One-Week Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Burgas to Stara Zagora, Gabrovo, Shumen, and Varna and surrounding area

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Explore the best of Bulgaria on a 8-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Burgas, Ravadinovo, Sozopol, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv, Gabrovo, Boicheta, Dolni Varpishta, Veliko Tarnovo, Shumen, Varna, Obzor, and Nessebar. This road trip itinerary in Bulgaria seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Bulgaria takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Burgas, 1 night in Stara Zagora, 1 night in Gabrovo, 1 night in Shumen, and 2 nights in Varna. 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 Burgas, 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 Balchik Palace, learn more about the unique Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of “tsar Simeon Garden” Park.

As you hit the open road and drive through Burgas, Ravadinovo, Sozopol, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv, Gabrovo, Boicheta, Dolni Varpishta, Veliko Tarnovo, Shumen, Varna, Obzor, 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!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Itinerary summary

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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
The Sea Garden
Boris's garden (Borisova gradina)Castle of RavadinovoHarmanite BeachНос Агалина
Ancient Theatre of PhilippopolisAncient Stadium of PhilipopolisTsar Simeon GardenSinging FountainsYouth Hill
Ethno village EtarDryanovo monastery "St Archangel MichaelTsarevets FortressPark "Sveta Gora
AlbenaBalchik Dvoretsa Palace and ParkBalchik Botanic GardenKaliakra
Dolphinarium VarnaSea GardenDormition of the Theotokos CathedralRetro Museum
Парк ОбзорSunny BeachAncient TheatreChurch of Saint SophiaArchaeological Museum
The Clock

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Burgas - Arrival day
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  • The Sea Garden
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Welcome to Burgas, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Bulgaria! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Burgas's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Burgas 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 The 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.

Find your way to your hotel in Burgas. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Bulgaria. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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 Burgas, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Savor the flavors at ROMANCE Pizzeria Speciale, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Hotel Bulgaria Burgas beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Mladost Cafe & Patisserie. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Burgas tonight.

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.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Bulgaria!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Burgas
  • Stara Zagora
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Drive 254 km, 3 hours 11 min

  • Boris's garden (Borisova gradina)
  • Castle of Ravadinovo
  • Harmanite Beach
  • Нос Агалина
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Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore Burgas, Ravadinovo, and Sozopol, 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 Stara Zagora. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Burgas, featuring fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. Start at Boris's Garden (borisova Gradina), a curiosity-inducing park in the city. Then, head to Castle Of Ravadinovo and soak in the ambiance of this romantic castle.

There are many interesting places to see in Burgas, and when you are ready for more, go to Harmanite Beach. This is one of the city’s most up-and-coming romantic spots of interest. After exploring the beach, visit the increasingly popular Cape Agalina.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Stara Zagora. Stara Zagora offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Stara Zagora's best restaurants.

Have a fantastic dining experience at The Fat Chef, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, At The Admiral offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Restaurant Uniqato is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Stara Zagora.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Beer Kolobars Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Brothers' Cafe. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Hello Cafe, another top-rated place in the area.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Stara Zagora
  • Gabrovo
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Drive 244 km, 4 hours 18 min

  • Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
  • Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
  • Tsar Simeon Garden
  • Singing Fountains
  • Youth Hill
  • More

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Plovdiv. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Gabrovo, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Stara Zagora, including an archeological site, a park, and an art installation. Start your adventure at Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis. This well-known archeological site is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis located in Stara Zagora for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of “tsar Simeon Garden” Park. Its serene features will captivate you. After the park, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Singing Fountain. Visitors usually appreciate the gorgeous features of this art installation. Next up is Youth Hill, a highly recommended park.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Gabrovo, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Gabrovo. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Soprano Restaurant & Live Music Club, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Strannopriemnitsa beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Vanilla coffee&food. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Gabrovo tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Moda Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Zahir - Bar & Dinner offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Gabrovo. Cafe Music Bar And Dinner "fashion" is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Gabrovo
  • Shumen
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Drive 208 km, 3 hours 16 min

