A one-day excursion by coach to the Medieval Bulgarian capital Veliko Tarnovo, picturesquely situated in tiers on the banks of the river Yantra. The town flourished during the time of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, 1187-1393, when it was a spiritual, cultural and political centre of Bulgaria. Tsarevets hill with the ruins of the Kings palace and restored patriarch church is a marvelous place to feel the charm of the town. The sightseeing tour continues with a walk around the preserved houses of 18th and 19th centuries and the old trade street, in which shops and craft workshops typical Bulgarian souvenirs are produced. Lunch is in Arbanasy, a village famous for its well-preserved architecture from the Revival period. Two monasteries from 16th-17th centuries are visited. |