Luxury 11-Day Bulgaria Road Trip Vacation from Plovdiv traveling west to Bansko, Samokov, Sofia, and Veliko Tarnovo

Your luxury holiday in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the city of Plovdiv. There, you’ll pick up the luxury rental vehicle of your choice and hit the roads!

The first destination of your luxury vacation in Bulgaria is Plovdiv - a city with many fantastic attractions to explore. Catch an early flight to enjoy as much time as possible discovering Plovdiv.

Start your sightseeing in the city with a visit to the fantastic Singing Fountains. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Plovdiv, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,815 visitors.

Tonight you will be treated to a stay at one of best luxury hotels in Plovdiv. We have picked out three of the most exclusive luxury lodging and hotel options for you to choose from.

Exploring new places can make you hungry. When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend trying one of the finest restaurants in Plovdiv.

For a culinary experience you will remember, have a look at the menu at Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,229 customers, it’s truly one of the best restaurants in the whole of Plovdiv.

If you feel like having something slightly different, check out Pavaj. This is one of the most recommended restaurants in the city. Considering its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers, it’s one that most guests enjoy.

Rahat Tepe is another restaurant you could book a table at tonight. This fantastic restaurant is often recommended by both travelers and locals in Plovdiv, and has an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

As your day in Plovdiv is coming to an end retreat to a bar where you can celebrate the start of your exciting luxury holiday in Bulgaria.

Make your way to Club Fargo. This bar promises a great atmosphere for your celebrations and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Or, why not continue your evening at Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars among 1,070 guests.

Raise a toast to the start of your 11-day luxury vacation in Bulgaria and look forward to more fantastic days to come!

On day 2 of your luxury road trip holiday in Bulgaria you will have the opportunity to experience two destinations in one day, the city of Plovdiv and the city of Bansko. You’ll stay in Bansko for 2 nights.

Your day starts in Plovdiv. Give yourself time to see some of the city’s very best attractions before it's time to hit the road.

Make the amazing Alyosha Monument your first stop of the day. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,259 visitors gives you an idea of what to expect from this monument and attraction before you head there.

Next up, make a stop at the incredible Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,228 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction.

Another unforgettable travel destination you can visit on this day of your luxury holiday is the outstanding Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This must-see tourist destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,047 visitors.

Make the most of your day in Plovdiv by joining exclusive tours and activities that take your luxury holiday in Bulgaria to the next level. This is only one of many experiences you can include in your luxury travel package in Bulgaria. So make sure to check out the other options too, to find the best way to spend your time in Plovdiv today.

By the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Bansko, where you will choose among some of the best luxury hotels.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try "Five M" Restaurant & Good Bar, one of the best restaurants in Bansko. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 657 customers.

If you feel like having something else, locals also recommend Restaurant Victoria Bansko as one of their top choices in the city. Restaurant Victoria Bansko is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,271 customers.

If you’re not yet ready to head back to your hotel, we recommend you check out the nightlife of the city.

Amigo Pub is one of the best bars you can visit in Bansko tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,227 customers.

You can also enjoy a glass or two at a popular place like Pirin 75. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 746 customers.

Alternatively, try Cafe Eliz. Cafe Eliz is the perfect place to get to know some locals in the city. This top-recommended bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 663 customers.

Raise a glass in celebration of your fantastic luxury holiday in Bulgaria! Head back to your hotel for some much-needed rest in preparation for tomorrow’s adventures.

On day 3 of your luxury holiday in Bulgaria, you will explore the surroundings of Blagoevgrad. Blagoevgrad is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria, and there are plenty of unique attractions for you to visit in the area.

Start your sightseeing of the day with a visit to the fantastic Baikushev's pine. This attraction is a tree and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,192 visitors.

Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary Banderishka meadow. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,068 visitors.

If you like many others have been feeling curious about the spectacular Park "Razlog", then you should definitely take the opportunity to visit this attraction today. Park "Razlog" is a park with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,540 visitors.

The outstanding BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa is another stop you can visit on this day of your luxury holiday. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,853 visitors, it’s one that many travelers find worthy of a visit.

This activity is one of many you can add to your luxury travel plan to make your road trip in Bulgaria truly memorable.

When you’ve completed everything you want to see and do, you will drive back to your luxury accommodation in Bansko.

After a long day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

According to reviews, The House is one of the absolute best places to eat in the city of Bansko. At this restaurant, you’ll enjoy a great atmosphere and a fantastic food and drinks menu. The House is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,083 customers.

