Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria- Small group tour
4
Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria- Small group tour
By Eastern European Experience
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 1-99, max of 99 per group
Duration: 12h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Licensed Private Guide
- Pick-up and Drop-off at your hotel or at any other location of your choice in the city
- Modern & comfortable A/C car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
What's not included- Lunch
- Photo fees
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees
- Entry/Admission - Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo
- Entry/Admission - Tsarevets
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Pickup details
- Pickup possible from centrally located hotels, hostels, or apartments in Bucharest
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.Airport pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included airports.- Otopeni Intl Airport, Bucharest Romania
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 16115P40- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 99 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 16115P40
From
$72.71
per adult
Select date and travelers
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Getaway7899810 contributionsFun day with lots of different experiencesGreat day, saw so much and our guide was fun and helpful. If you have a short visit to Romania but want to see as much as possible this is the perfect tour! My daughter really enjoyed it to, and teenagers are hard to please!Written October 5, 2024
- U4914GPkellyb0 contributionsIf it wasn't so cheap, I'd say passThe pre-tour information was lacking. Specifics on where to get bus were non-existent. A WhatsApp group was set up, but I only learned this after I finally found the group. I don't have WhatsApp. No message was ever sent from your company. Guide was monotone and pretty boring. If the tour wasn't so cheap, I'd say pass. I got picked up at 0800 and did not arrive back until 2100. Lots of tims on bus. Very little time to eat and explore.Written September 27, 2024
- 848leannb0 contributionsGreat experience!Great trip! Bran and Peles castles are both beautiful. But what really made the trip for me was our tour guide, Ana. She gave us just enough of the history of the region to put the castles in context plus added enough amusing details to bring it to life. I would definitely recommend. Would recommend having What’s App installed as this was the primary way of communicating. She was very good about communicating times as well as names of foods, etc.Written September 16, 2024
- Mike D0 contributionsWatch out for VladThis tour was poorly managed. We were instructed to meet at one location without option when booking. However, the tour bus made up to 3 other stops to pick up passengers. The coach was out dated and the air conditioning was spotty. This is unacceptable when there are so many people on the bus and the windows are not tinted to repel sun. It should be noted that not only are both attractions on this tour an extra cost, the wait to get into them are long and dependent on the guides ability to organize a large group of people. We exhausted almost all of our time allotted time in Sinaia waiting to get into Peles Castle. The worst part of the tour was the sheer hostility of the guide, Vlad. We made multiple stops on this trip and at each stop a few people were late arriving back to the coach. This is understandable, as there were lines at every stop: bathrooms, check out counters, restaurants, etc. During the final stop in Brasov we were instructed to be at the coach at 1725. At 1727, I messaged the guide on WhatsApp that we were on our way. At 1730, I was called by Vlad, who began to yell that the coach had already left and would have to turn around. His communication unacceptable. I always use TripAdvisor to book my tours in multiple countries and have never been treated like this. There is always an extra wait when passengers are running behind. Two additional passengers got on the coach minutes after us. I wonder if Vlad called to yell at them too.Written September 15, 2024
- andycoldham0 contributionsA mixed bagThis tour has some grest points, and some not so good. The day is very long started at 7 am and we did not get back until 8.45 . I was knackered so full marks to the driver who was excellent. We visited 3 sires, Peles Castle, Bran Castle and Brasov. Some of the group, had paid the entrance fees in advance. Some wanted to pay cash and some wanted to pay by cards. Everyone on the tour wanted to visit the 2 castles, so why on earth don't they add the cost of entrance to the original price. Now taking each visit in turn. Peles Castle was a disappointment, it was covered in scaffolding and ruined any exterior photo shots, our guide was Vlad. Who took so long with his information we only had 15 mins of own time. Bran Castle was much better, once we were over the ticket fiasco, we were escorted to the door and given free time to explore the castle and the town below. ALthough our guide never mentioned the optional extras to visitvthe torture chamber which meant that we had to give this area a miss. As for Brasov, again it went well we had just over an hour of free time which was plenty of time to explore the old town.Written September 14, 2024
