10-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Plovdiv to Sofia, Lovech, Veliko Tarnovo, Varna, and Burgas and surrounding area

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Plovdiv. You’ll stay in Plovdiv for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Plovdiv has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Old Town of Plovdiv. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,329 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv, Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,229 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is Happy Bar & Grill Novotel. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,350 customers.

Locals recommend Torro Grande / Torro Grande as one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,651 customers.

Plovdiv also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv is Rahat Tepe. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv is Club Fargo. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Locals also enjoy 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.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 10-day vacation in Bulgaria!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in Bulgaria, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Plovdiv. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 3 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Plovdiv’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Plovdiv, start your day with a visit to the amazing Singing Fountains. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,362 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,346 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis is a must-see tourist destination that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,705 visitors.

The lovely Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 17,603 visitors have left this best-rated sightseeing destination average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Youth Hill. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,014 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Plovdiv has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Sofia. Sofia offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,010 reviews.

The remarkable Restaurant "Staria Chinar" is another top restaurant in Sofia we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Art Club Museum is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,570 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Sofia, the fantastic Bar Friday. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful The Cocktail Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is One More Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

On day 3 of your road trip across Bulgaria, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 2 nights, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Best Western Terminus Hotel, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Sofia. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,837 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Sofia is the 5-star Sofia Hotel Balkan, a Luxury Collection Hotel. The hotel is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 4,597 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Sofia is the 3-star Leda Hotel. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,295 guests.

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

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Sofia, like the outstanding Holy Trinity Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,768 visitors.

Eagles' Bridge is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Sofia. This incredible attraction is a stone bridge and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,196 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Sofia is the extraordinary Knyazheska Garden. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,672 reviews.

Come to Sofia prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Sofia.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like The Wrong Bar, after your day of exploring the city of Sofia. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,293 customers.

Taj Mahal Restaurant is another of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,423 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia is Luciano. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,291 customers.

Locals recommend Halbite Beer Hall, one of the best bars in the city of Sofia, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Sofia, Lime Cafe & Cocktails. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,223 customers.

5 Corners Pub is also one of the best bars in the city of Sofia. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,463 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Bulgaria.

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Sofia has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Sofia by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Sofia. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Sofia, like the extraordinary South Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,763 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Sofia is the spectacular National Palace of Culture. This attraction is a convention center and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,510 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Borisova Gradina Park. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 27,346 visitors.

Park "Geo Milev" is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This park is a popular destination among visitors in Sofia. Rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,324 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Sofia Zoo. Sofia Zoo is a zoo and popular attraction in Sofia. More than 14,962 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Sofia does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Sofia on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria, be sure to eat at Mamma Mia Ltd, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,252 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Sofia is the popular Island Restaurant. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,035 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Sofia is Maraya Klasik / Maraia Classic. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,002 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, K. E. B. A. Is one of the best bars in the city of Sofia for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,055 customers.

By the Way is another of the most popular bars in the city of Sofia. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 909 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Sofia is Griyn bar. Griyn bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,037 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Sofia!

Day 5 of your road trip through Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Sofia and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Lovech. You will stay in Lovech for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Sofia is the amazing North Park. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,850 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Park "Zaimov". With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,209 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Sofia is the outstanding St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This popular church and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,648 visitors.

The spectacular Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating church and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5,034 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Ivan Vazov National Theater. This attraction is a popular top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,760 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Sofia by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Bulgaria. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Lovech, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Achevata mekhana, one of the best restaurants in the city of Lovech. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,337 customers.

Locals also recommend Drakata as one of the best restaurants in the city of Lovech. Drakata is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,743 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Lovech is Tavern Varosha. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 930 customers.

After dinner, visit Iron Fe -26 Coffee & Friends, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Lovech. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 661 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Bar KRAFT (KRAFT Craft Beer Bar). This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 153 customers.

Alternatively, Pitsariya "Versay" is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Lovech. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 174 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

Rise and shine on day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Lovech and embark on a scenic drive to Veliko Tarnovo, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Lovech and Boicheta before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Lovech. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Troyan Monastery. This attraction is a monastery that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 10,934 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Strugat and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Boicheta has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Ethno village Etar. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 14,151 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Boicheta, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Veliko Tarnovo. When you arrive in Veliko Tarnovo you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Restaurant Asenevtsi. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,457 customers.

Locals also recommend VkusoteriA, another of the best restaurants in Veliko Tarnovo. VkusoteriA is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 993 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One"). This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,818 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Bianko to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Veliko Tarnovo, with an average rating 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 is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Lino Bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

Tequila Bar Funky Monkey is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 493 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Bulgaria, and look forward to more great days to come!

Day 7 of your road trip will take you to the city of Veliko Tarnovo and the city of Madara. You’ll stay in Varna for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Veliko Tarnovo today is Monument of Mother Bulgaria. This excellent attraction is a top-tier point of interest that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,765 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Marno Pole Park, an outstanding park, in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. Around 4,637 travelers rated this attraction with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Veliko Tarnovo is Tsarevets Fortress. This amazing attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,802 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Bulgaria, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Bulgaria. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Madara Horseman for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Madara. This popular attraction is a must-see tourist destination and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,423 visitors.

This outstanding park has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,479 travelers.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Varna.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Varna, Sweet Parmy. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 645 customers.

Locals recommend Happy Bar & Grill Center (Varna) as one of the best restaurants in the city of Varna. Happy Bar & Grill Center (Varna) is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,318 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Varna is Happy Bar & Grill. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,456 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Varna, Cubo. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,527 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Beach Bar Menthol. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,430 customers.

The Garden Bar is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Varna. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,562 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria with a toast!

Day 8 of your road trip through Bulgaria is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Varna and the city of Balchik. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Varna is the amazing Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral. This attraction is an eastern orthodox cathedral and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,003 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Sea Garden. This urban park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 32,289 visitors.

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

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Bulgaria’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Bulgaria’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Balchik Palace in the city of Balchik for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a palace and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 19,545 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the town of Balchik is the outstanding Balchik Botanic Garden. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,424 visitors, this park deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Burgas.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Happy Bar & Grill, one of the best restaurants in the city of Burgas. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,335 customers.

Locals also recommend Happy Bar & Grill as one of the best restaurants in the city of Burgas. Happy Bar & Grill is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,139 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Burgas is Romance Pub & Pizza. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,070 customers.

After dinner, visit Papa Beer - Craft Beer Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Burgas. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 981 customers.

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

Alternatively, Ti Bar & Kitchen - restorant i bar v Burgas is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Burgas. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 835 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

Rise and shine on day 9 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Burgas and embark on a scenic drive to Plovdiv, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Burgas before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Burgas. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful The Sea Garden. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 34,703 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable “Bedechka” Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,214 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Stara Zagora Zoo. This zoo and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,389 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Park “Ayazmo“. This park and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,233 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Pavaj. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,861 customers.

Locals also recommend Restaurant SOUTH breeze, another of the best restaurants in Plovdiv. Restaurant SOUTH breeze is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,322 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Hemingway Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Rock Bar Download to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Plovdiv, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like No sens klub. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. No sens klub has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 984 customers.

Bar The Post is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Bulgaria, and look forward to more great days to come!

Day 10 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Plovdiv before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Alyosha Monument is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Plovdiv. This monument and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,433 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Plovdiv and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Bulgaria.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Plovdiv at r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik" before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend PASA Restaurant for your last chance at a meal in the city of Plovdiv. The PASA Restaurant restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Restaurant Rio. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,069 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Plovdiv. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Bulgaria!