7-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Burgas to Sofia, Plovdiv, and Shumen

Photo of Burgas Beach in Burgas in Bulgaria by Виктор Сапожников
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
6 nights included
Car rental
7 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 7-day road trip through Bulgaria.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Bulgaria. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Burgas, 2 nights in Sofia, 1 night in Plovdiv, and 1 night in Shumen, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Bulgaria. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Burgas, Sofia, Plovdiv, Shumen, Balchik, and Varna. We'll help you experience the best 7 days in Bulgaria you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Burgas, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria, including the stunning The Sea Garden and South Park.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Bulgaria. From the magnificent St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to the breathtaking Borisova Gradina Park and Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Balchik Palace and learn more about the unique Sea Garden to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Burgas, Sofia, Plovdiv, Shumen, Balchik, and Varna, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Bulgaria. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Bulgaria.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Bulgaria. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Bulgaria.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Bulgaria.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Bulgaria has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Bulgaria. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 6 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 6 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Bulgaria extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

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

Read more

Included

Hotel, 6 nights
Rental car, 7 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Photo of Saint Anastasia Island in Burgas bay, Black Sea, Bulgaria. Lighthouse tower and old wooden buildings on rocky coast.Burgas / 2 nights
Photo of aerial view of The Cathedral of the Assumption and Varna city at amazing sunset, Bulgaria.Varna
Photo of aerial view of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Plovdiv / 1 night
Sofia - city in BulgariaSofia / 2 nights
Shumen - region in BulgariaShumen / 1 night
Photo of Balchik Palace of Romanian Queen Marie at Bulgarian Black Sea coastline, Balchik, Bulgaria.Balchik

Map

Attractions

The Sea Garden, Burgas, BulgariaThe Sea Garden
Photo of Varna spring time, beautiful aerial view above sea garden, Bulgaria.Sea Garden
South Park
Borisova Gradina Park
Photo of Balchik Palace Castle of Romanian Queen Marie at Bulgarian Black Sea coast.Balchik Dvoretsa Palace and Park
St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
Tsar Simeon Garden
Balchik Botanic Garden
Sofia Zoo, R-7276261, R-186382, R-4283101Sofia Zoo
Photo of sunset aerial view of the National Palace of Culture in Sofia, Bulgaria.National Palace of Culture
Park "Zaimov"
Singing Fountains
Park "Geo Milev
Ivan Vazov" National Theater
Photo of Eagles' bridge in Sofia, Bulgaria.Eagles' Bridge
Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
Sand Fest Burgas, Burgas, BulgariaSand Fest Burgas
The Clock
photo of view of Aerial drone view of Albena sandy beach resort, Bulgaria. Summer tourism.,Obrochishte Bulgaria.Albena
Boris's garden (Borisova gradina)
Парк "Минерални бани", Burgas, BulgariaПарк "Минерални бани
photo of view of Aviation Museum in Bulgaria, Krumovo. Old Soviet, German and American aircraft from the first and second world wars.,Burgas Bulgaria.Museum of Aviation

Travel details

Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travelers

Rooms

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 - Burgas - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 - Burgas - arrival day

  • Burgas - Arrival Day
  • More
  • The Clock
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Burgas. You’ll stay in Burgas for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Burgas has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible The Clock. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,624 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Burgas, Happy Bar & Grill. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,335 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Burgas is Happy Bar & Grill. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,139 customers.

Locals recommend Romance Pub & Pizza as one of the best restaurants in the city of Burgas. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,070 customers.

Burgas also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Burgas is Papa Beer - Craft Beer Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 981 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Burgas is Caribe. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 7-day vacation in Bulgaria!

Read more

Experiences

Day 2 - Burgas and Sofia

Day 2

Day 2 - Burgas and Sofia

  • Burgas
  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 408 km, 4 hours 19 min

  • The Sea Garden
  • Sand Fest Burgas
  • Museum of Aviation
  • Парк "Минерални бани
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in Bulgaria, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Burgas. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Burgas’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Burgas, start your day with a visit to the amazing The Sea Garden. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 34,044 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Sand Fest Burgas. This must-see tourist destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,699 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Park "Mineralni bani" to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Park "Mineralni bani" is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,581 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Burgas has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Sofia. Sofia offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

Read more

Experiences

Day 3 - Sofia

Day 3

Day 3 - Sofia

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 32 km, 1 hour 24 min

  • Eagles' Bridge
  • Park "Geo Milev
  • Sofia Zoo
  • South Park
  • More

On day 3 of your road trip across Bulgaria, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Best Western Terminus Hotel, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Sofia. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,749 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Sofia is the 5-star Casa Boyana Boutique. The hotel is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 257 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Sofia is the 3-star Hotel 007. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 534 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the town of Sofia, like the outstanding Eagles' Bridge. This attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,677 visitors.

