Tours/Varna/Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience
Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience
5.0(6)Varna4h 30min
VIATOR5.0(2)TRIPADVISOR5.0(4)
+9 photos
At a glance
Duration
4h 30min
Price from
$80 / person
Location
Varna, Bulgaria
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 6 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 7
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Hristina Nedelcheva - Tour Guiding
Meeting point
After booking, we’ll send you the bus details—including model, registration number, color, and driver’s name—the day before your tour.
Description
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
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Next available
Thu, Oct 8
Adult (ages 18–90)
$80
Child (ages 12–17)
$29
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $114.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 6.
Tour Options
Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience
Itinerary
Pobiti Kamani
Admission not included90 min
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.
Aladzha Monastery
Admission not included90 min
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.
What's included
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.
Self-guided exploration of 1 hour and 30 minutes at each site
Enjoy a professional, attentive driver throughout the tour.
Guidebook about both sites written by tour guide Hristina Nedelcheva (digital or printed)
Not included
3 EUR per adult for the Stone Forest and 5 EUR per adult for Aladzha Monastery.
Personal Insurance
Pickup Locations & Times
After booking, we’ll send you the bus details—including model, registration number, color, and driver’s name—the day before your tour.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
6 reviews
5
6
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Varna
No. 12 by number of reviews among 104 tours in Varna
Excurgo comparison of 104 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience take?
Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience lasts about 4h 30min. The itinerary has 2 stops.
How much does Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience cost?
Prices start at $80 per person for this Varna experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $114. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day.
How much does Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience cost for children?
Children aged 12–17 pay from $29, adults from $80.
Can I cancel Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. After booking, we’ll send you the bus details—including model, registration number, color, and driver’s name—the day before your tour.
What languages is Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 7 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 6 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Hristina Nedelcheva - Tour Guiding.
Reviews(6)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
S
skyn378
August 16, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Must to go
The entrance is free. The Forest Stone is a spectacular place with a very special energy and view. These stones are believed to be around 50 million years old, but unfortunately, they are not well maintained. There is also not enough information about the history and importance of the site for visitors.
This UNESCO heritage site deserves much better care and protection.
This is a wonderful place when you can connect with nature and recharge your energy.
There are also some stray dogs and cats around the areas. I hope that visitors can help by buying foods (no shops nearby) and giving them food when you are traveling.
E
Exploration324936
July 26, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Recommended
Drived myself to the seats. Both places are nice and visit if you have an interest in history 😃
S
selvyn175
March 29, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Excellence in guiding has a name: Hristina
Very noce experience, hosted and guided by a professional guide: Hristina Nedelcheva
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a true pleasure hosting you and guiding you throughout this experience. I’m really happy you enjoyed it, and I hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable journey.
P
Priya_S
March 22, 2026 · via Viator
Exceptional
Extremely informative tour. The guide is very warm, friendly and takes extra care of her guests. Both the spots in the tour were incredible. Highly recommend it!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! It truly means a lot to me. I’m very happy you enjoyed the tour and felt well taken care of—that’s always my top priority. It was a pleasure guiding you, and I hope to welcome you again for another incredible experience!
Q
Q7808SLrobertg
March 19, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Hristina Charmed us in Bulgaria!
Hristina's English was graduate student level fluent with an impressive knowledge of history, archeology, paleontology and current socio-political trends. Plus, she is delightful!
The best tour i could have imagined. My kids loved it and her.
Father Robert Griner
Madison, NJ USA
Operator response
Dear Father Robert,
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! I am truly touched by your feedback. It was an absolute pleasure to share the history, archaeology, and stories with you and your wonderful children. I’m so glad you all enjoyed the tour—it means a lot to me to hear that it was memorable for the whole family.
I hope to welcome you back again someday!
Warm regards,
Hristina
R
Rui_R
September 22, 2025 · via Viator
Nice experience
Very nice experience, with a a good share of information about the places visited prior to the travel and a friendly driver who took us to the both sites.
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