Luxury 9-Day Bulgaria Road Trip Vacation from Sofia to Plovdiv, Varna, and Veliko Tarnovo

Your luxury holiday in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the city of Sofia. 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 Sofia - a city with many fantastic attractions to explore. Catch an early flight to enjoy as much time as possible discovering Sofia.

Tonight you will be treated to a stay at one of best luxury hotels in Sofia. 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 Sofia.

This is one of the most recommended restaurants in the city.

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

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day luxury vacation in Bulgaria and look forward to more fantastic days to come!

On day 2 of your exciting luxury holiday across Bulgaria you will continue exploring the city of Sofia. You still have 3 nights 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 South Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,055 visitors.

Next up on your agenda, you’ll find the extraordinary National Palace of Culture. This attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,776 visitors.

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

The outstanding Park "Geo Milev" is another stop you can visit today in Sofia. This park is a highly recommended attraction in the city. Rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,902 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy of a visit.

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 curious about the best restaurant in Sofia, make sure to check out Restaurant "Staria Chinar". This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

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.

Day 3 of your luxury road trip Bulgaria offers you another day to explore the magnificent city of Sofia. Today you will continue your luxury holiday in the best possible way - by discovering the best sights, most exciting activities, and finest restaurants in the city.

One of the best travel destinations you can visit in Sofia today is the stunning St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This church has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 18,076 reviews.

Next up, make your way to the spectacular Eagles' Bridge. This attraction is a stone bridge and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,677 visitors.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to the incredible Knyazheska Garden. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,458 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Ivan Vazov National Theater. This top-tier point of interest and travel destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,201 visitors.

You will be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for luxury tours and bespoke activities in Sofia. Add the best tours to your luxury vacation package before or after booking.

After a long day of discovering the unique quirks of Sofia, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely meal. 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.

At this restaurant, you’ll enjoy a great atmosphere and a fantastic food and drinks menu.

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

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Sofia and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife.

Raise a toast to another amazing day of your luxury holiday in Sofia, Bulgaria and seize the opportunity to celebrate.

On day 4 of your luxury holiday in Bulgaria, wonderful attractions await. Today you have the opportunity to discover two places in one day, Kyustendil and the city of Samokov. You’ll stay in Plovdiv for 2 nights.

Begin your adventures of the day with a visit to the outstanding Rila. This attraction is an urban park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,931 visitors.

Next up, make a stop at the incredible Ovcharchenski Waterfall. This waterfall and travel destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 893 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Kyustendil 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 Samokov.

Make your way to the incredible Tsari Mali Grad in Samokov for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a fortress and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,546 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination you’ll want to pay a visit in Samokov is the outstanding City Park by the river Iskar. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,123 visitors, this remarkable park 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 Plovdiv.

After a long day of experiencing some of the most fantastic attractions and sights in Bulgaria, we recommend you try Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,229 customers.

If you’re keen on trying something else, locals also recommend Pavaj as one of the top restaurants in the city. Pavaj is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

Another of the most recommended restaurants in Plovdiv is Rahat Tepe. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 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 Club Fargo. This bar is considered one of the best in Plovdiv and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 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!

On day 5 of your luxury holiday, you’ll get the opportunity to experience the spectacular city of Plovdiv. You’ll stay in Plovdiv for 1 night, 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 Plovdiv to the fullest.

Today you will have the opportunity to visit multiple popular travel destinations in Plovdiv. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,228 visitors.

When you’re finished at Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis, make a stop at the wonderful Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This incredible attraction is a must-see tourist destination, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,047 visitors.

Next up, make your way to one of the best places to see according to travelers in Plovdiv, the extraordinary Singing Fountains. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,815 visitors.

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

Treat yourself to an overnight stay at the wonderful Philippopolis Hotel, a highly recommended 3-star hotel in the city. This hotel has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 182 guests and guarantees you a pleasant break from your self-drive luxury vacation.

Another excellent luxury accommodation alternative in Plovdiv is the fantastic Capital City Center. This 4-star apartment is the ultimate place to lay back and treat yourself to some well-deserved downtime after a busy day exploring. Capital City Center is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 859 guests.

Alternatively, check in at the outstanding Hotel Residence City Garden. This 5-star hotel is warmly recommended by previous guest and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 608 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 Plovdiv.

We recommend you eat at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like the fantastic Hemingway Restaurant. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 customers.

Alternatively, check out the menu at r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik". Considered one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv, it has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 customers.

If you’re curious about more of the best restaurants in Plovdiv, PASA Restaurant is one to check out. PASA Restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 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 Plovdiv.

Many locals go to Rock Bar Download to have a good time. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option in the city is Bar The Post. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 customers.

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

Get ready for day 6 of your luxury vacation in Bulgaria. On this day of your exciting road trip holiday, you will have the most wonderful time discovering Burgas and Nesebar. 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 Burgas, the incredible The Clock. This popular attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,624 visitors.

Today we also recommend you visit the amazing The Sea Garden, an outstanding park in Burgas. Around 34,044 travelers have rated this attraction an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in Burgas is the astonishing Sand Fest Burgas. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 5,699 reviews.

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 Burgas.

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

Make your way to the incredible Sunny Beach for some unforgettable sightseeing in Nesebar. This popular attraction is a town and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,756 visitors.

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 7 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 Balchik. You’ll stay in Veliko Tarnovo 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 Monument of the Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship. This park and travel destination has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,340 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 Balchik.

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

Another unforgettable travel destination you’ll want to pay a visit in Balchik is the outstanding Balchik Botanic Garden. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,288 visitors, this remarkable park 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 Veliko Tarnovo.

After a long day of experiencing some of the most fantastic attractions and sights in Bulgaria, 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’re keen on trying something else, locals also recommend Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One") as one of the top restaurants in the city. Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One") is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,818 customers.

Another of the most recommended restaurants in Veliko Tarnovo is Restaurant Ego 1. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,561 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 Bianko. This bar is considered one of the best in Veliko Tarnovo and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,466 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Lino Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

Alternatively, go to Tequila Bar Funky Monkey. This is one of the most frequently recommended bars by locals in Veliko Tarnovo and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 493 reviews.

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!

Get ready for day 8 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 Gabrovo. You’ll stay in Sofia 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 must-see tourist destination in Veliko Tarnovo. Around 11,511 travelers have rated this attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in Veliko Tarnovo is the astonishing Park "Sveta Gora". This attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,681 reviews.

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 Gabrovo.

Make your way to the incredible Ethno village Etar for some unforgettable sightseeing in Gabrovo. This popular attraction is a museum and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,625 visitors.

Today you’ll check in at one of the most exclusive hotels in the city of Sofia. Luxury hotels in Sofia 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 Sofia.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in Sofia, Taj Mahal Restaurant. This restaurant offers a fantastic menu and impeccable service, deserving of its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,423 reviews.

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 Sofia's nightlife.

Often recommended by locals, this bar is an excellent place to check out tonight.

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.

Today is the last day of your 9-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 Sofia 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 Holy Trinity Park. This extraordinary park and attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,629 reviews, and is an excellent choice for your last sightseeing in Sofia.

Don’t end your vacation hungry.

You will then say farewell to Sofia 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!