Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi Full-Day Tour from Sofia

Sightseeing  :  Bulgaria  :  Sofia-city  :  Sofia  :  Full-day Tours

Veliko Tarnovo recently was chosen as one of the most beautiful cities that is built on a hill. On this tour, you will see this with your own eyes. Explore the majesty of the medieval capital of Bulgaria in its fortress, which still dominates the landscape of Veliko Tarnovo today, proudly standing on the banks of Yantra river. Feel the glory of the emperors from Assen dynasty, who have ruled the Balkan peninsula in 13th and 14th century. Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi tour starts at 8:30am from your hotel or accommodation in Sofia. After a 3-hour picturesque drive on different types of roads, we will reach the medieval capital of Bulgaria. Our first stop is the old fortress to explore the amazing history of its kings, the rulers of Bulgaria from Assen dynasty in 13th and 14th century. After a 2-hour walk between the mighty walls, which have survived numerous sieges, we head towards the city center. On our way to a lovely restaurant in front of Assen dynasty monument, we will make a small stop on one of the old streets of Veliko Tarnovo to learn how people had lived here in 18th and 19th century.

Stop for a break and enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch at your own expense before continuing to the nearby village of Arbanassi. Here, we will visit the church and its "Nativity of Christ" from 17th century, where you will see the oldest preserved wooden iconostasis, surrounded by amazing frescoes, representing the achievements of Tarnovo painting school. In the late afternoon, we start our journey back to Sofia.