10-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia to Plovdiv, Burgas, Varna, and Veliko Tarnovo

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach Sofia and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Sofia for 3 nights and explore the best things to see and do, 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. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Lions' Bridge or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Sofia. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Bulgaria. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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

Dine in style at Hotel Forum, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Hotel ZOO Sofia boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Mamma Mia Ltd. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Sofia.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Halbite Beer Hall stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Lime Cafe & Cocktails offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night.

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

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore Sofia, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Plovdiv. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Cathedral Of Saint Nedelya. This church is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 5,691 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Holy Trinity Park. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,845 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to North Park. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,004 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Church Of St. Nicholas The Miraclemaker. This church is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,066 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to National Theater "ivan Vazov". This sightseeing destination is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,932 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Plovdiv, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Make sure to book a table at Salt & Pepper, a popular restaurant in Plovdiv. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Plovdiv at Rahat Tepe, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is KFC. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Plovdiv tonight.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Rock Bar Download after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to North Star, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Morado Bar & Dinner also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

On day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Plovdiv. In the evening, you’ll end up in Burgas, where you will stay for 1 night.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Singing Fountain. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,640 reviews.

“tsar Simeon Garden” Park is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 15,537 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,842 reviews.

Old Town Of Plovdiv is another outstanding experience in Plovdiv. Around 4,450 travelers have rated this park an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

If you long for more, Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis is not far away. This point of interest is a lovely addition to your itinerary. Previous visitors have rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 17,893 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Burgas. Burgas offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at ROMANCE Pizzeria Speciale, an iconic dining spot in Burgas. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Hotel Bulgaria Burgas, a popular restaurant in Burgas. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of IN BAR, a hidden gem nestled in Burgas. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Billiard Club Hot Shot, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Bar Target. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Pillow, another top-rated place in the area.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Bulgaria and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 9 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Veliko Tarnovo, and Sennik. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Sofia. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Marno Pole Park. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,692 reviews.

Continue your journey at Tsarevets Fortress. This point of interest is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,913 travelers from near and far.

Veliko Tarnovo is also the home of Park "sveta Gora". This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,821 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Veliko Tarnovo and set your GPS to Sennik. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 51 min. Upon reaching Sennik, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Dan Kolov Museum. This much-appreciated museum is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 110 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Sofia. Sofia offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Savor the flavors at Hotel Jasmin, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, J. J. Murphy's beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Hotel “Crystal Palace Boutique“. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Sofia tonight.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!