Alternatively, if you’re curious to try one of Bansko-locals’ favorites, check out Baryakova mehana. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,169 customers and guarantees you a nice dining experience to end your day.

This restaurant is a top recommendation often mentioned by both travelers as well as locals.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Bansko and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate

Happy End is one of the best bars in Blagoevgrad and the perfect place for a celebratory drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 707 customers.

You may also want to check out Smokey Mountain Bar & Grill. Equally popular, this bar offers great drinks and a fantastic atmosphere. Smokey Mountain Bar & Grill is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 505 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your luxury holiday in Bulgaria!

On day 4 of your luxury road trip holiday in Bulgaria you will have the opportunity to experience two destinations in one day, Kyustendil and the city of Samokov. You’ll stay in Samokov for 1 night.

Your day starts in Kyustendil.

Make the amazing Stob Earth Pyramids your first stop of the day. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,105 visitors gives you an idea of what to expect from this rock formation and attraction before you head there.

Next up, make a stop at the incredible Rila Monastery. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 17,257 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this monastery and attraction.

Another unforgettable travel destination you can visit on this day of your luxury holiday is the outstanding Rila. This urban park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,931 visitors.

When you’re finished at the waterfall, the perfect next stop is the popular Ovcharchenski Waterfall. This spectacular waterfall and attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 893 reviews.

Make the most of your day in Kyustendil by joining exclusive tours and activities that take your luxury holiday in Bulgaria to the next level. This is only one of many experiences you can include in your luxury travel package in Bulgaria. So make sure to check out the other options too, to find the best way to spend your time in Kyustendil today.

By the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Samokov, where you will choose among some of the best luxury hotels.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try The Old House Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Samokov. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,207 customers.

If you feel like having something else, locals also recommend Kaymakanova house as one of their top choices in the city. Kaymakanova house is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 829 customers.

Another restaurant you could try in Samokov is Pri Sote Traditional Restaurant. This lovely restaurant has a fantastic menu and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,699 customers.

If you’re not yet ready to head back to your hotel, we recommend you check out the nightlife of the city.

Delight bar & dinner is one of the best bars you can visit in Samokov tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 382 customers.

You can also enjoy a glass or two at a popular place like Defected Bar & Café. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 146 customers.

Raise a glass in celebration of your fantastic luxury holiday in Bulgaria! Head back to your hotel for some much-needed rest in preparation for tomorrow’s adventures.

On day 5 of your luxury holiday in Bulgaria, wonderful attractions await. Today you have the opportunity to discover two places in one day, the city of Samokov and the city of Pernik. You’ll stay in Sofia for 3 nights.

Begin your adventures of the day with a visit to the outstanding City Park by the river Iskar. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,123 visitors.

Next up, make a stop at the incredible Tsari Mali Grad. This fortress and travel destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,546 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Samokov is another excellent way to spend your luxury holiday in Bulgaria. The best tours in this destination will take you on a discovery of some of Bulgaria’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

It’s now time to hit the road again and travel to your next destination, the city of Pernik.

Make your way to the incredible Vitosha Nature Park in Pernik for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,355 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination you’ll want to pay a visit in Pernik is the outstanding Living Water Spring. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 375 visitors, this remarkable top-tier point of interest and attraction definitely deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists in Bulgaria.

For the night, you’ll have the choice of the best luxury hotels and places to stay in the city of Sofia.

After dinner, you can enjoy some downtime at your hotel or head out to a bar for a couple of drinks.

Go over your photos from the day, raise a toast, and rest your tired legs. A new adventurous day of your luxury road trip in Bulgaria awaits!

On day 6 of your luxury holiday, you’ll get the opportunity to experience the spectacular city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 2 nights, which gives you enough time to discover some of the most amazing things to see and do in the city. Start your morning with a hearty breakfast and get ready for an entire day of enjoying Sofia to the fullest.

Today you will have the opportunity to visit multiple popular travel destinations in Sofia. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Borisova Gradina Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,952 visitors.

When you’re finished at Borisova Gradina Park, make a stop at the wonderful Knyazheska Garden. This incredible attraction is a park, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,458 visitors.

Next up, make your way to one of the best places to see according to travelers in Sofia, the extraordinary St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This church is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,076 visitors.

As the day moves along, another attraction you will probably want to visit is the incredible Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker. Up to 4,714 visitors have rated this church an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

If you’re up for one last attraction today, check out the popular National Palace of Culture.

Tonight you will stay at one of the best luxury hotels in Sofia. We have selected the perfect options for you to have the loveliest experience in Sofia.

