easy
8–10 hours
Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness who can walk on uneven surfaces for several hours.
Cross the Romanian border with TravelMaker’s full-day tour into Northern Bulgaria. Walk ancient fortress grounds, admire UNESCO-listed churches, and taste authentic Bulgarian cuisine on this small-group cultural adventure.
Min Age: 7+ • 11 hours • Small group shared tour
Embark on a captivating full-day tour from Bucharest to Northern Bulgaria, exploring the historic City of Tsars, Veliko Tarnovo. Discover UNESCO-listed Ivanovo Churches, renowned for their stunning frescoes, and wander through the charming village of Arbanassi. Enjoy delicious Bulgarian cuisine and immerse yourself in the rich culture and architecture of this enchanting region.
11 hours
This Experience Bulgaria Tour from Bucharest is a small-group full-day tour to Northern Bulgaria. Founded on the banks of the Yantra River, Veliko Tarnovo used to be the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. The tour also includes a visit to the impressive Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo and the picturesque traditional village of Arbanasi.
After one hour of driving from Bucharest, you will cross the border to Bulgaria over the Danube river, the second largest river in Europe, and then stop at Ivanovo to visit Ivanovo Churches (UNESCO heritage since 1979). In the Valley of the Rusenski Lom River, the rock-hewn churches are famous thanks to their impressive XIII-XIVth century frescos.
The second stop will be in Veliko Tarnovo, one of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria, on the banks of the Yantra River. Also known as the City of Tsars, Veliko boasts an impressive fortress with the ruins of the former Tsarevets Palace and the patriarchal church, nowadays with modern and intriguing paintings. The medieval atmosphere is well preserved in the city thanks to the old architecture and the narrow streets where you can admire local artisans and their work. There are plenty of excellent restaurants in Veliko Tarnovo and we will choose one to enjoy the tasty Bulgarian food together with one of their fine wines.
The Village of Arbanassi is the next place you will visit, is located very close to the city. Arbanassi is a quiet and picturesque village, which even today keeps the medieval touch through the old architecture.
The Experience Bulgaria tour ends after returning to Bucharest.
Expect uneven cobblestone streets and rocky terrain at historic sites like Veliko Tarnovo and Ivanovo Churches.
While some places accept cards, small vendors and cafes in Arbanassi often take only Bulgarian leva.
Bring water for the day; Bulgarian summers can be hot, especially when walking outdoors.
Weather can shift, particularly in spring and fall, bringing cool breezes on elevated sites like Tsarevets Fortress.
Veliko Tarnovo was Bulgaria’s medieval capital and is celebrated for its fortress, Tsarevets, which played a key role in Bulgarian history.
Sites like Ivanovo Churches benefit from ongoing preservation efforts that protect their ancient frescoes and surrounding natural landscape.
Protects feet on cobbled streets and uneven terrain throughout the tour.
Staying hydrated is crucial during warm sunny days.
summer specific
Keeps you dry during sudden spring showers.
spring specific
Captures historic architecture and landscapes along the tour.