9-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Varna traveling south to Shumen and Burgas
Description
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Description
Escape the ordinary with this exciting 9-day road trip through Bulgaria. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Bulgaria takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 5 nights in Varna, 1 night in Shumen, and 2 nights in Burgas. 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 got you covered.
Upon arriving in Varna, 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. The Sea Garden and Sea Garden are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Church Of Saint Sophia, learn more about the unique Dolphinarium Varna, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Castle Of Ravadinovo.
As you hit the open road and drive through Varna, Pliska, Veliki Preslav, Shumen, Madara, Burgas, Sinemorets, Ravadinovo, Sozopol, and Nessebar, 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, accommodation, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Varna - Arrival day
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- Sea Garden
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Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach Varna and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Varna for 4 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
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 just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Varna. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime 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 Varna, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Staria Chinar Restaurant, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Pizza Selena offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Three Dolphins. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Varna.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Vogue Cafe Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Cuba Beach Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Bar Punta Cana provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Bulgaria!
Day 2
- Varna
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Drive 32 km, 54 min
- Dolphinarium Varna
- Varna Zoo
- Aladzha Monastery
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On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Varna. You’ll stay in Varna for 3 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.
A blend of fun adventures, picturesque spots, and scenic views await you in Varna on today’s itinerary. First up is the worthwhile aquarium, Dolphinarium Varna. Afterward, continue to Varna Zoo, a zoo every traveler should visit.
As you explore Varna’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Aladzha Monastery. This up-and-coming monastery is an essential stop.
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.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Varna's best restaurants.
Enjoy a lovely meal at di Wine, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, 100 Pizzas is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Morska terasa. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Varna tonight.
Round off your dining experience by visiting Muffin Bar & Coffee, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Bar Hey, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Deja Vu likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!
Day 3
- Varna
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Drive 23 km, 55 min
- Asparuhov park
- Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral
- Archaeological Museum Varna
- Retro Museum
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Day 3 of your road trip across Bulgaria promises a magnificent time exploring Varna. You have 2 nights left in Varna. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.
Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Asparuhov Park. This often recommended park is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Dormition Of The Theotokos Cathedral, one of the city’s best highlights.
Next, check out Archaeological Museum Varna, one of the most locally appreciated places to see in Varna. This museum is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Retro Museum. Wander around and soak in the history-steeped atmosphere this museum offers.
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.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Korean cuisine "Kimbap", an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Mr Baba offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Chuchura Restaurant. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Varna.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Cubo, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Gossip Bar Max is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Cafe-bar Vogue is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Relax and reminisce about your day in Bulgaria and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 4
- Varna
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Drive 20 km, 55 min
- Varna Roman Baths
- Ecopark Varna
- Детски кът Варна
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Day 4 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Varna for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Discover a day packed with fun adventures, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites in Varna. Begin your sightseeing with Roman Thermae Varna. This up-and-coming archeological site is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to University Botanical Garden Ecopark Varna, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.
As you wander through the inviting streets of Varna, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Detski Kat Varna. This up-and-coming amusement park is a traveler-favorite.
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.
Bring home unique finds from Varna's bustling shopping hub, Varna Mall. 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, Varna Mall offers plenty of options, including primary services, unique landmarks, and community events.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Varna's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Don’t miss out on dining at Restorant Kashtata na Vi Varna, a top-rated dining destination in Varna. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Happy Bar & Grill, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at El Kapan. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Varna this evening.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Vault Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Nargile House Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. The Brick Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing 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.
Day 5
- Varna
- Shumen
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Drive 151 km, 2 hours 23 min
- Archaeological Museum "Professor Rasho Rashev
- Pliska Museum of National History and Archaeology
- Двор на кирилицата
- Preslav Fortress
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Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore Pliska and Veliki Preslav, 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 Shumen. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and history-rich sites. Whether you decide to explore Varna on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Archaeological Museum "professor Rasho Rashev" is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this photogenic museum before continuing your journey. Pliska Fortress is your next stop. This often recommended museum is one of the best-rated sights in Varna.
Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Dvor Na Kirilicata. This awe-inspiring museum is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Preslav Fortress.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Shumen, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As you explore more of Shumen, 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 lovely meal at Mehana "Hitar Petar", a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Tavern Oreha is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Primo Bar & Grill. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Shumen tonight.
Keep the evening going at Lavazza Coffee And Cocktails Club, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Zino Club, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Arizona Lounge, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Head back to your accommodation in Shumen and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Bulgaria!
Day 6
- Shumen
- Burgas
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Drive 183 km, 3 hours 37 min
- Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument
- Historical and archaeological reserve Shumen Fortress
- Madara National Historical and Archaeological Park
- Madara Horseman
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On day 6 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 Shumen and Madara. In the evening, you’ll end up in Burgas, where you will stay for 2 nights.
Shumen is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a monument and an archeological site. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the up-and-coming Founders Of The Bulgarian State Monument. Just a short distance away is Historical And Archaeological Reserve Shumen Fortress, a picture-perfect archeological site that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Madara National Historical And Archaeological Park, one of the city’s most increasingly popular spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the intriguing Madara Horseman.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Burgas. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Burgas. 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.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at ROMANCE Pizzeria Speciale, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Hotel Bulgaria Burgas offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Mladost Cafe & Patisserie. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Burgas.
Continue your lively evening at Billiard Club Hot Shot, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Pillow is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Hashtagpavilion ensures a night out tailored to your taste.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Bulgaria!
Day 7
- Burgas
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Drive 181 km, 3 hours 5 min
- Veleka River Mouth
- Castle of Ravadinovo
- Harmanite Beach
- The Sea Garden
- The Clock
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On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Burgas, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Sinemorets, Ravadinovo, Sozopol, and Burgas. You still have 1 night left in Burgas.
Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Burgas, including a beach, a castle, a park, a monument and much more! Start your day at Veleka River Mouth. This mesmerizing beach is an intriguing place to see in Burgas. Then, wander over to Castle Of Ravadinovo. If gorgeous sites excite you, this castle will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Harmanite Beach. This romantic beach is a favorite among visitors.
Burgas offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, The Sea Garden is a popular spot in the village that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the park, don’t forget to check out the photogenic The Clock. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this curiosity-inducing monument in Burgas.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Burgas.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Burgas. 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.
Make sure to reserve a table at Chiplakov, an iconic dining spot in Burgas. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Ten'ova kashta, a popular restaurant in Burgas. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Neptune, a hidden gem nestled in Burgas. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Round off your dining experience by visiting Bar Bossa, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Malibu, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Saxa Beach likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Bulgaria.
Day 8
- Burgas
- Varna
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Drive 145 km, 2 hours 54 min
- Archaeological Museum
- Ancient Theatre
- Church of Saint Sophia
- Sunny Beach
- плаж Иракли
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On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Nessebar. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Varna, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Burgas, including a museum, an archeological site, a church, a beach and much more! Start your day at Nesebar Archaeological Museum. This UNESCO world heritage-designated museum is an up-and-coming place to see in Burgas. Then, wander over to Ancient Theatre. If historic sites excite you, this archeological site will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Church Of Saint Sophia. This enchanting church is a favorite among visitors.
Burgas offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Sunny Beach is an increasingly popular spot in the town that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the beach, don’t forget to check out the mesmerizing Plazh Irakli. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this intriguing beach in Burgas.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Varna. Varna offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Varna. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Don’t miss out on dining at Cuban Bar, a top-rated dining destination in Varna. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider "Halbata" Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Makalali Beach. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Varna this evening.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Cafe Bar Soho is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Beach Bar Menthol, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is The Garden Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
Say good night to Varna and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Bulgaria!
Day 9
- Varna - Departure day
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- Casino Black Sea
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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.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Casino Black Sea. This worthwhile casino is a popular place to see in the city.
As your final day in Bulgaria unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Varna's best shopping area, Varna Mall. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Bulgaria.
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 Marché Restaurant, 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!
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