One-Week Bulgaria Road Trip from Burgas to Plovdiv, Sofia, and Stara Zagora

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

Description

Summary

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

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 8-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, 1 night in Plovdiv, 3 nights in Sofia, 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 Burgas, Plovdiv, Sofia, Stara Zagora, and Nesebar. We'll help you experience the best 8 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 “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 Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis to the breathtaking Borisova Gradina Park and St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, 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 South Park 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 Burgas, Plovdiv, Sofia, Stara Zagora, and Nesebar, 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 7 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 7 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, 7 nights
Rental car, 8 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Sofia - city in BulgariaSofia / 3 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 Bulgarian town Sozopol.Sozopol
Photo of aerial view of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Plovdiv / 1 night
Photo of Saint Anastasia Island in Burgas bay, Black Sea, Bulgaria. Lighthouse tower and old wooden buildings on rocky coast.Burgas / 2 nights

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“
Castle of Ravadinovo
Holy Trinity Park
Knyazheska Garden
Photo of beautiful Sunny Beach with umbrellas and sunbeds in Nesebar, Bulgaria.Sunny Beach
Bedechka Park
Muzeiko
Sveta Nedelya Church
Youth Hill
Harmanite Beach
Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
Artilereeski Park
The Clock
Boris's garden (Borisova gradina)

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 – Burgas - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Burgas - arrival day

  • Burgas - Arrival day
  • More
  • The Sea Garden
  • More

Burgas has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible The Sea Garden. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 34,514 visitors.

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 Romance Pub & Pizza. This restaurant is rated an average 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 Happy Bar & Grill. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,139 customers.

Locals also enjoy GOTi - Family & Kitchen. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,786 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 8-day vacation in Bulgaria!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Burgas and Plovdiv

Day 2

Day 2 – Burgas and Plovdiv

  • Burgas
  • Sozopol
  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 328 km, 3 hours 40 min

  • Castle of Ravadinovo
  • Harmanite Beach
  • Boris's garden (Borisova gradina)
  • More

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Plovdiv. You’ll stay in Plovdiv for 1 night. 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 Castle of Ravadinovo. This much-appreciated must-see tourist destination and attraction is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,048 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Harmanite Beach. This best-rated sightseeing destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 5,129 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Boris's Garden (Borisova Gradina) to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Boris's Garden (Borisova Gradina) is a park that has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,181 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 Plovdiv. Plovdiv 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 Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,229 reviews.

The remarkable Happy Bar & Grill Novotel is another top restaurant in Plovdiv we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,350 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Pavaj is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Plovdiv, the fantastic Torro Grande / Torro Grande. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,651 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Rahat Tepe. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Club Fargo. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 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 – Plovdiv and Sofia

Day 3

Day 3 – Plovdiv and Sofia

  • Plovdiv
  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 156 km, 2 hours 40 min

  • Singing Fountains
  • Tsar Simeon Garden
  • Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
  • Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
  • Youth Hill
  • 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 Plovdiv and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Sofia. You will stay in Sofia for 3 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Plovdiv is the amazing Singing Fountains. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,192 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,208 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Plovdiv is the outstanding Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This popular best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,478 visitors.

The spectacular Old Town of Plovdiv 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 4,234 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Youth Hill. This attraction is a popular park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,980 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Plovdiv 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 Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,010 customers.

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

After dinner, visit Bar Friday, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Sofia. This bar is rated an average 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 has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 4 – Sofia

Day 4

Day 4 – Sofia

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 4 km, 1 hour 5 min

  • Borisova Gradina Park
  • Eagles' Bridge
  • Knyazheska Garden
  • St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • Ivan Vazov" National Theater
  • More

On day 4 of your road trip across Bulgaria, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 2 nights, 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 Plus Bristol Hotel, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Sofia. This hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 4,417 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 4,376 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 1,201 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 Borisova Gradina Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 27,212 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 10,102 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Sofia is the extraordinary Knyazheska Garden. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,658 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Around 19,337 visitors have given this church an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic Ivan Vazov National Theater. Ivan Vazov National Theater is a popular best-rated sightseeing destination, rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,666 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 Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant, after your day of exploring the city of Sofia. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,625 customers.

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

Locals recommend One More Bar, 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 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Sofia, Halbite Beer Hall. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 5 – Sofia

Day 5

Day 5 – Sofia

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 28 km, 1 hour 20 min

  • Sofia Zoo
  • South Park
  • National Palace of Culture
  • Holy Trinity Park
  • North Park
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Sofia has to offer. Cherish the 1 night 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 South Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,616 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Sofia is the spectacular National Palace of Culture. This attraction is a convention center and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,244 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Holy Trinity Park. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,720 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 Taj Mahal 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 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,423 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, The Wrong Bar is one of the best bars in the city of Sofia for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,293 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 6 – Sofia and Stara Zagora

Day 6

Day 6 – Sofia and Stara Zagora

  • Sofia
  • Stara Zagora
  • More

Drive 244 km, 3 hours 10 min

  • Sveta Nedelya Church
  • Park "Zaimov"
  • Park "Geo Milev
  • Muzeiko
  • Druzhba Park
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 6 of your epic road trip in Bulgaria, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Sofia. 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 Sofia’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Sofia, start your day with a visit to the amazing St. Nedelya Church. This much-appreciated church and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,501 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Park "Zaimov". This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,115 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Park "Geo Milev" to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Park "Geo Milev" is a park that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,260 visitors.

The lovely Muzeiko is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 5,583 visitors have left this museum average ratings of 4.7 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 Druzhba Park. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,441 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Sofia 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 7 – Stara Zagora, Nessebar, and Burgas

Day 7

Day 7 – Stara Zagora, Nessebar, and Burgas

  • Nesebar
  • Stara Zagora
  • Burgas
  • More

Drive 262 km, 3 hours 46 min

  • Artilereeski Park
  • Park “Ayazmo“
  • Bedechka Park
  • Church of Saint Sophia
  • Sunny Beach
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip will take you to the city of Stara Zagora and the city of Nesebar. You’ll stay in Burgas for 1 night.

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

We also recommend you visit the amazing Park “Ayazmo“, an outstanding park, in the city of Stara Zagora. Around 8,145 travelers rated this attraction with 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Stara Zagora is “Bedechka” Park. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,174 visitors.

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 9,816 visitors.

This outstanding town has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,801 travelers.

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

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Burgas, Neptune. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,122 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Burgas, Caribe. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Ti Bar & Kitchen - restorant i bar v Burgas. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 835 customers.

Malibu is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Burgas. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 909 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 8 – Burgas - departure day

Day 8

Day 8 – Burgas - departure day

  • Burgas - Departure day
  • More
  • The Clock
  • More

Day 8 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.

The Clock is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Burgas. This top-tier point of interest and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,731 visitors.

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 Flora Bar & Grill Burgas before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,536 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Incanto restaurant for your last chance at a meal in the city of Burgas. The Incanto restaurant restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,786 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try ROMANCE Pizzeria Speciale. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,478 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!

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Experiences

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