Romania · BULGARIA DAY TRIPS FROM BUCHAREST

The 15 Best Bulgaria Day Trips from Bucharest

22 tours  ·  from $66 a head

The border is an hour south and Veliko Tarnovo three. These 15 day trips cross the Danube and back the same night, priced and compared on how long you get at each stop.

From Bucharest: Full-Day Trip to Bulgaria - Arbanasi: views and old buildings
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From Bucharest: Full-Day Trip to Bulgaria

1.Full-Day Trip to Bulgaria

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,008 reviews · 12 hours · from $93Our pick

Travel from Bucharest in a small group to Bulgaria’s medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo. The day includes Tsarevets Fortress, a stop in Arbanasi and, depending on the day, Holy Trinity Cathedral or Basarabov Monastery. English-speaking guides such as Narcis and Lucian have led the trip. Plan for a long drive, free time to explore and a separate cash fee for the fortress.

“Very long day well worth it though guide was amazing so helpful highly recommend this trip”

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From Bucharest: Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria - Ivanovo’s churches carved into stone
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From Bucharest: Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria

2.Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 382 reviews · 12 hours · from $87

Travel from Bucharest with an English-speaking guide and driver to Ivanovo’s rock-hewn churches, Veliko Tarnovo’s Tsarevets Fortress and Arbanassi. Expect a full 12-hour day, border formalities, plenty of walking and time in the van. Guides have included Tudor, Carmen and Coco, but your guide will depend on the departure.

“very sunny day , warm after morning, easy going driver and our guide”

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Full Day Trip to Bulgaria from Bucharest - Ruse’s Central European streets
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Full Day Trip to Bulgaria from Bucharest

3.Full Day Trip to Bulgaria from Bucharest

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 343 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $95

Leave Bucharest at 7:30 am for a 12-hour trip into Bulgaria, visiting medieval Veliko Tarnovo, Tsarevets Fortress, Arbanasi and Ruse. A tour escort handles the drive and commentary; guides named on recent outings include Lucian, Narcis, Roberto and Robert. Expect long road stretches, optional entrance fees and time to explore at the group’s pace.

“This was a wonderful tour by design. But it was certainly made even better by our tour guide Narcis. He was knowledgeable, funny, cool, and a good manager of the group. Keep in mind that there may be traffic crossing the bridge between countries due to construction, but the tour can’t do anything about that. Just have it in your mind that it’s a possibility. We had no bridge traffic on the way, but a bit coming back. Also, don’t forget to have currency to exchange. As a couple things will require Bulgarian currency. Lei, dollars, pounds, euros, etc, they exchange all the major ones.”

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Day Trip to Bulgaria and Veliko Tarnovo from Bucharest - Three hours in Veliko Tarnovo
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Day Trip to Bulgaria and Veliko Tarnovo from Bucharest

4.Day Trip to Bulgaria and Veliko Tarnovo from Bucharest

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 122 reviews · 12 hours · from $66Best value

Start near Grand Hotel Bucharest and travel by van into Bulgaria with an English-speaking guide. Visit the cliff-carved Basarbovo Monastery, spend about three hours in Veliko Tarnovo, then stop in Arbanasi. Guides such as Gabriel, Alex and Bogdan have been praised for safe driving, practical tips and a flexible approach. Expect a long day, border-crossing uncertainty and plenty of walking.

“Our guide Gabriel was very helpful and knowledgeable, he was patient and friendly, showed us around answered all questions give us tip on what to do and expect in all the places we went! It was a lovely day trip.”

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Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria- Small group tour - The journey across the border sets the pace
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Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria- Small group tour

5.Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria- Small group tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 75 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $78

Spend a long day crossing from Bucharest into northern Bulgaria with a guide and round-trip transport. Visit the frescoed rock-hewn churches at Ivanovo, Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo and traditional Arbanasi. Guides such as Pavel, Alexia and Gabriel have been praised for clear, engaging explanations, though group size and service can vary. Bring money for entrance fees and lunch.

“Well worth but intense day. Great guide , small manageable group ( for toilet breaks for example ) and really interesting to see a bit of Bulgaria . Saw cave ( small hike ) , old 17th house and fort and craftsmen in village. Be aware you will pay by card or small places accept Lei otherwise Bulgarian money,. Wait at border can be over 30 minutes and long drive so be aware you get back after 8 in the evening .”

