Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of Bulgaria from the 12th to the 14th century. This medieval town is quite picturesque, having been built into the hillside. Even today, many of the cobbled streets and timbered buildings have been maintained, and Veliko Tarnovo (also spelled Veliko Turnovo) is a popular Bulgarian tourist destination.
Passengers on Danube River Cruises can visit Veliko Tarnovo and nearby Arbanasi on day trips from ships such as those of Viking River Cruises. Many artisans operate small shops in the town, and the views of Tsarevets, a nearby ancient fortress, are spectacular.
We rode on a coach from Rousse to Veliko Tarnovo, taking time to wander the streets and do some shopping before reboarding the buses for the short ride to Arbanasi for lunch. We rejoined the ship in Svistov. On the way to Veliko Tarnovo, we saw more nesting storks and also passed near the famous Belenski Most, an arched bridge that is famous for its low cost and promises of its builder.
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