Bulgaria Day Trip: Private Tour from Bucharest

Bucharest , Romania

Bulgaria Day Trip: Private Tour from Bucharest

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(11 reviews)

10h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Learn more about Bulgarian history and culture

Romania and Bulgaria are neighbor countries with similar relief and climate but with different history, culture, traditions and architecture. See the difference between the two countries by visiting religious and historical sites in Bulgaria.

Often referred to as the "City of the Tsars", Veliko Tarnovo is located on the Yantra River and is famous as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, attracting many tourists with its unique architecture.

Available options

Bulgaria Day Trip: Private Tour from Bucharest

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pick-up & drop-off

Assistance during the entire tour

English-speaking guide

Minivan with professional driver (A/C)

What you'll see

Itinerary: Rock Monasteries & Medieval capital of Veliko Tarnovo

Basarbovski Rock Monastery "St. Dimitrius Basarbovski" is situated in the valley of Rusenski Lom river, near the village of Basarbovo, 10 km from the town of Ruse. It is the only active rock monastery in Bulgaria.

Two rooms and the cave dining room, built in 1956 are situated in the foot of the rocks. From this point, 48 stairs lead to a rock platform where the niche where St. Dimitrius slept is situated, according to the legend. To the right of it there is a rock church with a wood-carved iconostasis made in 1941, and next to it is the large icon of the saint, pictured in his full-length.

Ivanovo rock monastery "St. Archangel Michael" is situated 22 km from Ruse, within the borders of Natural Park "Rusenski Lom". A stair system in the rocks provides access for visitors to the various churches and chapels in the region. The monastery joins a number of complexes of rock premises. Wall-paintings which show the specifics of Bulgarian church art in the 13th – 14th century are preserved in six of the temples.

Veliko Tarnovo - Bulgaria's old capital and the site of great historical battles occupies a dramatic hillside location with the Yantra river winding through it. The whole town is postcard pretty in any season.

The relatively well preserved medieval Tsarevets fortress is the most visited historical site in the country. There is much more to see than Tsarevets, besides its historical hills, Veliko Tarnovo is also famous for multiple orthodox temples.

Be prepared to give your feet a good workout and wear sensible shoes as you explore the cobbled alleys and marvel at the houses built into the rocks overhanging the river.

What's not included

Entrance fees (EUR 10/person for all admissions)

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.1

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please wear comfortable shoes for walking

*Passport required on the tour date!

Important notes

Important!
• Please bring your passport on the tour
• You must have valid Schengen visa to visit Bulgaria
*The above will not apply for holders of valid short or long term visas and residence permits issued by UK, Ireland, Romania and Cyprus as these countries do not implement fully the Schengen acquis. Holder of valid short or long term visas and residence permits issued by these countries will be required to obtain Bulgarian national visas for visiting Bulgaria.

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