9-Day 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. You could visit attractions like the incredible Lauta Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,257 visitors.

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 9-day vacation in Bulgaria!

Day 2 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 11,815 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible best-rated sightseeing destination, Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,228 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 must-see tourist destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,047 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.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through 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 Casa Boyana Boutique. The hotel is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 257 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Sofia is the 3-star Hotel 007. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 534 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 South Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,055 visitors.

National Palace of Culture is another popular attraction you could visit in the town of Sofia. This incredible attraction is a convention center and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,776 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the town of Sofia is the extraordinary Borisova Gradina Park. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 26,952 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Ivan Vazov National Theater. Around 9,201 visitors have given this best-rated sightseeing destination an average rating of 4.8 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 Holy Trinity Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,629 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Sofia is the spectacular St. Nedelya Church. This attraction is a church and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,189 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This church has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,076 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!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 5 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 Veliko Tarnovo. You’ll stay in Veliko Tarnovo 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 Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker. This much-appreciated church and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,714 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Knyazheska Garden. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,458 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Eagles' Bridge to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Eagles' Bridge is a stone bridge that has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,677 visitors.

The lovely Park "Geo Milev" is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 9,902 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.5 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 8,323 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 Veliko Tarnovo. Veliko Tarnovo 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 VkusoteriA. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 993 reviews.

The remarkable Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One") is another top restaurant in Veliko Tarnovo we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,818 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Restaurant Ego 1 is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,561 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Veliko Tarnovo, the fantastic Bianko. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,466 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Lino Bar. 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.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Tequila Bar Funky Monkey. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 493 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

Rise and shine on day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Veliko Tarnovo and embark on a scenic drive to Varna, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Veliko Tarnovo 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 Veliko Tarnovo. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Marno Pole Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,458 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Tsarevets Fortress. This attraction, a beloved must-see tourist destination, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,511 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Balchik Palace. This attraction is a palace that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 19,217 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Balchik Botanic Garden. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 15,288 reviews.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Happy Bar & Grill Center (Varna). This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,318 customers.

Locals also recommend Staria Chinar - Port Varna, another of the best restaurants in Varna. Staria Chinar - Port Varna is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,810 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Staria Chinar Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,178 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Cubo to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Varna, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,527 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Garden Bar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. The Garden Bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,562 customers.

The BRICK bar is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,387 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!

On day 7 of your road trip across Bulgaria, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Varna. You’ll stay in Varna for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Havana Hotel Casino & SPA, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Varna. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,080 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Varna is the 5-star Grand Hotel London. The hotel is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 1,053 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Varna is the 3-star Hotel Exotica. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 510 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 Varna, like the outstanding Retro Museum. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,327 visitors.

Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Varna. This incredible attraction is an eastern orthodox cathedral and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,705 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Varna is the extraordinary Sea Garden. This urban park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 31,686 reviews.

Come to Varna 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 Varna.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Varna.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like El Kapan, after your day of exploring the city of Varna. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,370 customers.

Stariyat chinar Preslav is another of the best restaurants in the city of Varna. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,788 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Varna is Mr Baba. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,420 customers.

Locals recommend Bar PUNTA CANA, one of the best bars in the city of Varna, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,540 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Varna, Cuba Beach Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,018 customers.

Cuba Bar is also one of the best bars in the city of Varna. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 617 customers.

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

Day 8 of your road trip through Bulgaria is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Nessebar and the city of Burgas. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Nessebar is the amazing Sunny Beach. This attraction is a town and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,756 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Church of Saint Sophia. This church and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,769 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Nessebar is another excellent way to spend your new day in Bulgaria. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Bulgaria’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Bulgaria’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Bulgaria’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing The Sea Garden in the city of Burgas for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 34,044 visitors.

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

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Hemingway Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 customers.

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

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is PASA Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 customers.

After dinner, visit Rock Bar Download, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average 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 has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 customers.

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

Day 9 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.

Old Town of Plovdiv 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 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,806 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!