traditional music and food.
$93 per person
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When selecting the right experience in Karlovo, consider your interests, budget, and time constraints. If you’re fascinated by Bulgaria’s fragrant traditions and want a hands-on activity, the Picking Roses Workshop is hard to beat. For those who love food and local flavors, the Yogurt and Jam workshop offers delicious insights into Bulgarian cuisine. If your schedule aligns with June and festivals excite you, the Lavender Festival provides a lively cultural day.
Think about how much time you want to spend—each tour varies from 3 hours to a full day—and whether you prefer cultural, culinary, or festival experiences. Making arrangements in advance, especially for popular seasonal tours like the lavender festival, is advisable. For detailed information on each, visit the respective picking roses, yogurt and jam, and lavender festival pages.
Final Thoughts
Karlovo offers a variety of engaging tours that give travelers a genuine taste of Bulgaria’s traditions and flavors. Whether you choose the hands-on rose oil workshop, the culinary experience with yogurt and jam, or the lively Lavender Festival, each provides a unique way to connect with the local culture. For those who want a memorable, authentic Bulgarian experience, these tours are well worth considering—just don’t wait too long to book, especially during peak seasons.
If you’re planning your trip, think about what excites you most—aromatic roses, traditional foods, or vibrant festivals. With a bit of planning, you’ll find yourself immersed in Bulgaria’s rich heritage, ready to bring home stories as fragrant as the rose oil itself.