Veliko Tarnovo, the Gem of Historic Bulgaria

Start you journey early to have plenty of time for exploring!

Stop off in the town of Shumen, to visit this incredible site. Towering concrete statues overlook the city, this monument forms an important part of the Bulgarian history paying tribute to the past rulers of Bulgaria, back in time when there were kingdoms that outstretched far into the distance.
This site is a great testament of Bulgaria’s spirit as a country can withstand any pressure thrown on top of it.

Park your car here to visit the second site for the day.

Enjoy a beautiful view of the fortress while eating lunch by the river. Stop off at this charming restaurant situated right by a local river.
With homemade dishes and typical Bulgarian cuisine, it’s an absolute delight taking a break here. Make sure you try their “kofte” and their very own homemade rakia (the typical alcohol from this region).
Open hours: Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00 Sunday: 09:00 - 16:00 Monday - Friday: closed
If you are visiting on a weekday, try The Green Restaurant, just 10-min walk from here (it is open every day for lunch).

Situated on top of a mountain overlooking the city, the Tsaravets fortress is one of the most famous in all of Bulgaria. Originally used as a defensive point to protect the people from outside invasion during the Thracian period, the fortress became the Second Bulgarian Empire’s capital in the 8th century when the Slavs and Bulgars took over.
You can feel the rich history of this place as you are walking through its narrow corridors, with the walls echoing memories of the past. Make your way south towards the tower, where you see incredible views of the mountains and city. Open Hours: April - October Monday - Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00
November - March Monday - Sunday: 09:00 - 16:00
For more information on visiting, click the official website.

The Baldwin tower, named after Baldwin I of Flanders, a Crusader who led the sacking of Christian Byzantium in 1204. He was later imprisoned and executed when the Bulgarians took back their rightfully owned place here.
The tower itself is dark and gloomy and definitely gives you the chills from the history that took place here. However, the views from here are absolutely spectacular, so definitely worth the visit.

Why not visit the whole of Bulgaria in just an hour! This impressive museum features miniature versions of some of the top attractions in Bulgaria. From famous monuments to churches, it’s definitely a great place to learn as much as possible about Bulgaria’s most important sites. My personal favorite is the ancient theater in Plovdiv.
Open Hours: April - September Monday - Sunday: 09:00 - 19:30
October - March Monday - Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00

To mix it up a bit and if you have had enough of history lessons, visit one of the most popular attractions in the city - the Illusions museum. Featuring some incredible optical illusion experiences that stir the imagination, this is the perfect place to have some fun with your camera and create memorable moments.
Open Hours: Sunday - Friday: 10:00 - 19:00 Saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
For more information about the museum, visit its official website.

By far, it's the most popular restaurant of the city, thanks to its incredible views over the mountains and the city below. It offers authentic Bulgarian cuisine with a range of dishes to choose from, including vegetarian options. The zucchini balls with brie cheese and jam are amazing. Also try their delicious desserts.
It's best to book a table in advance to avoid disappointment.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11:00 - 00:00

Collect your car and travel to your last destination for the day.

Situated right above the central Balkan, this accommodation is the perfect place to spend a night’s rest. Surrounded by mountains on all site, this charming guesthouse provides an authentic Bulgarian experience. Situated close to some of the highlights of the Balkan, such as Botev Peak and Peeshti Skali, there are plenty of hiking trails to try from here.