9-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Varna to Sveti Vlas, Plovdiv, Sofia, and Veliko Tarnovo

Say hello to Varna! Your exciting road trip through Bulgaria is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Varna for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Varna is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Sea Garden or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Varna. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Bulgaria. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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.

This renowned restaurant holds and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Staria Chinar Restaurant, an iconic dining spot in Varna. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Pizza Selena, a popular restaurant in Varna. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Three Dolphins, a hidden gem nestled in Varna. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Vogue cafe bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Cuba Beach Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Varna. Bar PUNTA CANA is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

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

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral. This eastern orthodox cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,169 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Dolphinarium Varna. This aquarium has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 8,727 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Retro Museum. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,087 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Asparuhov park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,231 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Sveti Vlas, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the town.

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

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 vibrant destinations - Yambol. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Plovdiv. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

After soaking in Sveti Vlas’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Yambol. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 29 min. When you arrive in Yambol, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Yambol Regional Historical Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 181 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Bezistena. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,840 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to "Central" park Yambol. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,638 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Plovdiv. Plovdiv offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and 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 Plovdiv. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Dine in style at Salt & Pepper, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Rahat Tepe boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out KFC. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Rock Bar Download, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, North Star provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Morado Bar & Dinner offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Bulgaria and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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 Plovdiv. In the evening, you’ll end up in Sofia, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Singing Fountain. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,640 visitors.

When you’re finished at Singing Fountain, head to “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 15,537 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,842 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Old Town of Plovdiv. This park is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,450 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This famous point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,893 travelers.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Sofia, 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 Sofia's best restaurants.

This renowned restaurant holds and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Hotel Forum, an iconic dining spot in Sofia. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Hotel ZOO Sofia, a popular restaurant in Sofia. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Mamma Mia Ltd, a hidden gem nestled in Sofia. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Halbite Beer Hall, known for its lively atmosphere. Lime Cafe & Cocktails is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance.

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

Day 5 of your road trip across Bulgaria promises a magnificent time exploring Sofia. You have 1 night left in Sofia. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Make North Park your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 11,004 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at National Palace of Culture. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,569 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this convention center every year.

South Park is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,985 visitors.

When you’re finished at South Park, the perfect next stop is Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky. This church is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 20,088 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to National Theater "Ivan Vazov". This sightseeing destination is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,932 reviews.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

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

Make sure to book a table at Divaka, a popular restaurant in Sofia. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Sofia at Face bar & dinner, 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 Art Club Museum. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Sofia tonight.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Bulgaria and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Sofia, and Botevgrad. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

When you're ready to see some sights, Prince's Garden is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,695 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Borisova Gradina Park. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 27,635 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Eagles' Bridge. The stone bridge has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,319 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Zaimov Park. This park is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,334 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Botevgrad. This car ride takes around 52 min.

Make Градски парк Ботевград one of your first sightseeing stops in Botevgrad. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 963 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Veliko Tarnovo, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurant "Ethno", highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Tavern "Petleto"? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at The Bell as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Keep the evening going at Famous Bar 2, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Bar Grill Kolata, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Bar Melodie / Melody Bar /, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Head back to your accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

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

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Tsarevets Fortress. This extraordinary point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,913 visitors.

Next, make your way to Park "Sveta Gora". This top attraction is a park with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,821 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Monument of Mother Bulgaria. This sightseeing destination is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,801 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Marno Pole Park. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,692 travelers.

Today is also your chance to spend some time at Hotnitsa Waterfall. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,578 travelers.

If you have an appetite for more adventure, check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Veliko Tarnovo on this day of your trip. You'll find the most recommended ones below.

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.

Savor the flavors at Burger and Sweets "Асеневци", a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Bianko beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider EGO pizza & grill The Old Town. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Veliko Tarnovo tonight.

Keep the evening going at Ristretto, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Gallery, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Tequila Bar Funky Monkey, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

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

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Shumen. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 52 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Journey into the unknown at Park Kyoshkovete, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,448 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument is a recommended place to visit. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,314 reviews.

Madara’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Shumen behind. This drive usually takes around 31 min. Madara welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Madara Horseman. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,528 visitors.

Madara National Historical and Archaeological Park is another popular attraction you could visit today. This park has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,534 visitors.

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

As you explore more of Varna, 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 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 Морска тераса. With a reputation for consistently satisfied 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.

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

Day 9 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Varna before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Maximize your last day in Bulgaria and go on a shopping spree in Varna’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Bulgaria.

Drop by the renowned Casino Black Sea. This popular casino has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 529 visitors.

Before you conclude your road trip in Bulgaria, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Varna.

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Mr Baba, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Varna. 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!