Architectural Open Air Museum - Etara and Veliko Tarnovo
Gabrovo Province, Bulgaria
We will see beautiful natural views. We will visit one of the most interesting open-air museums and the old Bulgarian capital Veliko Tarnovo, which today is a nice town that attracts many tourists.
Overview
This full-day tour from Plovdiv explores the Stara Planina mountain range, Etara Open Air Museum, and Veliko Tarnovo, ideal for history and nature enthusiasts.
Highlights
- Picturesque mountain views
- Driving through one of Bulgaria’s most scenic mountain passes
- Exploring Veliko Tarnovo’s unique architecture
Description
The tour begins with a scenic drive across the green hills of Sredna Gora and the Rose Gardens, approaching the Stara Planina mountain range, which stretches extensively from west to east. You will cross the range using the Shipka Pass, a winding road surrounded by dense beech and oak forests.
Next, you will visit the Etara Architectural and Historical Open Air Museum. This museum recreates 18th and 19th century village life with authentic shops, cafes, churches, and artisan workshops. You can observe water-powered mills, a sawmill, knife sharpening stations, woodworking shops, a blacksmith forge, an icon painting studio, a copper workshop, and more.
The tour continues to Veliko Tarnovo, the Bulgarian capital from the 12th to 14th centuries, located on several hills overlooking the Yantra River with its winding meanders. The town features many 19th and early 20th-century houses, some now museums, cafes, restaurants, or hotels.
You will visit Tsarevets Hill, the site of the royal palace and cathedral of the Bulgarian kings from the Second Bulgarian Empire. The fortress walls were restored in the 1970s, and you will see ruins of residential buildings, churches, the partially restored palace, and the fully reconstructed cathedral, where the Bulgarian patriarch resided.
Includes
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Transportation
- Tour guiding
Excludes
- Tickets for Tsarevets Hill and Etara Open Air Museum
- Lunch
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Booking Tips
Bring comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The best time to visit is from spring to early autumn for favorable weather and accessible roads. Purchase entrance tickets in advance to avoid delays.
