Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria Cruise Port

Floating down the Yantra River brings you to the historic and architecturally fascinating cruise port of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. Located in the northern part of the country, Veliko Tarnovo was not only the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, but today it's the administrative center of the Veliko Tarnovo Province. Sometimes called "City of the Tsars," the city's history goes back to at least the 3rd millennium B.C., with its prominence peaking in the 14th century. That medieval influence is still felt today, and tourists find this the place to go to experience Bulgaria at its most authentic. It's also a city with a vibrant night life, along with excellent restaurants that command gorgeous views. Divided into both an old and new section, Veliko Tarnovo is easily explored by foot to explore most of its major attractions. Here are some of our favorite experiences when cruising to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria:

Climb the hills overlooking the city to visit Tsarevets Fortress, considered the symbol of Veliko Tarnovo. Not just one building, the area contains hundreds of structures – mostly in ruins – that show why this was the beloved seat of the medieval tsars. Some of the buildings are in the process of being reconstructed; for a full impact of Tsarevets' role in history, take a guided tour.
The Monument of Asenevci (or Asen's Monument) honors the Bulgarian kings who reigned during the Asen Dynasty from 1185 to 1241. The four kings and their horses are captured in bronze and also provide a great vantage point of the old city and Yantra River.
Shoppers will want to visit the marketplace called Samovodska Charshiya, which was hugely popular in the last 1800s and is still perfect for a stroll. The charming cobblestone streets are lined with shops featuring locally-crafted goods, along with a restaurant here and there to have coffee and cake.
The Church of Sveti Petr and Pavel (St. Peter and Paul) is a must-see for those who love religious history and architecture alike. Not only is it relatively well-preserved, but you can also see the remains of 14th to 17th century murals.

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