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

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Photo of Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria.
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Description

Escape the ordinary with this exciting 9-day road trip through Bulgaria. Explore diverse landscapes, discover lively cities, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Bulgaria. You will spend 3 nights in Sofia, 2 nights in Plovdiv, 2 nights in Veliko Tarnovo, and 1 night in Varna. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Bulgaria. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Sofia, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Bulgaria on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Bulgaria. Sea Garden and South Park are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Sofia, Plovdiv, Chepelare, Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, Veliko Tarnovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Arbanassi, Lyaskovets, and Varna, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Bulgaria. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Bulgaria.

Throughout your road trip in Bulgaria, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Bulgaria.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Bulgaria fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Bulgaria today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Sofia - Arrival day
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  • National Palace of Culture
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Welcome to Sofia, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Bulgaria! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights discovering what to see in Sofia before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Sofia is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Sofia. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Bulgaria!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 32 km, 1 hour 54 min

  • Boyana Church
  • Borisova Gradina Park
  • St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • Regional History Museum Sofia
  • South Park
  • Tsar Ivan Shishman Street
  • More

You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Bulgaria. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Bring home unique finds from Sofia's bustling shopping hub, Paradise Center. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of unique stores where locals shop. Don’t forget to browse souvenirs and local specialties that make perfect gifts for your loved ones. Beyond shopping, Paradise Center offers plenty of options, including restaurants, primary services, unique landmarks, and community events.

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

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Sofia
  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 148 km, 2 hours 44 min

  • Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
  • Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv
  • Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
  • Monument of the Red Army "Alyosha"
  • Tsar Simeon Garden
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Plovdiv. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Plovdiv, where will spend 2 nights.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Plovdiv. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

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

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 151 km, 3 hours 15 min

  • Museum of the Rhodope Karst
  • Slivodolsko Padalo Waterfall
  • Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno
  • Paleontological Museum of Asenovgrad
  • Asen's Fortress
  • More

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Plovdiv, where you have 1 night left to stay.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Plovdiv and your accommodation.

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.

Head back to your accommodation in Plovdiv and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Bulgaria.

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Plovdiv
  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • More

Drive 219 km, 3 hours 27 min

  • Trapezitsa Fortress
  • Tsarevets Fortress
  • Park "Sveta Gora
  • Monument to the Assen Dynasty
  • Marno Pole Park
  • Monument of Mother Bulgaria
  • More

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Veliko Tarnovo. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo. Veliko Tarnovo offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Veliko Tarnovo's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

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

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • More

Drive 30 km, 1 hour

  • парк „Николай Панайотов“
  • Park "Children's Playground"
  • St Nikolay the Miracleworker
  • Lyaskovets Monastery "Sv. Sv. Peter and Paul"
  • More

On day 6 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Gorna Oryahovitsa, Arbanassi, and Lyaskovets. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Veliko Tarnovo, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo.

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

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

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • Varna
  • More

Drive 251 km, 3 hours 27 min

  • Aladzha Monastery
  • Dolphinarium Varna
  • Varna Zoo
  • Sea Garden
  • More

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Varna. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Varna, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

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.

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

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Varna
  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 442 km, 5 hours 34 min

  • Archaeological Museum Varna
  • Clock Tower of Varna
  • Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral
  • More

On day 8 of your road trip in Bulgaria, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Varna are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Sofia, where you will stay for 1 night.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Varna.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Sofia. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

Sofia is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Sofia.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria!

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Sofia - Departure day
  • More
  • Park "Zaimov"
  • More

Day 9 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Bulgaria!

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How it works

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Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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