Birdwatching and cultural heritage tour from Varna
This is a one day guided tour that takes you to the west of Varna to explore a region with exceptional natural beauty, and which is also very rich in archaeological and historical monuments.The tour starts and ends in Varna, visiting the towns of Shumen and Provadia. The sites we visit include the Madara archaeological reserve- a UNESCO world heritage site, the Shumen Plateau Nature Park with Shumen fortressand the The Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument and the Ovech Fortress in Provadia. All of these sites are situated in picturesque surroundings, with exceptionally rich birdlife.
Bird species that may be seen on this tour, depending on the season: Egyptian Vulture, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Black Stork, White Stork, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, European Roller, European Bee-eater, Black-headed Bunting, Sombre Tit.
Options
Birdwatching and cultural heritage tour from Varna
Pickup included
What's included in Birdwatching and cultural heritage tour from Varna
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Madara Rider
We will pick you up from your accommodation / hotel in Varna at 9 AM. In about an hour drive we will reach our first destination, the Madara Archaeological Reserve, featuring a rock relief sculpture from the dawn of the Bulgarian state back in the 8th century. Because of its uniqueness the Madara Rider relief is included in the list of the UNESCO world cultural heritage sites.
Shumen Fortress
Having spent about an hour at Madara, we will continue our trip to the town of Shumen. There we’ll visit the Shumen fortress located on a high plateau 2 km from the town and dated as far back as the Troyan war (about 13 c BC). Shumen Fortress (the Old Town) is the most significant historical and archaeological site on the territory of the nature park. It is a sophisticated complex of residential, religious, and fortification buildings. Today Shumen Fortress is a well-researched, preserved, and partially restored historical and archaeological reserve. The plateau itself was declared a nature park in 1980 with the aim of preserving its valuable flora and fauna species, its tableland landscape and its tourist spots and places for rest.
Monument "1300 Years of Bulgaria"
While in the area, we also visit The Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument, which is located 6 km away from Shumen, at 450 m above mean sea level. It stands on a hill on the territory of Shumen Plateau Nature Park. The idea to build the monument was conceived in 1977 during the preparations for the celebration of the 1300th anniversary since the establishment of the Bulgarian state (681). The monument consists of two groups of concrete blocks separated from one another by small spaces. The biggest outdoor mosaic-triptych in Europe can be seen here. A granite lion weighing 1000 tons is placed on the top of the memorial. We may have, of course, a walk in the old part of the town, where we’ll have our lunch.
Inclusions
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- use of binoculars (on request)
- Food and drinks
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 10 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
Please contact the local provider to set a meeting point (your hotel or some other convenient spot) and time for your tour at least a day in advance.
