2-Day Bulgaria Tour: Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo & Plovdiv

Two countries, three cities, one overnight: Danube crossing, Tsarevets Fortress, and Plovdiv's Roman Theater

A 2-day private tour from Bucharest takes you across the Danube into Bulgaria, visiting Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, and Plovdiv with a professional guide and driver. Day one covers the crossing and walking tours of Ruse and Veliko Tarnovo, ending with an overnight in a 4-star Plovdiv hotel. Day two explores Plovdiv's Old Town and Roman Theater before returning to Bucharest. You choose between a privately guided experience with customizable stops or a self-guided option with an e-guide.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 340 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Self-guided 09:00 Guide in English or Russian Transport is handled by us, and the logistics are on our side.

Privately guided 09:00 Guide in English or Russian Pickup is included, along with the transport, guide and logistics.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel and sightseeing in Bulgaria

• Pick up from Bucharest hotel
• Drive and guide explains sights
• Cross Danube river
• Walking tour of Ruse main attractions
• Visit top sights in Ruse
• Travel to Veliko Tarnovo
• Explore Veliko Tarnovo sights
• Overnight walk in Plovdiv
• Overnight in Plovdiv hotel

Day 2: Tour Plovdiv and return

• Tour Plovdiv city
• Visit Plovdiv Old Town
• See Plovdiv Roman Theater
• Visit other top sights in Plovdiv
• Travel back to Bucharest

What’s included

• Personalized e-guide with information on all sights.
• road taxes and cross-border fee.
• one night in a 4-star hotel in central Plovdiv with breakfast.
• lunch.
• professional tour guide and driver in the privately guided option.
• pickup and drop-off at your Bucharest hotel in the privately guided option.

Times

• Every day 09:00

Before you book

Group Private

Live guide English and Russian

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to Start time

Ages Adult (18 and older) · Child (4 to 17 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by VisitBulgariaOn Bespoke Experiences

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

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Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 2 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

The tour starts with early pickup from your Bucharest hotel and heads straight toward Bulgaria. You cross the Danube into Ruse, where a walking tour covers the main attractions of this riverside city. From there the route continues to Veliko Tarnovo, home to Tsarevets Fortress, one of the region's defining sights. The guide points out landmarks as you drive through the Thracian valley, and by evening you arrive in Plovdiv for an overnight stay in a 4-star hotel in the city center.

On day two, Plovdiv opens up with a full tour of its Old Town and the Plovdiv Roman Theater, one of the best-preserved ancient stages in Europe. A night walk the evening before gives you a sense of the city's layout and atmosphere. The tour wraps up with the drive back to Bucharest, where you're dropped at your hotel.

You pick your format at checkout: the privately guided option pairs you with a guide who also drives, allowing you to customize stops and pacing to your interests. The self-guided version gives you a personalized e-guide with all the sight information and lets you move through the itinerary on your own schedule. Either way, the 4-star overnight, meals, road taxes, and cross-border fees are included. Children from age 4 are welcome, and the tour runs year-round regardless of weather.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 17 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What is Tsarevets Fortress and why is it worth seeing in Veliko Tarnovo?

Tsarevets Fortress is one of the top sights in Veliko Tarnovo, a major historical landmark that anchors the day's visit to the city. It's a key stop on the walking tour of the old town.

Can I customize the stops and timing if I book the privately guided option?

Yes. The private guide can adjust the tour to fit anything you'd like, so you can linger at sites that interest you or skip others. This flexibility is built into the privately guided format.

What's included in the overnight stay in Plovdiv?

You stay in a 4-star hotel in central Plovdiv with breakfast included. The evening before departure includes a night walk through the city to orient you before the full tour on day two.

Do I need a passport and visa to enter Bulgaria from Romania?

You're responsible for arranging all permits to enter and exit Bulgaria as a passport holder. Check entry requirements for your nationality before booking.

Is the Plovdiv Roman Theater still used, or is it just a historical site?

The Plovdiv Roman Theater is one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in Europe and stands as a major historical attraction in Plovdiv's Old Town. It's a centerpiece of the day-two tour.