Top 4 Itineraries in Varna

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Varna.

If you only have a few days, Varna weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Varna offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Varna are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Varna’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Varna offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Bulgaria's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

For sun seekers, beach vacations in Varna offer the perfect escape. Whether 5, 7 or 10 days, spend them unwinding on sandy shores, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the coastal beauty.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Varna truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Varna belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Varna are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Varna and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Varna itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Varna for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 4 itineraries will help you experience the best of Varna without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Varna!

A scenic 8-day road trip through Varna, Veliko T'rnovo, Samokov, Plovdiv, and Sofiya is one of the best ways to experience Bulgaria. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 8-day itinerary means that Varna can easily be combined with other top destinations in Bulgaria without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Varna, Veliko T'rnovo, Samokov, Plovdiv, and Sofiya by public transport, renting a car in Bulgaria opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 8 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Varna

• Arrival city: Varna, Veliko T'rnovo, Samokov, Plovdiv, and Sofiya
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Varna, e.g., Continental Hotel

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Varna. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Varna

• Destinations: Varna
• Driving distance: 12.63 km, approx. 50 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Varna, e.g., Continental Hotel
• Sightseeing: Retro Museum, Sea Garden, Dolphinarium Varna, Varna Zoo, and Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Retro Museum, Sea Garden, Dolphinarium Varna, Varna Zoo, and Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Varna, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Veliko T'rnovo

• Destinations: Veliko T'rnovo
• Driving distance: 227.14 km, approx. 3 hours and 21 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, e.g., Tarnovgrad Apartments - Free parking
• Sightseeing: Monument of Mother Bulgaria, Tsarevets Fortress, Monument to the Assen Dynasty, Marno Pole Park, and Trapezitsa Fortress
• Recommended tour: ATV/BUGGY tour around Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi

Spend the day exploring Monument of Mother Bulgaria, Tsarevets Fortress, Monument to the Assen Dynasty, Marno Pole Park, and Trapezitsa Fortress. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Veliko Tarnovo.

Day 4: Experience Plovdiv

• Destinations: Plovdiv
• Driving distance: 204.42 km, approx. 3 hours and 15 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Plovdiv, e.g., Hotel Jagerhof
• Sightseeing: Old Town of Plovdiv, “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park, Singing Fountain, Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, and Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
• Recommended tour: Plovdiv Guided Walking Tour

Continue your journey through Plovdiv, where you can explore Old Town of Plovdiv, “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park, Singing Fountain, Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, and Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Plovdiv.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Samokov, Borovets, and Dupnitsa

• Destinations: Samokov, Borovets, and Dupnitsa
• Driving distance: 273.35 km, approx. 4 hours and 47 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Sofia, e.g., Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia
• Sightseeing: City Park by the river Iskar, Bistritsa Waterfall, Tsarska Bistritsa, and Dvorets " Tsarska Bistrica " vhod
• Recommended tour: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Shuttle Day Tour

Drive through Samokov, Borovets, and Dupnitsa, stopping to visit City Park by the river Iskar, Bistritsa Waterfall, Tsarska Bistritsa, and Dvorets " Tsarska Bistrica " vhod. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Sofia.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Sofiya

• Destinations: Sofiya
• Driving distance: 16.74 km, approx. 1 hour and 4 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Sofia, e.g., Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia
• Sightseeing: Borisova Gradina Park, South Park, Eagles' Bridge, Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, and National Palace of Culture (NPC)
• Recommended tour: Communist Walking Tour of Sofia

Spend time discovering Borisova Gradina Park, South Park, Eagles' Bridge, Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, and National Palace of Culture (NPC), with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Samokov

• Destinations: Samokov
• Driving distance: 558.09 km, approx. 7 hours and 19 seconds
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Varna, e.g., Continental Hotel
• Sightseeing: Samokov Convent "Pokrov", “The Nativity of the Virgin” (Beliova Church), and park "Lago"

Explore Samokov Convent "Pokrov", “The Nativity of the Virgin” (Beliova Church), and park "Lago" at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Varna.

Day 8: Bid Farewell to Varna

• Departure city: Варна
• Driving distance: 206 metres, approx. 2 minutes
• Sightseeing: Archaeological Museum Varna

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Varna. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 542 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Varna.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Varna for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Varna with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Varna and Varna's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Varna without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Varna

Arrive in Varna and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Staria Chinar Restaurant is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Varna's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Varna by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Sea Garden, Dolphinarium Varna, Varna Zoo, Terrarium Varna, and Detski kat Varna.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Varna. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Varna in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Varna

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Roman Thermae Varna, Art Gallery Boris Georgiev, Public Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium ”Nicolaus Copernicus”, Casino Black Sea, and Church "Saint Athanasius" are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Varna.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Varna. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Bulgaria!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Varna

Spend your last few hours in Varna soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Varna in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Varna, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Varna travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 13-day beach vacation in Varna offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and relaxation.