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Bulgaria -Private Tour- Basarbovo, Arbanasi, Veliko Tarnovo - Arbanasi’s Fortified Merchant Homes
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Bulgaria -Private Tour- Basarbovo, Arbanasi, Veliko Tarnovo

6.Bulgaria -Private Tour- Basarbovo, Arbanasi, Veliko Tarnovo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 72 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $170Top rated

Travel from your Bucharest hotel to northern Bulgaria in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Visit Basarbovo’s rock monastery, Arbanasi’s historic houses, Tsarevets Fortress and Veliko Tarnovo’s craft streets. Guides named in past trips include Sebastian, Bogdan and Radu, but your guide may differ. Plan for about 11 hours, plus separate fees for three attractions and lunch.

“The Veliko fortress was very impressive and the church caves in Bararbovo were great. Our guide Octavian was amazing. He was very personable, had great information on each site we visited and wonderful recommendations for our free time.”

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Small-Group Day Trip to North Bulgaria - Ivanovo’s churches carved into the cliffs
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Small-Group Day Trip to North Bulgaria

7.Small-Group Day Trip to North Bulgaria

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 60 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $71

Leave Bucharest at 8:00 am in an air-conditioned minivan for a long day in northern Bulgaria. Visit Ivanovo’s rock-hewn churches, Tsarevets fortress in Veliko Tarnovo and the village of Arbanasi. An English-speaking travel assistant accompanies the group, which can number up to 16. Guide names have included Serban, Valentin and Mathew, but are not guaranteed.

“The leader and the driver were very good and we had a great time on this long trip. People may consider very long lines at each boarders.”

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Visit Bulgaria - Veliko Tarnovo Medieval Fortress - Private tour from Bucharest - Tsarevets: uphill walking and a powerful view
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Visit Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo Medieval Fortress – Private tour from Bucharest

8.Visit Bulgaria – Veliko Tarnovo Medieval Fortress – Private tour from Bucharest

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $177

Travel from Bucharest in private, air-conditioned transport with hotel pickup, then explore Bulgaria’s cliff-carved Basarbovo Monastery, Tsarevets Fortress, Arbanasi and Veliko Tarnovo’s old craft street. Guides Alin, Octavian and Viktor have led this route. Expect a full day, plenty of driving and time to focus on the places that interest you.

“Our guide, Alin, was great. He contacted us the day before to confirm logistics; was right on time meeting us at the hotel; the car was comfortable, roomy and clean; Alin was knowledgeable, professional and engaging; and his English was terrific.”

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Private Day Trip to Bulgaria and Veliko Tarnovo from Bucharest - Tsarevets Fortress: walls, views, and uphill walking
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Private Day Trip to Bulgaria and Veliko Tarnovo from Bucharest

9.Private Day Trip to Bulgaria and Veliko Tarnovo from Bucharest

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · 10 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $299

Leave Bucharest at 8:00 am in a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide, then cross the Danube to Veliko Tarnovo, Tsarevets Fortress, and Arbanassi’s Nativity Church. Expect a long day on the road, time for a valley-view lunch, and plenty of history along the way. Guides have included Florin, Claudia, and Cristi.

“Great guide - very knowledgeable and experienced. Would highly recommend. Although it’s a longish drive, well worth it to see a slice of Bulgaria.”

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From Bucharest: Bulgaria 1-Day Tour - Basarbovo Monastery: a short first stop
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From Bucharest: Bulgaria 1-Day Tour

10.Bulgaria 1-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 21 reviews · 12 hours · from $205

Set out from your Bucharest hotel or another chosen address with an English- or Romanian-speaking guide, then cross the Danube into Bulgaria. The day includes Basarbovo Monastery, Arbanasi and Veliko Tarnovo, with a guide such as Angelica, Andrei or Pavel depending on your booking. Plan for a long 12-hour outing, and bring your original passport or ID.

“Andrei is a very friendly & helpful tour guide. He made us feel comfortable and we had plenty of free time to explore the tourist areas.”

