Europe
Private Sightseeing Bulgaria
Varna
Varna and the Petrified Forest Half Day
Description: Often proudly called by Bulgarians the "pearl of the Bulgarian Black Sea Riviera", Varna keeps a lot more beyond its sandy beaches.
Join your van for your city exploration, starting with its magnificent Cathedral and visit its interior. After revelling the frescoes and icons in the solemn calmness of the cathedral, continue by coach to the Roman Thermal Baths, dating to the 2nd century. Take a stroll along the halls of the baths, engineered with great sophistication.
You will continue with a visit to the Archeological Museum, housing gold treasure from the Chalcolithic Period/ 3 000 BC/, evaluated to be the oldest gold ever discovered. A choir, performing East Orthodox songs will welcome you in one of the museum’s icon halls.
Rejoin your coach for a drive through the vicinities of Varna and a visit to the 50 million old natural phenomenon, called by the locals “The Petrified Forest”. Take a few minutes to saunter amidst the peculiar stone pillars, molded by nature and discover “The Camel”, “The Stone Guardians”, “The Throne”. Upon your return you may desire to be dropped off in town for some time on your own. Guide will escort passengers who are willing to return to ship.
Timing
Tour Duration: App. 3 hours 45 min
Walking difficulty: No strenuous walking or climbing is involved. Steps: 5 at Roman Baths, 40 at Archaeological Museum, 5 at The Cathedral; Pebbly and sandy surface at Petrified Forest. At the Archaeological Museum passengers may stay on first level and waive their visit to level 2, if they desire to avoid step- climbing. No elevators are available at any of the attractions. Passengers are invited to wear comfortable shoes and clothing providing covered shoulders and knees during their visit to the Cathedral.
This order of visits may vary, as to allow optimal convenience and reduce any potential congestion with other passengers traveling in big groups. Starting time to be advised at a later stage.
Tour is inclusive of the following private arrangements
- Professional guiding services in English language/ unless alternative language is required
- Entrance fees to the above listed attractions
- Transportation by AC van
Inquire for prices.
Varna- Ethnographic Museum, Madara and a Visit to a Bulgarian Family Full Day
Tour Description: Join your van for a sightseeing drive along the streets of awakening Varna and view the City Hall, the Railway station and the Sea Garden. You will visit the Ethnographic Museum of Varna, housed in a house dated to 1860’s, which belonged to a rich local merchant. View the neatly laid out exhibition of authentic agricultural tools. The upper floor of the museum offers a beautiful recall of how the house was furbished and decorated in 1860.
Scenic drive inland takes you to the village of Madara- one of ancient history and warm and hospitable people. In the vicinity of the village is one of Bulgaria’s most fascinating UNESCO enlisted sites. Take a leisurely walk along the wooded alleys, winding up to the majestic Madara rocks and discover the 8th century relief of the horseman, revealing historical data about the military and political development of Bulgaria at the very dawn of its existence.
Rejoin your coach for a further drive to the village, where your hosts- a local couple are expecting you at their private home. The people of Madara enjoy visitors and they will earnestly insist that you sample their local delicacies and brandies. Visit the household garden and the house’s interior! Let your hostess proudly show you around the pantry, housing Bulgarian jam- delicacies!
After warm farewell from your hosts, you will return to Varna.
- Timing
Transfer to Museum app. 10 min
Ethnographic Museum app. 45 min
Shopping time app. 20 min
Scenic Drive in Varna app. 15 min
Transfer to Madara app. 1 hour
Madara Horseman app. 50 min
Transfer to House app. 10 min
Visit to Local Family app. 45 min
Return Drive to Varna app. 1 hour
MISC NOTES: Madara Horseman is relief, inscribed in the rocks of Madara. There is a gentle uphill way leading to the Horseman and upon return there are 300 steps visitors need to descend. Comfortable shoes recommended. Pax may remain downstairs or on minivan should they so desire. There are approximately 40 steps leading to the Ethnographic Museum. Passengers may stay on vehicle if they so desire.
Duration: app. 5 hours 30 min
This order of visits may vary, as to allow optimal convenience and reduce any potential congestion with other passengers traveling in big groups. Passengers may need to start with their drive inland and a visit to a local family first, so that the private touch of these arrangements be well- substantiated. Starting time and order of visits to be advised at a later stage.
Tour is inclusive of the following private arrangements
- Professional guiding services in English language/ unless alternate language is required
- Entrance fees to the above listed attractions
- Transportation by AC van
- Refreshments at the house in Madara village
Nessebur full day tour
The program will be conducted on foot on cobblestone streets mostly as Nessebur is a medieval town nicely restored with all kinds of little churches. There will also be drive up to hill north of the bay with really lovely view of the bay and the Nessebur promontory and later return to the port for embarkation. Please note that Nessebur does not have a harbor large and deep enough to accommodate a large ship. Most ships ferry passengers ashore on the ship's tenders. They will be met by the quayside with a board with their names on it.
Suggested itinerary.
08.30 Disembarkation from the ship - mostly by tender boats as the port is not deep sea port.
Walking tour of Nessebur - declared to an architectural -
historical and archaeological heritage in the list of World Cultural and Natural
Heritage of UNESCO.
Visit the Churches of Nessebur. St.John Alitugetur, St.Stephen, Old
Metropolitan, St.Spaas, St.John the Babtist, Pantocrator, The houses of neesebur
- samples of coastal architecture of the Bulgarian Revival Period.
Visit The Archaeological Museum which provides the best information about the 1000 year history of this town.
See The ruins of the defensive walls and the city gates.
11.00 Departure for Sunny Beach for a short stroll
11.45 Visiting the Khanska Shastra - "Khan's Tent" restaurant for a refreshing drink and a commanding view of the Nessebar peninsula. Picture possibilities.
12.15 Departure for the port
12.30 Embarkation onto the tender boats for the ship
Please note that timing is approximate.
Please note that timing is approximate. Our sightseeing offers are unlike cruise busses are private and are customized for each client. Price is available on request.
Hotels and resorts stay available in Bulgaria.
Please email us number of people, your dates, ship, cruise line, or hotel to inquire for prices and details
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