Things to do in Ruse, Bulgaria

Our most recommended things to do in Ruse, Bulgaria

From Bucharest: Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria

From Bucharest: Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria

Start by meeting your local guide at your hotel, then drive south from Bucharest towards the Romanian and Bulgarian border. After crossing the Danube River and the Friendship Bridge, you will enter Bulgaria. On the way towards Veliko Tarnovo, stop for an exclusive visit of the Rock-Hewn Churches next to the village of Ivanovo. These are Bulgarian Medieval churches, chapels, and monastic cells hewn into the craggy gorge of Roussenski Lom River. Inscriptions, portraits of saints, and other restored items are from the 13th century. Then, discover Veliko Tarnovo, which was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and has a long tradition in the culture of Bulgaria. The city is rich in museums and historical sites, combined with a vivacious nightlife propelled by the students in one of the largest universities in Bulgaria. Take a walk on the Artisans Street where you have the chance to pass by workshops owned by Bulgarian families for generations, preserving the old traditions. Get the chance to see a fully functional coppersmith workshop to see the production of copper plates and cups used for Turkish coffee.  Hike up the Tsarevets Hill with the remains of the castle and church of Bulgarian kings. Visit the Fortress, the Patriarchal Church, the Royal Palace, and Emperor Balduin’s Tower. Next, journey to Arbanassi and step back in time while wandering the streets lined with houses and churches dating back as far as the 16th century. Take a peek into the life of rich merchants from the 17th century while visiting the Konstantsalieva House, showing the lavish but simple lifestyle of the nobility. Next, stop for lunch in one of the many restaurants serving local food and savor the famous Bulgarian cuisine. Following this, begin the journey back to Bucharest.

Private Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Bucharest

Private Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Bucharest

You start the day by going over the border to Bulgaria, so be sure to have your passport with you. First stop will be at the Ivanovo Rock Churches, a UNESCO world heritage site which is actually carved in the rock and has among the best preserved frescoes.  Afterwards you visit Veliko Turnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and also Tsarevets hill with the remains of the castle and church of the Bulgarian Kings. It dates back to the 12th century. Enjoy a walk on Samovodene Artisans Street packed with workshops of locals were you can find a copper smith, silversmith, an icon painter and many more. Many of the workshops are there for 3-4 generations already.  Next stop will be the intriguing village of Arbanassi with an included visit to , so you can get the chance to discover a real interior from from a typical local house. Before setting off for Romania, last visit will be in the small town of Ruse that has a beautiful main square and pedestrian area. Together with your local guide be immersed in the town's charm and learn more about it's history from the Roman times to modernity. Arrive back to your hotel in the evening after a wonderful day filled with great sights, history and friends from Bulgaria.

Private Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Ruse

Private Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Ruse

You start the day by departing from your ship and start driving on scenic country roads. First stop will be at the Ivanovo Rock Churches, a UNESCO world heritage site which is actually carved in the rock and has among the best preserved frescoes.  Afterwards you visit Veliko Turnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and also Tsarevets hill with the remains of the castle and church of the Bulgarian Kings. It dates back to the 12th century. Enjoy a walk on Samovodene Artisans Street packed with workshops of locals were you can find a copper smith, silversmith, an icon painter and many more. Many of the workshops are there for 3-4 generations already.  Next stop will be the intriguing village of Arbanassi with an included visit to Konstantsalieva House, so you can get the chance to discover a real interior from from a typical local house. Before setting off for your ship, last visit will be in the small town of Ruse that has a beautiful main square and pedestrian area. Together with your local guide be immersed in the town's charm and learn more about it's history from the Roman times to modernity. Arrive back to your ship after a wonderful day filled with great sights, history and friends from Bulgaria.

Bucharest (Romania) to Ruse (Bulgaria) - Private Transfer

Bucharest (Romania) to Ruse (Bulgaria) - Private Transfer

Enjoy a convenient private transfer from your accommodation in Bucharest to your preferred location in Ruse. Relax knowing that you are traveling safely in a licensed vehicle. Your professional driver will be waiting for you at your location in Bucharest. Experience a comfortable journey in an air-conditioned vehicle. Let your driver navigate you through the traffic smoothly. Travel safely without having to worry about pre-booking or last-minute searching.

From Ruse: Shore Excursion Day Tour to Sofia

From Ruse: Shore Excursion Day Tour to Sofia

Depart in the early morning from your ship docked in Ruse and begin the drive south. Very soon, you will reach the national road leading to Sofia. On the way, you'll pass picturesque villages, and get a glimpse of rural life in Bulgaria. Your expert local guide will give you great insight into the area and answer your questions about this interesting country. Upon arrival in Sofia, take a walking tour in the central historical district and visit Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Bulgaria's largest Orthodox church, and the St. George Rotonda from the 4th century. See the Military Academy, National Theater, National Bank and National Art Gallery. After a lunch break in a local restaurant, it's time to visit the National History Museum, located by the Vitosha Mountain and containing one of the best exhibitions of Bulgaria's artefacts and treasures. The last stop will be at the Boyana Church, with its perfectly preserved frescoes. After a day of discovering Bulgaria's wonders and making local friends you will return to your ship in the small port of Ruse.

