We offer a two day tour to the Belogradchik area 120 km. North West of the capital, Sofia.

Day One

Belogradchik Rocks.

The formation of the Belogradchik Rocks started during the Permian period, about 230 million years ago, when the tectonic cycle was folding to create the Balkan Mountains and elevating the region of Belogradchik. The rocks are a group of bizarrely shaped sandstone, limestone and conglomerate rock formations located on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina). The rocks vary in color from primarily red to gray to yellow; some of the rocks reach up to 200 m in height. Many rocks have fantastic shapes and are associated with interesting legends. They are often named for people or objects they are thought to resemble.

Magura Cave

The Magura Cave is among Bulgaria's most famous and beautiful caves. It is located 18 km from the town of Belogradchik. The total length of the Magura cave is 2,5 km. The largest inland lake in the country, the Rabisha Lake, is situated in the vicinity of the cave. In one of the galleries of the cave, a special wine is produced which closely resembles the wines of Champagne, France due to the unique micro climate of the cave which are similar to that region.

Overnight on the Danube in the town of Vidin or a country house near Belogradchik.

Day Two

Baba Vida

Baba Vida is a medieval fortress in Vidin. It consists of two fundamental walls and four towers and is said to be the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country.

The construction of the fortress began in the 10th century at the place of an Ancient Roman watchtower. The building of Baba Vida is tied to a legend, according to which a Danubian Bulgarian king who ruled at Vidin had three daughters: Vida, Kula and Gamza. Prior to his death, he divided his realm among the three. Vida, the eldest, was given Vidin and the lands north to the Carpathians, Kula was awarded Zaječar and the Timok Valley, and Gamza was to rule the lands west up to the Morava. While Gamza and Kula married drunkards and warlike nobles, Vida remained unmarried and built the fortress in her city.

Notes on the Belogradchik Rocks and Magura Cave:
1949: The Bulgarian Committee of the Natural Environment declare the rocks as a natural monument.

1984: Belogradchik Rocks and the Magura Cave are both placed on the Tentative List of places to be named to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

1987: Belogradchik rocks are listed in the Bulgarian National Register of Natural Landmarks.

2008: Belogradchik iss named as one of twenty finalists by the European Commission as a “European Destination of Excellence.”

2009: Belogradchik Rocks are named as Bulgaria’s nomination in the campaign for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

The rose, a symbol of beauty and youth, is also known as the Queen of Flowers and has been of great interest to people since ancient times.

Originating in the gardens of China and India, the rose later spread all over the world as a cultivated plant. Several basic varieties, among them Rosa Damascena Milli, Rosa Indica, Rosa Gallica and Rosa Alba, are the core of the more than 10,000 different roses found today.

Brought from Persia more than 300 years ago, the oil-producing rose bush found splendid soil for growth in Bulgaria’s Tundja River Valley, located between Stara Planina and the Sredna Gora Mountains. The roses
and rose oil production bring a unique atmosphere to this valley and our aim is to enable you to emerge into it and experience its richness.

In 1903 the citizens of Kazanluk organized the first Rose Festival dedicated to the flowers’ beauty and grace. Based on ancient tradition,the Kazanluk Festival celebrates the rituals of rose gathering. Authentic folklore, kuker and folk dance ensembles participate in the Festival to recreate the joy and exhilaration felt by those who work in the rose fields. Festival guests are presented with wreaths of roses and treated to rose jam (“gyul”) and rose brandy. All guests take part in a procession celebrating youth, beauty and roses that moves along the streets of Kazanluk to the town’s Sevtopolis Square. In our program “Lyuba Tours” combines the official celebration of the Festival with a special series of events designed to enhance your appreciation and understanding of Bulgaria’s world famous rose industry and the history of The Valley of Roses.

Lyuba Tours can add excursions to the nearby Thracian tombs of Glyama Kosmatka, Ostrusha, Helvetia, and Shushmanets as well as a visit to the Golden Church of Shipka commemorating soldiers of the Russian-Turkish War and we can visit the Rose Institute and the Rose Museum.

Let Lyuba Tours organize your winter holiday at one of the main ski resorts in Bulgaria including Borovitz, Pomporovo, and Bansko. In addition to skiing, we can organize live folk music, snow mobile safaris, local excursions and much more for groups and individuals.

Lyuba Tours can organize any form of transport from luxury cars with driver to buses and minivans to cater to individuals or large groups. All transport is modern, safe and equipped with seat belts. Transport can be organized throughout Bulgaria for tourism, business, and events. Translators and guides can also accompany you on your journey.