- 190shafqatk0 contributionsA worthy tripA very good trip, Anna was very helpful, fast in responding any query. Shared history of those places. In my view the Bus need to be bit better.Written August 26, 2024
- Christchurchcherub0 contributionsGreat full day excursionCarmen was such a lovely tour guide, and very informative about the history. Castles, old town and mountain scenery are definitely worth the drive! We took about 14 hours in total due to traffic, however the coach is very comfortable so honestly didn’t feel that long!Written August 2, 2024
- Connector7889150 contributionsRecommended tourKnowledgeable tour guide, a very long day but rewarding. A must do tour, as too difficult to do it yourself, due to distance.Written August 2, 2024
- _ndr0nikis0 contributionsAmazing experienceEveryone must go on this day trip! THE route was amazing in the Carpathian mountains, we saw very very beautiful villages, Peles castle in a big surprise, when you go inside you think that you are in a movie of the old times! Brasov is also a town that magnetises you! Of course the route on the bus is really good because our tour guide Vlad was telling us a lot of useful informations about the things we saw and generally for the country! Don't miss it!Written August 1, 2024
- segat00 contributionsVlad is a great guideGreat trip with Vlad as a guide. I accidently booked wrong date, But they fixed it. All announcement are done on whats app, both before but also during the trip. The guide is relaxed, structured and has great knowledge.Written August 1, 2024
- Alan S0 contributionsA Rude Tourguide Named Monica Made the experience so much less enjoyableMy wife and I were very much looking forward to this trip. We read many rave reviews about the company, but we saw some about an extremely rude tour guide. Nobody named her but I would be happy to do so. Her name is Monica Visan. From the minute I got on the bus I saw her apathy and lack of interest in our group. All she told us about the tour was that there were going to be delays due to events in the area. When we got to our first site, Peles Castle , she ran in front of us not minding the group. I asked her to slow down because a lot of stranglers and she gave me a dirty look. She seemed to know the rudiments the castle gave us as little information as she could. We got back on the bus somebody asked about Bran Castle and Dracula . She currently replied to the person that they’ll have to wait until they get close to the castle. Minimal information. We stopped in Brasov for about 90 minutes. We could’ve made it for 60 minutes. She did not interact with anybody on the tour other than the bus driver. She could’ve told us all about her country. I’ve taken several Viator tours and this one fell far short of my expectations. I would recommend that Monica be better trained or find another career as it is quite apparent that she is barely going through the motions. Disnot say a single word To anybodyWritten July 21, 2024
- Dreamer965440 contributionsPeles Brasov and Brans (Draculas Castle!) tripExcellent trip. Really informative. Great opportunity to explore. The guide was very knowledgeable and the driver was fantastic given the length of the journey.Written July 8, 2024
- antres20240 contributionsGreat tour & Greater tour guide VladBefore the trip i was tourist after the trip i became the person who knows so much about The City and the culture thanks to Vlad.I recommend everyone who interested not only places but also the history and the details about this majestic countryWritten June 27, 2024
- paulkE3878XC0 contributionsDay trip to vist two castles and a town walkThere was much confusion initialy over the pickup point ,very sparse commentary and information along the journey ,Peles castle was wonderful but massivley over subsrcibed,so much so the tour was delayed by at least half an hour due to inadaquate toilet facilities,we ended uo missing a whole floor due to the tight shedule, The trip to Bram was better but we spent more time than was needed Bram castle was a little disapointing ,the journey to next venue was OK with a stop at local town and a walking tour. I think a stop for a toilet beak just befoe Peles would have eased the tight and rushed shedule.Written June 9, 2024
- 314jayneb0 contributionsFantasticWonderful place to visit and we'll worth money, people are friendly and pleasant it is a must to do, the area is lovely and the castle is just wonderful.Written June 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
31 reviews
Excellent
20
Very good
2
Average
2
Poor
3
Terrible
4
MossmanJoe
Inverurie, UK169 contributions
We went on this tour yesterday. We met at a designated spot and the tour was on time. There were only 4 tourists (one who bailed and didn’t go), so the tour ran with 3 tourists.
Our guide Coco, was full of information and stories.
As said before, the guide does not take you in places, however, they stay with you until you go in and then pick you up when you leave a spot.
He ensured every aspect of the day went smoothly.
They check for passports before leaving and ensure you have cash changed at the border.
They handled the passport control.
Adequate ‘comfort stops’ were provided. We had ample places to choose from for lunch, and time for an ice cream and coffee to admire the view as well.
