One-Week Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Plovdiv traveling east to Varna, Shumen, and Gabrovo

Day 2 of your road trip across Bulgaria promises a magnificent time exploring Plovdiv. You have 1 night left in Plovdiv. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Plovdiv allows for both. Start by heading to Singing Fountain. This well-known art installation provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover “tsar Simeon Garden” Park, a mesmerizing park, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis, an underrated archeological site. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the locally renowned Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Bulgaria is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

Visit Kapana District in Plovdiv for an unforgettable shopping experience. Browse unique boutiques and stores, each offering delightful surprises. Find unique souvenirs or items to take home, including artisan crafts. After shopping, explore what Kapana District has to offer, including attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Plovdiv. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", a top-rated dining destination in Plovdiv. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Sofra, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Central Park. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

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 in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

On day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Burgas and Nessebar. In the evening, you’ll end up in Varna, where you will stay for 2 nights.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Plovdiv, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Burgas may take around 2 hours 33 min. Upon your arrival in Burgas, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Head to The Sea Garden, a popular park in Burgas. Explore its serene features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Nessebar. This drive usually takes around 40 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Begin your journey at Church Of Saint Sophia and explore the visually striking features. Next, make your way to Church Of Saint Paraskeva, another highlight in the city.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Varna. Varna offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Staria Chinar Restaurant, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Pizza Selena is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Three Dolphins. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Varna tonight.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Vogue Cafe Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Cuba Beach Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Bar Punta Cana, another top-rated bar in the area.

Say good night to Varna and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

Day 4 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Varna for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and romantic experiences in the charming city of Varna. Your adventure starts at Varna Zoo, an increasingly popular local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Sea Garden. This captivating park is known for its eye-catching appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Varna's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Dormition Of The Theotokos Cathedral. This breathtaking church offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Retro Museum is also worth visiting.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Bulgaria is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Varna's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a delicious meal at di Wine, a top-rated dining destination in Varna. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider 100 Pizzas, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Morska terasa. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Varna this evening.

Continue your lively evening at Muffin Bar & Coffee, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Bar Hey is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Deja Vu ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Say good night to Varna and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Varna and Balchik. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Shumen, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and scenic views. Start at the underrated Dolphinarium Varna, an instagrammable aquarium in Varna. Next, go to Aladzha Monastery.

Set your GPS to Balchik and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 26 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Balchik beckons with new experiences!

Take your self-guided tour to Balchik Palace, a notable palace that everyone visiting Balchik should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Balchik Botanic Garden. This instagrammable botanical garden is one of the most captivating attractions in the region.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Shumen, 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 Shumen. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Make sure to reserve a table at Mehana "Hitar Petar", an iconic dining spot in Shumen. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Tavern Oreha, a popular restaurant in Shumen. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Primo Bar & Grill, a hidden gem nestled in Shumen. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Lavazza Coffee And Cocktails Club is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Zino Club, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Arizona Lounge. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Bulgaria.

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore Madara and Veliko Tarnovo, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Gabrovo. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Immerse yourself in Madara’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Madara, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Shumen to Madara may take around 20 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Madara, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Madara Horseman, a curiosity-inducing archeological site that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Madara National Historical And Archaeological Park, where you can soak in the breathtaking surroundings.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Veliko Tarnovo, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Madara to Veliko Tarnovo may take around 2 hours 4 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Veliko Tarnovo, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Head to Tsarevets Fortress, a popular castle in Veliko Tarnovo. Explore its enchanting features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Marno Pole Park. This beloved park is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Gabrovo. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Gabrovo's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Soprano Restaurant & Live Music Club, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Strannopriemnitsa offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Vanilla coffee&food is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Gabrovo.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Moda Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Zahir - Bar & Dinner. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Cafe Music Bar And Dinner "fashion", another top-rated place in the area.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 4 stops and experience some of the highlights of Gabrovo, Boicheta, Kazanlak, and Shipka. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Plovdiv, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Boicheta. This car ride takes around 15 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Ethno Village Etar. Spend some time admiring the standout features of the museum before you continue to your next stop.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Kazanlak, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Boicheta to Kazanlak may take around 27 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Kazanlak, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your journey at Monument Of Freedom, Saint Nicholas Peak and explore the culturally significant features.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Plovdiv. Plovdiv offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As you explore more of Plovdiv, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Enjoy a delicious meal at RESTAURANT Raia, a highly-rated dining destination in Plovdiv. If you're eager to try something different, consider Restaurant Citizens Club, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restorant "Megdana". With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Kriloto Cocktail Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Cocktail Bar Noris for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Bar Fabrik is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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