Our most recommended things to do in Ruse

From Bucharest: Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria

1. From Bucharest: Small Group Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria

Start by meeting your local guide at your hotel, then drive south from Bucharest towards the Romanian and Bulgarian border. After crossing the Danube River and the Friendship Bridge, you will enter Bulgaria. On the way towards Veliko Tarnovo, stop for an exclusive visit of the Rock-Hewn Churches next to the village of Ivanovo. These are Bulgarian Medieval churches, chapels, and monastic cells hewn into the craggy gorge of Roussenski Lom River. Inscriptions, portraits of saints, and other restored items are from the 13th century. Then, discover Veliko Tarnovo, which was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and has a long tradition in the culture of Bulgaria. The city is rich in museums and historical sites, combined with a vivacious nightlife propelled by the students in one of the largest universities in Bulgaria. Take a walk on the Artisans Street where you have the chance to pass by workshops owned by Bulgarian families for generations, preserving the old traditions. Get the chance to see a fully functional coppersmith workshop to see the production of copper plates and cups used for Turkish coffee.  Hike up the Tsarevets Hill with the remains of the castle and church of Bulgarian kings. Visit the Fortress, the Patriarchal Church, the Royal Palace, and Emperor Balduin’s Tower. Next, journey to Arbanassi and step back in time while wandering the streets lined with houses and churches dating back as far as the 16th century. Take a peek into the life of rich merchants from the 17th century while visiting the Konstantsalieva House, showing the lavish but simple lifestyle of the nobility. Next, stop for lunch in one of the many restaurants serving local food and savor the famous Bulgarian cuisine. Following this, begin the journey back to Bucharest.

From Bucharest: Guided Day Trip to Ruse, Bulgaria

2. From Bucharest: Guided Day Trip to Ruse, Bulgaria

Start the day with pickup from your accommodation in Bucharest. After a short meet and greet, you will head off on your journey and see what this city has to offer.  On your tour, see the lasting effects of the 19th-century, a prosperous time for the city that helped create its nickname - "Little Vienna". Throughout the day you will get to admire the charm of imposing belle epoque architecture, a style totally unique to this part of the country. Your guide will introduce you to the main highlights of the city, starting at Svoboda Square - from here you will spread out throughout the city.  Visit the neo-baroque Profit-Yielding Building. Built in the 19th-century by Viennese architects, it is the home of dramatic theater in Ruse. Nowadays, it also houses a few restaurants, within which, you will get to stop for a typical lunch and dine the way the locals do. During your tour you will get to marvel at dozens of buildings with European heritage. You will get to see how the city combines several architectural styles, whilst making them harmonious at the same time. You will get to stop near the Girdap - the first privately owned bank in the country, the Opera House, School of Music, Hotel Plaza Charlino, Regional Library Building and more. Follow this up with a visit to the oldest church of Ruse - Holy Trinity Church and the Ruse Historical Museum. In the Museum, Bulgaria's rich history and traditions will reveal themselves to you  during your informative visit of the premises.  The tour will end with a relaxing walk near the majestic Danube River. The river not only gives the city its’ romantic look but also defines Ruse as a significant transport, logistics, business and cultural center of Bulgaria. You can enjoy a breathtaking panorama before departing back to Bucharest full of exceptional memories.

Discover Bulgaria Full-Day Guided Tour from Bucharest

3. Discover Bulgaria Full-Day Guided Tour from Bucharest

You’ll depart Bucharest at 08:00 for a drive across the Danube River on this full-day excursion to Bulgaria. The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe, and the King of all Rivers, according to Napoleon. After passing the city of Ruse you’ll come to a remote area that’s home to the Ivanovo churches. Part of the UNESCO since 1979, the rock-hewn churches feature stunning frescos dating to the 13th and 14th centuries. The churches are located in the beautiful valley of the Rusenski Lom River. The tour continues on to Bulgaria’s most beautiful city, Veliko Tarnovo, also known also as the City of the Tsars. Located on the banks of the Yantra River, Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, and was one of the strongest fortifications in the area. In the old town, the fortress is the most impressive attraction. Walk along the streets of the old town and the alleyways of the Tsarevets Palace. Visit the former patriarchal church, rebuilt in modern times, admire other examples of the period’s architecture, and take in the panoramic views. Arbanassi, quite near Veliko Tarnovo, is a small, quaint village with a medieval atmosphere. Enjoy a stroll along its centuries-old streets and admire the beautiful houses.

Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Ruse

4. Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Ruse

Pegasus provides great transport links to and from Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport to Ruse Central Bus Station. Avoid the hassle of navigating the public transportation system before or after a long journey, instead, relax and enjoy the views from the comfort of your seat. All our buses have space for bulky luggage. Board a modern bus to leave your worries behind, and arrive on time at your destination at the airport, or in the city. Staying connected with your friends with free WiFi and power supply in every seat. Be greeted and supported by staff who will help you onboard.

