Danube River Shore Cruise

DANUBE RIVER SHORE PROGRAMS

EXCURSIONS FROM VIDIN PORT

HALF DAY CITY TOUR OF VIDIN, DURATION: 2.5 - 3 h, NO TRANSPORT IS NEEDED

The first Bulgarian port in Danube river was the one of Vidin. The tour starts at the River Port, conveniently located in the Danube Park where most of the site are concentrated. The tour includes: the building of the Vida Drama Theatre – the first one build specifically to be a drama theatre and the Art Gallery housed in the imposing building of the former Military Club. The walk continues towards Turkish post office dating from 1858 the only one of its kind in Bulgaria, the Cross Barracks, characterized by its specific architecture in the shape of even-sided cross with four almost independent court-yards. Nearby is St Petkam a half hidden church built in 17thcentury. Visit of the only one well preserved medieval citadel - the Baba Vida Fortress, constructed in 10th century. It was known as the “virgin” fortress as it was never conquered. Now is transformed into an original open-air museum with exhibits showing the life in the Medieval times. The alleys of the Danube park provides a view of the building of the Jewish prayer house – the second largest after the Sofia`s one. Today it is not in use, but its impressive façade and painted six-pointed stars still stand to this day.

HALF DAY CITY TOUR TO BELOGRADCHIK FORTRESS AND MAGOURA CAVE, DURATION: 3.5 – 5 h

A beautiful scenic drive will lead you to Belogradschik. In the midst of a fairytale-like landscape formed out of rock more than 230 million years ago, you will find the wonderfully restored castle of Belogradschik dating back to the 6th century. Belogradchik Rocks, formed from red sandstone and conglomerate are one of the natural wonders of Bulgaria. They have been nominated by UNESCO for one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. After a picture stop with a marvelous view onto the rock formations, you will take a one-hour walk through the fortress, before continue to the Magoura cave, which is home to some of the richest in size and form cave formations. Prehistoric rock carvings and wall painting made of guano can be seen in one of the halls. The oldest sun dial discovered in Europe is also located here.

Note: In case the time permits it, we can organize a full day excursion combining all above-mentioned site visits.

EXCURSIONS FROM SVISHTOV PORT

HALF DAY CITY TOUR OF SVISHTOV, DURATION: 2 h, NO TRANSPORT IS NEEDED

Svishtov was one of the most important ports on the Danube with remarkable city athmosphere typical for Central Europe. The Viennese architecture of the buildings is still well preserved and remind us about the town`s golden years. The tours starts at the birthplace of the prominent Bulgarian writer Aleko Konstantinov, nowdays part of the Svishtov History Museum. The tours continues with visits of 2 of its more famous houses – Sladkarov`s house which looks like a small fortress and Dimitar Nachov`s house. In the heart of the city is the symbol of Svishtov – the Clock Tower, a favorite meeting place nowdays. Visit of the St.Trininty church, which bells were donated by the Russian Tsar Alexander II during its construction.

FULL DAY CITY TOUR TO VELIKO TARNOVO AND ARBANASI, DURATION: 7-8 h

Pick up at the Port of Svishtov and departure for the Medieval Bulgarian capital - Veliko Tarnovo. This is the town with the most glorious historical past in Bulgarian, a symbol of the Bulgarian Statehood. At the end of the 10th century the hill was already densely populated and in 12th century it was a fortified town and a significant economic centre. In 1887 the Uprising of Assen and Peter was successfully completed, the Byzantine Rule was thrown off and Turnovgrad became the capital of the restored Bulgarian Kingdom. The following 2 centuries are “golden” in the history of the town. Visit of the King`s Palace and the Bulgarian Patriarchy situated on the Tsarevets Hill. The houses of the Boyars and the Senior Priesthood as well as many churches were situated on Trapezitsa Hill. During the 13th and 14th centuries, the capital of Bulgaria was a big political, economic, trade and cultural centre in Europe. Magnificent palaces, monasteries, churches, fortifications, bridges were built here. Walk through Samovodene open-air crafts` market street. The tour continues with visit to the historical village of Arbanasi. During the tour is visited the Konstantsaliev’s House (one of the largest and most lavishly decorated houses of the Bulgarian National Revival) and the Church of the Nativity of Christ, the oldest church in Arbanasi, unique with its frescoes.

