Two-Week Relaxed Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Plovdiv to Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, and Stara Zagora

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Photo of roman theatre of Philippopolis in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
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Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 15-day self-drive holiday in Bulgaria. Along the way, Plovdiv, Samokov, Bistritsa, Sofia, Lovech, Veliko Tarnovo, Dolni Varpishta, Boicheta, Shipka, and Stara Zagora invite you to discover their unique blend of culture, scenery, and memorable experiences.

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Bulgaria, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 4 nights in Plovdiv, 6 nights in Sofia, 3 nights in Veliko Tarnovo, and 1 night in Stara Zagora, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Bulgaria.

Your journey starts in Plovdiv, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 15-day relaxed road trip in Bulgaria to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in Bulgaria already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning South Park and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent Borisova Gradina Park.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this Bulgaria road trip itinerary for 15 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in Bulgaria.

If you want to make your 15-day relaxed self-drive tour in Bulgaria even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in Bulgaria includes 14 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 15 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 15-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Bulgaria today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Plovdiv - Arrival day
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  • Youth Hill
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Your relaxed road trip through Bulgaria starts when you reach the incredible city of Plovdiv, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Plovdiv and begin your adventure in Bulgaria.

Plovdiv 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.

Find your way to your hotel in Plovdiv. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Bulgaria. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Plovdiv.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in Bulgaria. Enjoy your first taste of Plovdiv as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 3 km, 39 min

  • Singing Fountains
  • Tsar Simeon Garden
  • Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
  • Museum of Natural Sciences
  • Kapana Creative District
  • More

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Bulgaria by joining a traveler-approved tour in Plovdiv. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Plovdiv that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Bulgaria more memorable.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Plovdiv, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Plovdiv. The bars in Plovdiv make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Bulgaria!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 3 km, 45 min

  • Nebet Tepe
  • Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
  • Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv
  • Gate "Hisar Kapia", Plovdiv
  • Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
  • More

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Bulgaria more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

Treat yourself to a shopping spree in Plovdiv at Kapana District. Stroll through stylish boutiques and shops, where you can browse unique items to take home. Pick up souvenirs for your loved ones, including artisan crafts that beautifully showcase the culture of Bulgaria. After shopping, explore what Kapana District has to offer, connecting you with locals or fellow travelers as you check out its attractions, available services, and seasonal events.

Exploring the food culture in Plovdiv offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Plovdiv and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Plovdiv as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in Bulgaria!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Plovdiv
  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 253 km, 3 hours 50 min

  • Historical Museum
  • Great fountain
  • City Park by the river Iskar
  • Rila
  • More

On day 4 of your laid-back road trip adventure in Bulgaria, you can visit several remarkable places. With the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, you decide how much time to spend in each, making the most of these memorable destinations.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Sofia. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

Exploring the food culture in Sofia offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Sofia’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Bulgaria.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Bulgaria!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 13 km, 59 min

  • North Park
  • Lions' Bridge
  • Regional History Museum Sofia
  • Sveta Nedelya Church
  • Ivan Vazov" National Theater
  • More

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Bulgaria. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Bulgaria and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Sofia has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Bulgaria.

Toast to another amazing day in Bulgaria!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Sofia
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Drive 28 km, 1 hour 14 min

  • Sofia Zoo
  • South Park
  • Russian Monument Square
  • Holy Trinity Park
  • West Park
  • More

Bulgaria makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Bulgaria also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Bulgaria. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Sofia, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Sofia’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Bulgaria.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 9 km, 51 min

  • Borisova Gradina Park
  • Eagles' Bridge
  • Knyazheska Garden
  • St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • Park "Zaimov"
  • More

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Bulgaria by joining a traveler-approved tour in Plovdiv. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Plovdiv that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Bulgaria more memorable.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Bulgaria, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Sofia.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Sofia and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 46 km, 1 hour 38 min

  • Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker
  • National Palace of Culture
  • Boyana Church
  • Golden Bridges
  • Tsar Ivan Shishman Street
  • More

Set aside time today to explore Tsar Ivan Shishman Street, a standout street that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Bulgaria more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Sofia.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Bulgaria!

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 41 km, 1 hour 38 min

  • Bells Park
  • Muzeiko
  • National Museum of Military History
  • Park "Geo Milev
  • Druzhba Park
  • More

On day 9 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria, you’ll explore the area around Sofia, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Sofia will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Bulgaria.

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

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Bulgaria, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Sofia.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Sofia. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Bulgaria!

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Day 10

Day 10

  • Sofia
  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • More

Drive 241 km, 3 hours 15 min

  • Vasil Levski museum
  • Covered Bridge
  • Alley "Bash Bunar" Lovech
  • More

Day 10 of your self-drive tour in Bulgaria offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll stay in Veliko Tarnovo for 3 nights. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in Bulgaria.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Veliko Tarnovo. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Bulgaria.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Veliko Tarnovo has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Veliko Tarnovo.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Bulgaria!

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Day 11

Day 11

  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • More

Drive 44 km, 1 hour 19 min

  • Hotnitsa Waterfall
  • Marno Pole Park
  • Monument of Mother Bulgaria
  • Monument to the Assen Dynasty
  • Park "Sveta Gora
  • More

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.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Bulgaria. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Bulgaria and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Veliko Tarnovo, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Veliko Tarnovo and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Bulgaria. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Bulgaria tomorrow with new energy.

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Day 12

Day 12

  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • More

Drive 5 km, 33 min

  • Ascension Cathedral
  • Tsarevets Fortress
  • Holy Forty Martyrs Church
  • Trapezitsa Fortress
  • More

Bulgaria makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Bulgaria also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring the food culture in Veliko Tarnovo offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Bulgaria!

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Day 13

Day 13

  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • Stara Zagora
  • More

Drive 137 km, 2 hours 42 min

  • Dryanovo monastery "St Archangel Michael
  • Ethno village Etar
  • Monument of Freedom, Saint Nicholas peak
  • Shipka Memorial Church
  • More

Day 13 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Bulgaria offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. You’ll stay in Stara Zagora for 1 night.

Continue your laid-back road trip in Bulgaria as you make your way to Stara Zagora. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Stara Zagora, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Stara Zagora and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

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Day 14

Day 14

  • Stara Zagora
  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 121 km, 1 hour 59 min

  • Artilereeski Park
  • Зоологическа градина
  • Park “Ayazmo“
  • Bedechka Park
  • Samara Flag Monument
  • More

Day 14 of your relaxed road trip in Bulgaria will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Bulgaria, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

You'll be staying in Plovdiv on this laid-back road trip through Bulgaria. You'll stay here for 1 night.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Toast to another amazing day in Bulgaria!

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Day 15

Day 15

  • Plovdiv - Departure day
  • More
  • Monument of the Red Army "Alyosha"
  • More

Day 15 of your relaxed road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 15 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 15-day relaxed road trip in Bulgaria is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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Secure your spot
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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.

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

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