Private Tour
Bulgaria -Private Tour- Basarbovo, Arbanasi, Veliko Tarnovo
Overview
Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
Air-conditioned vehicle
Professional tour guide in English
Tsarevets Fortress
St. Dimitrii of Basarbovo Monastery
Konstantsalieva House
Lunch
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private Tour by SUV
Only your group will participa
Pickup included
Private tour.
Only your group will participa
Pickup included
Small-group tour for max 7 pax
Meeting Point: Pasajul Latin: Hotel Pick-up is NOT included!
You have to come at meeting point: 'Pasajul Latin - Lupa Capitolina'.
Pickup included
Private Tour
Only your group will participa
Pickup included
Reviews
74 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic full day of sightseeing
Stephanie B,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I took this tour with my mom. We’ve done many group tours in our travels together but I opted for the private tour this time and I am so glad we did. Sebastian was a wonderful guide with a wealth of information. He chose a delicious restaurant for our lunch and shared helpful insights at each destination. His car was clean and comfortable and his driving was safe. With the private tour, we felt like we had plenty of time at each stop to fully experience the place, and it was nice to be able to take bathroom breaks on our own schedule. Overall a wonderful day trip from Bucharest to experience a glimpse of Bulgaria and we’re very happy we did it!
Take the family for a fun get away
April D,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our family was excited about the trip & we were pleased with every part of the experience. The fortress was a real treasure & worth the hike up to the church! The village was a true representation of what once existed & our tour guide Sebastian gave great stories to bring history to life making our trip more memorable. The restaurant we had lunch in was perfect with something for everyone, even our picky eater. The final stop for a little shopping gave us just enough time to round out our excursion with handmade local crafts. The pottery is amazing. I would highly recommend this trip.
An Unforgettable Journey Through Bulgarian History and Faith with an Exceptional Guide!
Mary R,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our family recently had the privilege of taking the private tour to Basarbovo, Arbanasi, and Veliko Tarnovo, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, our guide Sebastian made the experience both educational and memorable. His English was excellent! We particularly liked the St. Dimitrii of Basarbovo Monastery—a hidden gem carved into the cliffs. Sebastian’s respectful and insightful commentary helped us appreciate not only the history but also the profound faith and dedication of the Orthodox Christians who worship there. The tour was perfectly paced, allowing us ample time to absorb the beauty and significance of each location without feeling rushed. The charming village of Arbanasi and the historic grandeur of Veliko Tarnovo left us in awe. A highlight of the day was when Sebastian brought us to a traditional local restaurant where we enjoyed authentic Bulgarian cuisine. The food was delicious! We cannot recommend this tour—and especially Sebastian as a guide—highly enough. It was educational, inspiring, and beautifully organized. If you’re looking to learn a bit about Bulgaria’s history, faith, and culture, this is the experience for you.
It's very worth it, if you want in Spanish order with George.
Scarlett T,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was very good, George was always very attentive and explained us where we were going, he speaks Spanish so if you are looking for a tour in Spanish I highly recommend it, you understand him well and he is very nice and polite. He took us to eat somewhere that was delicious. All very well, my wife and I recommend this tour with George.
Fantastic. Would definitely use again!
Alison0608,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sebastian was an excellent guide. Safe driving, plenty of bathroom and snack stops, knowledgeable, helpful, excellent lunch and perfect amount of time at each stop. Highly recommend
A good day trip, recommended
Brett H,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed this trip. It is pretty touristy but it was fine. A good historical castle (rebuilt), lots of great views and a small group. We woukd go again.
Solo DEC Trip with George 2025
Jacob D,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00George had a fantastic tour, he pivoted us flawlessly to areas I was most interested in and was very hospitable. 10/10! Would recommend this tour and guide to anyone trying to get a taste of medieval Bulgarian history from Bucharest. (From USA, 26).
Great tour!!
Sumi F,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour, our guide Bogdan was very knowledgeable about the sights on our tour. He was jovial and positive despite being such a long day (11 hours). He even customized our tour to include a winery visit in Vellika Tsarnovo. Highly recommended!
Awesome tour with exceptional service
Allicia M,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour is an awesome introduction to Bulgaria and its history. If one is passionate about history, architecture, and/or religion, it is a great tour option. That being said, I must mention that it would not have been as good without my guide, Valerică. He was a wealth of knowledge, extremely helpful, and a perfect guide throughout.
Awesome tour to Bulgaria!
Lisa H,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had an incredible time on our tour from Bucharest to Bulgaria! Roxanne, our guide, was amazing! She was an excellent driver and very knowledgeable! She had a great sense of humor was a true delight! Highly, highly recommend!
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