Cheap 10-Day Bulgaria Road Trip Vacation from Plovdiv traveling west to Samokov, Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, and Burgas

Your exciting road trip through Bulgaria starts when you reach the incredible city of Plovdiv, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Plovdiv and begin your adventure in Bulgaria.

Plovdiv is a popular cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria with something to offer every traveler. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Plovdiv and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Lauta Park will make your cheap holiday in Bulgaria truly special. This attraction is a fascinating park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,257 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv. An excellent example is the popular Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,229 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Bulgaria is Pavaj. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Rahat Tepe. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,984 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Club Fargo is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 1,132 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Plovdiv we recommend is Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria!

On day 2 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Bulgaria, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Plovdiv and end your day in the city of Samokov, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Plovdiv is the amazing Singing Fountains. This travel destination is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,815 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,228 travelers, a visit to this well-known top-tier point of interest and sightseeing spot in Plovdiv is likely to make your vacation in Bulgaria even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Plovdiv is the outstanding Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This best-rated sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,047 visitors.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Bulgaria. To have the best affordable travel experience in Bulgaria, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Bulgaria unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Bulgaria.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Samokov. Samokov is another cheap travel destination in Bulgaria where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Bulgaria can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Samokov that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Samokov is The Old House Restaurant. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,207 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Samokov, Kaymakanova house is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 829 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Pri Sote Traditional Restaurant. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Samokov enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,699 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Samokov’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Bulgaria. For example, you can visit Delight bar & dinner. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 382 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Defected Bar & Café. This popular bar in Samokov has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 146 bar-goers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria!

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Sofia for 4 nights. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Bulgaria.

While you’re in Samokov, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing City Park by the river Iskar. The fantastic City Park by the river Iskar is a popular park and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,123 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Rila National Park, a well-known park in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.9 out of a 5 star-rating from 9,075 travelers.

Make Rila Monastery your first stop. This popular monastery among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 17,257 visitors.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Bulgaria. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Bulgaria and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget accommodations in the city of Sofia. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Sofia, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Bulgaria. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Bulgaria!

On day 4 of your road trip adventures in Bulgaria, you’ll go deep into Sofia, where you'll stay for 3 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Sofia, and meet locals along the way!

Sofia offers an incredible variety of budget hotels and places to stay you can choose from and spend the night in.

We recommend you stay at the charming Casa Boyana Boutique to ensure a pleasant and affordable vacation in Sofia. This 5-star hotel offers guests comfort and convenience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 249 guest reviews.

Another budget-friendly stay option you can check into is the cozy 4-star Best Western Terminus Hotel. This cheap hotel provides a ton of handy amenities perfect for travelers in Sofia. Best Western Terminus Hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 2,583 former guests.

Travelers looking forward to enjoying a cheap vacation in Sofia should also consider Gloria Palace. This 3-star hotel offers great value-for-money and is one of the best budget accommodations in the city. Gloria Palace has been rated by 348 guests with an average of 4 out of 5 stars.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Sofia offering low-cost accommodations get fully-booked fast. If any of these stay options are not available during your visit in the city, our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best budget alternatives.

One thing that makes Sofia the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding park, Borisova Gradina Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,952 visitors.

The famous Eagles' Bridge is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. This incredible stone bridge and travel destination has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,677 visitors.

Sofia is also the home of the extraordinary Knyazheska Garden. Around 7,458 travelers have rated the spectacular Knyazheska Garden an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Ivan Vazov National Theater. With an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from a total of 9,201 reviews, a visit to this wonderful must-see tourist destination and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

This fascinating attraction is a must-visit.

Come to Sofia prepared by adding a tour to your budget vacation package to Bulgaria. If you’re up for a challenging, fun, or inspiring activity, check out the fantastic selection of tours and cheap holiday deals in Sofia.

After a day of exploring, reward yourself by dining at one of the best restaurants in Sofia, Restaurant "Staria Chinar". Locals enjoy eating at Restaurant "Staria Chinar" for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,717 diners.

Curious about the nightlife in Sofia? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Sofia after dinner.

Raise a toast and enjoy celebrating this terrific day of your affordable vacation in Bulgaria!

Day 5’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Sofia, proving that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Druzhba Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,323 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Park "Geo Milev". This popular place of interest is a stunning park that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,902 visitors.

To make your trip to Sofia more memorable, spend time at the fascinating National Museum of Military History. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,165 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic National Museum of Military History is often mentioned in Bulgaria road trip itineraries.

The magnificent South Park is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This park and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 30,055 reviews.

Your discovery of Sofia does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Sofia on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Bulgaria.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Bulgaria, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture.

Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Sofia for an after-dinner drink.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Sofia!

Day 6 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria, Sofia. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Sofia!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Holy Trinity Park. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in over 7,629 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable park is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular Lions' Bridge. This attraction is a footbridge that is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,977 travelers.

Another place you’ll also want to make time for today is the incredible Russian Monument Square. This popular best-rated sightseeing destination in Sofia has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,387 travelers.

You also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic National Palace of Culture. This convention center and travel hotspot is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,776 visitors.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Sofia?

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Sofia. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Sofia offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Bulgaria worth remembering for a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Sofia has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday goers!

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Sofia is Taj Mahal Restaurant. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,423 customers.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Sofia as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Sofia, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

This bar is popular in Sofia for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere.

A road trip vacation in Sofia can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria!

On day 7 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Bulgaria, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Sofia and end your day in the city of Veliko Tarnovo, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Sofia is the amazing St. Nedelya Church. This travel destination is a church that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,189 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,714 travelers, a visit to this well-known church and sightseeing spot in Sofia is likely to make your vacation in Bulgaria even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Sofia is the outstanding St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This church has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 18,076 visitors.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Bulgaria. To have the best affordable travel experience in Bulgaria, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Bulgaria unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Bulgaria.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Veliko Tarnovo. Veliko Tarnovo is another cheap travel destination in Bulgaria where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Bulgaria can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Veliko Tarnovo that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Veliko Tarnovo is VkusoteriA. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 993 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Veliko Tarnovo, Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One") is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,818 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Restaurant Ego 1. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Veliko Tarnovo enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,561 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Veliko Tarnovo’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Bulgaria. For example, you can visit Bianko. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,466 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Lino Bar. This popular bar in Veliko Tarnovo has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,358 bar-goers.

You can also go to Tequila Bar Funky Monkey as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Tequila Bar Funky Monkey is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 493 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria!

Day 8 of your road trip across Bulgaria offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Veliko Tarnovo and the enchanting Nesebar, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Veliko Tarnovo and end the day in Nesebar, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 8 of your affordable vacation in Bulgaria will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Veliko Tarnovo is the magnificent Tsarevets Fortress. Around 11,511 visitors have rated this excellent best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Marno Pole Park on this leg of your self-drive tour in Bulgaria. This attraction is a well-known park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 4,458 travelers.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Veliko Tarnovo, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Nesebar.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Church of Saint Sophia. This popular site is a valued church in Nesebar and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,769 visitors.

Another must-visit in Nesebar is the spectacular Sunny Beach. This outstanding town and sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 6,756 travelers.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Bulgaria. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Bulgaria. Make your cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Burgas offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Bulgaria. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Burgas offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Bulgaria.

Happy Bar & Grill is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,335 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Burgas is Happy Bar & Grill, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,139 customers.

Romance Pub & Pizza offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Burgas. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,070 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Burgas’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Papa Beer - Craft Beer Bar is an excellent example of a great bar in Burgas offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 981 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Caribe, another of locals’ go-to bars in Burgas. Caribe is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 1,358 customers having rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Bulgaria with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Bulgaria!

Day 9 of your self-drive vacation in Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of Burgas and end your day in the city of Asenovgrad.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Plovdiv for 1 night. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Bulgaria.

While you’re in Burgas, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing The Clock. The fantastic The Clock is a popular best-rated sightseeing destination and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,624 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible The Sea Garden, a well-known park in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.8 out of a 5 star-rating from 34,044 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Burgas, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Asenovgrad.

Make Asen's Fortress your first stop. This popular fortress among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,777 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Asenovgrad is the outstanding Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 12,464 visitors, this remarkable place of worship and attraction deserves a spot on your Bulgaria travel bucket list.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Bulgaria. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Bulgaria and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget accommodations in the city of Plovdiv. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Plovdiv, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

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

R-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik" is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. R-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik" is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at PASA Restaurant, another well-loved restaurant in Plovdiv. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Bulgaria.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Plovdiv, Rock Bar Download. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 bar goers.

Bar The Post is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Plovdiv, with its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 425 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Bulgaria. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Bulgaria!

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Bulgaria as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 10 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Plovdiv.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Plovdiv is the remarkable Alyosha Monument. This monument and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,259 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Plovdiv, consider a top-rated restaurant like Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

RESTAURANT Raia is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 936 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Kitchen of Raya / Kukhnyata na Raya. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 895 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Bulgaria and your fun memories in Plovdiv.

You’ll then say farewell to Plovdiv and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Bulgaria!