EXCURSIONS FROM ROUSSE PORT

HALF DAY CITY TOUR OF ROUSSE, DURATION: 2-3 h, NO TRANSPORT IS NEEDED

Ruse, the greatest and the most important Bulgarian town on the Danube river is known also as “Little Vienna” because of its architecture - Art Nouveau-inspired ornamentation drips from delicate turn-of the-century houses. About 200 buildings in Russe are listed in the architectural and historical heritage of Bulgaria. The tour starts at the Freedom square where one can see the symbol of the city – the 17.8 m tall Monument of Freedom, erected with donations by the Italian architect Arnaldo Zocci. It is surrounded by the beautiful City Gardens. Among the many remarkable buildings in the square stands out the Dohodno Zdanie one. The project was created by an Austrian Architect and completed in 1901 – the main façade with its 7 figures is impressive. Now is a home of Rousse Theatre and houses various art events. Visit of the Caliopa House where the exposition represents the role of Rousse as a gateway towards Europe, and the influx of European urban culture into Bulgaria at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century.

HALF DAY VISIT OF BASARBOVSKI MONASTERY – IVANOVO ROCK-HEWN CHURCHES, DURATION: 4 h

Near the village of Basarbovo, 10 km from Ruse, is located the only remaining active rock-hewn monastery in Bulgaria. It dates back to 15th century and is mostly famous to the St.Dimitrii, whose relics performed miracles and had healing power. Continuing another 10 km to the South, one can reach the Rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. High in the cliffs, 40-50 m above the ground, this is where the first hermits had dug out their cells and churches during the 12th century. The 14th-century murals testify to the exceptional skill of the artists belonging to the Tarnovo school of painting. In the Late Medieval Period (12 – 14 century) lots of monks came to live there in the hollows of the rocks. In the whole valley of Lomovete the number of medieval monks’ cells and churches is over 250. On the territory of the park the rock monastery complexes are over 40.

EXCURSIONS FROM SILISTRA PORT

HALF DAY CITY TOUR OF SILISTRA, DURATION: 3 h

Silistra is the last Bulgarian city on the Danube river, before the river continues towards the Delta in Romania. The panoramic tour starts at the picturesque Danube park – the first public park in Bulgaria. Visit of the Durostorum – founded 2nd century AD, famed in Antiquity as the birthplace of Flavius Aetius, the “savious of Rome”. Later during the First Bulgarian Kingdom, the khan`s residence was constructed here, bearing the name Drustar. The remains of the once magnificent town stand now in the Danube park – the second largest basilica in Bulgaria and a fortress wall part of fortification unseen elsewhere in late Antiquity. The walk continues with visit of the Roman Tomb in Silistra, which contains murals from the mid 4th century AD. Nice building to see in the area are also: the St.St Peter and Paul Church, the Armenian Church and Kurshumlu Mosque.

HALF DAY TOUR OF SREBARNA BIOSPHERE RESERVE (UNESCO SITE), DURATION: 4 h

At 15 km to the west of Silistra is located the pearl of the region the Srebarna biosphere reserve – a popular bird-watching destination. Via Pontica – the route of Europe`s migratory birds towards Africa – passes through here. This is a location of nesting, wintering and migrating patterns of around 150 species, many of which endangered. There is an adjoining natural science museum working at the reserve; also a specially designed eco-trail for visitors to enjoy the panorama from the viewing platforms or relax in the recreation shelter.

To proceed with further booking, please contact us at:

office@alexandertour.com