6-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Varna to Veliko Tarnovo and Plovdiv

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Varna, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Varna, Balchik, and Kavarna.

Whether you decide to explore Varna on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Your adventure in Varna is only getting started when you visit Archaeological Museum Varna, an up-and-coming local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Varna Zoo. This increasingly popular zoo is known for its visually striking appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Varna's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Aladzha Monastery. This stunning monastery offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Balchik may take around 27 min. Upon your arrival in Balchik, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Savor the day by heading to Balchik Botanic Garden, a notable botanical garden that draws visitors from near and far.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Balchik, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Kavarna. This drive usually takes around 40 min.

Kaliakra is a notable cliff we recommend visiting today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

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.

Savor the flavors at di Wine, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, 100 Pizzas beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Morska terasa. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Varna tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Muffin Bar & Coffee, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Bar Hey provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Deja Vu offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Veliko Tarnovo and Gorna Oryahovitsa are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Veliko Tarnovo, where you will stay for 1 night.

Veliko Tarnovo’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Varna behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 38 min. Veliko Tarnovo welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Our first attraction recommendation in Veliko Tarnovo is Park "sveta Gora", a beloved park that draws attention for its enchanting features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Monument To The Assen Dynasty, a remarkable monument that stands out in the city.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Monument Of Mother Bulgaria, a beloved monument that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Marno Pole Park, a nearby park, highly recommended by other travelers. End your self-guided tour at Tsarevets Fortress, a history-steeped castle and the perfect final attraction in Veliko Tarnovo.

Set your GPS to Gorna Oryahovitsa and hit the road. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Gorna Oryahovitsa beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to Park "children's Playground", an increasingly popular playground in Gorna Oryahovitsa.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Veliko Tarnovo. 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 Veliko Tarnovo, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Dine in style at Restaurant "Ethno", a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Tavern "Petleto" boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out The Bell. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Veliko Tarnovo.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Famous Bar 2 offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bar Grill Kolata is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Bar Melodie / Melody Bar / is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Kazanlak and Plovdiv. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Plovdiv, where will spend 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Veliko Tarnovo and set your GPS to Kazanlak. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 24 min. Upon reaching Kazanlak, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Thracian Tomb Of Kazanlak, an up-and-coming archeological site that everyone visiting Kazanlak should see.

When you’ve had your share of Kazanlak, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Plovdiv. Your travel time is around 1 hour 33 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis, a notable archeological site known for its gorgeous features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Old Town Of Plovdiv, an underrated historical landmark.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Monument Of Unification and uncover the details of this picture-perfect monument. Make sure to also explore “tsar Simeon Garden” Park, a captivating park.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Salt & Pepper, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Rahat Tepe offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss KFC. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

Keep the evening going at Rock Bar Download, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to North Star, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Morado Bar & Dinner, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Asenovgrad, Bachkovo, and Nessebar. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Varna, where you'll spend 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Plovdiv, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Asenovgrad. This drive usually takes around 29 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Asen's Fortress, an often recommended castle in Asenovgrad. Explore its visually striking features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Asenovgrad, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bachkovo. This drive usually takes around 16 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno", a well-known monastery that everyone visiting Bachkovo should see.

When you’ve had your share of Bachkovo, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Nessebar. Your travel time is around 3 hours 1 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Nesebar Archaeological Museum, a worthwhile museum in Nessebar. Explore its instagrammable features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Church Of Christ Pantokrator. This frequently visited church is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Church Of Saint Sophia is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most visually striking church in the region.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Korean cuisine "Kimbap", highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Mr Baba? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Chuchura Restaurant as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Varna.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Cubo, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Gossip Bar Max. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Cafe-bar Vogue, another top-rated place in the area.

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.