Highlights of the best beach vacation itinerary in Varna:

• Beaches: Spend your days at Rappongi beach, Plyazh Zolotyye Peski, and Plyazh Kabacum.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay close to the beach at places like Continental Hotel for easy access to nearby dining and activities.
• Beach activities: Dive into beachside fun with options like sup-surfing, sup-surfing, and sup-surfing, and more.
• Dining experiences: Savor the flavors of the coast at Staria Chinar Restaurant, Pizza Selena, and Three Dolphins, and other nearby dining spots.
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music and late-night entertainment at bars like Rock Bar Download, Grijn bar, and ECO-Bar By Michael, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Explore Sea Garden, Dolphinarium Varna, Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, Retro Museum, Varna Zoo, Detski kat Varna, Aladzha Monastery, and Asparuhov park, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 13-day beach vacation itinerary in Varna, you can fully unwind, knowing your time is optimized for some of the best local beaches and daily activities.

Day 1: Begin Your Beach Escape in Varna

Arrive in Varna, settle into your hotel, and take in the sea breeze as you prepare for 13 days of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Rappongi beach or explore the attractions near your accommodation as you settle in Varna.

Day 2: Relax at a Top Local Beach

Enjoy a day under the sun at Plyazh Zolotyye Peski, a top beach in Varna. In the afternoon, make sure to visit Dolphinarium Varna and Varna Zoo for an exploration of local attractions. As evening approaches, head to one of the best restaurants in the area to taste the freshest local dishes.

Day 3: Embark on a Sailing Adventure

Start your day with one of the best sailing adventures in Varna, where you'll explore hidden coves and beautiful bays. After a day on the water, take a peaceful sunset stroll along the beach, or enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Ride the Waves with Thrilling Water Sports

Enjoy a fun-filled day of water sports at Varna beach. Alternatively, try out popular activities in Varna to add some adventure to your day. End the evening with a meal at a local restaurant and soak up the unique atmosphere.

Day 5: Relax at a Local Beach

Start your day by lounging by the crystal-clear waters of Plyazh Sahara, one of the best beaches in Varna. Add a cultural twist to your beach trip in the afternoon by choosing from a wide selection of cultural tours in Varna.

Day 6: Explore the Local Scene

Spend a sun-filled day at Plyazh Asparuhovo. In the afternoon, explore the local scene by visiting Retro Museum and Park Museum „Vladislav Varnenchik“. As the day winds down, enjoy a meal and a refreshing drink while admiring the beautiful views.

Day 7: Unwind by the Beach

Relax and rejuvenate with a beach day at Riviera beach. Bring a book, lounge under an umbrella, and enjoy the day at Dendrologichen marshrut - priroden park Zlatni pyasatsi and Aladzha Monastery, with a refreshing drink in hand. As evening falls, enjoy a beachside dinner.

Day 8: Discover Local Culture and Sunset Views

Soak up the sun at Plyazh Kabacum II. In the afternoon, dive into the local culture with visits to Museum Of Mosaics and Pobitite Kamani Rock Formations (Stone Forest). As the sun sets, have a picnic on the beach and create some amazing memories.

Day 9: Savor Local Flavors

Enjoy a relaxing day at Officers' beach. If you want to take your day to the next level and indulge in the local foods and drinks, by joining one of the available popular food and drink experiences in Varna.

Day 10: Embrace Beach Serenity

Spend the day enjoying the inviting waters of Plyazh Tiliya. Enjoy the beach’s peaceful vibe and go out for a refreshing swim or a visit to Archaeological Museum Varna, Art Gallery Boris Georgiev, and Casino Black Sea for a bit of activity. Cap off the evening with a sunset dinner on the shore or a trip to a local bar.

Day 11: Engage in Water Adventures

Spend an exciting day at Treta Buna, where water sports await to fill your day with fun. Dive into an adventure by exploring nearby attractions like Roman Thermae Varna, Public Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium ”Nicolaus Copernicus”, and Church "Saint Athanasius", making the most of your beach experience.

Day 12: Recharge with a Blend of Beach Relaxation and Cultural Exploration

Unwind and refresh with a relaxing day at Trakata beach. If you're looking for a change of scenery, you can also explore University Botanical Garden Ecopark Varna, Monastery "Saints Constantine and Helena", and Evksinograd Palace. As the day comes to a close, indulge in a delicious dinner by the beach.

Day 13: Say Farewell to Varna

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely morning exploring any missed highlights in Varna. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, grab a coffee at a beachfront café, and savor one last view of the sea before you say goodbye. Then, choose from many convenient transfers in Varna to make your departure easier.

For more beach vacation ideas, explore all beach vacations in Varna. Whether you're seeking a brief escape or an extended stay by the sea, these trips offer pre-planned, customizable itineraries, making it simple to enjoy the best of Varna's coastline.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Varna offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Varna itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Varna weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Varna

Arrive in Varna around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Detski kat Varna, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Varna’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Varna with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Roman Thermae Varna early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Dolphinarium Varna, stopping by Sea Garden for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Varna and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Depart from Varna

Make the most of your last few hours in Varna before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Varna. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Varna itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Varna, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Varna for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Varna in a way that feels truly unforgettable!