  • Ethno village Etar
  • Dryanovo monastery "St Archangel Michael
  • Tsarevets Fortress
  • Park "Sveta Gora
  • More

On day 4 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 Boicheta, Dolni Varpishta, and Veliko Tarnovo. In the evening, you’ll end up in Shumen, where you will stay for 1 night.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Gabrovo today. One of the most popular attractions included on the itinerary is Ethno Village Etar. This picture-perfect museum will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Dryanovo Monastery "st. Archangel Michael" and learn what makes this historic monastery unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the notable Tsarevets Fortress. After exploring the castle, head to Park "sveta Gora". This worthwhile park is a highlight in Gabrovo.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Shumen. 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 Shumen. 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 wonderful meal at Mehana "Hitar Petar", a top-rated dining spot in Shumen. If you're in the mood for something new, try Tavern Oreha, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Primo Bar & Grill. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Shumen.

Continue your lively evening at Lavazza Coffee And Cocktails Club, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Zino Club is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Arizona Lounge ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Shumen
  • Varna
  • More

Drive 245 km, 3 hours 40 min

  • Albena
  • Balchik Dvoretsa Palace and Park
  • Balchik Botanic Garden
  • Kaliakra
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Balchik and Kavarna. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Varna. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Shumen allows for both. Start by heading to Albena. This often recommended beach provides an insightful glimpse into the region's identity. Next, discover Balchik Palace, an awe-inspiring palace, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Balchik Botanic Garden, a popular botanical garden. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the locally renowned Kaliakra.

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 explore more of Varna, 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 delicious meal at Staria Chinar Restaurant, a highly-rated dining destination in Varna. If you're eager to try something different, consider Pizza Selena, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Three Dolphins. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent 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, Vogue Cafe Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Cuba Beach Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Bar Punta Cana is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Varna
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Drive 12 km, 46 min

  • Dolphinarium Varna
  • Sea Garden
  • Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral
  • Retro Museum
  • More

On day 6 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Varna. You’ll stay in Varna for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Varna today. One of the most increasingly popular attractions included on the itinerary is Dolphinarium Varna. This eye-catching aquarium will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Sea Garden and learn what makes this mesmerizing park unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the often recommended Dormition Of The Theotokos Cathedral. After exploring the church, head to Retro Museum. This beloved museum is a highlight in Varna.

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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Varna's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at di Wine, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? 100 Pizzas offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Morska terasa. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Varna.

Keep the evening going at Muffin Bar & Coffee, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Bar Hey, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Deja Vu, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Varna
  • Burgas
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Drive 142 km, 2 hours 47 min

  • Парк Обзор
  • Sunny Beach
  • Ancient Theatre
  • Church of Saint Sophia
  • Archaeological Museum
  • More

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

Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, natural wonders, and scenic views. Start at the locally appreciated Park Obzor, a picturesque park in Varna. Next, go to Sunny Beach.

After visiting Park Obzor and Sunny Beach, have a stroll along Varna's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Ancient Theatre. This picture-perfect archeological site offers a unique experience. Church Of Saint Sophia is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Nesebar Archaeological Museum, one of the most instagrammable places to visit in Varna.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Burgas, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Burgas. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Dine in style at Chiplakov, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Ten'ova kashta boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Neptune. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Burgas.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Bar Bossa, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Malibu provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Saxa Beach offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Head back to your accommodation in Burgas and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Burgas - Departure day
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  • The Clock
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Day 8 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Burgas 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 The Clock. This increasingly popular monument is a popular place to see in the city.

On your last day in Bulgaria, take time to indulge in shopping at Burgas’s popular marketplace, Burgas Plaza. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

Before you conclude your road trip in Bulgaria, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Burgas.

You’ll then say farewell to Burgas. 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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