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| Christmas in Veliko Tarnovo! |
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There is perhaps no city in Eastern Europe with a setting more spectacular and romantic then Veliko Tarnovo, city of the tsars. Here the Yantra river wends its way gracefully through a sheer tree-lined gorge atop of which sits the ancient capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185-1396). Tourism here is thriving as word spreads in the evermore obscure contest to find Eastern Europe’s new big thing. Now word is well and truly out and travellers are making a beeline to Tarnovo right after Prague and Budapest.
Commanding pride of place is the magisterial, well-restored Tsarevets Fortress, citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. It's complemented by scores of churches and other ruins, many still being unearthed.
As the site of Bulgaria’s most prestigious university, Veliko Târnovo also boasts a revved-up nightlife of which many larger towns would be jealous. There’s great food and drink, too, in restaurants offering commanding views of the river and castle, or the old-world ambience of the Varosha quarter, with its terracotta rooftops and lounging cats.
As a major stop on the Bucharest–Istanbul express train, Veliko Târnovo is also a backpackers' fave. However, it’s also popular with weekending Bulgarians drawn by its romantic ambience and European tour groups peering over the sites. Certainly, it’s one of the ‘obligatory’ destinations for getting the full Bulgarian experience, but Târnovo is well worth it, and will keep you entranced for at least a few days.
Veliko Tarnovo is not a tick box destination. Allow yourselves longer time than originally planned. There are lots of great excursion destinations around the town all within an hour away.
The region around boasts many attractive landscapes and scenic landmarks. The appearance of the city’s immediate surroundings is shaped by deep valleys flanked by steep limestone rocks.
There are remarkable trails, such as the “Negovanka” eco-trail (in the village of Emen), “Preobrajenska” eco-trail just a few kilometers outside of the city, eco-trails to the village of Arbanassi, Dryanovo monastery’s eco-trail and many more, which will take you to scenic sights such as caves, narrow gorges, waterfalls and spectacular lookout points. |
| Monday, Dec 21, 2015 |
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| » RENTALS |
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| Apartment |
€ 400 |
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| Location: |
Veliko Tarnovo |
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