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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Customize tours under each day and destination

Day1

Day 1

  • Sofia - Arrival day
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  • National Palace of Culture
  • More

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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Day2

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

Day 2 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

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.

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.

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

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Day3

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.

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

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

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Bulgaria!

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Day4

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 in Bulgaria, you’ll start and end your day in Plovdiv, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Plovdiv, there’s no need to rush. Experience Laki, Bachkovo, and Asenovgrad to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

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

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

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Day5

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.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Plovdiv.

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

Veliko Tarnovo 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 Veliko Tarnovo.

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

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Day6

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, you'll get the chance to experience Gorna Oryahovitsa, Arbanassi, and Lyaskovets. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Veliko Tarnovo, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

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

Veliko Tarnovo 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 Veliko Tarnovo.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Bulgaria!

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Day7

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.

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

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

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Day8

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.

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

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

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Day9

Day 9

  • Varna
  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 475 km, 5 hours 59 min

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

Dive into day 9 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Madara and Lovech. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Sofia, where you'll spend 1 night.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Sofia. 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 Sofia. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

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

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Day10

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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