Private Day-Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Bucharest

Bucharest , Romania

Private Day-Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Bucharest

Active

(7 reviews)

12h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This private day-trip to Bulgaria will take you to see the best of Bulgaria in one day. Leave in the morning to the Romanian-Bulgarian border you will arrive at the Ivanovo Rock Churches, a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site with perfectly preserved frescoes. Next stop will be done in Veliko Turnovo, the capital of the second Bulgarian Empire where you can tour inside the Tsarevets fortress from the 12th century. Step back in time on the Samovodene Artisans Street packed with workshops of locals where you can find a coppersmith, silversmith, icon painter and many more. Drive up to Arbanassi Village, an architectural reserve unique in Bulgaria. Visit the interior of Konstantilieva House, a merchants house from the 17th century. Before leaving Bulgaria take an exclusive visit to the town of Ruse with a short stroll in the central area.

Available options

Private tour 1 person

Full day private trip to Medieval Bulgaria taking in the most important sights including Ivanovo Rock Churches - UNESCO, Arbanassi Village, Veliko Tarnovo & Fortress and Artisans Street.<br/>Pickup included

Private tour 4-7 people

Full day private trip to Medieval Bulgaria taking in the most important sights including Ivanovo Rock Churches - UNESCO, Arbanassi Village, Veliko Turnovo & Fortress and Artisans Street.<br/>Pickup included

Private tour 2-3 people

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transport by modern A/C private vehicle

Private tour

Bottled water

Professional guide

Guaranteed to skip the long lines

Free Wi-fi in all our vehicles

What you'll see

You will start the day by going over the border to Bulgaria, so be sure to have your passport with you. Your first stop will be at the Ivanovo Rock Churches, a UNESCO world heritage site which is actually carved in the rock and has among the best preserved frescoes. Afterwards we visit Veliko Turnovo, once the capital of the second Bulgarian empire and also Tsarevets hill with the remains of the castle and church of the Bulgarian Kings. It dates back to the 12th century. Enjoy a walk on Samovodene Artisans Street packed with workshops of locals were you can find a coppersmith, silversmith, an icon painter and many more. Many of the workshops are there for 3-4 generations already.

The next stop will be the intriguing village of Arbanassi with an included visit to Konstantsalieva house, so you can discover the interior from a typical local house. Before setting off for Romania, last visit will be in the small town of Ruse that has a beautiful main square and pedestrian area. Together with your local guide you will be immersed in the town's charm and learn more about its history from the Roman times to modernity.

Arrive back to your hotel in the evening after a wonderful day filled with great sights, history and friends from Bulgaria.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.5

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

About Bucharest

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a vibrant city known for its blend of historic architecture and modern development. With a rich cultural scene, lively nightlife, and significant historical landmarks, it offers a unique experience for travelers.

Top Attractions

Palace of the Parliament

One of the largest administrative buildings in the world, a symbol of communist architecture and power.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €7-10

Old Town (Lipscani)

The historic center of Bucharest, filled with charming streets, cafes, restaurants, and nightlife.

Historical/Cultural Half-day Free to explore

Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)

An open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life with authentic houses and buildings.

Cultural 2-3 hours €3-5

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sarmale

Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat, rice, and spices, usually served with polenta and sour cream

Main Course Contains meat and gluten

Mămăligă

Polenta made from cornmeal, often served with cheese, sour cream, or meat dishes

Side Dish Vegetarian, gluten-free

Ciorbă

A sour soup made with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, or fish, often served with a boiled egg and sour cream

Soup Can be vegetarian or with meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Carpathian Mountains Skiing in Poiana Brașov Spa treatments Strolling through Herăstrău Park Visiting museums and art galleries Attending classical concerts at the Romanian Athenaeum Boating on Lake Herăstrău Skiing

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with the most outdoor activities and festivals. However, it can be crowded with tourists.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Romanian
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Romanian Leu (RON)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET), GMT+3 (EEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

Bucharest is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious at night and avoid poorly lit streets.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with unsolicited offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Henri Coandă International Airport • 16.7 km (10.4 miles) from city center
Aurel Vlaicu International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Gara de Nord, Băneasa

By bus

Autogara Nord, Autogara Sud

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and affordable. The metro system is the fastest way to get around Bucharest.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Lipscani) Dorobanți Cotroceni

Day trips

Peleș Castle

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

A stunning neo-Renaissance castle nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, once the summer residence of the Romanian royal family.

Bran Castle

160 km (100 miles) • Full day

A medieval fortress often associated with Dracula, offering a glimpse into Romania's rich history and folklore.

Sinaia

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

A beautiful mountain town known for its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Bucharest International Film Festival (BIFF) • April George Enescu Festival • September Bucharest Pride • June

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Romanian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Explore beyond the tourist hotspots to discover hidden gems and local culture
Use public transport or walk to get a sense of the city's rhythm and avoid traffic
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds