Day Trips from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo

Book a tour to Veliko Tarnovo and discover the city and surrounding region with a friendly guide. Veliko Tarnovo is one of the oldest cities in the country, and its history dates back more than 5 millennia. The Byzantine Citadel, first built in the 5th century, has become one of Bulgaria's most famous monuments. Tarnovo boasts many other archaeological wonders in the process of being unearthed and restored; see an excavation of a royal residence in progress at Trapezitsa Hill. Walk to the top of the hill Tsarevets, where the royal citadel is placed and see the reconstructed palace and Patriarchate. The meanders of Yantra river are enjoyment for every one especially for photographers.

With a shared past dating back to the Middle Ages, Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi are widely considered among the most historically significant sites of interest in Bulgaria. With this tour, reach Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi with ease from your Sofia hotel, and discover top local landmarks including the 12th-century Tsarevets fortress. Gain insight into life here in the 18th and 19th centuries, and admire 17th-century frescoes and iconostases in the nearby village of Arbanassi.

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s medieval capital, and Arbanasi, a postcard-perfect village known for its fortress homes, are two of the nation’s top historical destinations—and more than a 6-hour round trip from Sofia. Skip the hassle of negotiating buses and taxis and enjoy the insights of a licensed guide on this small-group tour, direct from your Sofia address. Please note that entrance fees to the Tsarevets Fortress are at your own expense.

Experience old-time Bulgaria on this small-group tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi from Sofia. Travel by air-conditioned minivan to Tarnovo, a one-time medieval craft center and capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Stroll the cobbled streets, discover the craft shops, explore Tsarevets Fortress, once a stronghold of Bulgaria’s tsars, and visit nearby Arbanassi village, famous for its well-preserved stone houses and church frescoes. Central Sofia pickup and drop-off included, with entrance fees at own expense.

Embark on an exciting one-day trip from Sofia to the charming town of Veliko Tarnovo, the historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Visit the majestic Tsarevets Fortress, a medieval stronghold that has proudly stood since the 12th century Your journey begins early in the morning from St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and follows a scenic road at the foot of the Balkan Mountains. An English-speaking driver-guide will comfortably take you to Veliko Tarnovo. Despite the three-hour transfer from Sofia, the breathtaking landscapes and rich history make this journey well worth it. Upon arrival, the guide will distribute audio guides and headphones to you. The guide will accompany you throughout the entire walking tour of Veliko Tarnovo. He will raise a sign with the number of the site, and you will enter this number into the audio guide. The audio guide will share interesting and little-known facts about these places in your preferred language.

Discover a historical side of Bulgaria on a 12-hour tour to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi. Thanks to all-inclusive transportation from Sofia, there’s no need for you to interpret cyrillic signs or worry over timetables. Begin with a guided visit of the medieval hill fortress, which served as the country's capital for over two centuries. Continue with the area's main attractions including Samovodska Charshia, Assens Monument, and the village of Arbanassi.

Head to the heart of Bulgaria’s beautiful countryside with this comprehensive day trip from Sofia. A perfect pick for travelers interested in historical sites—the tour visits Tsarevets Fortress, the architectural reserve of Bozhentsi, and the Open Air Ethnographic Museum ETAR in a day. To help you make the most of your day and avoid time waiting around for public transport, transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle are included.