Day Trip to Bulgaria and Veliko Tarnovo from Bucharest

Discover the Unique Charm of the Day Trip to Bulgaria and Veliko Tarnovo from Bucharest

This 11 to 12-hour guided tour offers a seamless journey across borders, combining cultural insights with scenic stops. For $80.47 per person, it includes pickup from central Bucharest, comfortable transportation, and a small-group setting that ensures personal attention. The trip features a visit to the Saint Dimitar Basarbovo Monastery in Bulgaria, the historic Veliko Tarnovo, and the picturesque village of Arbanasi. With most bookings made 38 days in advance, it’s a popular choice for those eager to explore Bulgaria in a single day.

Travelers are especially drawn to the tour’s expert guides, who make the long ride pleasant and informative. The tour’s flexibility with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance adds to its appeal. While the admission tickets for some sites (like Veliko Tarnovo Fortress) are not included, the overall experience balances affordability with rich cultural discovery.

Key Points

• Visit Bulgaria’s Saint Dimitar Basarbovo Monastery just 35 meters above the Rusenski Lom River
• Explore Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s first capital, with free entrance
• Stroll through Arbanasi, a charming village on a high plateau
• Includes transportation, guide, and pickup from central Bucharest
• Approximately 11-12 hours from start to finish, with a small-group size
• Optional tickets for Veliko Tarnovo Fortress are about 5 euros per person

Starting Point and Early Departure at 7:30am

The tour begins at the Statue of Gheorghe Lazăr in central Bucharest, with pickup available at fixed locations. Early morning, the professional driver and guide lead a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle on a journey that lasts around 2 hours until reaching Bulgaria. The tour’s timing is tailored to maximize sightseeing and allow for a relaxed pace.

Visiting Saint Dimitar Basarbovo Monastery in Bulgaria

The first stop is the Saint Dimitar Basarbovo Monastery, a Bulgarian Orthodox cave monastery perched about 35 meters above the Rusenski Lom River. This monastery, in north-eastern Bulgaria, features a cave setting that adds to its spiritual charm. You get about 1 hour to explore this site, which is located near the village of Basarbovo, and learn about its history and architecture.

Note that admission tickets for the monastery are not included, so visitors should be prepared for an additional fee if they wish to enter. The guide provides commentary, making the visit educational and engaging despite limited time.

Exploring Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s First Capital

Next, the journey continues for about an hour to the historic city of Veliko Tarnovo. This city is famous as Bulgaria’s first medieval capital, and it’s known for its medieval fortress and vibrant history. The 2-hour visit allows ample time to walk through the old town, admire the architecture, and soak in the atmosphere of this cultural hub.

While entrance tickets for the Veliko Tarnovo Fortress are not included, the surrounding views and historical sites are accessible for free. The guide explains the significance of the city while allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.

Visiting the Village of Arbanasi on a Scenic Half-Hour Walk

From Veliko Tarnovo, the tour makes a half-hour walk to the village of Arbanasi. This charming high-altitude village sits on a plateau between Veliko Tarnovo and Gorna Oryahovitsa. During the 1-hour visit, you’ll appreciate the traditional Bulgarian architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic churches.

Arbanasi provides a peaceful contrast to the busy city, with photo opportunities and a chance to experience rural Bulgarian life. After the visit, the group returns to the vehicle for the 3-hour drive back to Romania, completing a comprehensive day of sightseeing.

Comfortable Transportation and Guide Assistance

Throughout the trip, travelers benefit from transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The guide uses an audio system to ensure everyone can hear the commentary clearly, which is especially helpful given the social distancing measures in place. The small-group size, limited to 18 travelers, promotes a more personalized experience and easier interaction.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour includes pickup from fixed locations in Bucharest, making logistics straightforward. It starts early at 7:30am, with a return to the same meeting point around late evening. While admission tickets for certain sites like Veliko Tarnovo Fortress are not included and cost about 5 euros per person, this allows flexibility in how visitors choose to explore.

The cancellation policy is flexible, offering a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before the trip. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with good weather conditions recommended, as some walking and site visits are outside.

The One-Day Cross-Border Adventure

This tour’s main draw is its ability to cover two countries in one day — starting in Romania and crossing into Bulgaria via the Danube. The border crossing is a highlight as travelers watch the scenic river and border customs. The price point of $80.47 offers good value considering the full-day itinerary, transportation, and guided commentary.

The experience provider, day travel, takes pride in delivering a well-organized and informative trip, with positive reviews emphasizing the knowledgeable guides who make the long ride enjoyable. The single review in the data describes the guide as “knowledgeable” and mentions that he “made the long ride seem shorter”.

Final Thoughts on the Bulgaria and Veliko Tarnovo Day Trip

This tour offers an excellent chance to experience Bulgaria’s historical sites and rural charm without needing to spend multiple days. It suits those who appreciate guided travel, comfortable transportation, and a manageable schedule that balances sightseeing with travel time.

While some sites require additional tickets, the overall cost remains attractive, especially given the professional guidance and the opportunity to see two countries in just over a day. The small-group format ensures a more personalized experience, perfect for visitors who want a relaxed yet enriching trip.

Travelers seeking a cultural, scenic, and efficient day trip from Bucharest will find this tour a worthwhile choice, especially with the notable guides making the journey informative and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are entrance tickets included for the monasteries and forts?
No, tickets for Saint Dimitar Basarbovo Monastery and Veliko Tarnovo Fortress are not included. The fortress admission costs about 5 euros per person.

What is the start time for the tour?
The tour departs at 7:30am from the Statue of Gheorghe Lazăr in central Bucharest.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed with manageable walking distances and comfortable transportation. Good weather is recommended for outdoor visits.

What should I prepare for the border crossing?
Travelers should carry their identification and expect a border check when crossing from Romania into Bulgaria. The border crossing is part of the experience but typically quick.

How flexible is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is operated by day travel, with contact details including a phone number (+40721505691) and email ([email protected]).