Veliko Tarnovo from Sofia

This town is a spectacle. With its mountainous landscape and houses perched on top of the hills it makes for a stunning view. It is a place steeped with history, yet bustling with life. Veliko Tarnovo beckons you to explore the true Bulgarian traditions.

If you take a climb up the Samovodska Charshiya Street with its craft workshops and ins from olden times you will get a feel of what Bulgaria was like centuries ago. Amidst the beautifully renovated Revival period houses you will come across various goods. There is pottery, copper items, wood carving, weaving, icon painting, traditional sweets and a bakery.
The Hadji Nikoli Inn is a must drop-by spot. The inn was commissioned in 1858 by Hadji Nikoli – a famous Turnovo tradesman who took an active part in the struggle for an independent Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Kolyo Fitcheto, a native of Veliko Tarnovo and a masterful architect and mason, designed the building. Connoisseurs reckon that it even resembles a Venetian palace. The inn is still functioning and features a restaurant, a cafe, a wine-bar with a wine shop and a museum.

Tsarevets fortress

At the end of the crafty street you will reach the town’s high spot (literally speaking). Dominating the city’s skyline is the Tsarevets fortress where the medieval kings of Bulgaria reigned. Its strategic location is no accident. Apparently the Thracians, the Romans and the Byzantines have used the hill as a defensive position too. For over 200 years this fortress served as the stronghold of Bulgarian kings. It housed the royal and patriarchal palaces as well as some 18 churches

There is an evening audiovisual show twice or thrice a week that takes you through centennial history with laser lights and dramatic music. You can observe the show for free at the entrance of Tsarevets, on Tsar Ivan Asen II Square – the best viewing spot in town.

Arbanassi

Nearby the medieval capital of Bulgaria, at a distance of 3 kilometers by car, is the architectural reserve of Arbanassi. The settlement was the summer residence of the boayrs or the local lords during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (12th-14th C).

Arbanassi impresses with its monumental houses and churches including the Church of the Holy Nativity which is the oldest in the reserve. All of churches feature remarkable woodcarvings and wall paintings created between 16th-18th centuries. Strolling down the cobbled narrow streets you are bound to lose track of time. Besides, the place is a gourmet haven. There are plenty of traditional restaurants where you can order Bulgarian specialties at your heart’s (and stomach’s) content!

<<<For detailed information, please click the green button>>>

CHECK AVAILABILITY - VELIKO TARNOVO

You would like to see more! Everything is possible!

For more information:

• Veliko Tarnovo – Wikipedia
• Tsarevets (fortress)
• Arbanasi (Veliko Tarnovo)

Check as well:

Day trips from Sofia

• Rila Monastery
• Plovdiv
• Koprivshtitsa
• Sofia

Looking for some more ideas:

• History & Culture
• Festivals and more
• Nature & Outdoor activities
• Wine & Spa Getaway
• Day trips from Sofia

Create your own itinerary and don’t forget that we can organize traditional lunch, dinner or just to give you a great ideas where to spend your free time. You decide what, when and how.