From Varna: Ovech Fortress with the Salt Mine OR Stone Forest

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5 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Explore the historical Ovech Fortress and the ancient Provadia-Solnitsata Salt Mine OR the natural phenomena "Stone Forest" on this private day trip from Varna. Walk across a scenic bridge to the fortress, which boasts ruins and panoramic views of the Provadia Valley. Delve into the rich history of this medieval stronghold, a key site during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.

Then, visit the Salt Mine "Salnitsata", Europe’s oldest salt production center, and uncover archaeological insights into prehistoric life, OR the unique natural phenomena, know as the "Stone Forest", remarkable for its rock formations.

- Private tour providing personalized attention and insights
- Visit the medieval Ovech Fortress with stunning valley views
- Explore the ancient Provadia-Solnitsata Salt Mine, the oldest in Europe
- Take memorable photos in the "Stone Forest"
- Comfortable transport from Varna with convenient return in the early afternoon

What's Included

Transportation by a comfortable A/C car/ minivan
Entrance tickets
Private trip
English - speaking guide
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Gratuities (tips) to the guide - optional in the end of the tour

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Hotel pick up at 9:30 - please indicate it when making the reservation. The driver will hold a sign "Provadia trip". Returns to the hotel in the end of the trip.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Fortress Ovech

    Begin your journey in Varna and travel in comfort to the spectacular Ovech Fortress and the prehistoric site Provadia-Solnitsata, the oldest salt production center in Europe. Your first stop will be the Ovech Fortress, situated near the town of Provadia. Built on a magnificent plateau east of the city, the fortress was inhabited from the middle of the 3rd century until the end of the 17th century. During the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, the city and the fortress were an important economic, administrative, military, and cultural center of the region. Enjoy a 150-meter scenic bridge walk, marvel at the medieval ruins and fortress walls, and discover ancient wells and the ruins of churches. Take in panoramic views over the Provadia Valley. After that, continue to your next selected option:

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 2

    Option 1 - The Salt Mine/operates in AUG and SEP Continue to the nearby Salt Mine "Solnitsata", the oldest salt-production and urban center in Europe (5600–4350 BC). The prehistoric complex Provadia-Solnitsata is located near the modern town of Provadia in Northeastern Bulgaria. It represents the remains of the oldest known salt production center in Europe, which later developed into the first prehistoric urban center on the continent (4700–4350 BC). The complex consists of a salt-production area with ritual pits, an unfortified and later fortified settlement with massive stone walls, a ritual zone, and several necropolises. The emergence and development of the site are directly linked to the largest and only rock salt deposit in the Eastern Balkans, the so-called Mirovo salt deposit, on which the complex is situated. "Solnitsata" presents you a great opportunity to get archeological insights into prehistoric life. After a delightful trip, return to Varna in the early afternoon.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 3

    Option 2: The Stone Forest "Pobiti Kamani" (operates from May to October) Pobiti kamani (The Stone Forest) is a natural phenomenon 18 km west of Varna. It is a spectacular natural landmark and still there is not any exact scientific explanation about it. The area features a variety of stone formations, some of the reaching up to 7 meters in height. The tourists can walk among the rock formations, take amazing photos, and learn about their supposed geological origin, as well as the interesting legends, related to them. After a delightful trip, return to Varna in the early afternoon.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Children under 5
Supplied by Hola Bulgaria

Tags

Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Historical Tours
Archaeology Tours
Car Tours

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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