Adventure Collective
Bulgaria Day Tour from Bucharest with TravelMaker - Bucharest

Bulgaria Day Tour from Bucharest with TravelMaker

Bucharesteasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

8–10 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness who can walk on uneven surfaces for several hours.

Overview

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.

Bus Tour
History Tour
București, București

Experience Bulgaria Tour

Min Age: 7+ • 11 hours • Small group shared tour

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About This Adventure

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.

Book the full-day Experience Bulgaria Tour from Bucharest to explore the northern part of Bulgaria and one of the most beautiful cities in the area – Veliko Tarnovo, known also as the City of the Tsars.

Duration

11 hours

About

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.

What to Expect

  • Small Group Tour for a more personal and intimate experience. A chance to discover Bulgaria while making new friends.
  • Friendly, Experienced Guide: Feel welcome, relaxed, and able to enjoy the tour to its fullest. Ask your burning questions and learn from your knowledgeable guide.
  • Get a comprehensive introduction to the country of Bulgaria from a historical, architectural and social perspective.
  • Visit Veliko Tarnovo, known also as the City of Tsars, one of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria
  • Visit Ivanovo Churches: UNESCO world heritage monument, the church on the rock, famous for their impressive XIII-XIVth century frescos
  • Admire Arbanassi - a picturesque traditional village with a medieval touch

Know before you book

  • This tour is not suitable for people with walking (stairs climbing) disabilities. We strongly recommend to book a private tour (with the same itinerary) in this case;
  • Ivanovo churches are closed between the 1st of December and the 31st of March. During this period, you will visit the Roman ruins from Nicopolis Ad Istrum or the Basarbovski Rock Monastery.
  • From March to October as well as December 16 to January 6, at least 4 people are required for this activity to take place
  • January 7 to February 29 and November 1 to December 15, at least 2 people are required for this activity to take place
  • If the minimum number of people is not reached, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund
  • By taking this tour, please remember that you are leaving Romania and entering Bulgaria. Please ensure that your Visa requirements are in order and that you carry your passport (or ID card for citizens of EU states).

Adventure Tips

Bring comfortable walking shoes

Expect uneven cobblestone streets and rocky terrain at historic sites like Veliko Tarnovo and Ivanovo Churches.

Carry local currency

While some places accept cards, small vendors and cafes in Arbanassi often take only Bulgarian leva.

Stay hydrated

Bring water for the day; Bulgarian summers can be hot, especially when walking outdoors.

Pack a light jacket

Weather can shift, particularly in spring and fall, bringing cool breezes on elevated sites like Tsarevets Fortress.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Common buzzard
  • European green lizard

History

Veliko Tarnovo was Bulgaria’s medieval capital and is celebrated for its fortress, Tsarevets, which played a key role in Bulgarian history.

Conservation

Sites like Ivanovo Churches benefit from ongoing preservation efforts that protect their ancient frescoes and surrounding natural landscape.

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Adventure Hotspots in Bucharest

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sturdy walking shoes

Essential

Protects feet on cobbled streets and uneven terrain throughout the tour.

Water bottle

Essential

Staying hydrated is crucial during warm sunny days.

summer specific

Light waterproof jacket

Essential

Keeps you dry during sudden spring showers.

spring specific

Camera or smartphone

Captures historic architecture and landscapes along the tour.