How to Plan Your Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour in Varna

Are you looking for an adventure that combines history, natural beauty, and spirituality? Then the Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour in Varna might be the right choice for you. This tour will take you to the Shumen Plateau where you can explore rock monasteries and enjoy panoramic views of the area. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of planning your tour step by step.

Experience

The Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour is an opportunity to explore and enjoy the nature of the Shumen Plateau. You will have the chance to touch the lifestyle of the hesychast monks who lived in these magical places. The tour will take you to rock monasteries that keep many secrets for the life of the monks. You can experience the wonderful panoramic views and feel the energy of the forest and the strength of the rocks.

Highlights

The highlights of the Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour include:

• Exploring rock monasteries that were the center of spiritual life during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (13th – 14th century)
• Enjoying panoramic views of the Shumen Plateau
• Feeling the energy of the forest and the strength of the rocks
• Experiencing the lifestyle of the hesychast monks
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Varna

Full Description

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel in Varna at 9:00 o’clock. From there, you will head in the direction of Shumen and the village of Osmar. You will arrive around 10:00 o’clock and without losing any time, the adventure will begin. There is a dirt road at the end of the village, which will lead you to the starting point of the hiking trail. Once you reach the starting point, you will begin the hike to the rock monasteries. The trail is about 1.6 km long and takes around 30 minutes to reach the first rock monastery. Along the way, you will be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Shumen Plateau. At the first rock monastery, you can touch the life of the hesychast monks who lived there. You can see the preserved frescoes that reflect the monks’ spiritual life. The tour continues to the second rock monastery, which is about 1.5 km away from the first one. The trail passes through a forested area, and you can feel the energy of the forest and the strength of the rocks. At the second rock monastery, you can enjoy the wonderful panoramic views of the area. The view from the monastery is breathtaking, and it is a perfect spot to take some memorable photos. After exploring the rock monasteries and enjoying the panoramic views, the tour will head back to Varna. You will arrive at your hotel around 14:00 o’clock, and the tour will end there.

Booking

To book the Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour, you can visit the following link: book the tour here. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Varna, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees to the rock monasteries. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes for hiking.

Book Your Tour Now

The Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the history, natural beauty, and spirituality of the Shumen Plateau. We hope this guide has helped you plan your tour and get the most out of your experience. Book your tour now and enjoy an unforgettable adventure in Varna!

Frequently Asked Questions About Varna

Are you planning a trip to Varna and have some questions about the city? Look no further! We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you plan your visit.

1. Where is Varna located?

Varna is a city located on the Eastern coast of Bulgaria. It is the third-largest city in the country and has a population of approximately 335,000 people. The city is situated on the Black Sea and is an important cultural, economic, and tourist center in Bulgaria.

2. What is the climate like in Varna?

Varna has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. The average temperature in January is around 3°C while in July it can reach up to 27°C. The best time to visit Varna is during the summer months from June to September when the weather is warm and sunny.

3. How can I get to Varna?

Varna has an international airport located just outside the city center. You can also reach Varna by bus or train from other major Bulgarian cities. If you are traveling from outside Bulgaria, you can also take a flight to Sofia and then take a connecting flight or a bus to Varna.

4. What are the top tourist attractions in Varna?

Varna has a lot of sightseeing spots to offer for its visitors. Some of the top tourist attractions in the city include:

• The Sea Garden – a beautiful park located on the coast of the Black Sea
• The Varna Archaeological Museum – one of the oldest and largest museums in Bulgaria
• The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin – a beautiful Cathedral located in the heart of the city
• The Roman Baths – the largest preserved Roman baths in Bulgaria.

5. What is the food like in Varna?

Varna has a diverse cuisine influenced by Turkish, Greek, and Mediterranean flavors. Some of the must-try dishes in Varna include:

• Shkembe chorba – a traditional Bulgarian soup made of tripe
• Musaka – a layered dish made of potatoes, minced meat, and eggplants
• Banitsa – a pastry made of filo dough and filled with cheese and eggs
• Kebapcheta – small grilled sausages served with a side of salad and fries
• Tarama – a popular Bulgarian spread made of fish roe, bread, and oil.

6. Is Varna a safe city?

Varna is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any other tourist destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid pickpockets and other petty crimes.

7. What is the currency in Varna?

The local currency in Bulgaria is Bulgarian Lev (BGN). You can change your currency into lev at exchange offices or banks in the city.

