11-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Varna traveling west to Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, Sofia, and Bansko

Day 2 of your road trip across Bulgaria promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Varna. You have 1 night left in Varna. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Check out the underrated aquarium, Dolphinarium Varna. Afterward, continue to Varna Zoo, a zoo every traveler should visit. As you explore Varna’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Next, make your way to Sea Garden. This popular park is an essential stop. Following that, head to Dormition Of The Theotokos Cathedral, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by Clock Tower Of Varna, a curiosity-inducing monument in the city. Finally, end your day with a visit to Retro Museum, a visually striking museum that offers the perfect conclusion to your sightseeing of the day.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at di Wine, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, 100 Pizzas offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Morska terasa is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Varna.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Muffin Bar & Coffee, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Bar Hey offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Deja Vu. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Veliko Tarnovo. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Veliko Tarnovo, where will spend 2 nights.

Whatever your travel style is, Trapezitsa Fortress is an essential stop in Varna. This beloved archeological site provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Tsarevets Fortress, a history-steeped castle, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Park "sveta Gora", a worthwhile park. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the intriguing Monument To The Assen Dynasty. Not far away from the monument, you will find the historic Monument Of Mother Bulgaria, perfect for a quick visit. Round off your day at Marno Pole Park, another gem in Varna with visually striking features to discover.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurant "Ethno", highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Tavern "Petleto"? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at The Bell as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Veliko Tarnovo.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Famous Bar 2 offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bar Grill Kolata is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Bar Melodie / Melody Bar / is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

On day 4 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Gorna Oryahovitsa and Arbanassi. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Veliko Tarnovo, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

One of the most curiosity-inducing attractions included on the itinerary is Park "children's Playground". Then, take a leisurely stroll to St. Nikolay The Miracleworker and learn what makes this instagrammable church unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Burger and Sweets "Asenevtsi", highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bianko? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at EGO pizza & grill The Old Town as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Ristretto after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to The Gallery for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Tequila Bar Funky Monkey is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Bulgaria.

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

Youth Hill makes a great addition to your morning plans. This curiosity-inducing park is an instagrammable place to see in Veliko Tarnovo. Continue your discovery at Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis, a picture-perfect archeological site with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Veliko Tarnovo, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Roman Forum Of Philippopolis. This worthwhile archeological site offers a culturally significant encounter with Veliko Tarnovo. Next, make your way to “tsar Simeon Garden” Park to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Singing Fountain, a notable art installation that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Veliko Tarnovo.

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 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Salt & Pepper, a top-rated dining destination in Plovdiv. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Rahat Tepe, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at KFC. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Rock Bar Download, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, North Star offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Morado Bar & Dinner. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

Day 6 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Plovdiv has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Plovdiv.

Alyosha Monument makes a great addition to your morning plans. This often recommended monument is a historic place to see in Plovdiv. Continue your discovery at Museum Of Natural Sciences, a photogenic museum with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Plovdiv, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis. This popular archeological site offers a picture-perfect encounter with Plovdiv. Next, make your way to Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Old Town Of Plovdiv, an often recommended historical landmark that’s sure to impress. If you’re up for more, end your self-guided sightseeing tour at Nebet Tepe, a worthwhile archeological site in the city. 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.

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.

Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", a top-rated dining destination in Plovdiv. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Sofra, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Central Park. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

Continue your lively evening at Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Qbar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Anyway Social Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

On day 8 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night.

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.

Enjoy all that Boyana Church has to offer. This is an often recommended church you should not miss. Another must-see is National Museum Of History, an increasingly popular museum in Sofia.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to South Park. From there, take a leisurely stroll to National Palace Of Culture, another of the city’s well-known attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky, a historic place of interest in the city. If time allows, add Zaimov Park to your itinerary. This popular park offers the perfect finishing touch to your day in Sofia.

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 Sofia. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Hotel Forum offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Turquoise Restaurant. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Sofia.

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.

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

On day 9 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Sofia. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Bansko, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Start your day at Cathedral Of Saint Nedelya. This instagrammable church is an up-and-coming place to see in Sofia. Then, wander over to Eagles' Bridge. If instagrammable sites excite you, this monument will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Borisova Gradina Park. This mesmerizing park is a favorite among visitors.

Sofia offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Prince's Garden is an often recommended spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the park, don’t forget to check out the standout National Theater "ivan Vazov". Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this worthwhile performing arts theater.

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

Bansko 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 Bansko.

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

Continue your lively evening at Nova Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Penguins Bar & Dinner is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Amigo Pub ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!