Before the Ottoman Empire took over Bulgaria to rule it for five centuries, Veliko Tarbovo was the capital and the main cultural centre of the medieval kingdom. Today this beautiful city, situated in the region of Stara Planina mountain range and towering over the Yantra river, represents a fascinating mix of medieval remains, traditional Bulgarian architecture and modern attractions. 

But no matter which part of the city draws you in the most, you can’t escape the picturesque atmosphere of the surrounding nature that is seen from nearly any point of Veliko Tarnovo. It takes a couple of hours to reach this city from Sofia by bus or by car, but it’s a trip that is really worth the effort. 

As a private guide in Sofia, I also specialize in the history of Bulgaria, so our tour will be rich with details and stories about the glorious past of the old Bulgarian capital. We’ll first head to the Tsarevets fortress, which was the regal residency before the Ottoman rule. 

Then we’ll explore the ancient churches of Veliko Tarnovo, some of which were built between 12th and 14th centuries. Samovodska charshia, the old market street of the city usually features a lot of traditional wares and souvenirs to buy.  And if you’re willing to explore the more traditional side of this region, our stop in the villages of Arbanassi and Etara will take you back in time with their excellent ethnographic displays and monuments.