12-Day Bulgaria Road Trip around Plovdiv to Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Kavarna, and Sveti Vlas

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.

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 12-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 Alyosha Monument. This attraction is a monument and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,259 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.

Singing Fountains is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This park is a popular destination among visitors in Plovdiv. Rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,815 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

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!

Rise and shine on day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Plovdiv and embark on a scenic drive to Sofia, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 4 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Samokov Museum of History. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 556 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible City Park by the river Iskar. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,123 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Plovdiv is the stunning Tsari Mali Grad. This fortress and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,546 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Rila. This attraction is an urban park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,931 visitors.

This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation.

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!

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 3 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 Druzhba Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,323 visitors.

Park "Geo Milev" is another popular attraction you could visit in the town of Sofia. This incredible attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,902 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the town of Sofia is the extraordinary Knyazheska Garden. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,458 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Eagles' Bridge. Around 9,677 visitors have given this stone bridge an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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 2 nights 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 Borisova Gradina Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,952 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!

Day 6 of your road trip across Bulgaria is another day in the magnificent Sofia. You now have 1 night left in Sofia. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Sofia offers plenty for you to see and do, and your hotel will be conveniently located near several of the area's best attractions.

One of the best travel destinations you can travel to in the town of Sofia is the stunning Holy Trinity Park. This has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,629 visitors.

You could also spend some time visiting the spectacular St. Nedelya Church in the town of Sofia. This attraction is a church and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,189 visitors.

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

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic South Park. This park and travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,055 visitors.

Today you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a popular tour. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for top-rated tours and activities in Sofia you could sign up for on this day of your vacation. Choose among the best tours before or after booking.

When it’s time to eat, the city of Sofia has restaurants and bars to fit all budgets.

We recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia, Taj Mahal Restaurant. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,423 customers.

Toast to another amazing day in the city of Sofia!

Day 7 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 Gabrovo and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. You will stay in Veliko Tarnovo for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Gabrovo is the amazing Muzey na khumora i satirata, Gabrovo. This attraction is a museum that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,482 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Park "Markoteya". With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 967 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Gabrovo is the outstanding Ethno village Etar. This popular museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,625 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Gabrovo 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 Veliko Tarnovo, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try VkusoteriA, one of the best restaurants in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 993 customers.

Locals also recommend Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One") as one of the best restaurants in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One") is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,818 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Veliko Tarnovo is Restaurant Ego 1. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,561 customers.

After dinner, visit Bianko, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,466 customers.

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

Alternatively, Tequila Bar Funky Monkey is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 493 customers.

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

Day 8 of your road trip through Bulgaria is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Veliko Tarnovo and the city of Balchik. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Veliko Tarnovo is the amazing Tsarevets Fortress. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,511 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Park "Sveta Gora". This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,681 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Veliko Tarnovo 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 Balchik Palace in the city of Balchik for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a palace and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 19,217 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the city of Balchik is the outstanding Balchik Botanic Garden. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,288 visitors, this park 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 Kavarna.

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

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

You’ll stay in Sveti Vlas for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore today is Kaliakra. This excellent attraction is a nature reserve that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 10,175 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. 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 Retro Museum for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Varna. This popular attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,327 visitors.

This outstanding urban park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 31,686 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral in the city of Varna. This attraction, a stunning eastern orthodox cathedral, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,705 visitors.

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

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

Rise and shine on day 10 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Sveti Vlas and embark on a scenic drive to Stara Zagora, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Sveti Vlas 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 Sveti Vlas. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Sunny Beach. This attraction is a town that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,756 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Church of Saint Sophia. This attraction, a beloved church, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,769 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Sveti Vlas is the stunning Nesebar Archaeological Museum. This museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,660 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable The Sea Garden. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 34,044 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Sand Fest Burgas. This best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,699 reviews.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Restaurant Uniqato. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,988 customers.

Locals also recommend Shtastlivetsa, another of the best restaurants in Stara Zagora. Shtastlivetsa is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,681 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Restorant "Kiparis". This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 845 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Pri Kmeta to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Stara Zagora, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,871 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Drums. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Drums has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,465 customers.

Brothers' cafe 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 914 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 through Bulgaria is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Stara Zagora and the city of Asenovgrad. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Stara Zagora is the amazing Artileriyski Park. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,474 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Park “Ayazmo“. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,912 visitors.

“Bedechka” Park is another popular attraction you can explore in the city of Stara Zagora. This well-known attraction, a spectacular park, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 6,024 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Stara Zagora 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 Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno" in the city of Asenovgrad for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a place of worship and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 12,464 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the city of Asenovgrad is the outstanding Asen's Fortress. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,777 visitors, this fortress 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 Plovdiv.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar, one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

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

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is Kitchen of Raya / Kukhnyata na Raya. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 895 customers.

After dinner, visit Piano Bar Sinatra, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average 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 has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 180 customers.

Alternatively, bar Fabrik is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 698 customers.

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

Day 12 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.

Old Town of Plovdiv is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Plovdiv. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,806 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!