Park "Geo Milev" is another popular attraction you could visit in the town of Sofia. This incredible attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,902 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the town of Sofia is the extraordinary South Park. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 30,055 reviews.

Come to Sofia prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Sofia.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Restaurant "Staria Chinar", after your day of exploring the city of Sofia. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Bulgaria.

Read more

Experiences

Day 4 - Sofia and Plovdiv

Day 4

Day 4 - Sofia and Plovdiv

  • Sofia
  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 163 km, 2 hours 29 min

  • Park "Zaimov"
  • St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • National Palace of Culture
  • Borisova Gradina Park
  • Ivan Vazov" National Theater
  • More

Day 4 of your road trip through Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Sofia and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Plovdiv. You will stay in Plovdiv for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Sofia is the amazing St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This attraction is a church that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,076 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible convention center, National Palace of Culture. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,776 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Sofia is the outstanding Borisova Gradina Park. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,952 visitors.

The spectacular Ivan Vazov National Theater is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,201 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Sofia by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Bulgaria. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Plovdiv, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,229 customers.

Locals also recommend Pavaj as one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. Pavaj is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is Rahat Tepe. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

After dinner, visit Club Fargo, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

Read more

Experiences

Day 5 - Plovdiv and Shumen

Day 5

Day 5 - Plovdiv and Shumen

  • Plovdiv
  • Shumen
  • More

Drive 300 km, 4 hours 13 min

  • Singing Fountains
  • Tsar Simeon Garden
  • Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
  • Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 5 of your epic road trip in Bulgaria, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Plovdiv. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Shumen. You’ll stay in Shumen for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Plovdiv’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Plovdiv, start your day with a visit to the amazing Singing Fountains. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,815 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. This must-see tourist destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,228 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,047 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Plovdiv has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Shumen. Shumen offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Barbarossa Beach Club. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,743 reviews.

The remarkable Primo Bar & Grill is another top restaurant in Shumen we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,308 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Popsheytanov's House is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 840 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Shumen, the fantastic BACARDI CLUB. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,210 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Zino Club. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 646 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Lavazza Coffee and Cocktails Club. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 231 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

Read more

Experiences

Day 6 - Balchik, Varna, and Burgas

Day 6

Day 6 - Balchik, Varna, and Burgas

  • Varna
  • Burgas
  • Balchik
  • More

Drive 307 km, 4 hours 32 min

  • Albena
  • Balchik Dvoretsa Palace and Park
  • Balchik Botanic Garden
  • Sea Garden
  • More

Rise and shine on day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Shumen and embark on a scenic drive to Burgas, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Shumen and Balchik before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Shumen. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,120 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Historical and archaeological reserve Shumen Fortress. This attraction, a beloved best-rated sightseeing destination, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,341 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Shumen is the stunning Park Kyoshkovete. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,396 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Balchik and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Balchik has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Albena. This attraction is a seaside resort that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,516 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Balchik Palace. This palace and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 19,217 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Balchik Botanic Garden. This park and travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,288 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Balchik, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Burgas. When you arrive in Burgas you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Grog. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,143 customers.

Locals also recommend Neptune, another of the best restaurants in Burgas. Neptune is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,122 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Flora Bar & Grill Burgas. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,536 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Ti Bar & Kitchen - restorant i bar v Burgas to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Burgas, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 835 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Malibu. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Malibu has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 909 customers.

Saxa Beach is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 904 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Bulgaria, and look forward to more great days to come!

Read more

Experiences

Day 7 - Burgas - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 - Burgas - departure day

  • Burgas - Departure Day
  • More
  • Boris's garden (Borisova gradina)
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Burgas before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Burgas and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Bulgaria.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Burgas at Incanto restaurant before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,786 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Zlatna ribka for your last chance at a meal in the city of Burgas. The Zlatna ribka restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,494 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try 8 Mamas. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,238 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Burgas. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Bulgaria!

Read more

Experiences

Similar travel packages

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.