One-Week Bulgaria Road Trip from Burgas traveling west to Plovdiv, Sofia, and Lovech

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. 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 in Burgas. 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.

Don't forget to book a table at Happy Bar & Grill, a well-known eatery in Burgas. This popular restaurant and its sumptuous cuisine have won the hearts of food lovers. Its commitment to a delicious menu is evident in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 6,335 satisfied guests.

Ensure you visit Happy Bar & Grill while exploring Burgas. This popular restaurant offers a delicious menu, distinguished with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 5,139 discerning guests.

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Romance Pub & Pizza, a popular restaurant in Burgas. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 2,070 discerning diners.

Papa Beer - Craft Beer Bar is one of our top recommendations. 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 that locals recommend, like Caribe. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

Ti Bar & Kitchen - ресторант и бар в Бургас is another top-rated bar in the city of Burgas. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 835 customers.

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

On day 2 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 Burgas and Plovdiv. In the evening, you’ll end up in Plovdiv, where you will stay for 2 nights.

When you're ready to see some sights, Boris's Garden (Borisova Gradina) is a great place to start with. This park is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,195 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Chengene Skele Culture and Tourist Complex. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 741 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Museum of Aviation. The aviation museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,213 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Парк "Минерални бани". This park is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,653 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Plovdiv. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 21 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Plovdiv, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Have a delightful culinary experience when you dine at Айлякрия / Aylyakria Restaurant. Favored by many foreign travelers and locals, this restaurant in Plovdiv boasts a carefully curated and enticing menu. Its delectable dishes have earned it an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 1,229 visitors.

Another dining spot you shouldn’t miss while in Plovdiv is Happy Bar & Grill Novotel. It has garnered a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,350 diners thanks to its impeccable menu options and flavors.

Experience a celebration of flavors when you dine in at Torro Grande / Торро Гранде, in Plovdiv. Its delightful menu and flavorful dishes have earned it a stellar rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,651 satisfied customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in Plovdiv. Rahat Tepe is a popular option, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

Continue your evening at Club Fargo. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,132 customers.

Котка и Мишка, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar is another place you could check out tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

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

Wake up to day 3 of your extraordinary road trip in Bulgaria. With 1 night left in Plovdiv, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Asen's Fortress. This fortress is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,063 visitors.

After soaking in Asenovgrad’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Plovdiv. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 41 min. When you arrive in Plovdiv, it's time to take a break from the road.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Plovdiv.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Plovdiv.

Make a reservation at Pavaj, a popular dining spot in Plovdiv. Its reputation for being a popular dining spot shines through its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 3,861 satisfied diners.

Make a reservation at Restaurant SOUTH breeze while indulging in the charm of Plovdiv. This restaurant offers a delicious menu reflected with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, cherished by 3,322 discerning connoisseurs.

Indulge in the flavors of Hemingway Restaurant, a treasured establishment in Plovdiv. Its diverse menu promises to tantalize your palate and elevate your dining experience. Known for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 2,363 satisfied guests.

When you’ve finished your meal and an after-dinner drink sounds enticing, visit Rock Bar Download, one of the best bars in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 845 customers, and is the perfect complement to your refreshing weekend getaway experience in Bulgaria.

If you would like to try another place, Но сенс клуб is another great option that serves a variety of drinks. Considered one of the most popular bars in Plovdiv, this bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 984 customers.

Bar The Post is also a great bar where you can have nice chats with locals and fellow travelers in the area. Bar The Post has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 425 customers.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Plovdiv and Sofia. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Sofia, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Make Singing Fountains your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,362 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,346 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this park every year.

Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,705 visitors.

When you’re finished at Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis, the perfect next stop is Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 17,603 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Youth Hill. This park is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,014 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Sofia, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Plovdiv to Sofia may take around 1 hour 45 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant, an iconic dining spot in Sofia. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Its dedication to culinary innovation is evident in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 4,010 satisfied guests.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy culinary excellence at Restaurant "Staria Chinar" while in Sofia. This renowned dining destination showcases an exquisite menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, treasured by 2,717 previous guests.

Delight in the culinary creations of Art Club Museum, a favorite in Sofia. Its innovative menu offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a reputation for excellence, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 2,570 discerning guests.

