7-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Plovdiv to Burgas, Stara Zagora, and Sofia and surrounding area

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 Plovdiv, 1 night in Burgas, 1 night in Stara Zagora, and 2 nights in Sofia, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Bulgaria. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Plovdiv, Burgas, Stara Zagora, and Sofia. We'll help you experience the best 7 days in Bulgaria you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Plovdiv, 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 Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis and “Tsar Simeon Garden” 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 The Sea Garden to the breathtaking South Park and Borisova Gradina Park, 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 St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and learn more about the unique Park "Zaimov" to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Plovdiv, Burgas, Stara Zagora, and Sofia, 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!

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Included

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

Destinations

Sofia - city in BulgariaSofia / 2 nights
Стара Загора -  in BulgariaStara Zagora / 1 night
Photo of aerial view of the ancient seaside town, Nessebar, Bulgaria.Nesebar
Photo of aerial view of Assen Fortress (Asenova krepost, Petrich), Asenovgrad, Rhodope mountains, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Asenovgrad
Photo of aerial view of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Plovdiv / 2 nights
Photo of Saint Anastasia Island in Burgas bay, Black Sea, Bulgaria. Lighthouse tower and old wooden buildings on rocky coast.Burgas / 1 night

Map

Attractions

The Sea Garden, Burgas, BulgariaThe Sea Garden
South Park
Borisova Gradina Park
St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
Tsar Simeon Garden
Park "Zaimov"
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
Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno
Singing Fountains
North Park
Church of Saint Sophia
Park "Geo Milev
Ivan Vazov" National Theater
Photo of Eagles' bridge in Sofia, Bulgaria.Eagles' Bridge
Park “Ayazmo“
Photo of beautiful Sunny Beach with umbrellas and sunbeds in Nesebar, Bulgaria.Sunny Beach
Bedechka Park
Youth Hill
Photo of aerial view of the Alyosha soldier monument in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Alyosha Monument
Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
photo of view of Plovdiv, Bulgaria cityscape view of city and the ruins of the old fortress Nebet Tepe, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Nebet Tepe
The Clock
Ancient Theatre
Antique Forum

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

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

Day 1 – Plovdiv - arrival day

  • Plovdiv - Arrival day
  • More
  • Youth Hill
  • More

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

Plovdiv has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Youth Hill. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,014 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 Plovdiv, Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,229 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is Happy Bar & Grill Novotel. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,350 customers.

Locals recommend Torro Grande / Torro Grande as one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,651 customers.

Plovdiv also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv is Rahat Tepe. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv is Club Fargo. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Locals also enjoy 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.

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

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Experiences

Day 2

Day 2 – Burgas

  • Plovdiv
  • Burgas
  • More

Drive 257 km, 3 hours 10 min

  • Singing Fountains
  • Tsar Simeon Garden
  • Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
  • Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
  • Nebet Tepe
  • 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 Plovdiv. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Burgas. You’ll stay in Burgas 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 12,362 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,346 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 top-tier point of interest that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,603 visitors.

The lovely Old Town of Plovdiv is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,329 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Nebet Tepe. This attraction is a hill rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,910 reviews.

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 Burgas. Burgas 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 Happy Bar & Grill. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,335 reviews.

The remarkable Happy Bar & Grill is another top restaurant in Burgas we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,139 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Romance Pub & Pizza is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,070 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Burgas, the fantastic Papa Beer - Craft Beer Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 981 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Caribe. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Ti Bar & Kitchen - restorant i bar v Burgas. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 835 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

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Experiences

Day 3

Day 3 – Nessebar and Stara Zagora

  • Burgas
  • Nesebar
  • Stara Zagora
  • More

Drive 245 km, 3 hours 22 min

  • The Clock
  • The Sea Garden
  • Church of Saint Sophia
  • Ancient Theatre
  • Sunny Beach
  • More

Day 3 of your road trip will take you to the city of Burgas and the city of Nesebar. You’ll stay in Stara Zagora for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Burgas today is The Clock. This excellent attraction is a must-see tourist destination that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,744 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing The Sea Garden, an outstanding park, in the city of Burgas. Around 34,703 travelers rated this attraction with 4.8 out of 5 stars.

