Bulgaria - Private Tour- Basarbovo, Arbanasi, Tsarevets, Veliko T
Enjoy a comfortable private tour to Bulgaria in our air-conditioned vehicles, with interesting commentary from your expert host/guide.
The firts visit is to St. Dimitrii of Basarbovo Monastery, the only active rock-hewn monastery in Bulgaria.
Next, we head to the picturesque architectural reserve of Arbanasi, perched above Veliko Tarnovo.
Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch in a charming local tavern, surrounded by centuries-old stone houses.
Afterward, take a short walk through the cobbled streets to admire the village’s unique architecture.
After lunch, explore the Bulgaria’s medieval past at Tsarevets Fortress. Once the royal seat of the Second Bulgarian Empire, the hilltop citadel offers panoramic views, the ruins of royal palaces, Baldwin’s Tower, and the reconstructed Patriarchal Cathedral.
We conclude the tour with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Veliko Tarnovo, the “City of the Tsars.”
Discover local artisan shops, visit the Samovodska Charshiya.
Options
Private tour in English
Only your group will participa
Pickup included
What's included in Bulgaria - Private Tour- Basarbovo, Arbanasi, Tsarevets, Veliko T
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
St. Dimitrii of Basarbovo Monastery
St. Dimitrii of Basarbovo Monastery is a unique Bulgarian Orthodox rock-hewn monastery located near the village of Basarbovo, approximately 10 km south of Ruse, along the Rusenski Lom River. It is renowned as Bulgaria's only active rock monastery. Historical Background The monastery's origins trace back to the Second Bulgarian Empire (12th–14th centuries), with its first documented mention appearing in an Ottoman tax register from 1431. Its most celebrated inhabitant was St. Dimitrii of Basarbovo, born in 1685 in the nearby village. He led an ascetic life within the monastery's caves and passed away in 1685. Initially interred in the village church, his relics were later transferred to Bucharest during the Russo-Turkish War (1768–1774) and are currently enshrined in the Church of Sts. Constantine and Helena, where he is venerated as the patron saint of the Romanian capital.
Arbanasi
Arbanasi is a picturesque village in central northern Bulgaria, situated approximately 4 km from Veliko Tarnovo, the historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Perched on a high plateau between the Tsarevets and Trapezitsa hills, Arbanasi is renowned for its rich history, unique architecture, and well-preserved cultural heritage. --- ️ Historical Significance The village's origins date back to the 13th century, with some sources suggesting it was founded by Bulgarian boyars (nobles) who settled there after the Battle of Klokotnitsa in 1230. The name "Arbanasi" is believed to derive from the medieval Bulgarian word "Arbanas," meaning "Albanian," reflecting the settlement's early inhabitants. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Arbanasi flourished as a prosperous trading center. Wealthy merchants built distinctive two-story houses resembling fortresses, characterized by high stone walls, narrow windows, and heavy wooden gates, designed to protect against frequent raids.
Konstantsalieva House
The Konstantsalieva House is a well-preserved traditional Bulgarian house located in Arbanasi, a historic village near Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. It is a prime example of the Bulgarian National Revival architecture from the 17th to 18th centuries. Key Facts about Konstantsalieva House: Historical significance: Built in the 17th century, it belonged to a wealthy merchant family and reflects the prosperity of Arbanasi during the Ottoman period. Architecture: The house is built from stone and wood, with fortified walls, small windows (for protection), and beautifully carved wooden ceilings and furniture inside. It blends both defensive features and luxurious interior design, characteristic of affluent homes from that era. Interior: Visitors can explore rooms furnished with traditional Bulgarian textiles, rugs, costumes, and household items, giving insight into daily life during the National Revival period.
Inclusions
- Private transportation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional tour guide in English
- Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
- Tsarevets Fortress
- St. Dimitrii of Basarbovo Monastery
- Konstantsalieva House
- Lunch
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 5 minutes before departure time.