The minivan (12 seater but only 9 seats in it), was fairly new, comfortable, air conditioned and clean. There was a guide and driver. Both of these people were friendly and respectful. The driver drove sensibly.
So, church built into a limestone cliff, ‘old style chalet type building’ and the fortress. Plus a bit of a wander in the fortress town.
We enjoyed the scenery and the architecture of different influences, tied together by Coco.
We had an enjoyable day in Bulgaria and arrived back in Bucharest old town about 7 pm, roughly a 12 hr day.
We enjoyed this tour and would highly recommend it for others.
Our guide Coco, was full of information and stories.
As said before, the guide does not take you in places, however, they stay with you until you go in and then pick you up when you leave a spot.
He ensured every aspect of the day went smoothly.
They check for passports before leaving and ensure you have cash changed at the border.
They handled the passport control.
Adequate ‘comfort stops’ were provided. We had ample places to choose from for lunch, and time for an ice cream and coffee to admire the view as well.
The minivan (12 seater but only 9 seats in it), was fairly new, comfortable, air conditioned and clean. There was a guide and driver. Both of these people were friendly and respectful. The driver drove sensibly.
So, church built into a limestone cliff, ‘old style chalet type building’ and the fortress. Plus a bit of a wander in the fortress town.
We enjoyed the scenery and the architecture of different influences, tied together by Coco.
We had an enjoyable day in Bulgaria and arrived back in Bucharest old town about 7 pm, roughly a 12 hr day.
We enjoyed this tour and would highly recommend it for others.
Written April 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomad546727
Yucaipa, CA9 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
Driver and Guide were great!! Ruse and the villages we went to were great. The castle was incredible. Plenty of stops for restrooms, stretching, and snacks. When exchanging for Bulgarian money , I would do 100 Romanian Lei so you have plenty of money for lunch, snacks, souvenirs, and other charges that may arise… like impromptu tours or access to village homes and properties and make sure you get small denominations. Unlike Romania, there are very few speakers of English. Pick up and drop off were smooth. The border crossing is unpredictable in regard to how busy and the time it takes to cross either way. We passed in under a half hour back and forth. Do not forget your passport.
Written June 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John M
Tucson, AZ101 contributions
This would normally be a wonderful tour, and our guide Coca was terrific, both a good driver and very knowledgeable.
The reason for the two-star review is the border crossing. The Bulgarians have decided to renovate the Danube bridge approach on their side of the river, reducing travel in both to just a single lane. Traffic alternates in both directions every three minutes. This had the effect of delaying our tour by one hour going to Bulgaria and by THREE hours returning to Bucharest. Our guide said this construction is planned to continue until mid 2026. The result for us was leaving Bucharest at 7am and returning at 11pm.
If you're up for the added four hours sitting in traffic, the sights on this tour are well worth seeing, but I wouldn't do it again until the renovation is complete.
The reason for the two-star review is the border crossing. The Bulgarians have decided to renovate the Danube bridge approach on their side of the river, reducing travel in both to just a single lane. Traffic alternates in both directions every three minutes. This had the effect of delaying our tour by one hour going to Bulgaria and by THREE hours returning to Bucharest. Our guide said this construction is planned to continue until mid 2026. The result for us was leaving Bucharest at 7am and returning at 11pm.
If you're up for the added four hours sitting in traffic, the sights on this tour are well worth seeing, but I wouldn't do it again until the renovation is complete.
Written August 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zeke
2 contributions
Feb 2023
When we arrived at the border of Bulgaria, the driver realized that he had forgotten his passport.
We returned to Bucharest around 12 am.
We lost the evening of the day before because we went to bed early for nothing and we lost all our morning in the van.
We had to fight to obtain the equivalent of 5€ of compensation.
No respect and no appreciation of the time we lost.
Money machine without any customer service.
Disgraceful.
We returned to Bucharest around 12 am.
We lost the evening of the day before because we went to bed early for nothing and we lost all our morning in the van.
We had to fight to obtain the equivalent of 5€ of compensation.
No respect and no appreciation of the time we lost.
Money machine without any customer service.
Disgraceful.