To experience the local culture, see more of Bulgaria, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Bulgaria. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Church of Saint Sophia for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Nesebar. This popular attraction is a church and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,853 visitors.

This outstanding must-see tourist destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,906 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Sunny Beach in the town of Nesebar. This attraction, a stunning town, has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,830 visitors.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Stara Zagora.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Stara Zagora, Golden Serbian Grill Pri Vlado. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,263 customers.

Locals recommend Restaurant Uniqato as one of the best restaurants in the city of Stara Zagora. Restaurant Uniqato is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,988 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Stara Zagora is Shtastlivetsa. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,681 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Stara Zagora, Pri Kmeta. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,871 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Drums. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,465 customers.

Brothers' cafe is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Stara Zagora. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 914 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria with a toast!

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Experiences

Day 4

Day 4 – Stara Zagora, Bachkovo, and Sofia

  • Asenovgrad
  • Stara Zagora
  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 282 km, 4 hours 11 min

  • Park “Ayazmo“
  • Antique Forum
  • Bedechka Park
  • Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno
  • More

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Stara Zagora and embark on a scenic drive to Sofia, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Stara Zagora 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 Stara Zagora. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Park “Ayazmo“. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,233 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Antique Forum. This attraction, a beloved best-rated sightseeing destination, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,428 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Stara Zagora is the stunning “Bedechka” Park. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,214 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". This attraction is a place of worship that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 13,019 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,010 customers.

Locals also recommend Restaurant "Staria Chinar", another of the best restaurants in Sofia. Restaurant "Staria Chinar" is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Art Club Museum. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,570 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Bar Friday to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Sofia, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Cocktail Bar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. The Cocktail Bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

One More Bar is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 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!

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Experiences

Day 5

Day 5 – Sofia

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 26 km, 1 hour 29 min

  • North Park
  • Eagles' Bridge
  • Borisova Gradina Park
  • Sofia Zoo
  • South Park
  • More

On day 5 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 2,837 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Sofia is the 5-star Sofia Hotel Balkan, a Luxury Collection Hotel. The hotel is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 4,597 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Sofia is the 3-star Leda Hotel. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,295 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 city of Sofia, like the outstanding North Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,850 visitors.

Eagles' Bridge is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Sofia. This incredible attraction is a stone bridge and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,196 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Sofia is the extraordinary Borisova Gradina Park. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 27,346 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Sofia Zoo. Around 14,962 visitors have given this zoo an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic South Park. South Park is a popular park, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,763 travelers.

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 The Wrong Bar, after your day of exploring the city of Sofia. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,293 customers.

Taj Mahal Restaurant is another of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,423 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia is Luciano. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,291 customers.

Locals recommend Halbite Beer Hall, one of the best bars in the city of Sofia, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Sofia, Lime Cafe & Cocktails. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,223 customers.

5 Corners Pub is also one of the best bars in the city of Sofia. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,463 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 6

Day 6 – Reduta and Plovdiv

  • Sofia
  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 162 km, 2 hours 58 min

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

Day 6 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 National Palace of Culture. This attraction is a convention center that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,510 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Park "Geo Milev". With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,324 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Sofia is the outstanding Park "Zaimov". This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,209 visitors.

The spectacular St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating church and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,648 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Ivan Vazov National Theater. This attraction is a popular must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,760 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 Pavaj, one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

Locals also recommend Restaurant SOUTH breeze as one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. Restaurant SOUTH breeze is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,322 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is Hemingway Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 customers.

After dinner, visit Rock Bar Download, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like No sens klub. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 984 customers.

Alternatively, Bar The Post is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 7

Day 7 – Plovdiv - departure day

  • Plovdiv - Departure day
  • More
  • Alyosha Monument
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Plovdiv 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.

Alyosha Monument is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Plovdiv. This monument and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,433 visitors.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Plovdiv at r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik" before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend PASA Restaurant for your last chance at a meal in the city of Plovdiv. The PASA Restaurant restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Restaurant Rio. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,069 customers.

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

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Experiences

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