8-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Plovdiv traveling north to Sofia and Burgas

Photo of aerial view of the Bulgarian city Plovdiv.
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 3 nights in Plovdiv, 3 nights in Sofia, and 1 night in Burgas, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Bulgaria. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Plovdiv, Asenovgrad, Samokov, Sofia, Burgas, 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 Plovdiv, 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 Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis and South Park.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We've 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 The Sea Garden, 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. As you hit the open road and drive through Plovdiv, Asenovgrad, Samokov, Sofia, Burgas, 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. All taxes are included in your vacation package price. 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

Photo of aerial view of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Plovdiv / 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 panoramic aerial view of Samokov, Bulgaria.Samokov
Photo of aerial view of the ancient seaside town, Nessebar, Bulgaria.Nesebar
Photo of aerial view of Assen Fortress (Asenova krepost, Petrich), Asenovgrad, Rhodope mountains, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Asenovgrad
Sofia - city in BulgariaSofia / 3 nights

Map

Attractions

The Sea Garden, Burgas, BulgariaThe Sea Garden
South Park
Borisova Gradina Park
St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Photo of Beautiful view of the Orthodox Rila Monastery, a famous tourist attraction and cultural heritage monument in the Rila Nature Park mountains in Bulgaria.Rila Monastery
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
Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno
Singing Fountains
Church of Saint Sophia
Park "Geo Milev
Ivan Vazov" National Theater
Photo of Eagles' bridge in Sofia, Bulgaria.Eagles' Bridge
Druzhba Park
Holy Trinity Park
Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
Photo of the Church of the Holy Mother of God inside of the Asen's Fortress in Rhodopes mountain, Asenovgrad, Bulgaria.Asen's Fortress
Photo of beautiful Sunny Beach with umbrellas and sunbeds in Nesebar, Bulgaria.Sunny Beach
Photo of ruins of a late antiquity fortress with religious complex "Tsari Mali Grad" from the 6th century, Bulgaria.Tsari Mali Grad
Lauta Park
Photo of aerial view of the Alyosha soldier monument in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Alyosha Monument
Archaeological Museum

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 – Plovdiv - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Plovdiv - arrival day

  • Plovdiv - Arrival day
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Plovdiv. You’ll stay in Plovdiv for 3 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!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Plovdiv

Day 2

Day 2 – Plovdiv

  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 9 km, 32 min

  • Alyosha Monument
  • Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
  • Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
  • Singing Fountains
  • Tsar Simeon Garden
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Plovdiv has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv. 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 Plovdiv, like the extraordinary Alyosha Monument. This attraction is a monument and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,259 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Plovdiv is the spectacular Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,228 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This must-see tourist destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,047 visitors.

Singing Fountains is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This park is a popular destination among visitors in Plovdiv. Rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,815 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Plovdiv does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Plovdiv 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 Hemingway Restaurant, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is the popular r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik". This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Plovdiv is PASA Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Rock Bar Download is one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

Bar The Post is another of the most popular bars in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 3 – Asenovgrad, Samokov, and Sofia

Day 3

Day 3 – Asenovgrad, Samokov, and Sofia

  • Samokov
  • Asenovgrad
  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 264 km, 4 hours 24 min

  • Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno
  • Asen's Fortress
  • Tsari Mali Grad
  • More

Rise and shine on day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Plovdiv and embark on a scenic drive to Sofia, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 3 nights. 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 Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". This attraction is a place of worship that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12,464 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Asen's Fortress. This attraction, a beloved fortress, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,777 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Tsari Mali Grad. This attraction is a fortress that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,546 visitors.

This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation.

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 4 – Kyustendil and Sofia

Day 4

Day 4 – Kyustendil and Sofia

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 246 km, 3 hours 47 min

  • Rila Monastery
  • Holy Trinity Park
  • Ivan Vazov" National Theater
  • More

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Sofia, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.

One of the best travel destinations in the town of Sofia is Holy Trinity Park. This amazing attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,629 visitors.

Ivan Vazov National Theater is another popular attraction you could visit in the town of Sofia. As one of the best-rated attractions in the area, Ivan Vazov National Theater has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,201 visitors.

You can also make your new day in Bulgaria more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Bulgaria’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Sofia.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like Restaurant "Staria Chinar". This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Sofia!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Sofia

Day 5

Day 5 – Sofia

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 26 km, 1 hour 4 min

  • South Park
  • National Palace of Culture
  • Borisova Gradina Park
  • Eagles' Bridge
  • Sofia Zoo
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Plovdiv has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv. 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 Plovdiv, like the extraordinary South Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,055 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Plovdiv 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 13,776 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Borisova Gradina Park. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,952 visitors.

Eagles' Bridge is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This stone bridge is a popular destination among visitors in Plovdiv. Rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,677 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Plovdiv does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Plovdiv 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!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Sofia and Burgas

Day 6

Day 6 – Sofia and Burgas

  • Sofia
  • Burgas
  • More

Drive 394 km, 4 hours 10 min

  • St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • Park "Zaimov"
  • Park "Geo Milev
  • 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 Plovdiv. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Burgas. You’ll stay in Burgas for 1 night. 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 St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This much-appreciated church and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,076 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Park "Geo Milev". This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,902 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Druzhba Park to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Druzhba Park is a park that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,323 visitors.

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 Burgas. Burgas 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 Happy Bar & Grill. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,335 reviews.

The remarkable Happy Bar & Grill is another top restaurant in Burgas we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,139 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Romance Pub & Pizza is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,070 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Burgas, the fantastic Papa Beer - Craft Beer Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 981 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Caribe. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

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Experiences

Day 7 – Burgas, Nessebar, and Plovdiv

Day 7

Day 7 – Burgas, Nessebar, and Plovdiv

  • Burgas
  • Nesebar
  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 329 km, 4 hours

  • The Sea Garden
  • Church of Saint Sophia
  • Archaeological Museum
  • Sunny Beach
  • More

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

One of the best places to explore in the city of Plovdiv today is The Sea Garden. This excellent attraction is a park that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 34,044 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 9,769 visitors.

This outstanding museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,660 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Sunny Beach in the city of Nesebar. This attraction, a stunning town, has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,756 visitors.

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

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv, Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

Locals recommend RESTAURANT Raia as one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. RESTAURANT Raia is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 936 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is Kitchen of Raya / Kukhnyata na Raya. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 895 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Plovdiv, Piano Bar Sinatra. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 568 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 180 customers.

Bar Fabrik is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 698 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 – Plovdiv - departure day

Day 8

Day 8 – Plovdiv - departure day

  • Plovdiv - Departure day
  • More
  • Lauta Park
  • More

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 Sofra before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 807 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restaurant - Garden "Philippopolis" for your last chance at a meal in the city of Plovdiv. The Restaurant - Garden "Philippopolis" restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 767 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Tams House. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 522 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!

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Experiences

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