Travel packages in Bulgaria

Road trips in Bulgaria

12-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Varna to Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, and Sofia

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Photo of panoramic view on Varna beach on Black sea in Bulgaria.

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Explore the best of Bulgaria on a remarkable 12-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Arbanassi, Lyaskovets, Plovdiv, Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, Kazanlak, Shipka, Stara Zagora, Sofia, and Nessebar.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Bulgaria. You will spend 3 nights in Varna, 2 nights in Veliko Tarnovo, 2 nights in Plovdiv, 2 nights in Stara Zagora, and 2 nights in Sofia. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Bulgaria. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Varna, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Bulgaria on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Bulgaria. Sea Garden and South Park are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Arbanassi, Lyaskovets, Plovdiv, Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, Kazanlak, Shipka, Stara Zagora, Sofia, and Nessebar, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Bulgaria. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Bulgaria.

Throughout your road trip in Bulgaria, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Bulgaria.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Bulgaria fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Bulgaria today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65

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Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Varna - Arrival day
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Knyaz Boris I Boulevard
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Say hello to Varna! Your exciting road trip through Bulgaria is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Varna for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!

Varna is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Varna. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Bulgaria. We recommend staying at a central location for easy access to key areas in the city.

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

Raise a toast to the start of your 12-day road trip in Bulgaria!

Day 2

Varna
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Drive 39 km, 1 hour 27 min

Aladzha Monastery
Archaeological Museum Varna
Dolphinarium Varna
Varna Zoo
Sea Garden
Clock Tower of Varna
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You have 1 night left in Varna. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

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.

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

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

Day 3

Varna
Veliko Tarnovo
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Drive 227 km, 3 hours 21 min

Trapezitsa Fortress
Tsarevets Fortress
Park "Sveta Gora
Monument to the Assen Dynasty
Marno Pole Park
Monument of Mother Bulgaria
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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.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo. Veliko Tarnovo offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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.

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

Day 4

Veliko Tarnovo
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Drive 30 km, 1 hour

парк „Николай Панайотов“
Park "Children's Playground"
St Nikolay the Miracleworker
Lyaskovets Monastery "Sv. Sv. Peter and Paul"
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Wake up to day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Gorna Oryahovitsa, Arbanassi, and Lyaskovets. With 1 night to stay in Veliko Tarnovo, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s 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.

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

Day 5

Veliko Tarnovo
Plovdiv
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Drive 219 km, 4 hours 21 min

Youth Hill
Monument of the Red Army "Alyosha"
Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
Tsar Simeon Garden
Singing Fountains
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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.

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

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

Day 6

Plovdiv
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Drive 63 km, 1 hour 40 min

Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno
Asen's Fortress
Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv
Gate "Hisar Kapia", Plovdiv
Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
Nebet Tepe
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On day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you’ll start and end your day in Plovdiv, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Plovdiv, there’s no need to rush. Experience Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, and Plovdiv to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Plovdiv.

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

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Bulgaria.

Day 7

Plovdiv
Stara Zagora
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Drive 231 km, 3 hours 41 min

Rose Museum
Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
Shipka Memorial Church
Monument of Freedom, Saint Nicholas peak
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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. Kazanlak and Shipka are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Stara Zagora, where you will stay for 2 nights.

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

At the end of the day, you will drive to Stara Zagora, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Stara Zagora's best restaurants.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 8

Stara Zagora
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Drive 20 km, 1 hour 49 min

Neolithic Dwellings Museum
Antique Forum
Зоологическа градина
Park “Ayazmo“
Bedechka Park
The Zelen Klin Park
Samara Flag Monument
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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.

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

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

Day 9

Stara Zagora
Sofia
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Drive 253 km, 3 hours 35 min

Boyana Church
National Palace of Culture
Borisova Gradina Park
St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Ivan Vazov" National Theater
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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 Sofia, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Sofia. Sofia offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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.

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

Day 10

Sofia
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Drive 273 km, 4 hours 38 min

Rila Monastery
Vitosha
Regional History Museum Sofia
South Park
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On day 10 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Sofia, where you have 1 night left to stay.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Sofia and your accommodation.

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.

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

Day 11

Sofia
Varna
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Drive 513 km, 5 hours 50 min

Archaeological Museum
Ancient Theatre
Church of Saint Sophia
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Dive into day 11 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Nessebar. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Varna, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

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

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

Day 12

Varna - Departure day
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Casino Black Sea
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Day 12 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Bulgaria!

How it works

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Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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