Treat yourself to an overnight stay at the wonderful Gloria Palace, a highly recommended 3-star hotel in the city. This hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 348 guests and guarantees you a pleasant break from your self-drive luxury vacation.

Another excellent luxury accommodation alternative in Sofia is the fantastic Best Western Terminus Hotel. This 4-star hotel is the ultimate place to lay back and treat yourself to some well-deserved downtime after a busy day exploring. Best Western Terminus Hotel is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,583 guests.

Alternatively, check in at the outstanding Casa Boyana Boutique. This 5-star hotel is warmly recommended by previous guest and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 249 reviews to prove it. Get cozy and rest before it’s yet again time to hit the roads.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best luxury hotel alternatives if these are not available.

After a long day of exploring, it’s time for indulging in some food. Make a reservation at one of the best restaurants in Sofia.

We recommend you eat at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like the fantastic Restaurant "Staria Chinar". This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Sofia.

Enjoy an amazing evening in Sofia, and get ready for more fantastic days to come of your luxury vacation in Bulgaria!

On day 7 of your exciting luxury holiday across Bulgaria you will continue exploring the city of Sofia. You still have 1 night left in the city. Enjoy your break from the road and spend this day sightseeing and eating at some of the best restaurants in Sofia. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions in the city.

Start your sightseeing of the day with a visit to the fantastic Holy Trinity Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,629 visitors.

Next up on your agenda, you’ll find the extraordinary Russian Monument Square. This attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,387 visitors.

If you, like many others, have been feeling curious about the spectacular South Park park, then you should definitely take the opportunity to visit this attraction today.

This is a highly recommended attraction in the city.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily Sofia has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences you’ll appreciate after a long day of sightseeing.

If you’re not yet ready to head back to your hotel, check out some of the bars in the area and experience the local nightlife.

Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your celebrations.

Reminisce about your day, look through photos, and prepare for another great day to come! Your luxury holiday in Bulgaria has plenty more in store for you.

On day 8 of your luxury road trip holiday in Bulgaria you will have the opportunity to experience two destinations in one day, the city of Sofia and the city of Veliko Tarnovo. You’ll stay in Veliko Tarnovo for 1 night.

Your day starts in Sofia. Give yourself time to see some of the city’s very best attractions before it's time to hit the road.

Make the amazing St. Nedelya Church your first stop of the day. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,189 visitors gives you an idea of what to expect from this church and attraction before you head there.

Next up, make a stop at the incredible Eagles' Bridge. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,677 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this stone bridge and attraction.

Another unforgettable travel destination you can visit on this day of your luxury holiday is the outstanding Park "Geo Milev". This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,902 visitors.

When you’re finished at the park, the perfect next stop is the popular Druzhba Park. This spectacular park and attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,323 reviews.

Make the most of your day in Sofia by joining exclusive tours and activities that take your luxury holiday in Bulgaria to the next level. This is only one of many experiences you can include in your luxury travel package in Bulgaria. So make sure to check out the other options too, to find the best way to spend your time in Sofia today.

By the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Veliko Tarnovo, where you will choose among some of the best luxury hotels.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try VkusoteriA, one of the best restaurants in Veliko Tarnovo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 993 customers.

If you feel like having something else, locals also recommend Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One") as one of their top choices in the city. Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One") is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,818 customers.

Another restaurant you could try in Veliko Tarnovo is Restaurant Ego 1. This lovely restaurant has a fantastic menu and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,561 customers.

If you’re not yet ready to head back to your hotel, we recommend you check out the nightlife of the city.

Bianko is one of the best bars you can visit in Veliko Tarnovo tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,466 customers.

You can also enjoy a glass or two at a popular place like Lino Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,358 customers.

Alternatively, try Tequila Bar Funky Monkey. Tequila Bar Funky Monkey is the perfect place to get to know some locals in the city. This top-recommended bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 493 customers.

Raise a glass in celebration of your fantastic luxury holiday in Bulgaria! Head back to your hotel for some much-needed rest in preparation for tomorrow’s adventures.

Get ready for day 9 of your luxury vacation in Bulgaria. On this day of your exciting road trip holiday, you will have the most wonderful time discovering Veliko Tarnovo and Balchik. You’ll stay in Varna for 1 night. Enjoy a flexible travel itinerary and choose how much time you want to spend at each destination.

Start your day with one of travelers’ favorite attractions in Veliko Tarnovo, the incredible Marno Pole Park. This popular attraction is a park that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,458 visitors.

