Two-Week Relaxed Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Varna to Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, and Burgas

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

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Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 15-day self-drive holiday in Bulgaria. Along the way, Varna, Madara, Shumen, Veliko Tarnovo, Dolni Varpishta, Boicheta, Plovdiv, Burgas, Ravadinovo, Sozopol, and Nessebar 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 5 nights in Varna, 4 nights in Veliko Tarnovo, 4 nights in Plovdiv, and 1 night in Burgas, 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 Varna, 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 The Sea Garden and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent Sea Garden.

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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Day 1

Varna - Arrival day
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Knyaz Boris I Boulevard
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Your relaxed road trip through Bulgaria starts when you reach the incredible city of Varna, where you'll stay for 4 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Varna and begin your adventure in Bulgaria.

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.

Find your way to your hotel in Varna. 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 Varna, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

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

Day 2

Varna
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Drive 20 km, 55 min

Asparuhov park
Sea Garden
Детски кът Варна
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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 new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Varna 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 Varna.

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

Day 3

Varna
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Drive 8 km, 55 min

Retro Museum
Archaeological Museum Varna
Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral
Varna Roman Baths
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Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Bulgaria more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

Exploring the food culture in Varna 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, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Varna. The bars in Varna make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

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

Day 4

Varna
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Drive 32 km, 54 min

Dolphinarium Varna
Varna Zoo
Aladzha Monastery
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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.

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 Varna, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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!

Day 5

Varna
Veliko Tarnovo
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Drive 251 km, 3 hours 41 min

Madara National Historical and Archaeological Park
Madara Horseman
Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument
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Day 5 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Bulgaria offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. You’ll stay in Veliko Tarnovo for 4 nights.

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.

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 Veliko Tarnovo, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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

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

Day 6

Veliko Tarnovo
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Drive 5 km, 15 min

Ascension Cathedral
Tsarevets Fortress
Trapezitsa Fortress
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Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Bulgaria by joining a traveler-approved tour in Varna. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Varna 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 Veliko Tarnovo.

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

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

Day 7

Veliko Tarnovo
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Drive 39 km, 49 min

Hotnitsa Waterfall
Marno Pole Park
Monument of Mother Bulgaria
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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.

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.

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

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Bulgaria.

Day 8

Veliko Tarnovo
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Drive 3 km, 50 min

Park "Sveta Gora
State Art Gallery "Boris Denev"
Monument to the Assen Dynasty
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Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Bulgaria more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

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.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible, relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Veliko Tarnovo!

Day 9

Veliko Tarnovo
Plovdiv
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Drive 198 km, 4 hours 10 min

Dryanovo monastery "St Archangel Michael
Bacho Kiro cave
Ethno village Etar
Monument of Freedom, Saint Nicholas peak
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Day 9 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria offers a day of exciting discoveries. You’ll end your day in Plovdiv, where you’ll stay for 4 nights.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Plovdiv. 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 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.

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

Toast to another amazing day in Bulgaria!

Day 10

Plovdiv
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Drive 10 km, 56 min

Youth Hill
Singing Fountains
Tsar Simeon Garden
Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
Kapana Creative District
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Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Plovdiv has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

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

Day 11

Plovdiv
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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
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Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Plovdiv.

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.

Day 12

Plovdiv
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Drive 5 km, 1 hour 3 min

Monument of the Red Army "Alyosha"
Escape Zone Plovdiv
Museum of Natural Sciences
Monument of Unification
Regional Archaeological Museum, Plovdiv
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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 Plovdiv, 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 Plovdiv’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Bulgaria.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

Day 13

Plovdiv
Burgas
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Drive 324 km, 3 hours 44 min

The Sea Garden
Castle of Ravadinovo
Harmanite Beach
The Clock
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On day 13 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.

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

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Burgas 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!

Day 14

Burgas
Varna
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Drive 139 km, 2 hours 44 min

Archaeological Museum
Ancient Theatre
Church of Saint Sophia
Church of the Holy Mother Eleusa
Sunny Beach
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Day 14 of your self-drive tour in Bulgaria offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll stay in Varna for 1 night. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in Bulgaria.

Continue your laid-back road trip in Bulgaria as you make your way to Varna. 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 Varna, 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 Varna and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible, relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Varna!

Day 15

Varna - Departure day
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Casino Black Sea
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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.

How it works

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

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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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