The Old Capital Veliko Turnovo Tour

Veliko Turnovo is the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185 -1393), located 241km northeast of Sofia. On this tour you will enjoy the views of the meandering Yantra River encircling the strongholds of Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and Sveta Gora Hills, on which the old capital is situated - making them unapproachable in ancient times and one of the most wonderful places in Bulgaria today.

You will feel the atmosphere of Bulgarian National Revival times - The Old Gurko Street and the Samovodska Charshiya, a merchant and crafts centre; which are fine example of local building traditions. You will have a chance to admire the genuine masterpieces of the self-taught master Kolyo Ficheto: The Konak (now National Revival and Constituent Assembly Museum), St. Cyril and Methodius Church, The St. Constantine, and Helena Church. During this trip you will have a professional guide speaking your language.

The Tsarevets Fortress is one of the highlights of this tour. Situated in the picturesque town of Veliko Turnovo, Tsarevets captures you with its magnificent architecture. It was the main Bulgarian fortress in the days of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185 - 1393). During this period Bulgaria returned to its old blaze and glory from the best years of the First Bulgarian Kingdom, becoming one of the most influential countries in South Eastern Europe. In medieval times the hill was thickly built up with administrative and home buildings, situated on its slopes with the King's and patriarchal palaces on the top.

You will also have a chance to visit the charming village of Arbanassi, situated in a sunny mountainous area, only 4km away from Veliko Turnovo and 245km from Sofia. In 1838 Sultan Suleiman II gave the village to his son-in-law as a present, thus freeing its inhabitants of ruinous taxes and the central government. This old place is a home to many preserved ancient wealthy houses and churches with rich interior decorations, wood carvings and mural paintings from the 16th-17th century. Along this tour you will admire the most remarkable Arbanassi houses - Konstantsaliev (19th century) , Hadjililiev (18th century) , Hadjikostov, Chamurov, Kandilarov and Lechev's and also see one of two well preserved monasteries - The Monastery of St. Nicholas.

After breakfast, around 8am, your guide will meet you at your hotel and commence the pleasant and comfortable three hour drive to the city of Veliko Turnovo. On the way you will learn the history of this ancient settlement. After arriving at the Old Bulgarian capital, you will be able to enter and walk around through the Old Gurko Street and visit the Samovodska Charshiya to feel the atmosphere of Bulgarian National Revival times and buy some souvenirs sold in the small shops.

After that you will enjoy the views of the meandering Yantra River, encircling the strongholds of Tsarevets, Trapezitza and Sveta Gora Hills. On Tsarevets Hill, a natural inaccessible fortress, surrounded by solid walls and battle towers, you will see the Baldwin's Tower associated with Emperor Baldwin, who was taken prisoner by Tsar Kaloyan in the battle at Adrianople in 1205. Fragments of boyars' homes and the remains of some 17 churches are situated on the Trapezitsa Hill. There you will visit the historic St. Demetrius Church, where the brothers Assen and Peter proclaimed Bulgaria's independence from Byzantine rule in 1185 and also The St. Peter and Paul church - a genuine masterpiece of the Turnovo School of painting. You will learn more about The Manassiev chronicle and the world famous Tetraevangelia of Tsar Ivan Alexander after your visit to the Sveta Gora Hill.

On this tour you will also admire the genuine masterpieces of the self-taught master Kolyo Ficheto: The Konak (now National Revival and Constituent Assembly Museum), St. Cyril and Methodius Church, The St. Constantine, and Helena Church. At lunch time you will visit village of Arbanassi and go to a typical restaurant for a tasty meal of Bulgarian dishes.

After that you will be ready to admire the most remarkable houses in Arbanassi - Konstantsaliev (19th century), Hadjililiev (18th century), Hadjikostov, Chamurov, Kandilarov and Lechev's. You will also see one of two well preserved monasteries - The Monastery of St. Nicholas. During this tour you will have a professional guide speaking your language. As the tour finishes you will leave the sight to drive back for 3 hours to Sofia and arrive at the hotel late in the evening.