This day-trip to Bulgaria will take you to see the best of Bulgaria in one day. Leave in the morning to the Romanian-Bulgarian border you will arrive at the Ivanovo Rock Churches, a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site with perfectly preserved frescoes. Next stop will be done in Veliko Turnovo, the capital of the second Bulgarian Empire where you can tour inside the Tsarevets fortress from the 12th century. Step back in time on the Samovodene Artisans Street packed with workshops of locals where you can find a coppersmith, silversmith, icon painter and many more. Drive up to Arbanassi Village, an architectural reserve unique in Bulgaria. Visit the interior of Konstantilieva House, a merchants house from the 17th century. Before leaving Bulgaria take an exclusive visit to the town of Ruse with a short stroll in the central area.
- The day will start by meeting your local guide at your hotel and driving south from Bucharest, towards the Romanian – Bulgarian border.After crossing the Danube River and the Friendship Bridge, you will be entering Bulgaria, also known as the country of roses. Our destination is Veliko Tarnovo.
On the way there, we will be stoping for an exclusive visit of the Rock Hewn Churches next to the village of Ivanovo. These are Bulgarian Medieval churches, chapels and monastic cells hewn into the craggy gorge of Roussenski Lom River. Inscriptions, portraits of saints and other restored items are from the 13th century. A unique monument of Bulgarian Medieval Art included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The hills, meadows, mountains, caves, forests and several species, have contributed to the occupation of these places by the man from the antiquity to the present day. The first settlement dates back to 4300 years B.C.
A town with very rich history, Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and has long tradition in the culture of Bulgaria. The city is rich in museums and historical sites, combined with vivacious night life propelled by the students in one of the largest universities in Bulgaria.
Take a walk on the Artisans Street where you have the chance to pass by workshops owned by Bulgarian families for generations, preserving the old traditions. You will have the chance to see fully functional Coppersmith workshop where even to this day, the speciality is formed out of copper plates & cups for Turkish coffee. An icon painter is right next door, a miniaturist is exhibiting his art in the shinny window of a dusty building from the 19th century, while the silversmith is producing jewelry with traditional and contemporary motifs.
Hike up the Tsarevets Hill with the remains of the castle and church of the Bulgarian Kings. They were the ones that established the Bulgarian state after the byzantine domination in the 12th century. Visit the Fortress, the Patriarchal Church, the Royal Palace and the Emperor Balduin’s Tower.
Next we drive to Arbanassi and step back in time while wondering the streets lined with houses & churches dating back as far as the 16th century. Take a peek into the life of rich merchants from the 17th century while visiting the Konstantsalieva House, a typical house from the area, showing the lavish but simple lifestyle of the nobility.
Stop for lunch in one of the many restaurants serving local food and savor the famous Bulgarian cuisine famous worldwide for it’s diversity and unique taste.
Head back to Bucharest and if time allows, also take a brief walk in Ruse, Bulgaria’s first European style city with the first streets with curb stones and pavements, Viennese lanterns and catering establishments. Bulgaria’s first lift was installed here in 1896. The list of monuments is vast here, counting sites like the Main Square, Palace of Justice, Catholic Boarding School, French College, the Pantheon, the Neo-Gothic Church of Saint Paul and over 200 buildings designated monuments of culture.
In the evening arrive back to your accommodation after a day full of great sites and unique experiences.
INCLUDED
- Licensed Private Guide
- Pick-up and Drop-off at your hotel or at any other location of your choice in the city
- Modern & comfortable A/C car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
- VIP skip-the-line admission
- Bottled water
- Free Wi-fi in all our vehicles
EXCLUDED
- Lunch
- Photo fees
- Gratuities
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Eastern European Experience, the organizing tourism agency will not be held liable if the places visited are closed without prior notice.
Adult (18-90 years) / person:
85Euro/person
Starting daily from 07:30
✔ Free Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance