Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Add a second country to your trip with a well paced day tour from Bucharest to northern Bulgaria, covering three distinct stops in one itinerary: Ruse, Arbanasi, and Veliko Tarnovo.
After crossing the Danube, enjoy a short stop in Ruse, including the city center pedestrian area and the Holy Trinity Cathedral Church, then continue to the traditional village of Arbanasi, known for its historic houses and local atmosphere.
The highlight of the day is Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s medieval capital, where you will visit the Tsarevets Fortress and have free time to explore and enjoy the panoramic hilltop views.
A tour leader keeps the schedule on track and shares practical context about Bulgaria between stops, making this an easy, efficient way to experience the country in one day. Timings may vary depending on border procedures and traffic.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. If this minimum is not reached, we will contact you to offer alternative dates or trips.
Please make sure you have all the necessary documents and permissions to cross the border.
Entrance fees are not included (approx. EUR 15). We recommend bringing euros in cash, as card payments may not be accepted at all locations.
Please be advised that the Giurgiu–Ruse border crossing may take longer than usual due to repair work on the bridge over the Danube. Single-lane, alternating traffic can cause delays and queues.
Children under 4 years old cannot join shared tours. Please contact us for a private tour offer.
What To Expect
Bucharest
The activity will start in downtown Bucharest.
Piaka Unirii
Pass by and admire the Unirii Square one of the largest public squares in Europe.
Options
English Shared Tour
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Pick-up from central meeting point location
Services of a professional tour escort, offering commentary and assistance
Round-trip transportation in a comfortable vehicle
Entrance tickets
Optional Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
375 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A very worthwhile day trip
Piers V,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An excellent way to spend a day sightseeing! Our guide, Narcis, had a great command of English and provided an excellent commentary and a most enjoyable day. There were 7 of us allowing everyone to get acquainted. After crossing the Danube we spent time in Ruse, before traveling south to Veliko Tarnovo, the early Capital of Bulgaria, to visit the castle and extraordinary church, then driving up to a traditional restaurant to try the local food and sample Rakia, a local type of slivovitz. I recommend eating after the castle visit not before as the peasant food is filling, and the climb to the castle quite steep and there is a lot of walking involved! Then back into town to walk around the picturesque village and shop in the artisan stores (some are tacky but most offer quality, locally handmade goods), before going north to the border and into Romania again. An odd highlight was seeing storks on their huge nests atop telegraph poles along the road. Highly recommended!
When in Romania go to Bulgaria for a day
Tamie M,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This trip is long, but worth it. Rodica Canciu, our tour guide, was informative and has pictures to help one understand the trip. Within 5 minutes from her presentation, I could tell that Rodica was a teacher. She and her driver were very patient on the road and with the tourist. She gave us time to see what we needed to see and gave us good restaurant recommendations. She is very knowledgeable about the sites we saw on the tour. Though the entry price to the Nativity Church is not included in the price of the tour, the tour stopped there. I paid the entry price. I am very glad that I did, as it was my favorite site on the trip. The interior paintings are spectacular and Rodica's story of the Church is very interesting. In the town where we had lunch, I found a silversmith, a pen-and-ink artist, and a ceramist, all in their individual stores practicing their crafts. In my travels to over 50 countries, it is often difficult to find local artists still practicing their craft. I was elated to be able to speak to these craftsmen. Because the bridge over the Danube was still under construction and there was a national holiday, our return trip to Bucharest was 5+ hours long. This was the only downside of the trip, and it is my understanding that the construction will be completed soon.
Beautiful and memorable
Escape56137563856,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great trip. The guide as knowledgeable and really enhanced the experience by giving us a history of Romania and Bulgaria. The tour was balanced. There was enough time to do the things at each place. Bulgaria is surprising and beautiful.
Little taste of Bulgaria
brigitte k,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00A full dau trip ,pleasant and a nice experience. A small group .a good driver in a comfortable minibus. A symphatic tour guide, english speaking.thank you Elena
Perfect Day Trip to Bulgaria from Bucharest
Sakshi J,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fantastic day trip and a great way to explore Bulgaria from Bucharest. The views throughout the journey were beautiful, and there were plenty of well-planned stops that allowed us to enjoy each destination without feeling rushed. A special mention goes to our guide, who was incredibly attentive and alert throughout the day. They made sure everyone was comfortable, kept the group organized, and took excellent care of all the tourists from start to finish. The itinerary was well-balanced, informative, and enjoyable, making it an ideal day trip for anyone visiting Bucharest. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to experience Bulgaria’s charm, history, and scenic landscapes in a single day.
Interesting day to see...
Rachel A,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Interesting day to see Bulgaria when visiting Romania. Definitely would never visit these spots unless doing this tour. Tour guide was funny. The border times can vary drastically as Bulgaria border is under construction. The tour includes a small town on the border and a couple stops in a small village and fortress with free time to eat lunch and have a drink. Would recommend but it is a long day and a lot of driving so pack some water and snacks and have a nap on the ride.
What a fantastic experience!
JulieElizabeth C,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such an incredible day, we saw such beautiful countryside, modern Bulgarian towns, ancient villages and medieval buildings and mosaics, and an incredible fortress! Our guide was kind, fun, really knowledgeable and very helpful! There were plenty of stops for toilet visits and snack breaks (and reminders that you could always ask for an extra toilet break). Also the air conditioning on the coach was very nice! We even got a recommendation for an amazing third wave coffee place! Highly recommended!!!
Day trip to Bulgaria
Austin B,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great trip that included multiple stops to beautiful cities, monuments, and the fortress. Lots of activities crammed into one day but totally worth it.
Perfect view of bulgaria
auroremV2939GG,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good experience with what Romica our guide shared
Day trip to Bulgaria
W7757NQaustinb,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day trip to see many sites throughout Bulgaria! Guide was very knowledgeable and gave us as much time as she could at each place with the time we had. Would book again!
Related Experiences
Operated by Gray Line Romania