The 5 Best Veliko Tarnovo Day Trips

1.Day Trip to Bulgaria and Veliko Tarnovo from Bucharest

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 122 reviews · 12 hours · from $66Our pick

Travel from central Bucharest into Bulgaria with an English-speaking guide such as Gabriel, Alex, or Bogdan. Visit the cliff-carved Basarbov Monastery, explore Veliko Tarnovo and Tsaravets Fortress, then see Arbanasi’s medieval churches and architecture. Expect 10 to 12 hours, border delays, plenty of walking, and about $66 plus €10 in admission fees.

“It was an excellent value and I learned so much from Gabriel who was very accommodating. The church in Anabarasi is not to be missed”

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2.ATV and Buggy Off-Road Tour in Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) Top rated

Choose an ATV for rougher ground or a buggy for easier car-style handling, then follow an instructor from Arbanasi into the hills around Veliko Tarnovo. The one-hour route includes one or two scenic stops, a photo break, and views toward Tsarevets. Guide Ivo is noted for making the ride friendly and personal.

“We had an amazing experience and Ivo is a great guide. I trully recommended it to everyone who want to have fun”

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3.Admission Ticket to Illusions in Museum in Veliko Turnovo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $15Best value

Spend about an hour exploring a 500-square-meter Museum of Illusions across five floors in Veliko Tarnovo. You’ll test optical tricks, physics, shadows, light drawing, classic riddles, and an upside-down world. Staff help explain the exhibits and take photos. The mobile ticket is offered in English and costs $15.58.

“The Museum of Illusions is a fun and unique place to visit. Very interactive, interesting and perfect for photos. A great activity for friends and families. Totally worth it and highly recommended!”

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4.Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi Tour from Sofia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $174

This 10-hour small-group trip takes you from Sofia to Bulgaria’s former capital, Veliko Tarnovo, and nearby Arbanasi. Expect hotel pickup, English guiding, transport, and up to seven people. Guides such as Maria, Venezia, and Methodiy are noted for clear history, warm conversation, and flexible pacing.

“Best experience to visit the Old Capital; rich in history and beautiful avenues. Our tour guide Maria was friendly, an excellent driver and expert in this particular trip and she related not only the history but the development of modern Tarnovo.”

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5.Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi day tour from Sofia with pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 10 to 11 hours (approx.) · from $102

Travel from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi in a small group of up to seven people. With guide Ventsislav, you’ll see Tsarevets Fortress, the Asen Dynasty Monument, Samovodska Charshiya, and Arbanasi’s remarkable church art, with free time for lunch and walking.

“This is a beautiful and historic part of Bulgaria. The fort and the nativity of Christ are must sees. The ride went quickly because the guide ventsislav is engaging and the scenery is beautiful. Vent offers just enough info and is patient and service oriented. I traveled with him to Plovdiv as well.”

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