Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi Small-Group Day Trip from Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria

Great choice

5+ bookings last month.

11 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

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.

Full-day trip to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi from Sofia
Journey to Veliko Tarnovo, a former Bulgarian capital and medieval crafts town
Visit the hilltop Tsarevets Fortress (own expense) and learn about Tarnovo’s history
Explore old streets filled with wood carving, gold, arts, and craft shops
Explore Arbanassi, known for its fortress-style houses and fresco-painted Church of the Nativity of Christ
Includes air-conditioned minivan transport and central Sofia pickup and drop-off, with entrance fees at own expense
Small group of six people or fewer

What's Included

Professional guide
Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Entrance fee - Entrance fees to the tourist sites (approx. 40 BGN/20 EUR)

€20.00 per person

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 9, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria
The meeting point is next to the Vasil Levski Monument, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Vasil Levski Monument (Pass By)

Veliko Tarnovo

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Arbanasi

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Vasil Levski Monument (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobbled streets
It is recommended that you bring sun lotion, sun glasses and a hat

Minimum age is 6 years
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.5

based on 13 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

A good day away from Sofia

Soraya_N, Jul 2025

Veliko Tarnovo is quite a different place and the "Tsarevets" (fortress) is definitely worth the trip!

A wonderful and unforgetable day

Angela_O, Aug 2024

The day tour to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi was great, also Maria, our Guide, and Teodore, the driver, were excellent, very profissional.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Dear Angela, Thank you very much for your kind words. We appreciate your time and are glad you enjoyed your trip. Maria and Todor were very happy with your kind words, too. We are looking forward to seeing you again in the future for more tours together. Best regards, Nora Dobrinska (Traventuria Team)

Great price and worth a visit

Agam_P, May 2023

Amazing experience, interesting history and culture. Fortresses beautiful and alot of great walking throughout the tour.

Response from Host, May 2023

Dear Agam, Thank you very much for your feedback. It was a pleasure to read. We are happy to know that you have been impressed with Bulgarian nature and history, and we are sure our country has so much more to offer! Our team will be glad to show you more places, looking forward to seeing you in Bulgaria again! Kind regards, Nora Dobrinska (Traventuria Team)

Great day out

James_H, Apr 2019

All good but felt at times we were expected to stop at shops and do shopping. I don't go on holiday to go souvenir hunting and would rather spend the time sightseeing

Historic sightseeing, but plenty of travel time

Luis_M, Aug 2025

Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of Bulgaria, and the fortress of Tsarevets attests to this. However, it is a journey that takes a long time by bus and the one that remains to visit freely the fortress (very ruined) and the city is not too much.

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