Written March 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Extraordinary82045
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Solo
Wonderful day crossing the Danube into Bulgaria. Veliko Tarnovo was well worth a visit, churches scenery and learning history and tidbits from Eugen made the day very memorable. Fun group random companions in the van made for lots of laughs as well.
Written February 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie T
Sacramento, CA129 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
I decided to make the most of my time in Eastern Europe and take this day trip to Bulgaria. I’m glad I went because it was worth the time and money to visit another country that I wouldn’t otherwise have seen.
The main roads are one lane, so it takes a very long time to get anywhere, but it was cool visiting the monastery in the hillside and the fortress.
The main roads are one lane, so it takes a very long time to get anywhere, but it was cool visiting the monastery in the hillside and the fortress.
Written June 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marion
4 contributions
Feb 2023
I didn't even think that was possible for a day trip to go so wrong. We arrived at the border after more than 3 hours of driving (there was some traffic) and the driver didn't have his ID. We couldn't go through the border because of him and we had to drive back to Bucharest.
UNBELIVABLE !!!!!!!!!! More than 5 hours lost in a 3 days' trip.
I had to fight with the agency to reschedule as they didn't want to. They simply offered to reimburse me and nothing else. I was super pissed off. In the end, I did go on the trip after having argued a lot but they didn't offer any other compensation.
Worse customer service ever. In the car on the way back, the guide tried to guilt trip us by saying the manager was pissed off (well newsflash, so were we!!!) and that the driver would get a pay cut or even lose his job altogether. In addition to the guilt trip, they didn't even want to reschedule and I still haven't heard from them regarding a compensation for the time lost & the worst experience ever.
UNBELIVABLE !!!!!!!!!! More than 5 hours lost in a 3 days' trip.
I had to fight with the agency to reschedule as they didn't want to. They simply offered to reimburse me and nothing else. I was super pissed off. In the end, I did go on the trip after having argued a lot but they didn't offer any other compensation.
Worse customer service ever. In the car on the way back, the guide tried to guilt trip us by saying the manager was pissed off (well newsflash, so were we!!!) and that the driver would get a pay cut or even lose his job altogether. In addition to the guilt trip, they didn't even want to reschedule and I still haven't heard from them regarding a compensation for the time lost & the worst experience ever.
Written February 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clairegraziano
5 contributions
Aug 2019
If you are looking to see as much of Bulgaria as possible in a single day - this is the trip for you! It is a long day but worth the long drive across the Friendship Bridge between Romania and Bulgaria. Minibus offers a comfortable environment for the long rides (with great views of the Bulgarian landscape!) The tour begins at Ivanovo Monastery - an amazing architectural feat with staircases along the rockface and chapels carved into the mountainside. Moving on to Velika Tarnovo is a massive fortress, one of the most unique art styles I've seen in European churches, and wonderful photo opportunities. This point in the tour also offers a lovely break for lunch at an authentic Bulgarian restaurant with outdoor and indoor seating. Lastly, guests are taken to see the ancient village of Arbanassi. This UNESCO heritage site has a very cross-cultural design and is unlike most other places I've visited (it is also one of the only places visited that offers English information!)
Throughout the day (which was a full 15 hours), our guide made enjoyable conversation, told us about the history of Romania and Bulgaria, showed us maps of the regions, and made sure we were comfortable. The tour was very accommodating and the personal pick-up location worked well with AirBnB reservations.
Throughout the day (which was a full 15 hours), our guide made enjoyable conversation, told us about the history of Romania and Bulgaria, showed us maps of the regions, and made sure we were comfortable. The tour was very accommodating and the personal pick-up location worked well with AirBnB reservations.
Written August 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Customer,
Thank you a lot for providing such detailed feedback! It will be a great help to prospective clients.
We are happy to know that you enjoyed the work of the guide as well as the landmarks you have visited.
We hope to see you again soon!
May you enjoy each of your trips!
Kindest regards,
Written September 6, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
doogie1970
London, UK47 contributions
It's a whole day's driving with a very early start to see a church in the rocks and the remains of a fort. Unless you're desparate to add Bulgaria to your country count, skip this tour.
Written August 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin K
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Solo
I was at the meeting place at the right time and they pulled in along side a few other buses , while I was trying to figure which was my bus they drove off . I missed the trip which I paid for
Written October 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What time does this tour start and end please?
Written March 7, 2020
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