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Private Daytrip to Buzludzha Monument and Veliko Tarnovo - Buzludzha: a flying saucer above the mountains
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Private Daytrip to Buzludzha Monument and Veliko Tarnovo

11.Private Daytrip to Buzludzha Monument and Veliko Tarnovo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $360

Set out from Bucharest at 8:00 am with OnAdventure for a private, roughly 12-hour trip into Bulgaria. Explore Tsarevets, visit the Shipka battle site, and see Buzludzha, the saucer-shaped monument high in the mountains. Snacks, drinks, and entrance fees are included. Guide Alex, also called Alexandro, is praised for his friendly manner and thoughtful planning.

“If you're a fan of beautiful nature, abandoned buildings and good food thank this tour is a perfect choice.”

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Bulgaria Day Trip: Private Tour from Bucharest - Ivanovo’s painted chapels require careful footing
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Bulgaria Day Trip: Private Tour from Bucharest

12.Bulgaria Day Trip: Private Tour from Bucharest

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 11 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $171

Travel by air-conditioned minivan from Bucharest to Basarbovo and Ivanovo rock monasteries, then explore Veliko Tarnovo and Tsarevets Fortress. The private tour starts at 7:30 am and lasts about 10 hours. Hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide and transport are included; admissions and lunch cost extra. Claudiu Sorin is named as a guide, but ask who will lead your departure.

“Lovely day trip visiting Bulgaria from Bucharest. The mountain monasteries were amazing and the visit to Veliko Tarnovo was great. Claudiu was a great guide, friendly and knowledgeable.”

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Buzludzha Monument and Tsarevets Fortress in Bulgaria Private - Lunch, flexibility, and the value of a private day
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Buzludzha Monument and Tsarevets Fortress in Bulgaria Private

13.Buzludzha Monument and Tsarevets Fortress in Bulgaria Private

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $227

Leave Bucharest at 7:00 am for a private, English-guided day in Bulgaria. Explore Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, then head into the Balkan Mountains to see the abandoned Buzludzha Monument from outside. Guides on this tour have included Bogdan, Octavian, and Sebastian. Expect about 14 hours on the road, with hotel pickup and bottled water included.

“From the start, my tour guide and driver Octavian made the day just perfect and it’s a long but action packed day! He communicates well and was perfectly on time at the hotel in a clean and air conditioned car, important as it was 40 degrees Celsius yesterday! We crossed the Danube and went to Tsaravets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo which was very interesting. We had a fantastic lunch in Arbanassi which was perfect and even had time to visit a 13th C coaching inn! We continued our journey into the beautiful Balkan Mountains and then went to the jaw dropping Buzludzha Monument to the Bulgarian Communist Party. It’s closed…”

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Private Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Bucharest - Ivanovo’s churches, cut into the rock
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Private Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Bucharest

14.Private Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Bucharest

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $272

Travel from your Bucharest hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Visit the Ivanovo Rock Churches, Tsarevets fortress, Veliko Tarnovo, Samovodene Artisans Street, Arbanassi and Ruse. Guides on this tour have included Gabi and Cokco. The 12-hour day includes entrance fees, bottled water and Wi-Fi; lunch and photo fees are extra.

“Wow, what a wonderful day trip to see the beautiful Bulgaria!! This tour inspired us to want to spend more time in Bulgaria in the future. Gabi was a phenomenal tour guide. He picked us up promptly and did a great job weaving historical stories and personal stories throughout the day. We loved learning so much about the land, the people, the architecture, religion, and groups in power through the centuries. Tour was a good balance of free time and dedicated learning time. I thought the stops along the way were thoughtfully designed and made for a great trip.Read more”

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Private Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Bucharest - Ivanovo’s churches, cut into the rock
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Private Day-Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Bucharest

15.Private Day-Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Bucharest

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7 reviews · from $205

Leave Bucharest at 8:00 am with a private guide and driver for Bulgaria’s rock-hewn Ivanovo churches, Tsarevets fortress, Veliko Tarnovo’s artisan street, Arbanassi, and Ruse. Hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, Wi-Fi, and entrance fees are included. Bring your passport and plan to buy lunch.

“This is was a fabulous experience as a day trip from Bucharest. My tour company was Eastern European Experience. I am very fortunate because Adrian was my private guide and driver. He was very punctual and a very safe driver. I learned a lot about the history of Bulgaria Read more”

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New in Bulgaria Day Trips from Bucharest

★ 5.0Bulgaria Day Trip: Basarabovo Monastery, Tsarevets & ArbanasiFrom $3823 reviews

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