Veliko Tarnovo – Capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185 – 1393)
Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria, is brought to you with more than 7000 years of history. The houses, stacked one above the other, situated on the sloppy hills of the town show a remarkable, unique architectural style. The bridges, unexpectedly flying over the river, palaces and towers, spectacular museums, ancient columns with writings left by proud rulers, monasteries with unique murals and the Arbanassi fortress-houses.
The region around boasts many attractive landscapes and scenic landmarks. The appearance of the city’s immediate surroundings is shaped by deep valleys flanked by steep limestone rocks. There are remarkable trails, such as the “Negovanka” eco-trail (in the village of Emen), “Preobrajenska” eco-trail just a few kilometers outside of the city, eco-trails to the village of Arbanassi, Dryanovo monastery’s eco-trail and many more, which will take you to scenic sights such as caves, narrow gorges, waterfalls and spectacular lookout points.
If you visit this unusual city whose stone houses seem perched one above the other on the steep bank of the Yantra river, you will first be taken to Tsarevets – the place of the patriarchal church, royal palaces and Baudouin’s tower. Then you will be shown another hill – Trapezitsa – where the foundations of 17 mediaeval churches have been unearthed. You will marvel and enthuse over the Bulgarian National Revival period architectural ensembles on Gurko Street. The original Samovodene Market has been brought back to life and skilled craftsmen fashion and sells exquisite objects in small workshops. At night, Tsarevets Hill lends the natural décor to a fantastic SOUND AND SIGHT spectacle. Today the architectural and museum reserve Tzarevetz is one of the most visited sites of cultural and historical tourism in Bulgaria.
Being a country of ancient cultures Bulgaria possesses a number of towns and settlements which have been existing for millennia on end. Veliko Tarnovo is among the “younger” ones. It is not one of the most ancient Bulgarian towns, but undoubtedly, it is the recognition of both Bulgarians and foreigners that it is the most Bulgarian town! A town, the spirit of which personifies Bulgaria and its deep roots. Our aim is to show not only the architecture of this town – unique and out of the ordinary, but also to make you feel the atmosphere reigning here, which makes it unusual and makes everybody, who has seen it, fall in love with it forever.
What to see
Tsarevets fortress
Trapezitsa Fortress
Trapezitsa Fortress is located on the beautiful Trapezitsa Hill, located near Veliko Tarnovo. It is the second fortress of the medieval Bulgarian capital Tarnovgrad (Veliko Tarnovo). It is located on the right bank of the Yantra River, northwest of Tsarevets. It is a natural fortress surrounded on three sides by the river.
Archaeological Museum of Veliko Tarnovo
The archeological monuments exhibited in it illustrate the thousand-year history and culture of the Veliko Tarnovo region. The greatest attention is paid to the period when the city was the capital of the Bulgarian medieval state. The museum has unique exhibits that deserve your attention.
Museum of Illusions
The museum has over 85 illusions, optical and physical, that will transport you to a new world: holograms, 3D paintings, a levitating sphere, an inverted room, an Ames room. Their exhibition continues to evolve, just like any of us. Their team works tirelessly to present you the latest and greatest exhibits known and unknown to mankind. Fun is guaranteed everywhere.
Marno Pole Park
Marno Pole Park is located near the city center and is one of the most popular places for recreation. In the past there was a medieval settlement here, and today the park is most lively during the weeks in which it becomes a stage for the annual international folklore festival, various concerts and cultural events.
Audio-visual show "Sound and Light"
Sound and Light is a unique attraction in Europe. Dramatic music, colorful lights, lasers and church bells, gathered in one, tell the glorious and tragic history of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. The aim of the show is with the means of music and spectacular lighting to build a memorable emotional image of the hill-fortress Tsarevets, bringing together the whole historical essence, grandeur and glory of the ancient capital Tarnovgrad – became synonymous with the Bulgarian spirit and national pride.
