7-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Plovdiv traveling east to Veliko Tarnovo and Varna

Photo of aerial view of the Bulgarian city Plovdiv.
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 3 nights in Plovdiv, 1 night in Veliko Tarnovo, and 2 nights in Varna, 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, Stara Zagora, Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Balchik, Varna, Nesebar, and Burgas. 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 Sea Garden.

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 Ethno village Etar to the breathtaking Balchik Palace and Balchik Botanic Garden, 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. As you hit the open road and drive through Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Balchik, Varna, Nesebar, and Burgas, 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 aerial view of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Plovdiv / 3 nights
Photo of Saint Anastasia Island in Burgas bay, Black Sea, Bulgaria. Lighthouse tower and old wooden buildings on rocky coast.Burgas
Photo of aerial view of beautiful cityscape of Gabrovo, Bulgaria.Gabrovo
Photo of aerial view of The Cathedral of the Assumption and Varna city at amazing sunset, Bulgaria.Varna / 2 nights
Велико Търново -  in BulgariaVeliko Tarnovo / 1 night
Photo of aerial view of the ancient seaside town, Nessebar, Bulgaria.Nesebar
Стара Загора -  in BulgariaStara Zagora
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
Photo of Balchik Palace Castle of Romanian Queen Marie at Bulgarian Black Sea coast.Balchik Dvoretsa Palace and Park
Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
Tsar Simeon Garden
Balchik Botanic Garden
Ethno village Etar
Singing Fountains
Tsarevets Fortress
Church of Saint Sophia
Park “Ayazmo“
Dolphinarium Varna
Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
Photo of the Cathedral of the Assumption in Varna, Bulgaria. Completed in 1886, and also known as the Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral.Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral
Photo of beautiful Sunny Beach with umbrellas and sunbeds in Nesebar, Bulgaria.Sunny Beach
Photo of toy cars with pedals, sleds, bicycles from the USSR in retro museum, Varna, Bulgaria.Retro Museum
Bedechka Park
Lauta Park
Marno Pole Park
Photo of aerial view of the Alyosha soldier monument in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Alyosha Monument
Artilereeski Park

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 – Plovdiv - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Plovdiv - arrival day

  • Plovdiv - Arrival day
  • More
  • Lauta Park
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Plovdiv. You’ll stay in Plovdiv for 3 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 Lauta Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,257 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 Pavaj. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

Locals recommend Rahat Tepe as one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

Plovdiv also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv is Club Fargo. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv is Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

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

Read more

Experiences

Day 2 – Plovdiv

Day 2

Day 2 – Plovdiv

  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 10 km, 1 hour 7 min

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

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Plovdiv has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Plovdiv by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Plovdiv. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Plovdiv, like the extraordinary Singing Fountains. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,815 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Plovdiv is the spectacular Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,228 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This top-tier point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,047 visitors.

This is a popular destination among visitors in Plovdiv.

Your discovery of Plovdiv does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Plovdiv on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria, be sure to eat at Hemingway Restaurant, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is the popular r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik". This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Plovdiv is PASA Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Rock Bar Download is one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

Bar The Post is another of the most popular bars in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Plovdiv!

Read more

Experiences

Day 3 – Stara Zagora, Gabrovo, and Veliko Tarnovo

Day 3

Day 3 – Stara Zagora, Gabrovo, and Veliko Tarnovo

  • Gabrovo
  • Stara Zagora
  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • More

Drive 223 km, 3 hours 51 min

  • Artilereeski Park
  • Park “Ayazmo“
  • Bedechka Park
  • Ethno village Etar
  • More

Day 3 of your road trip through Bulgaria is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Stara Zagora and the city of Gabrovo. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Stara Zagora is the amazing Artileriyski Park. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,474 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Park “Ayazmo“. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,912 visitors.

“Bedechka” Park is another popular attraction you can explore in the city of Stara Zagora. This well-known attraction, a spectacular park, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 6,024 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Stara Zagora is another excellent way to spend your new day in Bulgaria. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Bulgaria’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Bulgaria’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Bulgaria’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Ethno village Etar in the city of Gabrovo for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a museum and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,625 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Veliko Tarnovo.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try VkusoteriA, one of the best restaurants in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 993 customers.

