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

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Veliko Tarnovo. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Varna, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Veliko Tarnovo. Your travel time is around 2 hours 38 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Holy Forty Martyrs Church, a beloved church known for its breathtaking features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Tsarevets Fortress, a popular castle.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Ethnographic Complex "samovodska Charshiya" and uncover the details of this awe-inspiring market. Make sure to also explore Monument To The Assen Dynasty, an increasingly popular monument. For your last stop, consider Marno Pole Park, an instagrammable park that many travelers find worth the detour.

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

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Restaurant "Ethno", a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Tavern "Petleto" offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, The Bell is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Famous Bar 2, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Bar Grill Kolata, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Bar Melodie / Melody Bar / likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

Wake up to day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Arbanassi and Veliko Tarnovo. With 1 night to stay in Veliko Tarnovo, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Trapezitsa Fortress is perfect for a self-paced visit during the day. This breathtaking archeological site is sure to impress. Next on your list is Sarafkina House Museum, another must-visit landmark and up-and-coming museum renowned for its heritage-rich features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Veliko Tarnovo by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Archaeological Museum. This photogenic museum is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Veliko Tarnovo experience. We also recommend visiting Tower Of Baldwin, a worthwhile castle. Nearby, you'll also find Park "sveta Gora", ready to add charm to your journey.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Arbanassi. This car ride takes around 9 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit St. Nikolay The Miracleworker, an up-and-coming church that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Veliko Tarnovo's best restaurants.

Don’t miss out on dining at Burger and Sweets "Asenevtsi", a top-rated dining destination in Veliko Tarnovo. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Bianko, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at EGO pizza & grill The Old Town. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Veliko Tarnovo this evening.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Ristretto, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out The Gallery, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Tequila Bar Funky Monkey provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

On day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Plovdiv are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Plovdiv, where you will stay for 2 nights.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Plovdiv may take around 2 hours 46 min. Upon your arrival in Plovdiv, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Youth Hill, a frequently visited park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis and admire its stunning features.

When you’re ready, continue to Roman Forum Of Philippopolis, an up-and-coming archeological site beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on “tsar Simeon Garden” Park, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit. Not far away, you’ll also find Singing Fountain, a romantic place to see that you won’t regret spending some extra time discovering.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Plovdiv. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

Plovdiv is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Salt & Pepper, a top-rated dining spot in Plovdiv. If you're in the mood for something new, try Rahat Tepe, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at KFC. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Plovdiv.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Rock Bar Download is an excellent place to start. You could also check out North Star, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Morado Bar & Dinner. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 5 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, and Plovdiv. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Plovdiv, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

Catch Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis before the crowds roll in. This eye-catching archeological site is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the history-steeped features of Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv, a must-visit museum in the village.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Old Town Of Plovdiv, a curiosity-inducing historical landmark. For a change of scene, check out Nebet Tepe, known for its history-steeped features.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Bachkovo, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Plovdiv to Bachkovo may take around 38 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bachkovo, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno". Spend some time admiring the monumental features of the monastery before you continue to your next stop.

Asenovgrad’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Bachkovo behind. This drive usually takes around 16 min. Asenovgrad welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Spend your afternoon discovering Asen's Fortress, a beloved castle known for its history-steeped features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Plovdiv and your accommodation.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Plovdiv, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Sofra offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Central Park is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Plovdiv.

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

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

Your itinerary for day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Kazanlak and Gabrovo. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Varna, where you'll spend 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Kazanlak. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 38 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the day by heading to Rose Museum, a frequently visited museum that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Historical Museum “iskra”, where you can soak in the eye-catching surroundings.

Next, explore Thracian Tomb Of Kazanlak, yet another worthwhile place to see in the area.

Gabrovo’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Kazanlak behind. This drive usually takes around 57 min. Gabrovo welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Pametnik Na Racho Kovacha is an intriguing monument we recommend visiting today. Discover its awe-inspiring features before continuing your self-guided tour.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Varna, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Varna. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Dine in style at di Wine, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, 100 Pizzas boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Morska terasa. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Varna.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Muffin Bar & Coffee stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Bar Hey offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Deja Vu is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!