Day Trip from Sofia to
Veliko Tarnovo and Etar Complex

Includes

Licensed tour guide/driver
Private Transportation
All transportation costs along the route, fuel, VAT, and parking fees
Pickup and drop off from your hotel in Sofia

Excludes

Food and Drinks: Meals and beverages are not included in the tour price.
Tips and Gratuities: While optional, tipping is greatly appreciated. Offering a gratuity is a thoughtful way to thank your guide for their expertise and hospitality.
Entrance Fees: Admission to Etar complex and Tsarevets fortress depends on group size and can be paid on arrival.
Personal Expenses: Any additional personal costs, such as souvenirs or extra snacks, are not covered.

Benefits

Friendly English-speaking tour guide/driver who is knowledgeable about the local culture, history, and attractions.
Personalized attention, ensuring that all your questions are answered and your needs are met throughout the tour.
Opportunity for spontaneous stops, whether it’s for photos, local snacks, or additional sights, giving you a unique and memorable experience.

Tour Itinerary

Pick up from any location in Sofia in the morning (8:00-9:00)
Transfer to Veliko Tarnovo (2:30- 3 hours)
Visit the Tsarevets fortress and the craft street in Veliko Tarnovo
Stop for lunch in a traditional restaurant (optional)
Transfer to Etar Ethnographic complex (40 min)
Free time to explore the landmark and the Bulgarian craft shops
Transfer back to Sofia (3 hours)
Drop off in your hotel in Sofia

Good to Know

Duration of the Tour: The Day tour to Veliko Tarnovo from Sofia is usually very long because the total driving time is around 6-7 hours. You will be in Sofia in the late afternoon.
Comfortable Footwear: This tour includes walking tours around historical sites such as the Tsarevets Fortress and the Etar Complex, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Expect cobblestone paths and uneven terrain.
Weather Considerations: The tour operates year-round. During the summer months, be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses as it can get warm, while winter visits may require warmer clothes.
Local Crafts and Souvenirs: The Etar Complex offers a unique opportunity to buy handmade crafts directly from artisans, so consider bringing cash for souvenirs as card payments might not be available at all shops.
Meals and Refreshments: There will be opportunities to stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Traditional Bulgarian cuisine is served in both Veliko Tarnovo and the Etar Complex area. Snacks and water are recommended, especially during summer.

More About Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

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, and restaurants that offer delicious meals.

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

Other day trips from Sofia with us:

• Day tour to Rila Monastery
• Day tour to Plovdiv
• Day tour to Melnik with optional wine-tasting
• Day tour to Seven Rila Lakes
• Day tour to Buzludzha and Kazanlak
• 2-Day trip to Nis, Serbia
• 2-Day trip to Skopje, North Macedonia