Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanas and Sofia

This morning, we had a short walk around Veliko Tarnovo where houses cling to the cliffs of the River Yantra, making it one of the country's most beautiful cities. Next we climbed up to the Tsarevets Fortress ruins with stunning views. It was a bit of a climb so we were grateful that it was still morning and overcast.

From there, we visited Arbanasi, one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We toured a traditional 17th-century merchant's house and the Church of the Holy Nativity.

After lunch, it was about a three hour drive across the Balkan Mountains to Bulgaria's capital, Sofia. It was a relief to be on the coach since the temperature had climbed to 35 degrees Celsius.

We didn’t waste any time once we got to Sofia and took a walking tour and explored the key sites and the St. Sofia Church.Read more