8. What is the nightlife like in Varna?

Varna has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, clubs, and pubs in the city center. Some of the popular spots include:

• Club Horizont – a club located on the beachfront of the Black Sea
• Club Comics – a popular club with themed party nights and live music performances
• Drama Bar – a rooftop bar with a beautiful view of the city and the sea
• Bar Petnoto – a cozy bar with a wide selection of beers and cocktails.

9. What is the language spoken in Varna?

The official language in Bulgaria is Bulgarian. Most people in Varna can speak English, especially in tourist areas. You can also find people who speak other languages such as Russian, Turkish or German.

10. Can I use my credit card in Varna?

Most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Varna accept credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. However, it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for small purchases or when visiting local markets. Some shops may also charge an additional fee for using a credit card.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Varna

Varna, a coastal city on the Black Sea, is the third-largest city in Bulgaria and a popular tourist destination. Offering a mix of ancient and modern attractions, Varna is an ideal destination for those who love history, culture, food, and the beach. In this guide, we will explore some of the best ways to spend your time in this stunning Bulgarian city.

1. Visit the Beaches

Varna has some of the most stunning beaches in Bulgaria, with crystal-clear waters and golden sand. Some of the most popular beaches in Varna include:

a. Golden Sands Beach

Golden Sands Beach is one of the best beaches in Varna and is ideal for families. The beach is located just 17 kilometers from Varna and is known for its golden sand and clear waters. It is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

b. Kabakum Beach

Kabakum Beach, located in the northern part of Varna, is another popular beach. The beach is less crowded than Golden Sands Beach, making it an ideal spot for those who want some peace and quiet. The water here is crystal-clear, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

2. Explore the History and Culture

Varna is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are many interesting places to explore. Some of the most popular historical and cultural sites in Varna include:

a. Varna Archaeological Museum

The Varna Archaeological Museum is one of the oldest and most famous museums in Bulgaria. It houses over 100,000 artifacts from ancient times to the modern age, including the famed Varna Gold Treasure, which dates back to the 5th millennium BC.

b. The Roman Baths

The Roman Baths are the largest public baths in Bulgaria and are located in the heart of Varna. They were built in the 2nd century AD and were used until the 4th century AD. The baths were designed to accommodate up to 800 people at a time and are a great example of ancient Roman engineering and architecture.

c. The Varna Cathedral

The Varna Cathedral, also known as the Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral, is one of the most important churches in Varna. Built in the 19th century, the cathedral has a beautiful design and is one of the best examples of Bulgarian Orthodox architecture.

3. Visit the Sea Garden

The Sea Garden, also known as Primorski Park, is a beautiful park located along the beach in Varna. The park is a combination of a traditional park, a botanical garden, and an amusement park. It offers stunning views of the Black Sea and is a great place to relax, have a picnic, or take a stroll.

4. Try Bulgarian Cuisine

Bulgarian cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisine and is known for its fresh ingredients and delicious flavors. Some of the most popular Bulgarian dishes to try in Varna include:

a. Banitsa

Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian pastry made with cheese and eggs, and is usually served for breakfast. It is a must-try dish for all visitors to Varna.

b. Shopska Salad

Shopska salad is a traditional Bulgarian salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and feta cheese. It is a refreshing dish that is perfect to eat on a hot summer day.

c. Kebapche

Kebapche is a Bulgarian-style grilled sausage made from ground pork and beef mixed with spices. It is a popular street food that can be found all over Varna.

5. Go on a Wine Tour

Bulgaria is famous for its wineries, and Varna has some of the best. A wine tour is an excellent way to explore the vineyards and taste some of the most delicious wines in the world. Some of the most popular wineries in Varna include:

a. Vinprom Peshtera

Vinprom Peshtera is one of the oldest wineries in Bulgaria and is located in the Rhodope Mountains. It produces some of the best wines in the world, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay.

b. Chateau Windy Hills

Chateau Windy Hills is a boutique winery located near the Black Sea coast. It produces award-winning wines using traditional Bulgarian winemaking techniques.

Book Your Tour Now

Varna is a beautiful city that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the history and culture, try Bulgarian cuisine, or go on a wine tour, Varna is the perfect destination. Use this guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this stunning Bulgarian city.