The journey from Veliko Tarnovo to Arbanasi is not far, but it can still be fun and exciting. With fantastic architecture and beautiful scenic views, the trip is well worth it.

In this blog post, we’ll explore different ways to get to Arbanasi. From buses to taxis, cars to even walking, we have got you covered. We’ll also take a deep dive into the walking route and what you can expect on your journey.

We’ve also compiled a list of tips for visiting Arbanasi so that you can make the most of your trip.

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Located a short distance from Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi is a historic village that offers an abundance of sightseeing opportunities. If you’re in the area, Arbanasi is a gem you won’t want to miss!

We wrote an entire blog about the history and architecture of Arbanasi. We also included some tips on where to eat and drink while in Arbanasi.

Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an extended stay, check out our article for tips on how to make the most of your time in this charming Bulgarian village.

Travelers have several options to reach Arbanasi from Veliko Tarnovo. Each mode of transportation has unique advantages, allowing travelers to experience the journey in different ways. Understanding these options enhances the overall travel experience, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable trip to the nearby village.

Embarking on a journey by car offers the freedom to leisurely travel between Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi, uncovering hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions. The scenic drive provides picturesque views and unforgettable travel experiences while also allowing for personalized itineraries and spontaneous stops.

Renting a car in Bulgaria enables visitors to venture beyond the main routes, paving the way for discovering lesser-known destinations and a truly immersive travel experience. In addition to the major car rental companies in the United States, Sixt and Europcar are common throughout Europe. We recommend Discover Cars to compare rental car offers from large international and smaller regional brands.

Traveling by taxi from Veliko Tarnovo to Arbanasi offers visitors a personalized and convenient transportation option. Taxis ensure a comfortable and door-to-door travel experience, providing flexibility in departure timing and pick-up locations. Travelers can customize their journey based on individual preferences, and engaging with local taxi drivers can offer insights into the cultural and historical aspects of the region. This mode of transport allows for a more intimate exploration of the Bulgarian countryside, enhancing the overall travel experience.

PRO TIP: There are limited taxis available in Arbanasi, so we strongly recommend making prior arrangements for the return trip to Veliko Tarnovo. After waiting an extended time, we were able to stop a Euro City Invest taxi cab – but the driver was on the way to pick up a customer. Fortunately, he called another cab for us, and it arrived a few minutes later. The price was fair, and both drivers we interacted with were very helpful. We would definitely recommend them.

Alex Ok operates a bus service between Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi. The fare is 2.20 BGN per person each way.

Weekday Schedule:

Departure – 7:05, 8:05, 11:35, 14:20, 17:20, 18:20,

Return – 7:30, 8:30, 12:00, 14:45, 17:45, 18:45

Weekend and Holiday Schedule:

Departure: 8:05, 13:05, 17:20

Return: 8:30, 13:30, 17:45

Check here for the current schedule.

CAUTION! WALKING FROM VELIKO TARNOVO TO ARBANASI IS NOT FOR THE NOVICE HIKER.

First, there is no shoulder on the road, so walking the entire way along the highway is not a viable option. However, we found an excellent (albeit old) blog on the internet with detailed instructions, including photos explaining how to walk on a trail through the woods almost the entire way to Arbanasi.

Unfortunately, the trail was not maintained when we made the journey in August 2023. In fact, it was overgrown to the point that it felt more like an animal than a human trail. The thorn trees and briar bushes made some areas almost impassable. Additionally, there was one area where a large pile of loose rocks blocked the way. We were able to make our way across, but it was not for the faint of heart. Finally, large spider webs (with spiders) blocked the path in multiple places.

We considered turning around several times but pressed on because we thought the trail would improve. Unfortunately, it did not – and got worse all the way to the end. By the time we reached the road on the outskirts of Arbanasi, we were firmly regretting our decision to walk.

As we warned above, walking from Veliko Tarnovo is not for the novice hiker. While it is possible, we would not recommend it for most travelers. In addition to a walking stick, it is advisable to carry a machete to clear the path of briar bushes and thorn tree branches.

With that caveat, we understand many people are more adventurous than us. Therefore, we will provide as much information as possible about our experience walking from Veliko Tarnovo to Arbanasi and what to expect.

From the Old Town, you’ll need to walk along ul. Kraybrezhna and then continue to ul. Sveti Kliment Ohridski until you reach Worker’s Bridge. The Yantra River will be on your right, and Tsarevets Hill will be on your left.

After crossing Worker’s Bridge, you will turn left and briefly walk along ul. Ksiliforska until you reach ul. Stoyancho Ahtar on your right. At the start of this road, you will pass through a gate with yellow markings. Continue on ul. Stoyancho Ahtar until you reach the end of the road.

Once you reach the end of ul. Stoyancho Ahtar, there will be a road on your left, a gate at the top of the hill straight ahead, and two paths leading into the woods to your right. You should turn right and follow the left path.

NOTE: It would be easy to get lost at this point. Do not go up the path that leads to the road. While it is possible to get to Arbanasi on the road, it is narrow, with no sidewalk or path on the side.

Take the path on the left that leads up the hill. At first, it looks like the path disappears, but continue up the hill, and the trail will appear again.

PRO TIP: While the trail may not be obvious at eye level, the worn path and the opening closer to ground level are easier to recognize. There are several places where a machete to clear the path will be helpful.

The trail continues between the road above and the creek below for approximately 1 mile. You will come across rock slides at some points, so just be careful where you step.

Eventually, the path will lead you to an opening where you can see the road above. You will need to climb up a small embankment to reach the road.

You will need to walk along the shoulder of the road for 200 to 300 yards. Thankfully, there is a metal barrier along the road that makes this short walk relatively safe.

After a short walk, you will see a sign for Manastir Sv. Nikolay Chudotvorets. We took this route to get off the main road and start our tour of Arbanasi.

After a short walk, you will see a sign for Manastir Sv. Nikolay Chudotvorets. We took this route to get off the main road and start our tour of Arbanasi.

When visiting Arbanasi, take a short bus ride from Veliko Tarnovo for easy access. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for uphill walking to explore the historic architecture and churches. Don’t miss the panoramic view of Veliko Tarnovo from the hilltop. Additionally, sample local cuisine including traditional Bulgarian yogurt and shopska salad to savor the authentic flavors of Bulgaria. Embracing these tips will enhance your experience in Arbanasi.

Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk to the Sanctuary. The round trip journey from Piazza Maggiore to Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca and back is approximately 6 miles and includes many steps. We encountered people of all ages and fitness levels on our trip, so almost everyone is capable of doing it. However, appropriate shoes are required.

Don’t miss the panoramic view of Veliko Tarnovo from the hilltop above Arbanasi.

Sample local cuisine including traditional yogurt and shopska salad to savor the authentic flavors of Bulgaria.

Lastly, if you’re interested in guided tours to Arbanasi, be sure to book in advance to secure your spot. Book a tour below!

Book your stay now!

Driving in Bulgaria can be challenging at times. The road infrastructure is generally well-maintained, but there are some areas where the quality of the roads may not be as good. Traffic can be heavy, especially in major cities like Sofia, and drivers may not always follow traffic regulations strictly. It is important to be cautious and alert while driving in Bulgaria, and to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and customs. Additionally, it is recommended to have a valid international driving permit if you plan on driving in Bulgaria. Overall, with proper preparation and awareness, driving in Bulgaria can be a manageable experience.