Buzludzha And Shipka, 4 Hours

Overview

This four hour private trip from central Veliko Tarnovo takes on two of the Stara Planina's most striking sights without the need to hire a car. You meet your guide at ul. Hristo Botev 5, or in front of the Tourist Information Center, at 09:00, and ride out in an air conditioned vehicle with bottled water on board.

The first stop is the Buzludzha Monument, the saucer shaped structure often compared to a UFO, where you get up close for 40 minutes. The guide explains why it was built, how it was developed, and what Bulgarians themselves make of it, which is the angle the operator emphasises. Entering inside is forbidden, so the visit is entirely exterior. From there the tour continues to the Shipka Monument for a 30 minute stop, though admission there is not included in the price.

Because it is private, only your own group takes part, and the day ends back at the original meeting point. Info sheets with summaries and interesting facts about the main attractions along the route are handed out. The tour is built around hearing the local perspective on Buzludzha, from why it was built to what Bulgarians think of it today.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet in Veliko TarnovoMeet at ul. Hristo Botev 5, or in front of the Tourist Information Center, for a 09:00 start.
2. Drive into Stara PlaninaTravel to the mountains in a private air conditioned vehicle with a guide.
3. Buzludzha MonumentSpend 40 minutes up close to the monument with free admission. Entering the interior is forbidden.
4. Shipka MonumentStop for 30 minutes. Admission is not included, so budget for the entry fee separately.
5. Return to Veliko TarnovoThe tour ends back at the original meeting point, four hours after departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points before booking, drawn from the listing and from traveller reports.

• Getting there. The meeting point is at ul. Hristo Botev 5 in the center, or in front of the Tourist Information Center, with a 09:00 start. The tour ends back at the same spot.
• It stays private. Only your group participates, so you share the vehicle and the guide with no one else. Infants must sit on laps, and infant seats are available.
• Weather matters. One reviewer described a gorgeous sunny autumn day as a bonus at these significant places in the middle of nowhere.
• Entry fees. Buzludzha is free to see from outside. Shipka's admission is not included in the tour price, so budget for it separately.
• Photos and views. One reviewer said seeing these significant places in the middle of nowhere was as interesting as they had hoped. Both stops are short, around 40 minutes and 30 minutes.
• Comforts on board. Bottled water and fuel are included, and info sheets with facts about the main attractions are provided. There is no restroom on board the vehicle.

Common issues. You cannot go inside the Buzludzha Monument, only view it from outside, which surprises some visitors. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. Admission to the Shipka Monument is an extra cost on top of the tour price, and gratuities are not included. Cancel at least 24 hours before the 09:00 start for a full refund, otherwise no refund is given.

Common Questions