Tour to Balchik and Kaliakra

The Queen Palace and the Cape

Go on a day tour of Balchik, one of the most picturesque towns of Cape Kaliakra, a jaw-droppingly beautiful section of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.

You’ll visit the ancient Aladzha Cave Monastery, explore 65 000 square meters of botanical gardens and the Palace of Queen Maria – one of the most unusual royal retreats in the world.

After a day spent overlooking the warm blue waters of the bay from the gazebos of the palace’s gardens and walking the historic streets of Balchik itself, you’ll finish the day with fresh local mussels from the farm on the coast.

On the tour you will visit:
Aladzha Monastery
Balchik
Queen Maria Castle
Botanical Garden
Mussel Farm and Restaurant (optional)
Kaliakra Cape

Your Balchik and Kaliakra tour

Pick up: Your tour can start from any location in Varna, Burgas, Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, Albena, Sozopol, Nessebar as well as all other seaside resorts and other nearby cities.
Tour Duration: 8 to 10 hours. However, this may vary depending on the itinerary, pick up and drop off locations you choose.
Included: the driver or guide you choose, fuel, parking fees and all taxes.
Excluded: entrance fees, food, drinks and personal expenses.
Price: from €160 for a group for up to 4 people. Will vary depending on your chosen vehicle type, number of passengers, tour guide and itinerary.

Accepted payment methods: cash, VISA / Master Card, and bank transfer.

What you’ll see on your private day tour of Balchik

Aladzha Monastery

The Aladzha rock monastery is well-known not only in Bulgaria but also around the world. Located 3 km from the Golden Sands resort, this medieval Orthodox Christian monastery is carved into a cave in the limestone cliffs.

Set in the beauty of a protected forest area next to the nearby Nature Park, this site is a must for lovers of natural beauty and history alike.

Balchik

Once a thriving Thracian settlement, modern Balchik sprawls attractively along the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. It’s a glorious place of beaming sunshine, terraced and blue waters out in the bay.

There is a lot to see in town, including four museums and outdoor areas depicting ancient times with exhibits and displays. It also contains two wonders – the Botanical Gardens and Queen Mary’s Palace.

Balchik Botanical Garden

Forming the setting for Queen Maria of Romania’s stunning Quiet Nest Palace, the Balchik Botanical Gardens cover 65 000 square meters and boast over 2000 plant species as well as gorgeous alleys, terraces and gazebos overlooking the sea.

Palace of Queen Mary

One of the main attractions of Balchik is the Palace of Queen Maria, set in the enormous botanical gardens.

Consisting of several villas, a smoking hall, chapel, holy spring, wine cellar and power station, this truly one-of-a-kind building was state-of-the-art glamour back in the 1920s when it was built – and not to be missed if you’re in town.

Cape Kaliakra

The long, narrow Cape of Kaliakra, towering 70 meters above the water, is one of the most interesting and mysterious places in Bulgaria. The seawater has eroded the rock here, cutting niches and caves into the shoreline.

Kaliakra was the original base of the Thracian settlement on this site and, over time, turned into a fortress, the remains of which have survived on the cape to the present day.

The Mussel farm

Finish your tour by witnessing the process and – more importantly – feasting on the freshest mussels on the Black Sea!

Why use Around Bulgaria?

• Comfortable, spacious minivans or vehicles – always fitted with A/C
• Fully licensed English-speaking tour guide and driver
• Get collected right from your door and dropped off anywhere you like
• You’re the boss – add breaks and stops whenever you want them

We can also recommend how to have the best experience if you want a multi-day tour.