The Ultimate Guide to The Period of Communism Varna Wine Testing Tour

When you visit Varna, Bulgaria, you have the opportunity to explore its complex history through the unique combination of a walking tour of its Communist-era monuments and a wine tasting experience. The four-hour small-group tour offers expert guides, personalized e-guides, and entrance fees to the Retro Museum. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore what you can expect from the tour, how to book it, and everything in between.

Overview

The 4-hour walking tour through Varna offers a guided introduction to the town’s socialist-era monuments, including visits to the Retro Museum, to see artefacts from daily life under Communist rule, and a visit to a wine cellar to taste three Bulgarian wines. This tour not only offers an enjoyable cultural experience, but also is an opportunity to learn about the country’s history and the budding Bulgarian wine industry.

What’s Included?

The tour includes three Bulgarian wine tastings, professional guides, and personalized e-guides. In addition, this tour also includes entrance fees for the Retro Museum (which usually costs 5 EUR) and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Meeting and Pickup

This activity starts at Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral, pl. “Sveti Sveti Kiril I Metodiy” 2, 9000 Varna Center, Varna, Bulgaria. You can easily recognize the meeting point by locating the Tourist Information Center facing the Cathedral. After the tour ends, you will be back at the same location.

Communist-Era Monuments

During the walking tour, you’ll explore Varna’s communist-era monuments and hear about the city’s history under the Socialist regime. You’ll get to see the headquarter of the Bulgarian Communist Party, the former Agriculture Ministry building, and the Mavrudov Monument, among other iconic examples of socialist-era architecture. The headquarter of the Bulgarian Communist Party, also known as the Red Flag Palace, was designed to be the grandiose administrative centre for the socialist government of Bulgaria. Afterwards, you’ll explore the former Agriculture Ministry building which played an essential role in the agricultural development under socialism. Finally, visit the iconic Mavrudov Monument, built in honour of one of the most famous communist fighters in the Varna region.

Wine Tasting

After the walking tour, visitors will head to one of the most excellent wine cellars in Varna for a tasting experience. You’ll taste three of Bulgaria’s freshest, most high-quality wines and hear from wine experts about Bulgaria’s emerging wine industry. Bulgaria has embraced the wine industry and established a new wine culture that draws inspiration from the ancient Thracian civilizations, which were prominent winemakers 5,000 years ago. The tour will expose you to exquisite flavours and you’ll be able to witness the evolution of the country’s wine industry.

Booking the Tour

You can easily book the four-hour tour through Viator, a third-party company offering a range of tour options to visitors. The tour is available on different dates, and you can choose whether or not you want to book a private guide or join a small group tour. Regardless of the option you choose, you’ll receive entrance fees to the Retro Museum, hotel pickup and drop-off, plus the wine tastings and samples. You can visit the link: book the tour here.

Book Your Tour Now

Varna’s the period of communism Varna Wine Testing Tour offers an enjoyable and informative way to explore the city’s complex history and enjoy the flavours of Bulgarian wines. With a guided tour of significant communist-era monuments in Varna followed by a unique wine tasting experience, visitors will come away with a newfound appreciation for the country’s heritage and winemaking culture. Make sure to book the tour online in advance and join a small group or arrange a private tour with a guide.

FAQ About Varna

1. What is Varna?

Varna is a city located in northeastern Bulgaria on the Black Sea coast. It is the third-largest city in the country and the largest city and seaside resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. With an ancient history dating back to the Thracians and Greeks, Varna is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

2. What is the population of Varna?

According to the latest census, the population of Varna is around 330,000 people. The city is the administrative center of the Varna Province, which has a population of approximately 500,000.

3. What is the weather like in Varna?

Located on the Black Sea, Varna has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature in July, the warmest month, is around 25°C (77°F), while the average temperature in January, the coldest month, is around 4°C (39°F). The city receives around 460 millimeters of rainfall per year, mostly during the winter and early spring months.

4. What are the top tourist attractions in Varna?

Varna has a rich cultural heritage and a variety of attractions that cater to all interests. Some of the top tourist attractions in Varna include:

• The Sea Garden
• Varna Archaeological Museum
• The Roman Baths
• The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin
• The Dolphinarium
• The Festival and Congress Centre
• The Naval Museum
• The Aquarium
• The Stone Forest
• The Aladzha Monastery

5. What is the Sea Garden?

The Sea Garden is a beautiful park and garden located in the heart of Varna. It is one of the largest parks in the Balkans and stretches over 8 km along the coast. The Sea Garden features a variety of attractions, including landscaped gardens, playgrounds, a zoo, a planetarium, and several sculptures and monuments.

6. What is the Varna Archaeological Museum?

The Varna Archaeological Museum is one of the oldest and largest museums in Bulgaria. It is home to an extensive collection of artifacts from the ancient Thracian, Greek, and Roman periods, as well as a collection of medieval Bulgarian art and crafts. One of the most famous exhibits at the museum is the Gold of Varna, a collection of ancient gold artifacts discovered in a Thracian necropolis near Varna.

