Five-day olfactory journey to Bulgaria

13-18 October, 2025, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Experience a unique perfume-making week in Bulgaria!

An olfactory expedition designed to elevate your understanding of fragrance creation.

The event, which includes field trips to local producers as well as full-day perfume-making classes, is ideal for those who want to gain advanced knowledge quickly.

Classes will cover natural and synthetic perfume ingredients, accord-building, perfume creation, and other essential information for independent perfumers.

This perfume week will highlight two luxurious notes: tobacco and saffron. Our journey includes an exclusive visit to a tobacco absolute production facility and a stroll through a picturesque saffron garden.

In addition to these highlights, a variety of other locally sourced materials will be explored, including rose absolute, beeswax absolute, oakmoss absolute, and helichrysum essential oil.

You will have the opportunity to study the interplay between natural and synthetic materials, learning about their advantages and constraints. The goal is to empower you to build your fragrance compositions, thoughtfully integrating new materials, minimising waste, and introducing sustainable methods and materials.

Highlights

Daily perfume-making activities with Sarah McCartney of 4160 Tuesdays: Through hands-on and “nose-on” practices, participants will familiarise themselves with different aromatic materials and learn how to build a fragrant composition. All necessary materials and equipment for perfume-making will be provided.

Field trips:

• Saffron Harvesting - a full-day visit to a saffron garden combined with a culinary experience - learn about this precious spice, often referred to as "red gold," and its significance in Bulgarian culture.

• Join a half-day guided tour to a local Tobacco Absolute extraction facility to learn about Bulgaria's rich tobacco heritage and the extraction methods of the absolute.

Locally produced perfume materials, such as tobacco absolute, oakmoss absolute, beeswax absolute, rose absolute, rose CO2, helichrysum oil, and lavender oil, will be available at preferential prices.

Cultural Immersion: Combine a stay in Plovdiv, Bulgaria,one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with an unforgettable visit to a saffron field in the Rhodope Mountains for a unique cultural and sensory experience.

Important Details

The perfume-making classes will take place at the Art Gallery Philippopolis, conveniently located just a few minutes from your accommodation at the Hillhouse Hotel.

Course Facilitators: Silvia Yonkova, Roseoverdose, and Sarah McCartney, 4160 Tuesdays.

Dates: 13 - 18 October 2025

Location: Plovdiv, Bulgaria (Fly directly from the UK or land in Sofia and arrive in Plovdiv in about 1 hour and 20 min)

Focus: Exploring sustainable perfumery styles using materials from perfume plants in Bulgaria and other parts of the world.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Silvia at silvia@roseoverdose.com or +359888790007.

Is this experience for you?

This perfume-making week is perfect for anyone passionate about scents—whether you're a beginner or have some experience. Not only will you leave with your own crafted perfume, but you will also gain valuable skills and insights into the perfume industry. Join us for this immersive experience and unlock the secrets of creating captivating fragrances that tell a story. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot early!

Price categories and payment options

There will be two different price categories released as follows:

• “Early Bird”, starting at 1800 Euros/Person - from 10 November to 31st of Januray’25;

• “Standard”, starting at 2000 Euros/Person - from 1st of February'25 to 30th of Jun’'25;

• “Final Call”, starting at 2200 Euros/Person - from 1st of July’25 to 1st of September'25;

• Deposit: You can secure your spot by paying a non-refundable deposit of EUR 300;

• Installment payments: Split the total amount into two or three installments. The first payment is the deposit to secure your spot, and the rest is due at predetermined intervals, monthly or bimonthly, depending on your preferences. Installment payments are not available after August 1st.

• Payment methods: online via the website, Revolut, PayPal, or bank transfer - details can be provided upon request;

• Discount: If you decide to join us with a friend and occupy the same hotel room, both of you will receive a 10% discount on the total amount.

Please don't hesitate to contact Silvia at silvia@roseoverdose.com or +359888790007 to arrange the details of your payment (s).

What is covered
The perfume-making classes, the field/distillery visit, and the accommodation in Plovdiv.

What is not covered
Flight tickets to and from Bulgaria, transfers to/from Plovdiv, travel insurance, and any personal expenses.

Deadline
You can claim your spot by the 1st of September 2025

Refund Policy

• Deposits are non-refundable.

• If the total amount for the experience has been transferred and a refund is claimed by February 1st, 2025, 100% of the amount, excluding the deposit, is refundable.

• If the total amount for the experience has been transferred and a refund is claimed by May 1st, 2024, 50% of the paid amount, excluding the deposit, is refundable.

• After the 1st of May 2024, no refunds will be made.