Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria: A Unique UNESCO Heritage Site Tour
3.8
56 Ratings
Ivanovo
Embark on a day trip to medieval Bulgaria and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ivanovo Rock Churches. Discover the ancient capital of Veliko Turnovo and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this unique destination.
Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo - Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique frescoes
  • Tsarevets - Take a walk in the Fortress of the Kings from the 12th century
  • Хотел Арбанаси - Visit an architectural reserve unique in Bulgaria with typical traditional architecture
What's Included
  • Complimentary pick-up and drop-off at your chosen location in the city
  • Expert guidance from a licensed private guide
  • Travel in style with a modern, air-conditioned car or minivan
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Photo fees
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees
Additional Information

Embark on a day tour to Bulgaria, where you’ll explore the country’s finest. Starting the day at the Romanian-Bulgarian border, you’ll first visit the Ivanovo Rock Churches—a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting impeccable frescoes. Then, we’ll head to Veliko Turnovo—the heart of Bulgaria’s second empire—where you can explore the 12th century Tsarevets fortress. Indulge in a stroll through Samovodene Artisans Street, featuring local artisans’ workshops such as coppersmiths, silversmiths, and icon painters. We’ll then proceed to Arbanassi Village, a rare architectural gem in Bulgaria, and explore the 17th century Konstantilieva House, once a merchant’s residence.

Location
Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
3.8
(56 Ratings)
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Debbiet286
Jun 23, 2024
Worth the time and money if you’re goal is the visit new countries - I decided to make the most of my time in Eastern Europe and take this day trip to Bulgaria. I’m glad I went because it was worth the time and money to visit another country that I wouldn’t otherwise have seen. The main roads are one lane, so it takes a very long time to get anywhere, but it was cool visiting the monastery in the hillside and the fortress.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nomad546727
Jun 16, 2024
It’s nothing like Romania - Driver and Guide were great!! Ruse and the villages we went to were great. The castle was incredible. Plenty of stops for restrooms, stretching, and snacks. When exchanging for Bulgarian money , I would do 100 Romanian Lei so you have plenty of money for lunch, snacks, souvenirs, and other charges that may arise… like impromptu tours or access to village homes and properties and make sure you get small denominations. Unlike Romania, there are very few speakers of English. Pick up and drop off were smooth. The border crossing is unpredictable in regard to how busy and the time it takes to cross either way. We passed in under a half hour back and forth. Do not forget your passport.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Smacm989
May 15, 2024
Bulgaria Day Trip - Excellent day trip with very knowledgeable tour guide and great driver. Scenery was amazing- would recommend! Incredible history in this region.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancy
May 1, 2024
Fantastic trip! - It was a small group, we were picked up at the correct location and on time. Our guide was Helen, she was very knowledgeable, easy to understand and hear! She had great stories and told us ahead of time what to expect in each location.
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Sam
Apr 27, 2024
Good for a weekend - One lounge down town. Nice and relax city. Prices are not so low as you might expect. Nice and friendly people You still can smell the communist atmosphere
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Doug
Aug 1, 2024
Too much driving, and not worth it - It's a whole day's driving with a very early start to see a church in the rocks and the remains of a fort. Unless you're desparate to add Bulgaria to your country count, skip this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sabrina_n
Apr 18, 2024
Disappointed in Bulgaria - It was quite a disappointement, with the exception of the monastery in the mountains, at the second stop the manager of the temple was very rude to us and I guess it was because our guided hadn't scheduled our visit, the last stop in town was ok, but nothing special, so considering the overall experience, it wasn't a good one.
Review provided by Viator
Nathalie_r
Apr 17, 2024
I have a very bad... - I have a very bad experience they go without me and i have to call thèm to come back A lot of Road to see just a church a monastery and a forteresse I don’t recommand this agency
Review provided by Viator
Francianeamoedo
May 23, 2024
Horrible - Tour company contacted me via WhatsApp saying that there would be no tour as there was no demand on that date. Company refuses to cancel the reservation and refund my money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leslie_p
Apr 26, 2024
The tour operator in Bucharest cancelled the tour 15 hours before they were to pick us up. - Pick up was to b 7am Thursday. I was told by the tour operator that I called that they did not have a people to run the trip and it was cancelled = at 3pm on Wednesday!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
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August 2024
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