Day Trip: Sofia – Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi

Visit the old Bulgarian capital on a day tour from Sofia. Send your requirements now and let me show you the best o my beautiful country.

At a Glance

Total Distance: 400 km.
Tour Duration: Full Day
Best period: All year
Price:  Depends on your personal needs and preferences

Highlights

Enjoy a one day tour of many highlights in the old Bulgarian capital
Take a walking tour around the medieval hill-fortress of Tsarevets
Visit the Nativity of Jesus Church with an unique frescoes depicting 2000 biblical scenes and over 3500 images of saints;
See the scenic architectural reserve of Arbanasi
Will be closely acquainted with the crafts in Bulgaria during our visit to craft workshops in Veliko Tarnovo

 

Detailed Program

09:00 Pick up from your hotel in Sofia
11:30 Veliko Tarnovo. Sightseeing and the Tsarevets fortress.
13:30 Lunch break
14:00 Visiting the church in Arbanasi
15:30 Transfer back to your hotel

Good to Know

Our walking tour through the Tsarevets fortress will last at least 40 minutes, so is good to have a warm clothes in the winter and long sleeve clothes, umbrella or sun protection cream during the summer months.
Bring a hat and sun and sunglasses the summer
Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended
Don’t forget your camera

Details about Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Turnovo, huddled in the initial folds of the Balkan mountains, lures with its scenery and charm of old houses and streets. The Yantra river winds by, and can be seen from the town’s most picturesque Gurko Street which leads visitors past olden time houses with unique architecture, with plenty of pots of scented flowers by the windows, and restaurants which offer delicious meals together with a view of the monument and the art gallery.

Veliko Turnovo is a university town. The Saints Cyril and Methodius University and the Vassil Levski Military University attract students from the whole country. But there is also a whole bouquet of sights. They literally dot the whole area of the old town. The Nativity Cathedral, the Tsarevets castle and Trapezitsa fortress, a number of old buildings built by eminent masters and turned into museums await everyone who appreciates learning about ancient history in picturesque settings.

Details about Arbanasi

The village of Arbanasi, 5 kilometers away from Veliko Turnovo, lies on a high plateau dividing the city from the town of Gorna Oryahovitsa which is an important railway station. The whole village is an architectural and museum reserve and ranks among the 100 most important Bulgarian sites which should be visited. According to legend, refugees from Albania settled there and gave it the name it bears now.

The Arbanasi site has existed since the epoch of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Then, Turnovo was the capital, and the tsars minted coins in Arbanasi. Cattle and silk worms breeding formed the livelihood of the residents. Trading was among the livelihood ways, too, as well as diverse crafts. Thus in the 17th century Arbanasi rose in importance as a trading site. The merchants’ houses dating from then resemble small fortresses. However, inside they are opulent and colorful, with woodcarving, plaster decorations, etc.

Benefits

  • No hidden charges
  • Pick-up/ Drop off from your hotel
  • This tour is private! No other tourists will come with you.
  • You decide when to do photo stops and breaks
  • Friendly local private guidePay only 20 % in advance and the rest at the end of the tour

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      Includes

    Transfer with mini van
    Entrance fees (Tsarevets fortress and Arbanasi church)
    All transportation costs along the route, fuel, VAT and parking fees
    English-speaking driver and tour guide
    Pickup and drop off from your hotel

    Excludes

    Food and drinks
    Tips and gratuities
    Personal expenses