Scenes from the drive between Veliko Tarnovo and Sofia (Bulgaria)

After two nights in Plovdiv and one night in Veliko Tarnovo, the next stop in my November 2024 tour was Sofia. I hit the road mid-morning ish and got on my way for the 2h 45m drive.

Most of the drive was quite scenic. The trees in fall colors. Blue sky. And rural / agricultural vignettes along the way.

The one spot along the way when I passed through a small town and got my phone in position was near Balgarski Izvor.

And I was listening to the local jams from Veselina FM

Traffic got tight upon entry into the fringes of Sofia, so the pics stopped as I focused on keeping the rental incident-free.

Scenes from late afternoon / early evening stroll in the area around Marno Pole park (Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria)

After my visit to Tsarevets Fortress I worked my way back to the more contemporary area of the city over near Marno Pole Park, which seems like a great zone to stay in if you were going to be here for a longer stay. Only a 30-minute walk from Tsarevets on the far east side of the city. And plenty of retail and dining option in the streets surrounding the park in all directions.

The park itself was peaceful at this time (late-ish afternoon on a mid-November Sunday). They were starting to set up for Christmas markets.

The big central water feature was shut down for the season.

But if you check out the photos at its Google Maps link you can see what it looks like filled up with fountains activated.

I continued down along bul. Vasil Levski for a bit, appreciating seasonal decorations in the twilight before grabbing dinner at Burger & Sweets, wrapping up a full day checking out Veliko Tarnovo.

Visit to Tsarevets Fortress (Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria)

Working my way west to east through Veliko Tarnovo the next objective was to visit Tsarevets Fortress, a medieval compound that dates back to the 12th century. I am by no means a medieval fortress enthusiast, but this visit was more than worthwhile for the views and relative tranquility. Plus a bit of light exercise as it's some hiking on uneven stone paths and stairs to get yourself to its upper levels.

Veliko Tarnovo - Monument to Assen Dynasty and along ulitsa General Gurko

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After I got myself settled into my aparthotel (the Guest Rooms Asenevtsi City Center, which was perfect for my quick stay), it was time to get back out and explore the city a bit. I started by heading toward the Monument to the Assen Dynasty, which is at the northern tip of Sveta Gora park. The walk offers nice views of both the park and the famous facades of the city center.

I didn't see a way to cross over the river to the downtown, so I looped back and started my way along the scenic old town stretch of ulitsa General Gurko. On the approach from the western side I noticed the restaurant Mehana Tihiyat kut, which is quite well reviewed.

Soon enough you're in the heart of the traditional center.

Dr. Katz on YouTube

If you were there in the mid 90s when Dr. Katz debuted on Comedy Central, you know how great and different it was. So good.