Explore Varna on an Exeter International Private Shore Excursion. Enjoy behind the scenes access and expert guiding while you are in port.
The following is just a suggested shore excursion itinerary.
For custom luxury travel, tours and shore excursions to Varna and Bulgaria, please contact one of our travel experts.
Please contact Exeter International for specific pricing and availability.
This morning, after your ship’s arrival in the port of Varna, your guide and driver will meet you for an overview tour of ‘Bulgaria’s Summer Capital’.
Towering in the center of the city, is the beautiful Assumption of the Virgin Cathedral. Designed by an architect from Odessa, the building was completed to commemorate the liberation of the country from the Ottomans. The interior with its murals and stained glass windows, as well as the Bishop’s throne and the iconostases, are true masterpieces of the famous Debar school of woodcarving.
Also today, you may stroll along Varna’s main pedestrian street, lined with turn-of-the-century buildings, many of which now house shops and cafes.
Visit the well-preserved ruins of the Roman Thermae. This complex was once the main public building in the ancient city and is now the third largest Roman Thermae site in Europe.
Later today, transfer north along the Black Sea coast to visit the magnificent Summer Palace of Queen Marie. Born in Edinburgh, Marie was the granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Just outside the town of Balchik, she constructed an attractive villa, which combines Balkan and Ottoman elements and features a chapel as well as the unusual addition of a minaret.
View many of the simple but attractively designed rooms and items of original furniture collected by Queen Marie.
The palace complex houses a botanical garden with over 600 species of flora. One of the garden’s main attractions is the outdoor collection of cacti – the second of its kind in Europe. A wine cellar in one of the park’s pavilions offers local red, white, rose, and dessert wines, as well as the famous aged brandy (rakiya).
Transfer back to your ship in time for its departure from Varna.
Please note that some of the touring today is on foot and in pedestrian-only areas. Please wear comfortable footwear.
Exeter Services: Full Day with Vehicle, Driver and Guide
