3 hour(s)
Check availability to see starting times
English
Live tour guide available in the language you select
Included
Save time and enjoy priority access with skip-the-line entry
Explore Veliko Tarnovo’s three majestic hills: Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora
Discover the Tsarevets fortress with palaces, towers, and the Patriarchal Cathedral
Visit Trapezitsa Hill and see medieval churches and remnants of the Tarnovo Artistic School
Enjoy captivating stories and insights from a local guide or via a self-guided option
Experience Bulgarian history, art, and culture up close
€ 139
€ 127.88
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
Journey back through centuries of history as you explore Veliko Tarnovo, one of Bulgaria’s most enchanting and storied cities. Rising proudly over the Yantra River, Veliko Tarnovo is built across three dramatic hills—Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora—that once formed the very heart of the medieval Bulgarian Empire. Walking through the imposing Tsarevets fortress, you will discover a maze of royal palaces, defensive towers, and the Patriarchal Cathedral, each stone carrying whispers of the city’s grandeur during its time as the Second Bulgarian Kingdom’s capital. Every corner reflects a tale of power, faith, and artistry, inviting you to step into the footsteps of emperors and nobles who shaped the nation’s destiny.
Yet, Veliko Tarnovo is far more than its mighty fortress. Trapezitsa Hill, the aristocratic quarter of the city, unveils a treasure of medieval churches, each adorned with fragments of the remarkable Tarnovo Artistic School, a beacon of Bulgarian cultural heritage. Alongside these historic landmarks, your local guide will bring the city to life with stories, insights, and little-known gems, ensuring you see Veliko Tarnovo not just as a destination, but as a living museum of Bulgarian history and culture. Whether you choose the independence of a self-guided journey or the depth of a privately guided experience, this exclusive tour ensures Veliko Tarnovo is revealed to you in its full splendor—majestic, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Hotel pick up and drop off
Professional local guide
E-guide with all sights info and audio guide
Food and drinks
Entrance fees
Gratuities
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Camera
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wear comfortable walking shoes
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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star service and tour guide, could not recommend higher. We visited Krushuna Falls and Devetashka Caves with Drago, who was friendly, welcoming and added his own personal spark to the day and tour. We received detailed explanations and background and approached areas that you wouldn’t on your own. It was a very personalised experience at a fantastic price.
A fabulous day. The tour began with an unexpected bit of exploration. We went to scout out a place my guide had been curious about: the Kabiuk horse farm. The farm was begun in 1864 to produce horses for the Ottoman army. We met a woman at the farm who first took us through their museum. Though small, the museum, nonetheless, offered fascinating information and artifacts, such as King Ferdinand's carriage. But the real treat was a trip to see the stars of the show: the horses. I couldn't count but it seemed as if a hundred or more horses, unbridled, were brought out for us to see. It was a truly spectacular sight. Next we went to the Madara Horseman, a figure of a horseman, dating back to the 7th or 8th century, carved into a cliff, accompanied by a hunting dog, thrusting a spear into a lion. We climbed the steps to the top (and whoever made those steps had very long legs) where we explored the old fortress. The view was breathtaking. Next we stopped at Pliska, the home of the capital of the first Bulgarian kingdom. Though I had seen pictures online, I wasn't prepared for the scale or sophistication in design of the place. And equally impressive was the nearby basilica. The final stop, like the first, was a bit unplanned. We stopped at the Tombul Mosque, the largest mosque in Bulgaria. Officially, I think we arrived after hours, but the Imam was both delighted and proud to show off his mosque. And well he should be. It is astonishingly beautiful. While this describes the events of the day, it doesn't convey the contribution of the most important factor: my guide. He was amazing. It's so clear that this is not simply his vocation but his avocation. We were just friends having a grand day of touring, and it was extra special seeing two hitherto unexplored areas by my guide. Again, such a wonderful day.
Very nice tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi, with our local guide Drago. He is smart, funny and entertaining. He is a genuine storyteller and transforms the historical texts in something more memorable. I don't remember now any year or king name, but I do remember the story with the plane flying below the bridge :) and many others, which make me want to come back and explore more of the city. Well done, Drago! I loved your enthousiasm, energy and (tons of) patience with us.
I had a very beautiful weekend in Veliko Tarnovo thanks to our guide, Drago.
I woke up, thinking "I want a tour", and even though noting was on they arranged something for me last minute! Great day, great tour, great knowledgeable tour guides and above all saw some really cool things. Would highly recommend!! Oh I forgot, super nice people as well :)
