10-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Sofia to Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, and Varna

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Photo of Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria.
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Description

Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 10-day road trip in Bulgaria! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Sofia, Plovdiv, Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, Veliko Tarnovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Arbanassi, Lyaskovets, Varna, Madara, and Lovech.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Bulgaria. You will spend 3 nights in Sofia, 2 nights in Plovdiv, 2 nights in Veliko Tarnovo, and 2 nights in Varna. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Bulgaria. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Sofia, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Bulgaria on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Bulgaria. Sea Garden and South Park are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Sofia, Plovdiv, Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, Veliko Tarnovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Arbanassi, Lyaskovets, Varna, Madara, and Lovech, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Bulgaria. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Bulgaria.

Throughout your road trip in Bulgaria, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Bulgaria.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Bulgaria fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Bulgaria today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Sofia - Arrival day
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  • National Palace of Culture
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Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach Sofia and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 2 nights and explore what to see in Sofia, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Sofia is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Sofia. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Bulgaria. We recommend staying at a central location for easy access to key areas in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Sofia, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 10-day road trip in Bulgaria!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 26 km, 1 hour 23 min

  • Boyana Church
  • South Park
  • Borisova Gradina Park
  • Eagles' Bridge
  • St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • Regional History Museum Sofia
  • More

You have 1 night left in Sofia. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Bulgaria. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Sofia, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Bulgaria.

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Sofia
  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 149 km, 2 hours 8 min

  • Nebet Tepe
  • Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
  • Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv
  • Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
  • Tsar Simeon Garden
  • More

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Plovdiv. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Plovdiv, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Plovdiv. Plovdiv offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Plovdiv's best restaurants.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 135 km, 3 hours 13 min

  • Slivodolsko Padalo Waterfall
  • Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno
  • Asen's Fortress
  • Paleontological Museum of Asenovgrad
  • Dobrostanski biser
  • More

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Plovdiv, where you have 1 night left to stay.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Plovdiv.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Plovdiv. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Plovdiv
  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • More

Drive 219 km, 3 hours 27 min

  • Trapezitsa Fortress
  • Tsarevets Fortress
  • Park "Sveta Gora
  • Monument to the Assen Dynasty
  • Marno Pole Park
  • Monument of Mother Bulgaria
  • More

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Veliko Tarnovo. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, where you'll spend 2 nights.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Veliko Tarnovo. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Veliko Tarnovo. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Bulgaria.

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • More

Drive 30 km, 1 hour

  • парк „Николай Панайотов“
  • Park "Children's Playground"
  • St Nikolay the Miracleworker
  • Lyaskovets Monastery "Sv. Sv. Peter and Paul"
  • More

On day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you’ll start and end your day in Veliko Tarnovo, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Veliko Tarnovo, there’s no need to rush. Experience Gorna Oryahovitsa, Arbanassi, and Lyaskovets to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Veliko Tarnovo and your accommodation.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Veliko Tarnovo's best restaurants.

Head back to your accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Bulgaria.

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • Varna
  • More

Drive 235 km, 3 hours 27 min

  • Retro Museum
  • Dolphinarium Varna
  • Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral
  • Varna Roman Baths
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Varna. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Varna, where will spend 2 nights.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Varna, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Varna's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Say good night to Varna and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Varna
  • More

Drive 36 km, 1 hour 7 min

  • Aladzha Monastery
  • Euxinograd Palace
  • Art Gallery Boris Georgiev
  • Archaeological Museum Varna
  • Varna Zoo
  • Sea Garden
  • More

You’ll stay in Varna for 1 night.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Bulgaria. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Varna. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria!

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Varna
  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 475 km, 5 hours 59 min

  • Madara National Historical and Archaeological Park
  • Madara Horseman
  • Covered Bridge
  • More

On day 9 of your road trip in Bulgaria, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Madara and Lovech are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Sofia, where you will stay for 1 night.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Sofia. Sofia offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Sofia is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Sofia.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Bulgaria!

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Day 10

Day 10

  • Sofia - Departure day
  • More
  • Park "Zaimov"
  • More

Day 10 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Bulgaria!

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How it works

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Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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