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Bulgaria
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Plovdiv Province
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Plovdiv
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Tours & Activities
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Veliko Tarnovo - Arbanassi - Shipka Memorial Church - Private Day Tour from Plovdiv
1 day
Private
Instant confirmation
About this activity
First head towards the Shipka Memorial Church which is an outstanding Bulgarian Orthodox temple built between 1885 and 1902 near Shipka town at the foothills of the Balkan Range. The Shipka Monument complex is dedicated to the Russian, Ukrainian and Bulgarian soldiers who died for the liberation of Bulgaria in the Russo - Turkish War in 1877-78.
Next cross the Shipka pass to arrive in Arbanassi - one of Bulgaria's most remarkable villages. It is known for the rich history and large number of historical monuments, such as 17-th and 18-th century churches and examples of Bulgarian National Revival architecture. Discover the oldest church in the village - Nativity of Christ (1637 - 1649), dug into the ground without a belfry and with hidden cupola. This impressive monument, fully painted from the inside is a genuine art gallery of murals with over 3 500 stunningly realistic figures and Biblical scenes, painted by unknown artists throughout the ages. The next stop is the Konstantsalieva house museum originally built in the 17-th century and beautifully restored in National Revival style. It reflects not only the wealth of the owners but also the attention to detail and the quality craftsmanship of that time.
From Arbanassi proceed to one of the most amazing landmarks of Bulgaria - its former capital Veliko Tarnovo (population: 71 000). The charming town is amphitheatrically situated at 210 m a. s. l. on the Yantra River. The historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom attracts many tourists with its unique architecture and beautiful landscapes. The first site to explore in town is the imposing Tsarevets Fortress – a medieval stronghold located on a hill with the same name.
Tsarevets served as Bulgarian Empire's primary fortress and strongest bulwark from 1185 to 1393. Then go for a walk along the lovely Veliko Tarnovo main street, the picturesque Gourko Street and the authentic Samovodska Charshiya Street in the Old Town where one can see some crafts exhibits, pieces of art and traditional souvenirs.
Trip duration: 11-11.5 hours
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Next cross the Shipka pass to arrive in Arbanassi - one of Bulgaria's most remarkable villages. It is known for the rich history and large number of historical monuments, such as 17-th and 18-th century churches and examples of Bulgarian National Revival architecture. Discover the oldest church in the village - Nativity of Christ (1637 - 1649), dug into the ground without a belfry and with hidden cupola. This impressive monument, fully painted from the inside is a genuine art gallery of murals with over 3 500 stunningly realistic figures and Biblical scenes, painted by unknown artists throughout the ages. The next stop is the Konstantsalieva house museum originally built in the 17-th century and beautifully restored in National Revival style. It reflects not only the wealth of the owners but also the attention to detail and the quality craftsmanship of that time.
From Arbanassi proceed to one of the most amazing landmarks of Bulgaria - its former capital Veliko Tarnovo (population: 71 000). The charming town is amphitheatrically situated at 210 m a. s. l. on the Yantra River. The historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom attracts many tourists with its unique architecture and beautiful landscapes. The first site to explore in town is the imposing Tsarevets Fortress – a medieval stronghold located on a hill with the same name.
Tsarevets served as Bulgarian Empire's primary fortress and strongest bulwark from 1185 to 1393. Then go for a walk along the lovely Veliko Tarnovo main street, the picturesque Gourko Street and the authentic Samovodska Charshiya Street in the Old Town where one can see some crafts exhibits, pieces of art and traditional souvenirs.
Trip duration: 11-11.5 hours
Included
- Fuel surcharge
- Local taxes
- Driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
- Local guide
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private tour
Not included
- Entrance fees: Tsarevets Fortress (3 EUR) - optional, Church of the Nativity of Christ entrance fee (3 EUR), Konstantsalieva house entrance fee (3 EUR)
- Food and drinks
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Infant seats available
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Not wheelchair accessible
Features
Tourism
90%
Cultural
70%
Reviews
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very interesting history plus beautiful scenery guide very knowledgeable and pleasant tour a lot better than expected. Would definitely use Viator again if coming if going to Bulgaria
I was the only person on the excursion, so it was a completely private trip, and I could pick and choose aspects of it. In terms of the sights, Shipka and Arbanassi are excellent if you like ornate Orthodox churches, like me, and Veliko Tarnovo, with its fortress, is a must for an insight into Bulgarian history. The guide was great, happy, cheerful, friendly and chatty throughout, even though it was a very hot day and we were both a bit frazzled after a while. He even saved a turtle. The car was fine and comfy with a/c. I have removed one point out of five because the company kept pestering my guide all day long with repeated texts and phone calls. That we had to break off conversations a few times is a minor annoyance, but that he had to take calls while driving is a clear road safety issue.