9-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Plovdiv traveling north to Bankya, Veliko Tarnovo, and Varna

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Plovdiv. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bankya, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Start by visiting Lauta Park, a prime spot to begin your journey. Next on your list is Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis, another must-visit landmark and interesting archeological site renowned for its picture-perfect features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the ambiance of Plovdiv by sampling some local delicacies or having a drink. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Singing Fountain. This romantic art installation is a remarkable attraction that offers a unique experience. Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis also adds charm to your journey, and Alyosha Monument wraps up your day with its culturally significant appeal.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bankya, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bankya's best restaurants.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Friends restaurant, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Bulgaria.

On day 4 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 Sofia and Reduta. In the evening, you’ll end up in Veliko Tarnovo, where you will stay for 1 night.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Sofia allows for both.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Veliko Tarnovo. This car ride takes around 2 hours 40 min.

Head to Holy Trinity Park, an intriguing park in Sofia. This popular park is a top recommendation in the area. When you’re ready to explore more, Eagles' Bridge is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most symbolic monument in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the underrated Druzhba Park and discover what makes this park unique.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Geo Milev Park, a captivating park that draws visitors from near and far.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Veliko Tarnovo. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

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

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Famous Bar 2, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Bar Grill Kolata, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Bar Melodie / Melody Bar / provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Veliko Tarnovo and Madara. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Varna. You will spend 3 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Discover a day packed with an enchanting, a picture-perfect, a heritage-rich, a majestic, a detailed, and a charming in Veliko Tarnovo. Begin your sightseeing with Monument Of Mother Bulgaria. This worthwhile monument is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Marno Pole Park, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Veliko Tarnovo, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Tsarevets Fortress. This interesting castle is a traveler-favorite.

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 Veliko Tarnovo to Madara may take around 1 hour 58 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Madara, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Take your self-guided tour to Madara Horseman, a frequently visited archeological site that everyone visiting Madara should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Madara National Historical And Archaeological Park. This historic archeological site is one of the most often recommended attractions in the region.

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.

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

Make sure to book a table at Staria Chinar Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Varna. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Varna at Pizza Selena, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Three Dolphins. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Varna tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Vogue Cafe Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Cuba Beach Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Bar Punta Cana offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Bulgaria.

Day 6 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Varna has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Varna by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Get ready for a day filled with a romantic, an idyllic, a stunning, an instagrammable, a remarkable, and a respected in the charming city of Varna. Your adventure starts at Sea Garden, a popular local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Roman Thermae Varna. This worthwhile archeological site is known for its serene 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 Varna Zoo. This instagrammable zoo offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Dolphinarium Varna 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 highly-rated dining destination in Varna. If you're eager to try something different, consider 100 Pizzas, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Morska terasa. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Varna this evening.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Muffin Bar & Coffee, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Bar Hey is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Deja Vu is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

On day 7 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Varna. You’ll stay in Varna for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Varna is home to plenty of attractions that offer a romantic, a majestic, a breathtaking, a picture-perfect, a historically significant, a profound, and a culturally significant! Start at Asparuhov Park, a curiosity-inducing park that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Dormition Of The Theotokos Cathedral, enchanting visitors with its historic appeal. Continue your exploration at Archaeological Museum Varna. This museum is one of the city’s most beloved spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Varna at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Retro Museum.

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.

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.

Dine in style at Korean cuisine "Kimbap", a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Mr Baba boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Chuchura Restaurant. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Varna.

Keep the evening going at Cubo, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Gossip Bar Max, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Cafe-bar Vogue, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Bulgaria!

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore Nessebar and Burgas, 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 Plovdiv. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Nessebar. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Varna and set your GPS to Nessebar. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 33 min. Upon reaching Nessebar, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Sunny Beach, a worthwhile beach known for its romantic features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Church Of Saint Sophia, a beloved church that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Nessebar, 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 42 min. Upon your arrival in Burgas, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

The Sea Garden is a well-known park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Plovdiv, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", a top-rated dining spot in Plovdiv. If you're in the mood for something new, try Sofra, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Central Park. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Plovdiv.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Qbar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Anyway Social Bar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Bulgaria!