Veliko Tarnovo. Notable at left center is the Cathedral of the Birth of the 1844 and reconstructed 1913. EE1975117
From Bucharest, travel would by land through the Balkans all the way to Zagreb. The groups motorcoach crossed the Danube River over the long Friendship Bridge at Ruse, leaving Romania and entering Bulgaria. Thence on to Grabrovo via Vielke Tarnovo for overnight.
Near Gabrovo is the Etar Complex. This is an museum of preserved folk structures, in the manner of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia or Seurasaari in Helsinki. The museum was begun in 1964, with a nucleus of historic structures on the site. These were augmented by relocated structures as well as reconstructions. Traditional Bulgarian crafts and folk industries are demonstrated.
The tour bus traveled through the scenic Valley of Roses en route to Sofia. The Valley of Roses is known for its industry producing close to half of the worlds rose oil.
