About Veliko Tarnovo City and Region

The city of Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Bulgarian Second Kingdom. As such, it was an important economic, ecclesiastical and administrative centre. In modern times, it boasts one of the most prestigious universities in Bulgaria and is a popular tourist destination. There are archeological sites, historic buildings, shops, restaurants, pubs, and plenty of accommodation. Outside the town, there is more to see - monasteries, caves, mountains - and to do - hiking, climbing, cycling, off-roading, water sports, fishing. The city is situated north of the longest mountain range in Bulgaria, the Stara Planina (Old Mountains), where the road from Istanbul to Bucharest crosses the Sofia/Varna highway.

Interested in a climbing holiday? Stay at Trinity Rocks Farm, a short drive from Veliko Turnovo and from Trinity Rocks massif, an excellent place for rock climbing. Guides and equipment can be hired.

The farm has a bunkhouse, rooms and cottages to rent as well as space for tents and motorhomes/caravans. It's on the river, so it's also great for fishing or just sitting with a beer and listening to the frogs calling.

Take a boat trip on Stambolisky reservoir, Bulgaria's largest man-made reservoir. Accommodation is available in a comfortable village house, and there are some mountain bikes which can be hired.

The Stara Planina (Old Mountains) range is a great place for hiking, summer or winter, and there are many hostels. The range includes the highest peak in the central Balkans. Guides can be hired, as can some equipment, but if you're planning serious hiking, best to bring at least your own boots.

Bulgaria has some spectacular scenery. Get out and about in a Land Rover to see the bits not visible from the roads. The forests are full of logging trails - off-roading can be as easy or as challenging as you want it to be. See our Off-road Safari page for more information, or call +359 (0)887 150261.

Kayak Adventures in Bulgaria - a kayaking paradise for those who like to take it easy or spend sometime kayak fishing. Kayaks available for all types of water and people, from complete beginners to the world class pros. Includes airport collection, all the safety equipment, and a guide who speaks first english and also speaks Bulgarian. Prices are based on per person/day (min 3 people), to a tailored adventure of 2 weeks. Either kayaking, canoeing, quad biking or kayak fishing. The Kayak shack is fully fitted with modern shower and toilet. Or spend a few nights out camping along the river or lake you have just paddled along. All camping kit is supplied, just bring your sleeping bag.

Veliko Tarnovo, as the old Capital of the country, would not be complete without a castle. Tsarevets is located inside a loop of the Yantra river. It was reputed to be impregnable and could only be taken by treachery, as the Ottoman army learnt. The castle is now open to visitors, as are many of the monasteries. The city has an old section with cobbled streets, gift shops, art galleries and restaurants. The shopping centers are nearby. With good road, railway and bus connections, Veliko Turnovo makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding regions and seeing other sights. Bulgaria is the site of ancient Thrace and, especially in the south, there are many sites of archeological interest, as well Plovdiv, one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe.

Orchard Stables - 14km from Veliko Turnovo. Horse-riding and activity holidays - mountain and quad bikes to rent.

Fishing is hugely popular in Bulgaria. We don't fish, but here is a link to some information about fishing here, and we can always put you in touch with someone who does like fishing.

Also look here http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=e60_1187099191

Annual biker party in August, extremely well organised by Bad Company MC and Moto Club Boliari. Bike games, racing, live music and of course loads of bikes. Every club puts on an anuual party, so there's something almost every weekend throughout the summer.

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Other Links

Doug and Poly's Moto Camp Bulgaria near Sevlievo, about 30km west of Veliko Turnovo.