The town at the northern foot of the Stara Planina Mountains is a popular attraction not only for foreign tourists, but also for Bulgarians.

Veliko Tarnovo is one of the most important historical areas in Bulgaria and one of the oldest towns in the Balkans. Tangible traces go back to the 3rd millennium BC, and later (around the 12th century AD) the town became famous as the centre of the Second Bulgarian Empire.

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In 1393, however, the Ottomans came to Veliko Tarnovo and destroyed the entire town. However, the ruins of the old temple on the Carevec promontory and the Tsar's palace remained and are still a popular tourist attraction today. The extensive centre is complemented by picturesque houses from the 18th to 19th centuries.

From Sofia, the city can be reached in about 3.5 hours by bus or 5 hours by train. Buses leave from the central bus station several times an hour and a one-way ticket costs about 20 to 35 bgn depending on the company.

From Varna the journey is about three quarters of an hour shorter, frequent buses leave from the central station and the journey costs between 18 and 30 bgn.

For example, you can find connections via /bgrazpisanie.com.