Private Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Ruse

5. Private Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Ruse

You start the day by departing from your ship and start driving on scenic country roads. First stop will be at the Ivanovo Rock Churches, a UNESCO world heritage site which is actually carved in the rock and has among the best preserved frescoes.  Afterwards you visit Veliko Turnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and also Tsarevets hill with the remains of the castle and church of the Bulgarian Kings. It dates back to the 12th century. Enjoy a walk on Samovodene Artisans Street packed with workshops of locals were you can find a copper smith, silversmith, an icon painter and many more. Many of the workshops are there for 3-4 generations already.  Next stop will be the intriguing village of Arbanassi with an included visit to Konstantsalieva House, so you can get the chance to discover a real interior from from a typical local house. Before setting off for your ship, last visit will be in the small town of Ruse that has a beautiful main square and pedestrian area. Together with your local guide be immersed in the town's charm and learn more about it's history from the Roman times to modernity. Arrive back to your ship after a wonderful day filled with great sights, history and friends from Bulgaria.

From Ruse: One-way Private Fast Transfer to Bucharest

6. From Ruse: One-way Private Fast Transfer to Bucharest

Enjoy a one-way private transfer from your accommodation in Ruse to your preferred location in Bucharest. Relax knowing that you are traveling safely in a licensed vehicle. Your driver will be waiting for you at your location in Ruse. Experience a comfortable journey in an air-conditioned vehicle. Let your driver navigate you through the traffic smoothly. Travel conveniently without having to worry about pre-booking or last-minute searching.

From Bucharest: One-way Private Fast Transfer to Ruse

7. From Bucharest: One-way Private Fast Transfer to Ruse

Enjoy a convenient private transfer from your accommodation in Bucharest to your preferred location in Ruse. Relax knowing that you are traveling safely in a licensed vehicle. Your professional driver will be waiting for you at your location in Bucharest. Experience a comfortable journey in an air-conditioned vehicle. Let your driver navigate you through the traffic smoothly. Travel safely without having to worry about pre-booking or last-minute searching.

Private Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Bucharest

8. Private Day Trip to Medieval Bulgaria from Bucharest

You start the day by going over the border to Bulgaria, so be sure to have your passport with you. First stop will be at the Ivanovo Rock Churches, a UNESCO world heritage site which is actually carved in the rock and has among the best preserved frescoes.  Afterwards you visit Veliko Turnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and also Tsarevets hill with the remains of the castle and church of the Bulgarian Kings. It dates back to the 12th century. Enjoy a walk on Samovodene Artisans Street packed with workshops of locals were you can find a copper smith, silversmith, an icon painter and many more. Many of the workshops are there for 3-4 generations already.  Next stop will be the intriguing village of Arbanassi with an included visit to , so you can get the chance to discover a real interior from from a typical local house. Before setting off for Romania, last visit will be in the small town of Ruse that has a beautiful main square and pedestrian area. Together with your local guide be immersed in the town's charm and learn more about it's history from the Roman times to modernity. Arrive back to your hotel in the evening after a wonderful day filled with great sights, history and friends from Bulgaria.

From Bucharest: 1-Way Private Transfer to Veliko Tarnovo

9. From Bucharest: 1-Way Private Transfer to Veliko Tarnovo

Your professional private driver will wait for you, showing a name card for you or for your company at Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria) - hotel, vacation rentals, points of interest . From there, you will get to your destination comfortable, fast and safe to your location (Hotel) in Bucharest.

From Sofia: One-way Private Fast Transfer to Bucharest

10. From Sofia: One-way Private Fast Transfer to Bucharest

Enjoy a convenient private transfer from your accommodation in Sofia to your preferred location in Bucharest. Relax knowing that you are traveling safely in a licensed vehicle. Your driver will be waiting for you at your location in Sofia. Experience a comfortable journey in an air-conditioned vehicle. Let your driver navigate you through the traffic smoothly. Travel conveniently without having to worry about pre-booking or last-minute searching.

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What people are saying about Ruse

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 73 reviews

Great if you want a taste of Bulgaria. Adrian is a fantastic guide. There’s a lot of travel involved and time at sights is limited, but perfect for seeing Bulgaria with limited time!

The driver arrived on time to pick up us. He is friendly, helpful & knowledgeable about Bulgaria including it’s history. He got us back to Romania just right on time

great trip just enough free time to see the old town and have great time great guide who told us a lot about the area geopolitical situation and history

A whole lot to see in a day! I had no plans to see Bulgaria, but it was a great opportunity to experience a different culture.

Cristty is so informative and we really enjoyed the trip.