This day we were docked at Ruse where the Danube forms a natural border between Romania and Bulgaria. Rather than tour Ruse we chose to go on the GCT optional tour of the historic Bulgarian sites of Veliko Tarnovo, the capital of Bulgaria from 1186 until 1394, and Arbanassi, a historic village of Bulgarian heritage. Velliko Tarnovo appears tro be prospering as a tourist destination. In a silver smith jewelry shop he even had a display of a Rick Steves travel book!

In Arbanassi we toured a home that had been the residence of a wealthy merchant. We also visited the oldest church in Arbananassi, originally built in the 15th century. Here where we were treated to a short concert by four local men.

Click here to go to the Romania, Constanta photos .