Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi 

The capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185 - 1393) preserved colorful murals and architectural silhouettes from different ages for the generations, and left us to ponder the eternal wisdom, chiseled into the column of Khan Omourtag: "Man, no matter how well he lives, dies and another is born...".
Today, too, this unusual city, whose stone houses seem perched one above the other on the steep bank of the Yantra river, is dominated by Tsarevets hill with its solid fortress walls, royal palaces, patriarchal church and Baudouin';s Tower, reminding of the Latin Emperor Baudouin of Flanders who was captured by Tsar Kaloyan. On Trapezitsa Hill the foundations of 17 mediaeval churches were discovered at the turn of the century during excavations organized by the French archaeologist Georges Soeur, but at present only the restored St. Demetrius of Thessalonika and St. Peter and Paul churches are open to visit.
A stroll along old Gurko Street in the Samodivene Market, a crafts and trade centre, will give you a feel of the atmosphere of the Bulgarian national Revival period. A visit to the exhibitions of the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum reveals the museum town';s rich history.
Arbanassy Village
This is your chance to immerse yourself in an atmosphere, preserving the Bulgarian National Revival spirit and traditions.

 Distance: 520 km (both ways)