One-Week Bulgaria Road Trip from Plovdiv to Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, and Varna

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.

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 8-day vacation in Bulgaria!

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 Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 3 nights. 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 Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This much-appreciated must-see tourist destination and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,047 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Singing Fountains. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,815 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,228 visitors.

The lovely Alyosha Monument is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,259 visitors have left this monument average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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 Sofia. Sofia offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

On day 3 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 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 2,749 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Sofia is the 5-star All Seasons Residence Hotel. The hotel is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 616 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Sofia is the 3-star Gloria Palace. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 362 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 town of Sofia, like the outstanding Borisova Gradina Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,952 visitors.

Knyazheska Garden is another popular attraction you could visit in the town of Sofia. This incredible attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,458 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the town of Sofia is the extraordinary Eagles' Bridge. This stone bridge is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 9,677 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible South Park. Around 30,055 visitors have given this park an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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 Restaurant "Staria Chinar", after your day of exploring the city of Sofia. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

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

Day 4 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 town of Sofia, like the extraordinary St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This attraction is a church and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,076 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 9,902 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Druzhba Park. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,323 visitors.

This is a popular destination among visitors in Sofia.

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.

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

Day 5 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 Veliko Tarnovo. You will stay in Veliko Tarnovo 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 Holy Trinity Park. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,629 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible best-rated sightseeing destination, Russian Monument Square. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,387 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Sofia is the outstanding St. Nedelya Church. This popular church and travel destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,189 visitors.

The spectacular National Palace of Culture is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating convention center and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 13,776 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 9,201 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 Veliko Tarnovo, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

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!

Day 6 of your road trip will take you to the city of Veliko Tarnovo and the city of Balchik. You’ll stay in Varna for 1 night.

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 top-tier point of interest, 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!

Rise and shine on day 7 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 Sea Garden. This attraction is an urban park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 31,686 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral. This attraction, a beloved eastern orthodox cathedral, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,705 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 Hemingway Restaurant. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,363 customers.

Locals also recommend r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik", another of the best restaurants in Plovdiv. R-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik" is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at PASA Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Rock Bar Download to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Plovdiv, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Bar The Post. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Bar The Post has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 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!

Day 8 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.

Lauta Park is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Plovdiv. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,257 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 Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend RESTAURANT Raia for your last chance at a meal in the city of Plovdiv. The RESTAURANT Raia restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 936 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Kitchen of Raya / Kukhnyata na Raya. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 895 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!