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

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Photo of Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria.

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Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 13-day road trip in Bulgaria! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Sofia, Razlog, Bansko, Plovdiv, Kazanlak, Boicheta, Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanassi, Varna, Balchik, Kamenar, and Lovech.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Bulgaria. You will spend 3 nights in Sofia, 2 nights in Bansko, 2 nights in Plovdiv, 2 nights in Veliko Tarnovo, and 3 nights in Varna. 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 Sofia, 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 Sofia, Razlog, Bansko, Plovdiv, Kazanlak, Boicheta, Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanassi, Varna, Balchik, Kamenar, and Lovech, 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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Day 1

Sofia - Arrival day
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National Palace of Culture
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Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach Sofia and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 2 nights and explore what to see in Sofia, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Sofia 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.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Sofia. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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

Raise a toast to the start of your 13-day road trip in Bulgaria!

Day 2

Sofia
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Drive 27 km, 1 hour 36 min

Boyana Church
South Park
Borisova Gradina Park
St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Ivan Vazov" National Theater
Tsar Ivan Shishman Street
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Day 2 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

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

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.

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

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

Day 3

Sofia
Bansko
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Drive 215 km, 3 hours 34 min

Rila Monastery
Istoricheski Muzey - Razlog
Park "Razlog"
Stapalata Scenic Walk
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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 2 places, which are Rila and Razlog. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bansko, where will spend 2 nights.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bansko, 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 Bansko'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 4

Bansko
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Drive 1 km, 21 min

Museum "Velyan house"
Holy Trinity Church
Monument Paisius of Hilendar
House Museum of Nikola Vaptsarov
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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 Bansko, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

Day 5

Bansko
Plovdiv
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Drive 150 km, 3 hours

Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
Sveta Marina church
Tsar Simeon Garden
Singing Fountains
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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.

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.

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

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

Day 6

Plovdiv
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Drive 14 km, 2 hours 18 min

Nebet Tepe
Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv
Museum of Natural Sciences
Monument of the Red Army "Alyosha"
Youth Hill
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You’ll stay in Plovdiv for 1 night.

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

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
Veliko Tarnovo
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Drive 233 km, 3 hours 40 min

History Museum
Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
Ethno village Etar
Marno Pole Park
Monument of Mother Bulgaria
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On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Kazanlak, Boicheta, and Veliko Tarnovo. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, 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 Veliko Tarnovo. Veliko Tarnovo offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Veliko Tarnovo 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 Veliko Tarnovo.

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

Day 8

Veliko Tarnovo
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Drive 14 km, 1 hour 1 min

Park "Sveta Gora
State Art Gallery "Boris Denev"
Monument to the Assen Dynasty
Tsarevets Fortress
Trapezitsa Fortress
St Nikolay the Miracleworker
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Greet day 8 of your road trip in Bulgaria with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Veliko Tarnovo, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi.

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

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 Veliko Tarnovo, 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

Veliko Tarnovo
Varna
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Drive 230 km, 3 hours 32 min

Retro Museum
Archaeological Museum Varna
Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral
Varna Seaport Lighthouse
Varna Roman Baths
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Your itinerary for day 9 of your road trip in Bulgaria includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Varna. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Varna, where you'll spend 3 nights.

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

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.

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

Day 10

Varna
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Drive 154 km, 2 hours 50 min

Aladzha Monastery
Balchik Dvoretsa Palace and Park
Balchik Botanic Garden
Kaliakra
Karaach Teke
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On day 10 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Varna, Balchik, Kavarna, and Kamenar. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Varna, where you still have 2 nights left to stay.

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

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

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

Day 11

Varna
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Drive 20 km, 46 min

Ecopark Varna
Euxinograd Palace
Dolphinarium Varna
Varna Zoo
Sea Garden
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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.

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

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

Day 12

Varna
Sofia
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Drive 477 km, 6 hours 14 min

Vasil Levski museum
Stratesh
Covered Bridge
Alley "Bash Bunar" Lovech
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On day 12 of your road trip in Bulgaria, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Lovech are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Sofia, where you will stay for 1 night.

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

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.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

Day 13

Sofia - Departure day
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St George Rotunda Church
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Day 13 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.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation.

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!

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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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