Full-Day Tour to Veliko Tarnovo Reserve of Bozhentsi and Etar from Plovdiv

This one-day tour will take you on a journey to the heart of the Bulgarian countryside to visit one of the most significant monuments of culture.

The medieval fortress Tsarevets, situated on the homonymous peak, is surrounded on three sides by the river Yantra. In fact, the fortress was built more than 5,000 years ago, which is proven by archaeological excavations.

The village of Bozhentsi is one of the most beautiful architectural reserves in Bulgaria. It is located 15 kilometers east of Gabrovo and impresses with its well-preserved houses and public buildings.

Architectural and Ethnographic Complex Etar is an open-air museum, established in 1964. Its purpose is to present the architecture and the style of life in Gabrovo and the region during the second half of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century.

Itinerary

1. Veliko Tarnovo · 2 h

   Discover the medieval fortress Tsarevets - The upsurge of Veliko Tarnovo is related to the period of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185 – 1393). In 1185, the town was declared the capital of the restored Bulgarian State by the brothers Asen and Petar, who declared the end of the Byzantine dominion, which continued for 167 years. After its selection to be a capital, the town developed fast, as within the period 12th – 14th century it was the most unconquerable Bulgarian fortress, as well as the cultural and intellectual center of Bulgaria.

2. Bozhentsi · 2 h

   Architectural Reserve Bozhentsi - The village was proclaimed an architectural and historical reserve in 1964 and is part of UNESCO’s cultural monuments. The National Revival architecture has been preserved in the village and due to this, it is forbidden any construction of buildings that do not fit the village’s style.

3. Open Air Ethnographic Museum ETAR · 2 min

   rchitectural and Ethnographic Complex Etar - You will discover the only collection in Bulgaria of technical installations driven by water–filling mills, water mills, grindstones, etc., which is situated there. 16 houses can be seen on the crafts bazaar (the central commercial street) in the Etar, which are exact copies of buildings existing in the past in Gabrovo and the region. On the crafts street, the visitors can watch in real-time the work of the craftsmen. Multiple crafts are presented there – bell-making (manufacturing of wrought bells for animals), pottery-making, sugar-making (manufacturing of sugar articles), furriery, manufacturing of copper vessels, etc.

What's included

• All Fees and Taxes
• Air-conditioned vehicle

What's not included

• Lunch

Meeting point

Start time

08:00 · 09:00

End point

Languages

In-person guide: English

Travellers

• Child (3–15)
• Adult (16–65)
• Senior (66–89)

Options

• Full-Day Tour to Veliko Tarnovo Reserve of Bozhentsi and Etar from Plovdivfrom €120

  Pickup included

  Start time: 08:00 · 09:00

  In-person guide: English

Additional information

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.