Bulgaria · Castles & Palaces

4-Day Bulgaria Tour to Veliko Tarnovo, Balchik and Pliska

4 Days Round trip from Sofia Easy pace
Seaview
Cape Kaliakra
Cape Kaliakra
Cabrillo Statue
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 See the magnificent Palace of Queen Marie of Romania and walk around the lovely garden
  • 02 Savour the taste of wine at the Royal Wine Cellar
  • 03 Explore the legendary fortress on Cape Kaliakra
  • 04 Stroll around the small town of Elena and taste local food
  • 05 Enjoy the unique view of the Yovkovtsi Dam

Embark on a 4-day trip from Sofia through some of Bulgaria's most fascinating historic and scenic destinations. Discover the beautiful city of Veliko Tarnovo, marvel at the majestic Palace of Queen Marie of Romania and its botanical garden in Balchik, and visit the legendary Fortress of Kaliakra and the Dalboka Mussel Farm. Learn about Pliska, the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire, and explore the small town of Elena, known as the Bulgarian Bethlehem, with views of the Yovkovtsi Dam.

Discover the beautiful city of Veliko Tarnovo, marvel at the majestic Palace of Queen Marie of Romania and its botanical garden in Balchik, and visit the legendary Fortress of Kaliakra and the Dalboka Mussel Farm.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Pliska, Balchik, Kaliakra
Languages Bulgarian, English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo and City Sightseeing

  • Leave Sofia at 8 am.
  • Travel by car from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo (distance: 221 km; approximately 2 hours 40 minutes).
  • Arrive in Veliko Tarnovo around 11 am.
  • Accommodation in a hotel.
  • Sightseeing with time to visit the city landmarks, enjoy the beautiful natural views, and taste delicious food.
  • Have lunch and enjoy some free time.
  • Optional: Sound and Light show "Tsarevgrad Turnov".
2
Day 02

Veliko Tarnovo to Balchik, Kaliakra and Royal Winery

  • Leave the hotel around 8 am.
  • Travel by car from Veliko Tarnovo to Balchik (distance: 266 km; approximately 3 hours 15 minutes).
  • Arrive in Balchik around 11:30 am.
  • Accommodation in a hotel.
  • Have lunch.
  • Visit Cape Kaliakra Fortress by car, around 30 minutes away (35.9 km).
  • Visit a mussel farm for an afternoon break.
  • Return to Balchik.
  • Visit Queen Marie Castle and the Botanical Garden.
  • Enjoy wine tasting at the Royal Winery.
  • Free time.
3
Day 03

Balchik to Pliska and Elena

  • Leave the hotel at around 9 am.
  • Travel by car from Balchik to Pliska (distance: 118 km; approximately 1 hour 20 minutes).
  • Sightsee and learn about the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire.
  • Have lunch.
  • Travel by car from Pliska to Elena (distance: 150 км; approximately 2 hours 20 minutes).
  • Accommodation at a hotel.
  • Free time.
4
Day 04

Elena Sightseeing and Return to Sofia

  • Leave the hotel after breakfast at around 9 am.
  • Sightseeing in Elena and enjoy the beautiful view of the Yovkovtsi Dam.
  • Have lunch.
  • Travel back to Sofia (around 260 km; approximately 3.3 hours).
  • Drop-off in Sofia.
Veliko Tarnovo, Queen Marie Castle, the Botanical Garden, Fortress of Kaliakra

Where this trip takes you

Veliko Tarnovo, Queen Marie Castle, the Botanical Garden, Fortress of Kaliakra

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Sofia 5 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transportation by air-conditioned car (3+1 seats)
  • Local pick-up and drop-off
  • Tour guide in English
  • Hotel accommodation including breakfast

What's Not Included

  • Food and drinks on the way
  • Personal expenses
  • Entrance tickets for the sightseeing
  • The cost of food and beverages in each place is to be paid individually by each person
  • Additional hotel services will be charged separately
  • Cost of the Sound and Light show, if applicable

What to bring

  • Personal expenses
  • Personal food and beverages, if needed for the travel
  • Comfortable shoes and clothes for the season
  • COVID-19 green certificate or PCR test

Know before you go

  • We will spend between 2 and 3 hours on a car trip each day.
  • This trip is not ideal for people with travel sickness, and it is not suitable for people with leg problems.
  • Hotel booking details will be received after trip confirmation.
  • Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Vasil Levski Square, Sofia, Bulgaria
Tour start
Sofia, Bulgaria
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 4 days finish where they began, in Sofia.

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