11-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Plovdiv to Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Kavarna, and Burgas

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Plovdiv. You’ll stay in Plovdiv for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Plovdiv has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Lauta Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,257 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv, Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,229 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is Pavaj. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

Locals recommend Rahat Tepe as one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

Plovdiv also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv is Club Fargo. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv is Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 11-day vacation in Bulgaria!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Plovdiv has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Plovdiv by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Plovdiv. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Plovdiv, like the extraordinary Singing Fountains. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,815 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Plovdiv is the spectacular Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,228 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This must-see tourist destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,047 visitors.

This is a popular destination among visitors in Plovdiv.

Your discovery of Plovdiv does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Plovdiv on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria, be sure to eat at Hemingway Restaurant, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is the popular r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik". This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Plovdiv is PASA Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Rock Bar Download is one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

Bar The Post is another of the most popular bars in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Plovdiv!

Day 3 of your road trip through Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Samokov and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Sofia. You will stay in Sofia for 3 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Samokov is the amazing City Park by the river Iskar. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,123 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Rila National Park. With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 9,075 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Samokov is the outstanding Tsari Mali Grad. This popular fortress and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,546 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Samokov by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Bulgaria. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Sofia, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

On day 4 of your road trip across Bulgaria, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 2 nights, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Best Western Terminus Hotel, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Sofia. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,749 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Sofia is the 5-star Casa Boyana Boutique. The hotel is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 257 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Sofia is the 3-star Hotel 007. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 534 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the town of Sofia, like the outstanding South Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,055 visitors.

National Palace of Culture is another popular attraction you could visit in the town of Sofia. This incredible attraction is a convention center and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,776 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the town of Sofia is the extraordinary Holy Trinity Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,629 reviews.

Come to Sofia prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Sofia.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Restaurant "Staria Chinar", after your day of exploring the city of Sofia. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Bulgaria.

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Sofia has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Sofia by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Sofia. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the town of Sofia, like the extraordinary Druzhba Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,323 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Sofia is the spectacular St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This attraction is a church and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,076 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker. This church has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,714 visitors.

Ivan Vazov National Theater is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This must-see tourist destination is a popular destination among visitors in Sofia. Rated at an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,201 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Sofia does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Sofia on this day of your trip.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Sofia!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 6 of your epic road trip in Bulgaria, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Sofia. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Veliko Tarnovo. You’ll stay in Veliko Tarnovo for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Sofia’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Sofia, start your day with a visit to the amazing St. Nedelya Church. This much-appreciated church and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,189 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Eagles' Bridge. This stone bridge and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 9,677 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Borisova Gradina Park to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Borisova Gradina Park is a park that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,952 visitors.

The lovely Knyazheska Garden is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 7,458 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Park "Geo Milev". This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,902 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Sofia has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Veliko Tarnovo. Veliko Tarnovo offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular VkusoteriA. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 993 reviews.

The remarkable Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One") is another top restaurant in Veliko Tarnovo we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,818 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Restaurant Ego 1 is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,561 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Veliko Tarnovo, the fantastic Bianko. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,466 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Lino Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Tequila Bar Funky Monkey. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 493 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Veliko Tarnovo, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

One of the best travel destinations in the city of Gabrovo is Ethno village Etar. This amazing attraction is a museum and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13,625 visitors.

You can also make your new day in Bulgaria more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Bulgaria’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Veliko Tarnovo.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like EGO pizza & grill The Old Town. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,580 customers.

Bianko is one of the top restaurants in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,466 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Veliko Tarnovo is The Bell. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,550 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Veliko Tarnovo, Sammy's Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 524 customers.

If you’d prefer one of the top bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Veliko Tarnovo, we recommend the cocktails at Cybar. This bar has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 160 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Veliko Tarnovo is Ristretto. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 153 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Veliko Tarnovo!

You’ll stay in Kavarna for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Balchik today is Albena. This excellent attraction is a seaside resort that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,516 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Balchik Palace, an outstanding palace, in the city of Balchik. Around 19,217 travelers rated this attraction with 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Balchik is Balchik Botanic Garden. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,288 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Bulgaria, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Bulgaria. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Albena for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a seaside resort and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,516 visitors.

This outstanding palace has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 19,217 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Balchik Botanic Garden. This attraction, a stunning park, has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,288 visitors.

If you’re interested in exploring even more, visit the fantastic Ronnie James Dio monument. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 806 travelers, the magnificent Ronnie James Dio monument is clearly one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Kavarna.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Kavarna, Laguna Terrace. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 175 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria with a toast!

Day 9 of your road trip through Bulgaria is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Varna and the city of Nesebar. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Varna is the amazing Sea Garden. This attraction is an urban park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 31,686 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral. This eastern orthodox cathedral and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,705 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Varna is another excellent way to spend your new day in Bulgaria. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Bulgaria’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Bulgaria’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Bulgaria’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Sunny Beach in the city of Nesebar for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a town and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,756 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the city of Nesebar is the outstanding Church of Saint Sophia. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,769 visitors, this church deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Burgas.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Happy Bar & Grill, one of the best restaurants in the city of Burgas. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,335 customers.

Locals also recommend Happy Bar & Grill as one of the best restaurants in the city of Burgas. Happy Bar & Grill is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,139 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Burgas is Romance Pub & Pizza. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,070 customers.

After dinner, visit Papa Beer - Craft Beer Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Burgas. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 981 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Caribe. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

Rise and shine on day 10 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Burgas and embark on a scenic drive to Plovdiv, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Burgas before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Burgas. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful The Clock. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,624 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible The Sea Garden. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 34,044 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Asen's Fortress. This attraction is a fortress that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,777 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". This place of worship and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12,464 reviews.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,070 customers.

Locals also recommend RESTAURANT Raia, another of the best restaurants in Plovdiv. RESTAURANT Raia is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 936 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Kitchen of Raya / Kukhnyata na Raya. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 895 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Piano Bar Sinatra to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Plovdiv, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 568 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 180 customers.

Bar Fabrik is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 698 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Bulgaria, and look forward to more great days to come!

Day 11 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Plovdiv before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Alyosha Monument is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Plovdiv. This monument and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,259 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Plovdiv and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Bulgaria.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Plovdiv at Sofra before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 807 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restaurant - Garden "Philippopolis" for your last chance at a meal in the city of Plovdiv. The Restaurant - Garden "Philippopolis" restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 767 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Tams House. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 522 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Plovdiv. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Bulgaria!