Madara Horseman & Pliska: Private Historical Day Trip from Varna

Summary

Walk forest trails to the Madara Horseman then wander Pliska’s ancient stones before Cyrillic tales over lunch

You’ll walk forest paths beneath the Madara Horseman with a local guide, climb to medieval fortresses if you’re feeling bold, wander ancient Pliska’s basilica ruins, and share lunch in a traditional spot. The day ends tracing Bulgaria’s alphabet story among wax kings—leaving you with more questions than answers (in a good way).

What’s the experience like?

I woke up still half-dreaming of cliffs and old kings — then realized we were already winding through the green outside Varna. Our guide, Nikolay, had this way of pointing out things you’d never notice, like the way the morning light hit the fields or how every village seemed to have its own rhythm. The first stop was the Madara Horseman. I’ll be honest, I’d seen photos but nothing really prepares you for standing below that stone carving, 23 meters up on the cliff. There’s this hush in the air, broken only by birds and our boots crunching on leaves. Nikolay told us no one knows exactly who carved it or why — which somehow made it feel even older. If you’re up for it (and we were), there’s a trail through the woods to the top. My legs complained a bit but the view down is wild — you see all these rolling fields and tiny houses.

After catching our breath (and maybe a little sweat), we drove to Pliska. The ruins are scattered over fields that smell faintly of grass and sun-warmed stone. It’s not crowded; just us, a few storks circling overhead, and some local kids riding bikes near what used to be palace walls. The Great Basilica of Pliska is mostly outlines now but standing where those walls once rose… I don’t know, it makes history feel weirdly close. Lunch came next — homemade bread, grilled meat, tomatoes so red they almost looked fake. Maybe it was hunger or maybe just being there with everyone at the table, but I still think about that meal sometimes.

The last stop was the Courtyard of Cyrillic Alphabet. Wax figures of khans and tsars stared out from under heavy eyebrows (Li laughed when I tried reading their names in Cyrillic — probably butchered them). There was something comforting about learning how letters traveled through centuries here; like language itself is part of what holds this place together. We piled back into the van tired but kind of happy-tired — you know? Still smelling faintly of pine needles and old stone when we got dropped off at our hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Madara Horseman and Pliska ruins

• Pick up from Varna accommodation
• Walk to Madara Horseman monument
• Hike to Madara Fortress on cliff
• Explore caves and old sanctuaries
• Visit Old Pliska ruins and Great Basilica
• Tour Courtyard of Cyrillic Alphabet museum
• Enjoy lunch at traditional local restaurant

Top questions

How long does the private historical tour from Varna take?

The tour lasts most of the day including stops at Madara Horseman, Pliska ruins, and Cyrillic museum plus time for lunch.

Is hiking required on this Madara Horseman & Pliska day trip?

No, hiking is optional; you can choose to walk up to Madara Fortress if you want more adventure.

Does this tour include lunch?

Yes, there’s time for lunch at a local traditional restaurant during the trip.

Are entry fees included in this private tour?

The tour includes all necessary entry fees for sites visited.

Is hotel pickup available in Varna?

Yes, pickup is included from your accommodation in Varna or within 30km radius.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English and Russian fluently.

Is this tour suitable for kids or families?

Families are welcome though some walking/hiking may be challenging for very young children or those with limited mobility.

Can I bring my service animal on this trip?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with air conditioning and bottled water, pickup from your hotel in Varna (or nearby), entry fees for all sites including Madara Horseman and Pliska Basilica ruins plus time at the Cyrillic Alphabet Courtyard museum—and plenty of stories from your local guide before returning after lunch at a traditional restaurant.