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Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna

5 (2)
Balchik, BG
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Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna

5 (2)
Balchik, BG
Share
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Embark on a full-day private sightseeing tour to the north of Varna and be captivated by the exceptional natural beauty and rich history of the region. Your knowledgeable guide will take you to Durankulak Lake, the northernmost point of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, where you can explore one of the most ancient civilizations in Europe. Experience the rugged beauty of Cape Kaliakra and hear the fascinating legends it has inspired. Don't miss the chance to visit the charming bohemian residence of a Romanian queen and the adjacent botanic garden in Balchik, famous for its unique collection of big cacti and exotic trees. To top it all off, enjoy a free wine tasting in the Queen's cellar while immersing yourself in the story of her turbulent life. This full-day private tour promises an unforgettable journey through history, nature, and culture.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Not Included
  • 7 hours - 8 hours
  • Suitable for 1-6 Participants
  • Private Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Explore a region with exceptional natural beauty
  • Visit the charming bohemian residence of a Romanian queen
  • Enjoy a free wine tasting in the Queen's cellar
  • Discover the rugged beauty of Cape Kaliakra
  • Learn about the seven thousand years old European culture
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Lunch
  • Entrance fees: 3 - 8 EUR per person per site

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More about this experience

Introduction

Imagine embarking on an unforgettable journey through the north of Varna, Bulgaria, where exceptional natural beauty harmoniously blends with rich historical landmarks. Join us on a full-day private sightseeing tour that promises to take you on an adventure of a lifetime. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you'll explore the rugged beauty of Cape Kaliakra, discover the ancient civilizations of Durankulak Lake, and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Balchik's bohemian residence and botanical garden.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can anticipate an immersive experience that will immerse you in the historical, natural, and cultural wonders of the region. From the magnificent terraced gardens and arches of Balchik's summer residence to the diverse and extensive botanical collection, you'll be captivated by the beauty that surrounds you. Explore the intriguing history of Durankulak Lake and witness the ancient stone constructions that date back seven thousand years, offering a fascinating insight into Europe's oldest civilization. At Cape Kaliakra, prepare to be charmed by the kaleidoscope of colors provided by wild peonies, irises, and adonises, as well as the breathtaking sea cliff views.

Who is this for?

This tour caters to anyone with a passion for discovering the hidden gems and rich history of Varna's north. Whether you're an avid nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle, this tour is designed to cater to your needs. Be it a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, this experience is perfect for all travelers eager to explore the captivating wonders of Bulgaria's north.

Why book this?

When booking this tour, you are not merely signing up for a sightseeing excursion, but rather embracing an opportunity to delve into the secrets of the past and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that defines the region. With the guidance of a knowledgeable and passionate local guide, you'll truly connect with each destination, hearing the stories and legends that make these places come alive. From the unique collection of big cacti in Balchik's botanical garden to the panoramic views atop Cape Kaliakra, every moment of this tour will leave you in awe and inspire a deeper appreciation for Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage.

Good to know

As you embark on this full-day tour, be prepared for a duration of approximately 420 to 480 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for exploring diverse landscapes, as there will be some walking involved. Please note that the tour does not include meals, so it is advisable to bring snacks or plan for a meal break during the day. Additionally, keep your camera handy as you won't want to miss capturing the mesmerizing views and unique experiences along the way.

Reviews

Previous travelers have expressed their utmost satisfaction and awe after embarking on this unforgettable journey. They were enchanted by the knowledgeable guides who brought history to life and appreciated the outstanding natural beauty that awaited them at every turn. The captivating stories and rich cultural experiences provided an immersive and unique adventure that left them with unforgettable memories. This tour is highly recommended for anyone seeking to discover the hidden treasures of Varna's north and create lifelong memories.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Balchik Palace

The tour starts at 9 a.m. from Varna or any of the nearby resorts. A half-an-hour drive will take us to the picturesque coastal town of Balchik, where we visit a beautiful park with the summer residence of Romanian Queen Maria from the early 20th century. Along the coast, the steep terrain is traversed with terraces - gardens, interconnected by steep stairs, green tunnels and arches. The villa itself, reflecting the original personality and spirit of the Queen, is the work of Italian architects now functioning as a museum.

Admission Not Included

Palace and Botanical Gardens of Balchik

As part of the palace, in 1926 Swiss botanist Jules Jani designed and built a park complex. Later Sofia University established a botanical garden there. Today, more than 2,000 plant species from 85 families and over 800 genera are grown here. The collection of palm trees, for example, includes 33 species, some of which are more than 50 years old. Here you can see rare and exotic trees such as rubber tree, candy tree, paper tree, ancient ginkgo biloba, large-flowered magnolia and others.

Admission Not Included

Lake Durankulak

We drive north to reach our next stop, Lake Durankulak, which is located in the northernmost part of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Here the green plain gradually rolls on towards the coastal sand dunes and beaches. An old riverbed cuts the lowland. Its former estuary is now occupied by the lake of Durankulak. The area is a nature reserve and is very rich in birdlife in all seasons. The bigger of the two islands in the lake is also known as "The Bulgarian Troy". It holds is the largest prehistoric necropolis in the world, featuring the oldest stone constructions in Europe. Visiting the region of Durankulak you will learn a lot about the seven thousand years old European culture that thrived there and the world's first processed gold.

Admission Not Included

Cape Kaliakra

Our next stop is the picturesque nature and archaeological reserve at Cape Kaliakra. As we approach, the plain flows steeply towards the expanse of the sea and at the cape itself the sea cliff towers up to 70 m. The kaleidoscopic hues of the wild peonies, irises and adonises in spring, the silver-green tints of the absinthe and thristles in summer and the light movements of the feather-grass in autumn, gracefully sweeping among the remnants of the ancient fortress of Kaliakra, create the special appeal of this area. The promontory itself stretches 2 km farther into the sea, giving rise to various legends and tales that complement the site’s rich history. Cape Kaliakra is a convenient point for watching birds and dolphins and in calm weather any of the three dolphin species occurring in the Black Sea – the Common Dolphin, the Bottle-nosed Dolphin and the Harbour Porpoise - may be seen playing or chasing fish shoals. An hour drive will take us back to your accommodation.

Admission Not Included

Reviews

(2)

5 (2)

Gerard_G

Kiril picked us up for our private tour right on time from our hotel. From the start he was very open to customising the day to suit our preferences. In the 8 hrs we spent with him we saw and learnt a great deal and were treated to some off the beaten track stops. Fully recommend the day with Kiril.

margaretcM5911BU

Dimiter Georgiev is an excellent - and patient - guide and an amazing birder! He was very generous in sharing some of his favorite birding places between Varna, Bulgaria, along the coast to the Romanian border. In two days, we saw almost 80 species new to us in many different habitats. Dimiter is persistent! The pace that he set and the amount of time at each location were just right. Dimiter also shared with us some of Bulgaria's landmarks, history and culture. We learned so much and we will remember our experience in Bulgaria with great detail and appreciation. His tours were the highlight of our visit to Bulgaria!
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-04-18 04:18