7. What are the Roman Baths?

The Roman Baths are ancient Roman ruins located in the heart of Varna. They are believed to have been built in the late 2nd century AD and were in use until the 4th century AD. Today, visitors can see the remains of the bathhouse complex, including the frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (warm room), and caldarium (hot room).

8. What is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin?

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin is a beautiful Orthodox cathedral located in the center of Varna. It was built between 1880 and 1886 and features a stunning golden dome and impressive frescoes and murals inside.

9. What is the Dolphinarium?

The Dolphinarium is an aquarium and dolphin show located in Varna. It features regular dolphin shows and a variety of marine animals, including seals, sea lions, and penguins.

10. What is the Festival and Congress Centre?

The Festival and Congress Centre is a modern venue in Varna that hosts a variety of cultural events, including concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. It is located in the Sea Garden and features stunning sea views.

11. How can I get to Varna?

Varna is easily accessible by plane, train, and car. Varna International Airport is located just a few kilometers from the city center and offers connections to major cities in Europe and beyond. The city also has a train station that connects Varna with other Bulgarian cities and neighboring countries. Additionally, Varna is located on the A2 motorway, which connects it with the Bulgarian capital Sofia and other major cities in the country.

12. What are the best beaches in Varna?

Varna is known for its beautiful beaches, which attract visitors from all over Europe. Some of the best beaches in Varna include:

• Golden Sands Beach
• Sunny Day Beach
• Kamchia Beach
• Riviera Beach
• Chaika Beach
• St. Constantine and Helena Beach

13. What is the nightlife like in Varna?

Varna is known for its vibrant nightlife, which caters to all tastes and budgets. The city has a variety of bars, pubs, clubs, and restaurants, many of which stay open until the early morning hours.

14. What is Bulgarian cuisine?

Bulgarian cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Balkan influences and is known for its fresh ingredients and hearty flavors. Some popular Bulgarian dishes include:

• Shopska Salad
• Banitsa
• Kavarma
• Kebapche
• Moussaka
• Lyutenitsa
• Tarator
• Tripe Soup

15. What are the best restaurants in Varna?

Varna has a variety of restaurants that offer traditional Bulgarian dishes as well as international cuisine. Some of the best restaurants in Varna include:

• Restaurant Divaka
• The Little Things
• Morski Valk
• Krim Tavern
• La Pastaria
• The Black Sheep
• Happy Bar & Grill
• The House

Book Your Tour Now

Varna is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage and a variety of attractions that cater to all interests. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or just want to relax on the beach, Varna has something to offer. With its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Varna is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Varna

Located on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, Varna is a popular destination for tourists coming to Bulgaria. If you are planning a visit, there are plenty of things to do and see in Varna. Here are some suggestions on how to spend your time as a tourist in Varna.

1. Explore the Sea Garden

The Sea Garden is a long park running along the seafront of the city of Varna. It’s an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful view of the sea. The park is home to beautiful gardens with many trees and flowers, fountains, and sculptures.

2. Visit the Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Varna. The museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts from the ancient Thracian period through to the Ottoman period. The museum is located in the center of the city and is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily.

3. Check Out the Varna Aquarium

The Varna Aquarium is another popular attraction in the city. The aquarium is home to a wide range of marine life, from sharks and rays to seahorses and eels. It’s a great place to visit with children and is open from 9 am to 8 pm daily.

4. Relax on the Beaches

The beaches in Varna are beautiful and are perfect places to relax and enjoy the sun. The city has several beaches to choose from, including the popular Sunny Day Beach, Golden Sands Beach, and Albena Beach. All of these beaches have restaurants, cafes, and plenty of seaside activities to enjoy.

5. Visit the Cathedral of the Assumption

The Cathedral of the Assumption is a beautiful Orthodox church that was built in the early 20th century. It’s set on top of a hill overlooking the city and has some of the best views in Varna. The church is open every day, and visitors are welcome to attend services.

6. Wander Around the Old Town

The Old Town of Varna is a charming place to walk around. The area is home to many shops, restaurants, and cafes, and it’s an excellent place to admire the architecture of the old buildings. Be sure to check out the Roman Baths, which date back to the 2nd century AD.

7. Eat Bulgarian Cuisine

Bulgarian cuisine is delicious and something you should definitely try while in Varna. Some of the most popular dishes include banitsa, a filo pastry filled with cheese and vegetables, and kavarma, a traditional Bulgarian stew with meat and vegetables. You’ll find many Bulgarian restaurants in the city serving these and other delicious dishes.

8. Attend a Festival

Varna has many festivals throughout the year, and attending one is a great way to experience the local culture. One of the most popular festivals is the International Film Festival, held every summer. Other festivals include the Wine Festival, the Jazz Festival, and the Sand Fest.

Book Your Tour Now

Varna is a beautiful city with many things to see and do. From relaxing on the beaches to exploring the museums and old town, there is something for everyone in Varna. Make sure to try some Bulgarian cuisine and attend a local festival to experience the local culture. Most importantly, enjoy your time in Varna!