Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi Private Tour

79 € / per person

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Your Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi Private Tour

Join us for an unforgettable Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi Private tour, located 220km east of Sofia, where your adventure begins with a climb to Baldwin’s Tower and the top of the medieval Tsarevets hill, home to the grand Patriarchal Church. As you make your way back, you’ll also catch a glimpse of the Assen’s Dynasty Monument before enjoying a leisurely stroll down Samovodska Charshia Street, where you can pick up a handmade souvenir to remember your visit. After some free time for lunch or a snack, we’ll continue our exploration with a visit to the Nativity of Christ Church in Arbanassi, the oldest church in the area. Inside, you’ll marvel at the stunning frescoes from 1632 and one of the oldest preserved wooden iconostases, as well as vibrant murals depicting the life of St. John the Baptist and the fascinating wheel of life with zodiac signs. Finally, we’ll conclude the day with a scenic drive back to Sofia, leaving you enriched by the history and beauty of this remarkable region.

Quick information

Duration:

Start: 8:00 h
End: 19:00 h
Driving time – 6h and 30 min. approx.

Accessibility:

Very limited, lots of steps, cobblestone streets

Important:

Comfortable shoes (cobblestone streets)

Overview

Itinerary

Itinerary for Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi Private Tour

8:00 Departure to Veliko Tarnovo, located 220km east of Sofia. Immediately upon arrival we set on a climb to Baldwin’s Tower and the top of the medieval hill – the Patriarchal Church of Tsarevets. On your way back to the vehicle, you will take a glance at the Assen’s Dynasty Monument and then take a stroll over Samovodska Charshia Street where you will be able to buy a small handmade souvenir of your exciting trip..
14:00 Some free time for lunch or snack.
15:00 Before we go back to Sofia, we will take a look at the oldest church in Arbanasi – the Nativity of Christ with its beautiful frescoes from 1632 and one of the oldest preserved iconostasis from wood. The mural paintings include the life of St. John the Baptist, patron of the church, and the wheel of life with the 12 zodiac signs.
19:00 Arrival in Sofia.

More details

Veliko Tarnovo Overview

Veliko Tarnovo is a city in north central Bulgaria. Often referred to as the “City of Tsars”, Veliko Tarnovo is located on the Yantra River and is famous as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185-1396), attracting many tourists with its unique architecture. The old part of the city is situated on the three hills Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora, rising amidst the meanders of the Yantra.

On Tsarevets are the palaces of the Bulgarian emperors and the Patriarchate, the Patriarchal Cathedral, as well as a number of administrative and residential edifices surrounded by thick walls. Trapezitsa is known for its many churches and as the former main residence of the nobility. In the Middle Ages, the city was among the main European centers of culture and gave its name to the Tarnovo Painting, Artistic and Literature Schools.

Arbanassi is known for its rich history and large number of historical monuments, such as 17th- and 18th-century churches and examples of Bulgarian National Revival architecture, which have turned it into a popular tourist destination. It is set on a high terrace above Veliko Tarnovo where you enjoy a scenic overview of the city and the fortress Tsarevets.

Activity map

Departure point

Departure point for this tour is from your hotel or accommodation within Sofia city limits. You will be notified for the exact pick up time from our agents approximately 2 days before your tour.