From Bucharest: Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria

Exploring Bulgaria’s rich medieval history from the comfort of Bucharest is an enticing prospect. This small group day trip promises an immersive experience, taking visitors through UNESCO-listed sites, fortresses, and charming villages. Travelers can expect knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and the opportunity to discover local crafts. With a reasonable price tag and flexible booking options, this adventure may just be the perfect way to explore Bulgaria’s captivating past. What makes this day trip particularly compelling, however, is the chance to witness the country’s stunning landscapes and gain a deeper understanding of its cultural heritage.

Contents show

Key Points

Small group day trip from Bucharest to explore medieval Bulgaria, including UNESCO-listed Ivanovo Rock Churches and the historic capital Veliko Turnovo.
Priced from $80.48 per person for a 12-hour tour with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Itinerary highlights include visiting Tsarevets Fortress, experiencing local crafts on Samovodene Artisans Street, and discovering the architectural reserve of Arbanassi Village.
Guided tour with local expert, transportation, and pickup from centrally located Bucharest accommodations provided.
Non-EU citizens should check visa eligibility, and travelers should allow extra time for border crossing during bridge maintenance starting July 9, 2024.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

This small group day trip from Bucharest takes visitors on an immersive journey to explore the medieval wonders of Bulgaria.

Priced from $80.48 per person, the 12-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Priced from $80.48 per person, the 12-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Pickup from centrally located Bucharest accommodations is included.

Highlights cover UNESCO sites, historic capital cities, local artisan workshops, and traditional Bulgarian cuisine.

With an overall rating of 4.2/5 based on 355 reviews, the trip offers a well-rounded experience showcasing the best of medieval Bulgaria.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Bucharest

Itinerary Highlights

The itinerary highlights a remarkable journey through medieval Bulgaria, showcasing some of the country’s most captivating historical sites and cultural experiences. Visitors will explore the UNESCO-listed Ivanovo Rock Churches, explore the rich history of Veliko Turnovo, and discover the architectural gem of Arbanassi Village. Along the way, they’ll have the chance to tour Tsarevets Fortress, stroll along Samovodene Artisans Street, and visit the Konstantilieva House to learn about 17th-century merchant life. Lunch featuring local Bulgarian cuisine is also included, providing a flavorful taste of the country’s culinary heritage.

| Destination | Highlight |

| — | — |

| Ivanovo Rock Churches | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

| Veliko Turnovo | Capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire |

| Tsarevets Fortress | 12th century castle remains |

| Samovodene Artisans Street | Local workshops and crafts |

| Arbanassi Village | Architectural reserve |

Travel Experience

Travelers meet their local guide at their centrally located Bucharest accommodation and embark on the journey to Bulgaria via the Friendship Bridge.

They stop at the Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for an exclusive visit.

In Veliko Turnovo, they explore the city’s museums, nightlife, and historical sites, including the Tsarevets Fortress dating back to the 12th century.

The group hikes up Tsarevets Hill to see the castle remains and a church.

They also experience the work of local artisans, such as coppersmiths, along Samovodene Artisans Street.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

How do customers rate this small group day trip to medieval Bulgaria? Based on 355 reviews, the overall rating is 4.2 out of 5.

Customers praise the knowledgeable and helpful guide, who spoke multiple languages. The transportation also received high marks at 4.5 out of 5.

Reviewers felt the trip offered good value for money, rating it 4.2 out of 5. Highlights included the exclusive visit to the Ivanovo Rock Churches, exploring the historical sites in Veliko Turnovo, and experiencing the local artisan workshops.

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 for the guide, this trip seems to provide an informative and enjoyable experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visa Requirement

What is the visa requirement for this small group day trip to medieval Bulgaria? Non-EU citizens must ensure their visa eligibility for multiple entries prior to booking this excursion. The Friendship Bridge that connects Romania and Bulgaria will undergo maintenance starting July 9, 2024, for approximately 2 months. As a result, travelers may need to arrive earlier at the border crossing. The visa requirements are as follows:

| Traveler Type | Visa Needed |

| — | — |

| EU Citizens | No visa required |

| Non-EU Citizens | Visa may be required, check eligibility |

| Permanent Residents of EU | No visa required |

| Children under 12 | No visa required |

| Senior Citizens (65+) | No special visa, standard rules apply |

There's plenty more to explore in Bucharest

Bridge Maintenance

Starting July 9, 2024, the Friendship Bridge that connects Romania and Bulgaria will undergo maintenance for approximately 2 months.

This could impact the start time for the Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria. Travelers are advised to allow extra time when crossing the border during this period.

The tour operator will communicate any changes to the pickup schedule as needed. Guests are encouraged to arrive at their pickup location earlier than usual to ensure a smooth start to the day trip.

Maintaining this vital border crossing is necessary, and the tour provider will work to minimize any disruptions to the experience.

Booking Information

Travelers can book the Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria directly through the tour operator’s website or by contacting their customer service team.

The price starts at $80.48 per person, and the trip duration is 12 hours. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and travelers can reserve their spot and pay later.

Pickup from centrally located accommodations in Bucharest is included. Non-EU citizens should ensure visa eligibility for multiple entries.

Due to bridge maintenance starting July 9, 2024, earlier departure times may be required.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria includes several key features to provide a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.

The tour price covers round-trip transportation from Bucharest, admission fees to all sites, a local Bulgarian lunch, and the services of a knowledgeable guide.

Plus, the trip offers:

Exclusive access to the UNESCO-listed Ivanovo Rock Churches.
Exploration of Veliko Turnovo, the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire.
Immersion in the architectural heritage of Arbanassi Village and Konstantilieva House.

The only exclusions are personal expenses, such as souvenirs and gratuities for the guide.

Common Questions

Is the Tour Available on Weekends?

The tour is available on weekends. The trip details indicate it’s a daily small group tour, so customers can book the tour on any day of the week, including weekends.

Can I Visit the Fortress on My Own After the Tour?

Yes, you can visit the Tsarevets Fortress on your own after the tour. The tour includes a guided hike up Tsarevets Hill, but you’re free to explore the fortress and its ruins further at your own pace once the guided portion is complete.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Miss the Pickup?

If you miss the pickup, you’ll need to cancel at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in forfeiting the full trip cost.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Trip?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the trip. The tour includes a lunch featuring local Bulgarian cuisine, but guests are welcome to supplement this with their own snacks and beverages if desired.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

The information provided doesn’t mention any student or senior discounts for this trip. Customers should check with the tour operator directly to inquire about any available discounts or special pricing options.

The Sum Up

This small group day trip from Bucharest to medieval Bulgaria offers an exceptional value at just $80.48 per person. Travelers can explore UNESCO-listed sites, historic fortresses, and charming villages, all while enjoying knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation. With free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later, this adventure is a convenient and memorable way to discover the rich history and stunning landscapes of Bulgaria.

You can check availability for your dates here: