Cheap 9-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Plovdiv traveling east to Smolyan, Stara Zagora, Burgas, Varna, Shumen, and Gabrovo

Day 3 of your road trip across Bulgaria offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Chepelare, Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, and Zlatovrah. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Stara Zagora, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Chepelare’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Smolyan behind. This drive usually takes around 23 min. Chepelare welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Pamporovo Ski Resort. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,688 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Bachkovo, 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 Chepelare to Bachkovo may take around 1 hour 1 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bachkovo, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Journey into the unknown at Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno", a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable place of worship has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 13,211 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bachkovo, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Asenovgrad may take around 16 min. Upon your arrival in Asenovgrad, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Asen's Fortress. This fortress is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,157 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Stara Zagora. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Stara Zagora, relax and restore your energy at your preferred affordable place to stay.

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Stara Zagora has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

The Fat Chef offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to At The Admiral. Or, try Restaurant Uniqato, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Beer Kolobars Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Brothers' Cafe, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Hello Cafe provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Bulgaria, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Stara Zagora, Ravadinovo, and Burgas. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Burgas, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Take the opportunity to see Artileriyski Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,637 visitors.

Park “ayazmo“ is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,330 travelers.

Stara Zagora is also the home of “bedechka” Park. Around 6,259 people have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Ravadinovo. This car ride takes around 2 hours 24 min.

Drop by the renowned Castle Of Ravadinovo. This popular point of interest has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,164 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Burgas. This car ride takes around 31 min.

Make The Sea Garden one of your first sightseeing stops in Burgas. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 35,099 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

While exploring Bulgaria is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Burgas has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Burgas on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

A cheap, budget vacation in Burgas should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Burgas, try some of our top recommendations.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at ROMANCE Pizzeria Speciale, where every bite is a flavor-packed adventure! With an enticing menu of affordable delights, this spot is a must-visit for foodies on a budget. Another hotspot worth exploring during your cheap getaway is Hotel Bulgaria Burgas - a local favorite and a top pick for mouthwatering delights. If you're eager to dine where the locals love, don't miss out on IN BAR, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Billiard Club Hot Shot. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Bar Target offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Pillow, another top-rated bar in the area.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Bulgaria! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Burgas!

Day 5 of your self-drive vacation in Bulgaria will take you to the city of Varna, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Varna, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Bulgaria, including Nessebar, and Balchik.

After soaking in Burgas’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Nessebar. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 42 min. When you arrive in Nessebar, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Church Of Saint Sophia. This church is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 9,993 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Sunny Beach. This town has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,959 reviews.

Balchik’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Nessebar behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 16 min. Balchik welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Balchik Palace. This much-appreciated palace is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 19,803 reviews.

Next up is Balchik Botanic Garden. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,545 visitors.

Varna offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Bulgaria. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Discovering the culinary wonders of Varna is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to Staria Chinar Restaurant, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by Pizza Selena - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, Three Dolphins promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Vogue Cafe Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Cuba Beach Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Bar Punta Cana, another top-rated place in the area.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Bulgaria!

Day 8 of your road trip across Bulgaria offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Dolni Varpishta, Boicheta, Kazanlak, and Shipka. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Plovdiv, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Dolni Varpishta, 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 Gabrovo to Dolni Varpishta may take around 21 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Dolni Varpishta, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Dryanovo Monastery "st. Archangel Michael", a remarkable place of worship where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,058 reviews.

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

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Ethno Village Etar, a remarkable museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,399 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Boicheta, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Kazanlak. This drive usually takes around 27 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Monument Of Freedom, Saint Nicholas Peak. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 6,911 reviews.

Plovdiv offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Bulgaria. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Plovdiv, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best restaurant and bar options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a refreshing cocktail, these spots have something for everyone.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Ресторант "Старият Пловдив", offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Sofra is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Central Park, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Qbar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Anyway Social Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Plovdiv!