Museum of wax figures
The multimedia visitor center “Tsarevgrad Tarnov” is located near the hill Tsarevets. Unique for Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula tourist attraction is on two floors and contains 29 sculptural figures of famous historical figures. It presents historical figures and memorable events from the period of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom in the form of sculptures and murals. Visitors can touch the rich history of Tarnovgrad as a symbol of royalty, military glory and spiritual power.
Mini Bulgaria Park, Veliko Tarnovo
Mini Bulgaria Park is the only one of its kind in the Republic of Bulgaria and is the most unforgettable landmark in Veliko Tarnovo. The park includes all the distinctive sights of Bulgaria in the form of models. It is extremely impressive how you can see the most significant sights of Bulgaria in one place.
Vladishki Bridge
The Vladishki Bridge in Veliko Tarnovo was built 250 years ago. It was built over the Yantra River in 1774. The bridge connects the two biggest attractions of the boyar town – the fortresses Tsarevets and Trapezitsa. As you walk along Vladishki Bridge, look down to see the huge fish swimming in Yantra.
Tours which include Veliko Tarnovo
Discover Bulgaria for 5 nights
With this trip you will see the famous Rila Monastery. It is a monument in the UNESCO list of world heritage and is situated in the highest mountain on the Balkans – Rila Mountain. It is one of the best sellers for individual travelers and groups. The Monastery dates back to the 10th century, famous for its ornate interior and colorful frescoes. Enjoy sightseeing in Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo. You will see the lovely Valley of Roses. The village of Arbanassi is a wealthy crafts and trade hub that you will find very interesting.
read more
Discover Bulgaria 8 nights
Koprivshtitsa – Veliko Tarnovo – Etara – Valley of roses – Plovdiv – Rila monastery. This tour comprises many interesting experiences in Bulgaria. You will see Koprivshitsa’s 19th century houses with their colorful courtyards, surrounded with high stone walls and gates; the unique collection of old-times water-driven machinery in Bulgaria; the symbol of Bulgaria – the ‘Rose Flower’ and many more.
read more
12 Days Touring Bulgaria
Touring palm-size Bulgaria is an exciting experience – it is as if you are entering an open-air museum. It lacks nothing and abounds in hospitality and natural attractiveness.
For those who come to Bulgaria to get away from their tedious routine, there is the leisure of the Black Sea and the magic of the Old Bulgarian museum towns and monasteries.
11 Days Monastery Tour
Bulgaria adopted Christianity during the reign of Tzar Boris (852-889). Now Bulgaria belongs to the Eastern Orthodox Church, which for centuries protected the identity of the Slav community.
The religious monuments – monasteries and churches – inspired a sense of security, creating perfect conditions for theologians and philosophers, thus founding the future cultural and spiritual moral of the Bulgarian nation. This program will introduce you to the top of masterpieces of monastery art and architecture, to the fate of the nation, to the sacred places of our history.
10 Days Touring Bulgaria with a private car
Run away with a private car and have an unforgettable fairy-tale adventure. With its royal comfort you will be overwhelmed by the nostalgic spirit of an irretrievably lost world from the beginning of the century. We invite you to DISCOVER an exciting experience of the past, to FEEL the magic of the fascinating nature where this romantic performance is staged. To TOUCH the treasures of the Bulgarian cultural traditions. The atmosphere of this trip is a splendid mixture of the charming old days and the sophistications of modern times.
read more
7 Days Architectural Museum Towns
Many remarkable architectural monuments from different periods of Bulgarian history have become a part of the world cultural treasure-house.
Remains of the millennial cultural heritage of Tracians, Romans and Byzantians; architectural landmarks from the time of Ottoman rule; perfect examples of homes, public buildings and places of worship, built during the National Revival Period – all places of interest are included in this tour.
Location
Request a quote
Just tell us what you would like to see and we will plan a personalized trip according to your interests and taste.
Why us?
Private Groups & Tailor-made Tours
Attention to detail
Perfect planning and organization
We put in an extra effort to help you feel the spirit of Bulgaria!