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Bulgaria - Hiking at Hotnitsa & Veliko Tarnovo Medieval Fortress

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Bucharest, Romania
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from $80.11 per person

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.
11 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Romanian
Instant confirmation

Overview

Depart from Bucharest for an unforgettable day trip across the Danube, where wild nature perfectly intertwines with medieval history!

Highlights of the Tour:
Nature Refresh at Hotnitsa Waterfall: We start the day with an invigorating hike along a scenic canyon and wooden bridges, leading right to a spectacular turquoise waterfall.

Next:
Time Travel at Tsarevets Fortress: Explore the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. We’ll hike up through legend-filled ruins to the top of the hill to visit the impressive Patriarchal Cathedral and enjoy a stunning 360-degree panorama.
After:

Charming Veliko Tarnovo: Wrap up the day with a stroll through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the "City of the Tsars." Enjoy some free time to admire the unique architecture, sip traditional coffee, and hunt for authentic local souvenirs (from famous rose oil products to handmade crafts).

Grab your hiking shoes, pack your camera, and join us for a fantastic day trip getaway!

What's Included

  • Private transportation
  • Hotel Pick-up
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Lunch
  • Entry/Admission to Tsarevets Fortress - 5€ per person
  • Entry/Admission to Hotnitsa Natural Park - 4€ per person
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Hotnitsa

Certainly! Here's a short and engaging presentation text for Hotnitsa Waterfall, ideal for a tour brochure, website, or guided introduction:---Hotnitsa Waterfall – Nature’s Hidden GemNestled just 20 kilometers from Veliko Tarnovo, Hotnitsa Waterfall, also known as Kaya Bunar, is one of Bulgaria’s most picturesque natural attractions. Cascading from a height of 30 meters, the waterfall creates a serene turquoise pool, surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic rock formations.Visitors can enjoy a scenic escape into nature along the Hotnitsa Eco-Trail, a well-marked hiking path featuring wooden bridges and panoramic views through the Bohot River Gorge. The trail offers both relaxation and adventure, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers and hikers alike.Peaceful, accessible, and breathtakingly beautiful—Hotnitsa Waterfall is a must-see stop on any Bulgarian journey.
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Tsarevets

Tsarevets Fortress is a medieval stronghold and one of the most iconic historical landmarks in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. Perched on Tsarevets Hill and surrounded on three sides by the Yantra River, it served as the primary fortress and royal residence of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185–1396).Key Features:Royal Palace Complex: Once the seat of the Bulgarian tsars, the ruins of the palace include a throne room, royal church, and residential quarters.Patriarchal Cathedral: Rebuilt in the 20th century, this church sits at the highest point of the hill and is now decorated with striking modern murals depicting Bulgarian history.Defensive Walls and Gates: The fortress is encircled by thick stone walls with fortified gates and watchtowers, most notably the Baldwin’s Tower.Sound and Light Show: At night, Tsarevets is often illuminated in a dramatic show that uses lights, music, and narration to tell the story of Bulgaria's medieval glory.
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo is a historic city in northern Bulgaria, known as the "City of the Tsars" due to its role as the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire from the late 12th to the 14th century. It is one of the oldest settlements in the country, with archaeological evidence of habitation dating back over 5,000 years.Key Highlights:Tsarevets Fortress: The city's crown jewel, a medieval stronghold that once housed the Bulgarian royal family and remains a powerful symbol of national heritage.Old Town: A charming district with narrow cobblestone streets, traditional Balkan architecture, and artisan shops.Samovodska Charshiya: A historic market street where you can see local craftspeople making pottery, weaving, and woodcarving.Scenic Views: Veliko Tarnovo is built on several hills above the Yantra River, offering stunning panoramas of cliffs, bridges, and terraced houses.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Bulgaria – Hiking at Hotnitsa & Veliko Tarnovo Medieval Fortress?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EET). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-118890P11

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Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Bulgaria – Hiking at Hotnitsa & Veliko Tarnovo Medieval Fortress?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EET).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Private transportation.
  • Hotel Pick-up.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Professional tour guide in English.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
  • Entry/Admission to Tsarevets Fortress - 5€ per person.
  • Entry/Admission to Hotnitsa Natural Park - 4€ per person.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 7..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Bulgaria - Hiking at Hotnitsa & Veliko Tarnovo Medieval Fortress is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Bulgaria – Hiking at Hotnitsa & Veliko Tarnovo Medieval Fortress will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Private transportation
  • Hotel Pick-up
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional tour guide in English
  • Lunch
  • Entry/Admission to Tsarevets Fortress - 5€ per person
  • Entry/Admission to Hotnitsa Natural Park - 4€ per person

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Report Product Issue

Activity name