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Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience

6 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Varna, Bulgaria
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from $47.51 per person

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On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.
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4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

Discover the mystical Stone Forest (Pobiti Kamani) and historic Aladzha Rock Monastery on this half-day self-guided tour for travelers who value independence and rich information.
Travel comfortably from Varna or nearby resorts in a small group. Upon arrival, explore at your own pace with an expert-authored guidebook written by licensed local guide Hristina Nedelcheva.
The guidebook includes:
• Historical and cultural background
• Legends and symbolism
• Practical visitor information
This tour combines independent travel with professional insight — no fixed schedule.
Why Choose This Tour:
• Discover at your own pace with expert insight at your fingertips
• Guidebook created by a certified local expert, not AI or generic content
• Perfect mix of natural wonder and cultural heritage
• A smart, budget-friendly alternative to traditional guided tours
• Ideal for curious, independent travelers who want quality storytelling
• Small group setting

What's Included

  • Round-trip transportation with a driver from your address in Varna or nearby resorts is included. Pick-up from Albena or the golf resort areas is available for an additional fee.
  • Enjoy a professional, attentive driver throughout the tour.
  • Guidebook about both sites written by tour guide Hristina Nedelcheva (digital or printed)
  • 3 EUR per adult for the Stone Forest and 5 EUR per adult for Aladzha Monastery.
  • Personal Insurance
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Varna CenterOdesos
pl. "Sveti Sveti Kiril I Metodiy" 2, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria

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Pickup details

After booking, we’ll send you the bus details—including model, registration number, color, and driver’s name—the day before your tour.

OR
Meeting point

Varna CenterOdesos
pl. "Sveti Sveti Kiril I Metodiy" 2, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Pobiti Kamani

You will spend 1 hour and 30 minutes exploring the Stone Forest, a remarkable natural phenomenon made up of limestone pillars scattered around Lake Beloslav. This area features over 300 stone columns of various shapes—solid and hollow, truncated cones, and other unusual formations. The group you will visit, called “Center-South,” is the most famous site, located 18 km west of Varna, with some columns reaching up to 8 meters tall. During your visit, you will read the guide-prepared booklet and walk among the stone pillars, learning about the different types of stone formations and their geological history.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Aladzha Monastery

You will also have 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore Aladzha Monastery, the most famous medieval rock-hewn monastery on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. Inhabited by Christian monks from the 12th to the 14th centuries, the monastery features rock-carved chapels, cells, and frescoes. During your visit, you will read the booklet prepared by the guide and walk through the site, learning about the different parts of the monastery and its rich spiritual and historical significance.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-155695P6

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

5.00
6 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
6
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Round-trip transportation with a driver from your address in Varna or nearby resorts is included. Pick-up from Albena or the golf resort areas is available for an additional fee.
  • Enjoy a professional, attentive driver throughout the tour.
  • Guidebook about both sites written by tour guide Hristina Nedelcheva (digital or printed).
  • Self-guided exploration of 1 hour and 30 minutes at each site.
The following is NOT included:
  • 3 EUR per adult for the Stone Forest and 5 EUR per adult for Aladzha Monastery.
  • Personal Insurance.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 12. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience is as follows:

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Round-trip transportation with a driver from your address in Varna or nearby resorts is included. Pick-up from Albena or the golf resort areas is available for an additional fee.
  • Enjoy a professional, attentive driver throughout the tour.
  • Guidebook about both sites written by tour guide Hristina Nedelcheva (digital or printed)
  • Self-guided exploration of 1 hour and 30 minutes at each site
  • 3 EUR per adult for the Stone Forest and 5 EUR per adult for Aladzha Monastery.
  • Personal Insurance

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers
  • Operated by a business

Protecting you

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For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. Hristina Nedelcheva - Tour Guiding

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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