One Day Trip to Bulgaria – Ruse and Rock-Rewn Churches of Ivanovo

A day trip from Bucharest to the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo and the city of Ruse in Bulgaria is a unique route that combines nature, history, culture and local Bulgarian food.

Morning: We’ll depart Bucharest and drive south, crossing the border into Bulgaria (no visas required). On Sundays, we’ll stop at the old village market in Călugăreni – a lively traditional market, where we can meet local merchants, taste cheeses, pastries, fresh vegetables and fruits, and experience the Romanian rural atmosphere.
We’ll continue driving towards Ivanovo, where we will visit the rock-hewn churches – a World Heritage Site, where churches and monasteries were built and carved into rock cliffs. The place impresses with its ancient frescoes, the green landscapes of the Ruse Valley, and the unique tranquility of nature.

Lunch: Short trip to Ruse, the largest city in Bulgaria on the banks of the Danube. Tour of the old town – cobbled streets, European-style buildings, squares, cafes and restaurants. In summer, we can book a cruise on the Danube River – a relaxing experience, with views of the city and the riverbanks, and sometimes also wild nature areas.

During the day, it is recommended to taste authentic Bulgarian dishes in restaurants or stalls: Benitsa (cheese pastry); Shopska salad (tomato, cucumber, feta cheese salad); Kavacha (grilled meatballs); Bulgarian desserts such as fillet with honey and nuts; Local Bulgarian wine or raki.

End of the trip: Return to Bucharest in the evening, through green landscapes and traditional villages.

Highlights:
Nature and landscapes: Rusanski Lom Valley, Danube River, ancient villages;
Attractions: Kalogarni Market (on Sundays), Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches, Ruse Old Town, Danube Cruise (in summer);
Food: Traditional Bulgarian cuisine;
Experience: A day full of nature, culture, history and cuisine, without the need for visas.

Such a trip is suitable for nature, history and food lovers, and offers a unique experience between Romania and Bulgaria in one day.