7-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia traveling east to Plovdiv, Burgas, and Stara Zagora

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

Upon arriving in Sofia, 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 Park "Zaimov" 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 Borisova Gradina Park to the breathtaking St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and “Tsar Simeon Garden” 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 Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis and learn more about the unique The Sea Garden to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, Nesebar, and Stara Zagora, 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 / 3 nights
Photo of Saint Anastasia Island in Burgas bay, Black Sea, Bulgaria. Lighthouse tower and old wooden buildings on rocky coast.Burgas / 1 night
Photo of aerial view of the ancient seaside town, Nessebar, Bulgaria.Nesebar
Стара Загора -  in BulgariaStara Zagora / 1 night
Photo of aerial view of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Plovdiv / 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
Singing Fountains
North Park
Church of Saint Sophia
Park "Geo Milev
Ivan Vazov" National Theater
Photo of Eagles' bridge in Sofia, Bulgaria.Eagles' Bridge
Druzhba Park
Park “Ayazmo“
Holy Trinity Park
Photo of beautiful Sunny Beach with umbrellas and sunbeds in Nesebar, Bulgaria.Sunny Beach
Bedechka Park
Зоологическа градина
Archaeological Museum
Artilereeski Park
The Clock
Ancient Theatre
Samara Flag Monument

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 – Sofia - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Sofia - arrival day

  • Sofia - Arrival day
  • More
  • Park "Zaimov"
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Sofia has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Park "Zaimov". This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,115 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 Sofia, Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,010 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia is Restaurant "Staria Chinar". This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

Sofia also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Sofia is Bar Friday. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Sofia is The Cocktail Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 2 – Sofia

Day 2

Day 2 – Sofia

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 44 km, 1 hour 37 min

  • Druzhba Park
  • Park "Geo Milev
  • Sofia Zoo
  • South Park
  • North Park
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Sofia has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Sofia 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 Sofia. 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 Sofia, like the extraordinary Druzhba Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,441 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Sofia is the spectacular Park "Geo Milev". This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,260 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing South Park. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,616 visitors.

North Park is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This park is a popular destination among visitors in Sofia. Rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,772 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Sofia does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Sofia 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 Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,625 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Sofia is the popular Art Club Museum. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,570 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, One More Bar is one of the best bars in the city of Sofia for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers.

Halbite Beer Hall is another of the most popular bars in the city of Sofia. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 3 – Sofia and Plovdiv

Day 3

Day 3 – Sofia and Plovdiv

  • Sofia
  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 156 km, 2 hours 40 min

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

Day 3 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 14,244 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Borisova Gradina Park. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 27,212 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Sofia is the outstanding Eagles' Bridge. This popular stone bridge and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,102 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 19,337 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 top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,666 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 Happy Bar & Grill Novotel as one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. Happy Bar & Grill Novotel is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,350 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is Pavaj. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

After dinner, visit Torro Grande / Torro Grande, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,651 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Rahat Tepe. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

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

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

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Experiences

Day 4 – Plovdiv and Burgas

Day 4

Day 4 – Plovdiv and Burgas

  • Burgas
  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 256 km, 3 hours 4 min

  • Singing Fountains
  • Tsar Simeon Garden
  • Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
  • The Sea Garden
  • The Clock
  • More

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Singing Fountains. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,192 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,208 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Plovdiv is the stunning Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This top-tier point of interest and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,478 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 34,514 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible The Clock. This must-see tourist destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,731 reviews.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Happy Bar & Grill. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,335 customers.

Locals also recommend Romance Pub & Pizza, another of the best restaurants in Burgas. Romance Pub & Pizza is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,070 customers.

After dinner, visit Papa Beer - Craft Beer Bar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Burgas, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 981 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Happy Bar & Grill. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Happy Bar & Grill has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,139 customers.

GOTi - Family & Kitchen 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 1,786 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 – Nessebar and Stara Zagora

Day 5

Day 5 – Nessebar and Stara Zagora

  • Nesebar
  • Stara Zagora
  • More

Drive 245 km, 3 hours 13 min

  • Archaeological Museum
  • Ancient Theatre
  • Church of Saint Sophia
  • Sunny Beach
  • 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 Nessebar. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Stara Zagora. You’ll stay in Stara Zagora for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Nessebar’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Nessebar, start your day with a visit to the amazing Nesebar Archaeological Museum. This much-appreciated museum and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,692 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Ancient Theatre. This must-see tourist destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,905 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Church of Saint Sophia to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Church of Saint Sophia is a church that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,816 visitors.

The lovely Sunny Beach is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 6,801 visitors have left this town average ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Nessebar has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Stara Zagora. Stara Zagora 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 Golden Serbian Grill Pri Vlado. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,263 reviews.

The remarkable Restaurant Uniqato is another top restaurant in Stara Zagora we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,988 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Shtastlivetsa is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,681 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Stara Zagora, the fantastic Pri Kmeta. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,871 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Drums. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,465 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Brothers' cafe. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 914 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 6 – Stara Zagora and Sofia

Day 6

Day 6 – Stara Zagora and Sofia

  • Stara Zagora
  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 251 km, 3 hours 7 min

  • Artilereeski Park
  • Зоологическа градина
  • Park “Ayazmo“
  • Bedechka Park
  • Samara Flag Monument
  • 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 Stara Zagora and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Sofia. You will stay in Sofia for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Stara Zagora is the amazing Artileriyski Park. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,569 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Park “Ayazmo“. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,145 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Stara Zagora is the outstanding “Bedechka” Park. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,174 visitors.

The spectacular Samara Flag Monument is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating park and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,705 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Stara Zagora 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 Sofia, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Taj Mahal Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,423 customers.

After dinner, visit The Wrong Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Sofia. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,293 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 7 – Sofia - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 – Sofia - departure day

  • Sofia - Departure day
  • More
  • Holy Trinity Park
  • More

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

Holy Trinity Park is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Sofia. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,720 visitors.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Sofia at Mamma Mia Ltd before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,252 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Sofia. 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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