Locals also recommend Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One") as one of the best restaurants in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One") is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,818 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Veliko Tarnovo is Restaurant Ego 1. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,561 customers.

After dinner, visit Bianko, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,466 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Lino Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

Alternatively, Tequila Bar Funky Monkey is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 493 customers.

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

Read more

Experiences

Day 4 – Veliko Tarnovo, Balchik, and Varna

Day 4

Day 4 – Veliko Tarnovo, Balchik, and Varna

  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • Varna
  • Balchik
  • More

Drive 303 km, 4 hours 1 min

  • Marno Pole Park
  • Tsarevets Fortress
  • Balchik Dvoretsa Palace and Park
  • Balchik Botanic Garden
  • More

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the city of Veliko Tarnovo and the city of Balchik. You’ll stay in Varna for 2 nights.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Veliko Tarnovo today is Marno Pole Park. This excellent attraction is a park that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,458 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Tsarevets Fortress, an outstanding best-rated sightseeing destination, in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. Around 11,511 travelers rated this attraction with 4.7 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 Balchik Palace for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Balchik. This popular attraction is a palace and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 19,217 visitors.

This outstanding park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,288 travelers.

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

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Varna, Happy Bar & Grill Center (Varna). This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,318 customers.

Locals recommend Staria Chinar - Port Varna as one of the best restaurants in the city of Varna. Staria Chinar - Port Varna is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,810 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Varna is Staria Chinar Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,178 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Varna, Cubo. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,527 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like The Garden Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,562 customers.

The BRICK bar is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Varna. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,387 customers.

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

Read more

Experiences

Day 5 – Varna

Day 5

Day 5 – Varna

  • Varna
  • More

Drive 12 km, 46 min

  • Dolphinarium Varna
  • Sea Garden
  • Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral
  • Retro Museum
  • More

On day 5 of your road trip across Bulgaria, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Varna. You’ll stay in Varna 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 Havana Hotel Casino & SPA, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Varna. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,080 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Varna is the 5-star Grand Hotel London. The hotel is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 1,053 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Varna is the 3-star Hotel Exotica. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 510 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 Varna, like the outstanding Sea Garden. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 31,686 visitors.

Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Varna. This incredible attraction is an eastern orthodox cathedral and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,705 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Varna is the extraordinary Retro Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,327 reviews.

Come to Varna 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 Varna.

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

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like El Kapan, after your day of exploring the city of Varna. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,370 customers.

Stariyat chinar Preslav is another of the best restaurants in the city of Varna. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,788 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Varna is Mr Baba. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,420 customers.

Locals recommend Bar PUNTA CANA, one of the best bars in the city of Varna, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,540 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Varna, Cuba Beach Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,018 customers.

Cuba Bar is also one of the best bars in the city of Varna. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 617 customers.

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

Read more

Experiences

Day 6 – Nessebar, Burgas, and Plovdiv

Day 6

Day 6 – Nessebar, Burgas, and Plovdiv

  • Burgas
  • Nesebar
  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 393 km, 5 hours 3 min

  • Sunny Beach
  • Church of Saint Sophia
  • The Sea Garden
  • More

Rise and shine on day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Varna and embark on a scenic drive to Plovdiv, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Varna 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 Varna. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Sunny Beach. This attraction is a town that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,756 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Church of Saint Sophia. This attraction, a beloved church, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,769 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable The Sea Garden. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 34,044 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,070 customers.

Locals also recommend RESTAURANT Raia, another of the best restaurants in Plovdiv. RESTAURANT Raia is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 936 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Kitchen of Raya / Kukhnyata na Raya. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 895 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Piano Bar Sinatra to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Plovdiv, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 568 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 180 customers.

Bar Fabrik is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 698 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 – Plovdiv - departure day

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 4,259 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 Sofra before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 807 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restaurant - Garden "Philippopolis" for your last chance at a meal in the city of Plovdiv. The Restaurant - Garden "Philippopolis" restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 767 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Tams House. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 522 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!

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.