Private Historical Tour to Madara Horseman and Ancient Pliska

Varna , Bulgaria

Private Historical Tour to Madara Horseman and Ancient Pliska

Active

8h - 10h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

A journey that shall lead you the long gone glory times of the First Bulgarian Empire.
A journey to mystical and beautiful places
Morning pick up from your place of stay in Varna, or in the radius of 30km.
1st stop at Madara Horseman - Bulgarian national symbol and UNESCO world cultural heritage site. The Horseman is an amazing stone sculpture carved directly the cliff by unknown ancient artist. We will take a walk in a beautiful forest. For hiking lovers we can take a tour to the top of the cliff and to the Madara Fortress from XIVc.
Our 2nd stop will be Old Pliska - the old capital of First Bulgarian Empire. We will visit the ruins of rulers palaces and The Great Basilica of Pliska.
The last visit can be in the Cortyard of Cyrilic Alphabet - a museum dedicated to cyrilic letters and Bulgarian history and literacy. An iteresting exhibition of waxe figures of Bulgarian khans and tzars can be also seen.
Time for well deserved lunch in local traditional restaurant.

Available options

Private Historical Tour to Madara Horseman and Ancient Pliska

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

In-person guide: English, Russian

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

The first stop of the day – Madara Horseman. This monument was recognized by UNESCO as part of world's historical heritage in 1976. This unique gravure is carved directly in the cliffs on a height about 25-30 meters above the path. In the area there can be seen several caves and old sanctuaries from different historical periods.
On the top of the cliffs, there are remains of medieval fortress. The path to the top is a real challenge and it takes about 30 min walk to reach the fortress. Of course the views are more than breathtaking. Total time of walk with visitation of the fortress is 2h.

Old town of Pliska, where we will visit the remains of the first capital of first Bulgarian State and the ruins of Great Basilica of Pliska, built in 870 AD – one of the biggest Christian temples in Europe in that time. You will learn the history of the 1st Bulgarian State.

Our next stop will be called the Courtyard of the Cyrilic Alphabet with its collection of wax figures of some of the rulers of First Bulgarian khans and tzars, their clothes and armory and of course you can get to know closer the Cyrillic alphabet. In the court we will learn about the story of the Bulgarian literacy from its very beginning untill present times.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

RU EN

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Varna

Varna is a vibrant coastal city on the Black Sea, known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and lively cultural scene. Often called the 'Marine Capital of Bulgaria,' it offers a mix of ancient landmarks, modern attractions, and a dynamic seaside atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Varna Sea Garden

A beautiful seaside park with walking paths, fountains, and recreational areas. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (attractions may have fees)

Aladzha Monastery

A medieval cave monastery nestled in a forested area. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating glimpse into Bulgaria's religious history.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate

Varna Archaeological Museum

One of the oldest museums in the Balkans, housing a vast collection of artifacts from the region's rich history.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin

A stunning Orthodox cathedral with beautiful architecture and intricate frescoes. It's a significant religious site in Varna.

Religious 30-60 minutes Free (donations welcome)

Varna Beach

A popular beach with golden sand and clear waters. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half-day to full day Free (rentals and services may have fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Shopska Salad

A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and grated sirene cheese.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Banitsa

A flaky pastry filled with cheese, eggs, and sometimes spinach or meat.

Breakfast Vegetarian (unless filled with meat)

Kebapche

Grilled minced meat rolls, typically made with a mix of pork and beef.

Main Course Contains meat

Tarator

A cold yogurt-based soup with cucumbers, garlic, and dill, perfect for hot summer days.

Drink Vegetarian, Vegan (if made with vegan yogurt)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Golden Sands Nature Park Water sports at Varna Beach Sunbathing at Varna Beach Strolling through the Sea Garden Visiting the Varna Archaeological Museum Exploring the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Swimming Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather, sunny days, and the best beach conditions. The city is bustling with events, festivals, and tourists.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Bulgarian
Widely spoken: English, Russian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Time Zone

EET (GMT+2)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Varna is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis
• Be cautious of distractions and scams

Getting there

By air

Varna Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Varna Central Railway Station

By bus

Varna Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses are a cost-effective way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Yandex.Taxi, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Odesos Centrul Varni Chiflik Primorsko

Day trips

Golden Sands Nature Park

15 km from Varna • Half day to full day

A beautiful nature park with dense forests, hiking trails, and stunning views of the Black Sea.

Balchik

40 km from Varna • Full day

A charming coastal town known for its beautiful palaces, gardens, and beaches.

Provadia

30 km from Varna • Half day to full day

A town with a rich history, featuring ancient ruins, a medieval fortress, and a salt lake.

Festivals

Varna Summer International Music Festival • August Varna International Film Festival • September Varna Jazz Fest • July

Pro tips

Visit the Sea Garden early in the morning for a peaceful experience and beautiful photos.
Try the local seafood, particularly the fresh fish and shellfish from the Black Sea.
Explore the city's historic neighborhoods on foot to discover hidden gems and local charm.
Use public transport or rent a bike to get around the city and avoid traffic.
Check out the local markets for fresh produce, cheese, and handmade crafts.