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Our most recommended things to do in Ruse, Bulgaria

From Bucharest: Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria

From Bucharest: Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria

Start by meeting your local guide at your hotel, then drive south from Bucharest towards the Romanian and Bulgarian border. After crossing the Danube River and the Friendship Bridge, you will enter Bulgaria. On the way towards Veliko Tarnovo, stop for an exclusive visit of the Rock-Hewn Churches next to the village of Ivanovo. These are Bulgarian Medieval churches, chapels, and monastic cells hewn into the craggy gorge of Roussenski Lom River. Inscriptions, portraits of saints, and other restored items are from the 13th century. Then, discover Veliko Tarnovo, which was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and has a long tradition in the culture of Bulgaria. The city is rich in museums and historical sites, combined with a vivacious nightlife propelled by the students in one of the largest universities in Bulgaria. Take a walk on the Artisans Street where you have the chance to pass by workshops owned by Bulgarian families for generations, preserving the old traditions. Get the chance to see a fully functional coppersmith workshop to see the production of copper plates and cups used for Turkish coffee.  Hike up the Tsarevets Hill with the remains of the castle and church of Bulgarian kings. Visit the Fortress, the Patriarchal Church, the Royal Palace, and Emperor Balduin’s Tower. Next, journey to Arbanassi and step back in time while wandering the streets lined with houses and churches dating back as far as the 16th century. Take a peek into the life of rich merchants from the 17th century while visiting the Konstantsalieva House, showing the lavish but simple lifestyle of the nobility. Next, stop for lunch in one of the many restaurants serving local food and savor the famous Bulgarian cuisine. Following this, begin the journey back to Bucharest.

Private Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Bucharest

Private Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Bucharest

You start the day by going over the border to Bulgaria, so be sure to have your passport with you. First stop will be at the Ivanovo Rock Churches, a UNESCO world heritage site which is actually carved in the rock and has among the best preserved frescoes.  Afterwards you visit Veliko Turnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and also Tsarevets hill with the remains of the castle and church of the Bulgarian Kings. It dates back to the 12th century. Enjoy a walk on Samovodene Artisans Street packed with workshops of locals were you can find a copper smith, silversmith, an icon painter and many more. Many of the workshops are there for 3-4 generations already.  Next stop will be the intriguing village of Arbanassi with an included visit to , so you can get the chance to discover a real interior from from a typical local house. Before setting off for Romania, last visit will be in the small town of Ruse that has a beautiful main square and pedestrian area. Together with your local guide be immersed in the town's charm and learn more about it's history from the Roman times to modernity. Arrive back to your hotel in the evening after a wonderful day filled with great sights, history and friends from Bulgaria.

Private Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Ruse

Private Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Ruse

You start the day by departing from your ship and start driving on scenic country roads. First stop will be at the Ivanovo Rock Churches, a UNESCO world heritage site which is actually carved in the rock and has among the best preserved frescoes.  Afterwards you visit Veliko Turnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and also Tsarevets hill with the remains of the castle and church of the Bulgarian Kings. It dates back to the 12th century. Enjoy a walk on Samovodene Artisans Street packed with workshops of locals were you can find a copper smith, silversmith, an icon painter and many more. Many of the workshops are there for 3-4 generations already.  Next stop will be the intriguing village of Arbanassi with an included visit to Konstantsalieva House, so you can get the chance to discover a real interior from from a typical local house. Before setting off for your ship, last visit will be in the small town of Ruse that has a beautiful main square and pedestrian area. Together with your local guide be immersed in the town's charm and learn more about it's history from the Roman times to modernity. Arrive back to your ship after a wonderful day filled with great sights, history and friends from Bulgaria.

Bucharest (Romania) to Ruse (Bulgaria) - Private Transfer

Bucharest (Romania) to Ruse (Bulgaria) - Private Transfer

Enjoy a convenient private transfer from your accommodation in Bucharest to your preferred location in Ruse. Relax knowing that you are traveling safely in a licensed vehicle. Your professional driver will be waiting for you at your location in Bucharest. Experience a comfortable journey in an air-conditioned vehicle. Let your driver navigate you through the traffic smoothly. Travel safely without having to worry about pre-booking or last-minute searching.

From Ruse: Shore Excursion Day Tour to Sofia

From Ruse: Shore Excursion Day Tour to Sofia

Depart in the early morning from your ship docked in Ruse and begin the drive south. Very soon, you will reach the national road leading to Sofia. On the way, you'll pass picturesque villages, and get a glimpse of rural life in Bulgaria. Your expert local guide will give you great insight into the area and answer your questions about this interesting country. Upon arrival in Sofia, take a walking tour in the central historical district and visit Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Bulgaria's largest Orthodox church, and the St. George Rotonda from the 4th century. See the Military Academy, National Theater, National Bank and National Art Gallery. After a lunch break in a local restaurant, it's time to visit the National History Museum, located by the Vitosha Mountain and containing one of the best exhibitions of Bulgaria's artefacts and treasures. The last stop will be at the Boyana Church, with its perfectly preserved frescoes. After a day of discovering Bulgaria's wonders and making local friends you will return to your ship in the small port of Ruse.

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What people are saying about Ruse, Bulgaria

Overall rating

4.5
(73 reviews)

The tour guide ‘Cola’ was very engaging and kept us informed from start to finish. Despite the itinerary being slight modified due to the off season, we were able to see the important sights. Excellent value for money, extra point for picking up and dropping up at the hotel rather than a pickup station. 10/10 Will recommend

It was great! The guide was very nice, French-speaking. There were only 4 of us doing the excursion so we were comfortable in the van and even chatting with the guide or the driver! I recommend!!

Very Beautiful Experience to visit Bulgaria 🇧🇬 the Driver very kind & Very safe… The Tourist Guide so amazing 🤩

guide was very helpful and entertaining. it was a fun trip overall.

Perfect travel! Alot of facts and interesting stories.