On this full-day excursion from Plovdiv you’ll begin your tour with a stop at Shipka Memorial Church, an outstanding Bulgarian Orthodox temple built in the late 19th century in the foothills of the Balkan mountain range.

Continuing on, you’ll cross the Shipka Pass to reach one of the most amazing landmarks in Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo, the country’s former capital. The charming town attracts many tourists, drawn to its unique architecture and beautiful landscapes.

Your first stop in town is the imposing Tsarevets Fortress, a hilltop medieval stronghold. Take a walk along lovely Turnovo Street, picturesque Gourko Street, and Samovodska Charshiya Street in the old town, where you’ll see shops selling arts and crafts and souvenirs.

Enjoy lunch before heading to the nearby village of Arbanasi, one of Bulgaria’s most popular historical attractions.

The village is best known for its 17th and 18th century churches and examples of Bulgarian National Revival architecture. See the oldest church in the village, the 17th-century Nativity of Christ. The interior of this impressive monument is a genuine art gallery, featuring murals with vast numbers of realistic figures and Biblical scenes, painted by unknown artists throughout the ages.

Your final stop for the day is the Konstantsalieva House Museum, originally built in the 17th century and later beautifully restored in the National Revival style. It reflects not only the wealth of the owners but also the attention to detail and the quality of craftsmanship at that time.