11-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Burgas to Sozopol, Nessebar, Plovdiv, Pastra, and Sofia

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Burgas. You’ll stay in Burgas for 1 night.

Natural History Museum Of Burgas is an ideal stop early in the day. This frequently visited museum is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to History Museum Burgas, which may be one of the most eye-catching places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Burgas on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to The Clock, an up-and-coming monument in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for St. Anastasia Island.

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.

Bring home unique finds from Burgas's bustling shopping hub, Burgas Plaza. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of unique stores where locals shop. Don’t forget to browse souvenirs and local specialties that make perfect gifts for your loved ones. Beyond shopping, Burgas Plaza offers plenty of options, including a cinema, primary services, unique landmarks, and community events.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Chiplakov, a top-rated dining destination in Burgas. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Ten'ova kashta, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Neptune. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Burgas this evening.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Bar Bossa, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Malibu, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Saxa Beach provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

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

To truly experience Burgas, make sure to drop by Harmanite Beach. This beloved beach is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Southern Fortress Wall And Tower, one of the town’s best highlights.

Next, check out Sozopol Archaeological Museum, one of the most up-and-coming places to see in Burgas. This museum is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Main Square Sozopol. Wander around and soak in the romantic atmosphere this public square offers.

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

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 Sozopol, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining at Restaurant "Antique well", a top-rated dining destination in Sozopol. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Bamboo Beach Sozopol, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restorant Viva Mare Fish & Grill, by Santa Marina. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Sozopol this evening.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Mishel, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Patsi Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Jack Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Nessebar. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Nessebar, where you'll spend 1 night.

Sunny Beach makes a great addition to your morning plans. This worthwhile beach is an instagrammable place to see in Sozopol. Continue your discovery at Church Of Saint Sophia, a history-steeped church with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Sozopol, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this town so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Church Of Christ Pantokrator. This frequently visited church offers a picture-perfect encounter with Sozopol. Next, make your way to Ancient Theatre to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Nesebar Archaeological Museum, an underrated museum that’s sure to impress. If you’re up for more, end your self-guided sightseeing tour at The Windmill, Nessebar, a curiosity-inducing monument in the town. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Sozopol.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Nessebar, 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 Nessebar. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Boutique Restaurant "Kanela", a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, White Rose offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Dionis is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Nessebar.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at The White Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to The Harp Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Eco-bar By Michael provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Plovdiv. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Plovdiv, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Let Alyosha Monument set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this detailed monument before continuing your journey. Singing Fountain is your next stop. This locally renowned art installation is one of the best-rated sights in Nessebar.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit “tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This serene park is a sight to behold.

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.

Savor the flavors at Salt & Pepper, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Rahat Tepe beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider KFC. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Plovdiv tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Rock Bar Download, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, North Star offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Plovdiv. Morado Bar & Dinner is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Wake up to day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Bachkovo and Plovdiv. With 1 night to stay in Plovdiv, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

A top thing to do today is to explore Kapana Creative District, a must-see neighborhood in Bachkovo. It's the perfect starting point for touring the top attractions in the area.

Enjoy all that Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno" has to offer. This is a locally renowned monastery you should not miss. Another must-see is Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis, a well-known archeological site in Plovdiv.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Old Town Of Plovdiv, another of the village’s curiosity-inducing attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv, a respected place of interest in the village.

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Sofra offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Central Park. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Qbar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Anyway Social Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

On day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Stob and Rila are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Pastra, where you will stay for 1 night.

Visiting Stob Earth Pyramids is always a good idea. This locally appreciated rock formation is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the eye-catching wonders of “bohemia Falls” Ecotrail, a must-see waterfall in the village.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Rila Monastery. This locally renowned monastery offers an enriching experience.

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

Pastra 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 Pastra.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Sofia. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Sofia, where will spend 2 nights.

Experience Boyana Church, an intriguing church in the city. Then, head to National Museum Of History and soak in the ambiance of this heritage-rich museum.

There are many interesting places to see in Pastra, and when you are ready for more, go to Sofia Zoo. This is one of the city’s most popular picture-perfect spots of interest. After exploring the zoo, visit the locally appreciated Sofia Synagogue. Not far away, you'll also find Cathedral Of Saint Nedelya. This church is a culturally significant highlight in Pastra.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Sofia, 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 Sofia's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

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

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Grijn Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Cairo Relax Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Bar National provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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

Day 9 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Burgas. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Whether you decide to explore Sofia on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Make sure to visit Tsar Ivan Shishman Street, a popular street in Sofia. Spend some time wandering around the area and soak in its distinctive charm. You’ll also discover that several of the city’s must-see attractions are just around the corner.

Let National Palace Of Culture set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this picture-perfect convention center before continuing your journey. Borisova Gradina Park is your next stop. This locally renowned park is one of the best-rated sights in Sofia.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Eagles' Bridge. This eye-catching monument is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky and National Theater "ivan Vazov".

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.

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

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Kathrine Cocktail - Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, The Cocktail Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Urban Rebel is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Bulgaria!