Bulgaria Excursion: Veliko Tarnovo Medieval Fortress & Arbanasi Village from Bucharest

Embark on a full-day excursion from Bucharest to Bulgaria and discover the enchanting Veliko Tarnovo Medieval Fortress and Arbanasi Village. Explore ancient fortifications, visit a cliff-carved monastery, and admire medieval architecture. Don’t forget your passport!

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • St. Dimitrii of Basarbovo Monastery - The tour’s first stop, St. Dimitrie Basarabov Monastery, is the only Bulgarian example of such a structure carved into a cliff that is still inhabited today, and its atmosphere will fill you with wonder. You will have a little time to explore this beautiful religious monument before we continue to the remarkable medieval settlement of Veliko Tarnovo, which was once the medieval capital of Bulgaria.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Entrance Tickets
Additional Information

Embark on a full-day expedition to Bulgaria, starting from your Bucharest hotel in the morning. Journey in a climate-controlled vehicle to the base of the Balkan Mountains. Visit the ancient town of Veliko Tarnovo guided by your tour leader. Here, you can behold the Tsaravets Fortress, a relic from the Middle Ages.

Proceed to the St. Dimitrie Basarabov Monastery, etched into a cliff and still occupied by monks. Proceed to the Arbanasi Village and marvel at the age-old architecture.

The day tour concludes with the ride back to Bucharest.

Ensure to bring an up-to-date, valid passport.

Location
St. Dimitrii of Basarbovo Monastery
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(43 Ratings)
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Andreia_g
Jun 19, 2024
Great tour - Our guide was wonderful and attentive. Great driver and very personable. It was a long way back and it was a very hot day but it was worth the trip.
Review provided by Viator
Tomr863
Jun 12, 2024
Beautiful views and Bulgarian history - We had a great day with Roxana. We visited a monastery that was built into the side of a cliff. Very unique. The highlight was a tour of the Tsarevets Fortress. Incredible views of Tarnovo.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kitty268
May 1, 2024
Nice way to Spend a Day - We enjoyed our ride over the Danube and into Bulgaria. The people were friendly, the excellent authentic food was inexpensive, and the guide knowledgeable. The highlight for us was the restaurant Ego, our guide took us to for lunch.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Krzysztof_k
Mar 26, 2024
Visiting Veliko - Our trip was enhanced by a guide who was not only knowledgeable but also genuinely attentive to our needs. Communication was a standout, as we were consistently updated, keeping us in the loop. Even when faced with the unexpected closure of a scheduled house visit, our guide swiftly arranged a delightful alternative, taking us to a beautiful waterfall. The lunch experience was equally memorable, situated in an excellent restaurant nestled among quaint souvenir shops. The food was superb, and the added pleasure of a scenic view truly rounded off a perfect day.
Review provided by Viator
D5549qhjohnw
Feb 23, 2024
Great day! - This was such a beautiful day out! The Rock Monastery was beautiful and fascinating but the highlight really was the medieval fortress! Wow! Stunning scenery, the church was surprising (in a good way) and we had fabulous food in the city! Our tour guide was great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joshuasg8659jm
Jan 8, 2024
Great Trip - Even Better Guide - We had an amazing day with our driver Alin. We really recommend booking this day trip because you get to visit the beautiful country of Bulgaria and also try some traditional food and take photos all day. The driver was the best, very fun to be with and made our day memorable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N5239kthannaa
Jan 6, 2024
Amazing Experience!! Our guide was the best! - You must go to this full day. It has many things different and beautiful seeseing. Our guide Alim from Ride2Ro was the best, he was very lo kindfull and funny as well as the explanation that was very clear! The tour was private it was better!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jim_k
Dec 19, 2023
A Great Day Trip with an Awesome Guide. - This was a wonderful day trip out of Bucharest to Bulgaria and it was made all the more special by Viktor, who was our driver and tour leader. It was a very personal experience since there were only the two of us and Viktor. He was a wealth of information and gave us great suggestions on what we might be interested in and shifted the day accordingly. Everything we did was well worth the price...which was a deal when you consider that it was a full 12-hour day. Viktor was so great that since he was available the next day, we were able to have him give us a more local tour of Bucharest and its environs. I would enthusiastically encourage using Viktor for this trip...and his specialty is outdoor excursions... kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, etc.
Review provided by Viator
Cynthia_j
Dec 9, 2023
Exceeded Every Expectation! - Having visited 93 countries, I can honestly say that Alin and Ride2Ro sent a standard of excellence unattained by others. The day before the tour Alin sent a message letting us know the predicted weather and appropriate attire. He arrived on time in a pristine vehicle. But that was only the beginning. We traveled with a friend who has limited mobility due to a heart issue. Alin's care and compassion were beyond kind - moving and reparking cars for his convenience, finding comfortable places for him to wait if the walk was too far, helping him exit the van, etc.. While providing for him, he offered our three active tourists incredible opportunities, never hurrying us, allowing us unlimited time to explore. While on drives to the sites, Alin demonstrated remarkable inuition - knowing when to chat and when to provide quiet time. His knowledge of history was prolific and accurate. A trained economist, he is reflective and insightful, willing to answer questions. After inquiring about our lunch dining preference, he communicated with an excellent restaurant, securing a prime table for us. The food was outstanding and well-priced. If you are able to secure a trip with Alin and Ride2Ro, you will be very fortunate.
Review provided by Viator
Keegan_t
Jul 5, 2024
Worst tour experience and tour guide we’ve ever had - Wow, in 30 years of traveling internationally to 40+ countries this is the worst tour experience I’ve ever had. Our tour operator was rude, didn’t introduce himself, laughed at our questions, didn’t give an overview of the day, had us pay for his lunch, and didn’t cover the outlined itinerary. Bulgaria is a lovely country, and I highly recommend just renting a car and exploring yourself. This tour was the biggest rip off ive experienced while traveling, save yourself
Review provided by Viator
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September 2024
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