One-Week Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Varna to Plovdiv, Sofia, and Veliko Tarnovo

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore Nessebar and Burgas, 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 Plovdiv. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Nessebar. This car ride takes around 1 hour 33 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Sunny Beach. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the beach before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Church Of Saint Sophia. This curiosity-inducing church is a traveler-favorite in the town.

Set your GPS to Burgas and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 42 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Burgas beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering The Sea Garden, a captivating park known for its masterful features.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Plovdiv. Plovdiv offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. 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.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Rock Bar Download, known for its inviting atmosphere. North Star is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Morado Bar & Dinner provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Say good night to Plovdiv and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

On day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you’ll start and end your day in Sofia, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Sofia for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Sofia and Reduta to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Immerse yourself in Sofia’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at North Park. This peaceful park is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the instagrammable features of Zaimov Park, a must-visit park in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Sofia Zoo, an interesting zoo. For a change of scene, check out South Park, known for its serene features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Sofia, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Reduta. This drive usually takes around 9 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Take your self-guided tour to Geo Milev Park, a popular park that everyone visiting Reduta should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Sofia and your accommodation.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Sofia. 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 Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", 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 Forum, 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 Turquoise Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Sofia. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Kathrine Cocktail - Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out The Cocktail Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Urban Rebel. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

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 Sofia. In the evening, you’ll end up in Veliko Tarnovo, where you will stay for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Sofia, featuring an instagrammable, a charming, a majestic, a breathtaking, a respected, a grand, a masterful, and an inviting. Start at National Palace Of Culture, a captivating convention center in the city. Then, head to Borisova Gradina Park and soak in the ambiance of this standout park.

There are many interesting places to see in Sofia and when you are ready for more, go to Eagles' Bridge. This is one of the city’s most captivating spots. After exploring the monument, visit the captivating Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the frequently visited National Theater "ivan Vazov", a frequently visited performing arts theater in the city.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Veliko Tarnovo. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As you explore more of Veliko Tarnovo, 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Restaurant "Ethno", a top-rated dining destination in Veliko Tarnovo. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Tavern "Petleto", another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Bell. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Veliko Tarnovo this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Famous Bar 2 after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Bar Grill Kolata, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Bar Melodie / Melody Bar / also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Veliko Tarnovo and Balchik. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Varna, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Start by visiting Marno Pole Park, a prime spot to begin your journey. This instagrammable park is sure to impress. Next on your list is Tsarevets Fortress, another must-visit landmark and locally renowned castle renowned for its visually striking features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Balchik. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 6 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Head to Balchik Palace, a captivating palace in Balchik. Explore its stunning features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Balchik Botanic Garden. This interesting botanical garden is a top recommendation in the area.

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

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Korean cuisine "Kimbap", highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Mr Baba? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Chuchura Restaurant as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Varna.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Cubo stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Gossip Bar Max offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Cafe-bar Vogue is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Bulgaria.