Today we also recommend you visit the amazing Tsarevets Fortress, an outstanding best-rated sightseeing destination in Veliko Tarnovo. Around 11,511 travelers have rated this attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

To experience the local culture, see the best attractions, and meet new people at the same time, add a tour or activity to your luxury holiday package in Bulgaria. As a luxury traveler, you will choose among only the best experiences available to you on this day of your exclusive road trip vacation in Veliko Tarnovo.

It’s now time to get back on the road and continue to the next destination of your day, the city of Balchik.

Make your way to the incredible Balchik Palace for some unforgettable sightseeing in Balchik. This popular attraction is a palace and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 19,217 visitors.

Next up, steer your step in the direction of Balchik Botanic Garden. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,288 travelers and is one of the most fantastic places to visit in Balchik.

Today you’ll check in at one of the most exclusive hotels in the city of Varna. Luxury hotels in Varna offer fantastic facilities and wonderful rooms. In combination with staff that is generous with both their time and recommendations, you’re guaranteed a pleasant

Stay in Varna.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in Varna, Happy Bar & Grill Center (Varna). This restaurant offers a fantastic menu and impeccable service, deserving of its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,318 reviews.

Locals also recommend Staria Chinar - Port Varna as one of the best restaurants to have dinner at in Varna. The Staria Chinar - Port Varna is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,810 customers, including locals as well as travelers.

For a slightly different culinary experience, book a table at Staria Chinar Restaurant. This popular restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,178 customers.

Depending on your plans for tomorrow, you might want to head back to your hotel for some relaxation. If not, this is your chance to take the temperature of Varna's nightlife.

If you’re not quite ready for bed yet, head off to a popular bar like Cubo. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,527 customers.

Another place you could go for some drinks is the top-rated The Garden Bar. Often recommended by locals, this bar is an excellent place to check out tonight. The Garden Bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,562 customers.

Alternatively, go to The BRICK bar. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,387 reviews, it’s one worth checking out if you’re in the party mood.

Celebrate another great day of your luxury holiday in Bulgaria with a toast! Enjoy a good night’s sleep at your lovely hotel and get ready for another fun day to come.

On day 10 of your luxury holiday in Bulgaria, wonderful attractions await. Today you have the opportunity to discover two places in one day, the city of Varna and the city of Burgas. You’ll stay in Plovdiv for 1 night.

Begin your adventures of the day with a visit to the outstanding Sea Garden. This attraction is an urban park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 31,686 visitors.

Next up, make a stop at the incredible Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral. This eastern orthodox cathedral and travel destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,705 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Varna is another excellent way to spend your luxury holiday in Bulgaria. The best tours in this destination will take you on a discovery of some of Bulgaria’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

It’s now time to hit the road again and travel to your next destination, the city of Burgas.

Make your way to the incredible The Sea Garden in Burgas for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 34,044 visitors.

For the night, you’ll have the choice of the best luxury hotels and places to stay in the city of Plovdiv.

After a long day of experiencing some of the most fantastic attractions and sights in Bulgaria, we recommend you try Hemingway Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 customers.

If you’re keen on trying something else, locals also recommend r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik" as one of the top restaurants in the city. R-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik" is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 customers.

Another of the most recommended restaurants in Plovdiv is PASA Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 customers.

After dinner, you can enjoy some downtime at your hotel or head out to a bar for a couple of drinks.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated Rock Bar Download. This bar is considered one of the best in Plovdiv and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Bar The Post. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 customers.

Go over your photos from the day, raise a toast, and rest your tired legs. A new adventurous day of your luxury road trip in Bulgaria awaits!

Today is the last day of your 11-day luxury holiday in Bulgaria and it’s soon time to start your journey home. This is your chance to get one last glimpse of Plovdiv before saying goodbye.

Catch a later flight to enjoy some extra time for exploring. If you have a late departure, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Make the most of what’s left of your luxury vacation in Bulgaria by heading out to the stunning Old Town of Plovdiv. This extraordinary park and attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 3,806 reviews, and is an excellent choice for your last sightseeing in Plovdiv.

Don’t end your vacation hungry. For one last meal in the city of Plovdiv, check out the menu at Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

Alternatively, another recommendation is RESTAURANT Raia. This restaurant is a popular choice among travelers as well as locals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 936 customers.

If you prefer something slightly different, try Kitchen of Raya / Kukhnyata na Raya. This restaurant will not let you walk out hungry. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 895 customers, it is truly one of the best in the city.

You will then say farewell to Plovdiv and begin your journey home. We wish you safe travels and a warm welcome home, with unforgettable memories and incredible photos from your luxury holiday in Bulgaria in your luggage!