Private Day Trip to Bulgaria and Veliko Tarnovo From Bucharest

A private day trip from Bucharest to Bulgaria’s northern highlights promises an immersive cultural experience. Travelers will cross the Danube River, tour the impressive Tsarevets Fortress in the medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo, and discover the UNESCO-listed monasteries and churches in the quaint village of Arbanassi. With a professional English-speaking guide, transportation, and entrance fees all included, this comprehensive tour allows visitors to explore Bulgaria’s rich history and heritage. But the true allure lies in the opportunity to witness the country’s well-preserved architecture and spiritual legacy firsthand.

Key Points

• This private full-day tour takes visitors from Bucharest to explore the northern highlights of Bulgaria, including the medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo.
• The tour includes visiting the UNESCO-listed monasteries and churches in the picturesque village of Arbanassi and touring the impressive Tsarevets Fortress.
• Highlights of the tour are crossing the Danube River into Bulgaria, exploring the well-preserved 17th and 18th-century architecture in Arbanassi, and admiring the beautiful churches and monasteries.
• The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide, transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, and bottled water, with entrance fees covered.
• The tour is not wheelchair-accessible and not recommended for travelers with specific medical conditions, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tour Overview

This private full-day tour from Bucharest allows visitors to explore the northern highlights of Bulgaria, including the medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo and its UNESCO-listed monasteries and churches.

The tour starts with crossing the border into Bulgaria and the Danube River. Visitors will then tour the hilltop Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, which was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire.

The tour also includes a visit to the charming village of Arbanassi, known for its well-preserved 17th and 18th-century architecture.

Throughout the day, travelers will enjoy a personalized experience with a private guide and transportation in a modern vehicle, making this an ideal way to discover the best of northern Bulgaria.

Key Highlights

The tour’s key highlights include:

Crossing the Danube River into Bulgaria, exploring the medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo, and visiting the UNESCO-listed monasteries and churches in the picturesque village of Arbanassi.

In Veliko Tarnovo, you’ll tour the impressive Tsarevets Fortress, which was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire in the Middle Ages. The fortress boasts impressive architecture and stunning views over the Yantra River.

In Arbanassi, you’ll admire the beautiful churches and monasteries, such as the Nativity Church, known for its vibrant frescoes and iconography.

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy the personalized attention of a private guide and the comfort of modern transportation.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide, transportation in a modern vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off, and bottled water. Entrance fees are also covered.

Lunch, however, isn’t included and will cost approximately 12 EUR per person. Personal expenses and any photography fees are also excluded from the tour price.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with heart/medical conditions. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is a private experience with only your group participating.

Traveling Logistics

For this private tour, guests receive confirmation at the time of booking. However, the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with specific medical conditions, such as back problems, heart issues, or for pregnant individuals. Plus, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is a private activity with only your group participating.

This personalized day trip offers the opportunity to explore northern Bulgaria’s highlights with a private guide and transportation.

The key travel logistics to be aware of include:

1. This is a private tour, so only your group will participate.
2. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.
3. Bottled water is provided, but lunch is an additional cost of approximately 12 EUR per person.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours before the tour’s start time, at which point guests will receive a full refund. However, no refunds are offered for cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance.

Plus, any requests for changes to the booking within 24 hours of the start time won’t be accepted.

This flexible cancellation policy allows travelers to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if necessary without incurring penalties. The tour operator understands that unexpected circumstances can arise, so they’ve designed a policy that balances the needs of guests with the logistics of operating the tour.

Ultimately, this policy ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience for all participants.

Visiting Veliko Tarnovo

On the private day trip from Bucharest, visitors explore the medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Perched atop several hills, the city offers stunning vistas of the Yantra River and its surrounding landscape.

The main highlight is the Tsarevets Fortress, a well-preserved medieval stronghold that was the seat of the Bulgarian monarchs. Visitors can wander the fortress walls and admire the stunning architecture, including the Royal Palace and the Patriarchal Cathedral.

Visitors can explore the artisanal shops and cobblestone streets of the Varosha neighborhood, known for its traditional Bulgarian crafts.

Visitors can also visit the Arbanassi village, a UNESCO-listed site famous for its beautiful 16th-17th century churches and historic homes.

Exploring Tsarevets Fortress

At the heart of Veliko Tarnovo stands the imposing Tsarevets Fortress, a well-preserved medieval stronghold that was once the seat of the Bulgarian monarchs.

Visitors can wander the fortress walls, marveling at the stunning architecture, including the Royal Palace and the Patriarchal Cathedral.

The fortress boasts an intricate network of towers, walls, and fortifications that protected the city during its heyday in the 12th-14th centuries.

Guests can explore the ruins and imagine the vibrant life that once thrived within these walls.

The fortress also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding city and the Yantra River below, providing a glimpse into Bulgaria’s rich history and architectural legacy.

Discovering Arbanassi Monasteries

After exploring the impressive Tsarevets Fortress, the private day trip takes visitors to the charming village of Arbanassi, home to several well-preserved 17th-century monasteries that showcase Bulgaria’s rich religious heritage.

Nestled atop a hill, the monasteries feature stunning frescoes, intricate woodcarvings, and ornate architecture. Three highlights include:

1. The Church of the Nativity, known for its vibrant frescoes depicting Biblical scenes.
2. The Konstantsalieva House, a former monastery that now operates as a museum, showcasing traditional Bulgarian furnishings and artifacts.
3. The Arbanassi Ethnographic Complex, which provides insight into the region’s history and cultural traditions.

Wandering through these peaceful monasteries offers a glimpse into Bulgaria’s spiritual past and the country’s enduring devotion to its Orthodox Christian roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cancel the Tour for Any Reason?

According to the cancellation policy, the tour can be canceled up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. However, no refund is provided for cancellations less than 24 hours before the start time.

Does the Tour Include Lunch or Is It Extra?

The tour does not include lunch. Lunch is an additional cost of approximately 12 EUR per person. The tour provides transportation, guide services, entrance fees, and bottled water, but lunch is an exclusion that must be paid separately.

Is This Tour Suitable for Travelers With Physical Disabilities?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with physical disabilities, as it’s not wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for those with back problems, heart/medical conditions, or pregnant travelers. The tour requires moderate physical activity.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can take photos during the tour. The tour provider doesn’t mention any photography fees, so travelers are free to capture the historic sights and scenery they encounter along the way.

Is This a Group Tour or Private Tour?

This is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate. The tour is not a shared group experience but a personalized experience with a private guide and transportation for your party.

Recap

This private day trip from Bucharest offers a comprehensive exploration of Bulgaria’s northern highlights.

Visitors will cross the Danube, tour the impressive Tsarevets Fortress, and discover the well-preserved architecture and spiritual heritage of Arbanassi.

With an English-speaking guide, transportation, and entrance fees included, this immersive experience provides an in-depth look at Bulgaria’s rich history and culture.