Locals recommend going for a drink at Bar Friday. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

Another popular bar you could swing by after dinner is The Cocktail Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

One More Bar also makes the list of popular bars you could visit tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers.

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

On day 5 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

One of the most unique ways of discovering what else Sofia has to offer is by going on a top-rated tour. Be sure to check out all the experiences Sofia offers and add your favorites to your Bulgaria travel package below.

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

Make a reservation at The Wrong Bar, a popular dining spot in Sofia. Its reputation for being a popular dining spot shines through its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 1,293 satisfied diners.

Make a reservation at Taj Mahal Restaurant while indulging in the charm of Sofia. This restaurant offers a delicious menu reflected with a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, cherished by 1,423 discerning connoisseurs.

Indulge in the flavors of Luciano, a treasured establishment in Sofia. Its diverse menu promises to tantalize your palate and elevate your dining experience. Known for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,291 satisfied guests.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Halbite Beer Hall, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Lime Cafe & Cocktails. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,223 customers.

5 Corners Pub is another top-rated bar where you can spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,463 customers.

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

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Sofia and Lovech, 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 Lovech. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This church is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,648 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Park "Zaimov". This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,209 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Borisova Gradina Park. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 27,346 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Eagles' Bridge. This stone bridge is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,196 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Ivan Vazov National Theater. This point of interest is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,760 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Sofia, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Lovech. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 15 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Lovech. 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.

Book a table at Ачевата механа, a famous dining establishment in Lovech. This culinary hotspot and its appetizing cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation for food excellence is reflected in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 1,337 satisfied diners.

Another dining place you should visit in Lovech is Drakata, which boasts a variety of tasteful dishes that cater to different palates. It has earned a commendable 4.5 out of 5 stars, demonstrating the positive feedback from 1,743 satisfied customers.

Locals and visitors alike recommend Lovech’s Tavern Varosha for the delightful dining experience it gives. The establishment has garnered positive reviews for its tasty dishes, holding an admirable score of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 930 satisfied diners.

When you’ve finished your meal and an after-dinner drink sounds enticing, visit Iron Fe -26 Coffee & Friends, one of the best bars in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 661 customers, and is the perfect complement to your refreshing weekend getaway experience in Bulgaria.

If you would like to try another place, Бар КРАФТ (KRAFT Craft Beer Bar) is another great option that serves a variety of drinks. Considered one of the most popular bars in Lovech, this bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 153 customers.

Пицария "Версай" is also a great bar where you can have nice chats with locals and fellow travelers in the area. Пицария "Версай" has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 174 customers.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria, where you’ll be making 3 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Lovech, Veliko Tarnovo, and Burgas. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Burgas. Burgas will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Start your day with a visit to Covered Bridge. This extraordinary bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,683 visitors.

Veliko Tarnovo’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Lovech behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 13 min. Veliko Tarnovo welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Marno Pole Park. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,637 visitors.

Next, make your way to Park "Sveta Gora". This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,790 reviews.

While in Veliko Tarnovo, we also recommend a visit to Tsarevets Fortress. This point of interest has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,802 reviews.

After soaking in Veliko Tarnovo’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Burgas. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 46 min. When you arrive in Burgas, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Burgas, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Make sure to book a table at Neptune, a popular restaurant in Burgas. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of food lovers. Its commitment to culinary excellence is evident in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 2,122 satisfied guests.

Do not miss the opportunity to dine at Flora Bar & Grill Burgas during your stay in Burgas. This popular dining spot boasts a tantalizing menu, earning a remarkable rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, esteemed by 1,536 satisfied guests.

Savor the flavors of Incanto restaurant, a renowned dining destination in Burgas. Offering a menu that's sure to please, it has a gained 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,786 satisfied guests.

After dinner, visit Malibu and experience the nightlife in the city of Burgas. This bar is one of the best places to cap off the night and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 909 customers.

You can also hang out at Cardamon Soul Food & Drinks 🌿. This bar serves a variety of snacks and drinks and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 716 customers.

Locals recommend Bar Bossa, so definitely check it out too. Bar Bossa is a place to enjoy friendly chats with locals and fellow travelers and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 596 bar-goers.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Bulgaria and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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.

As your final day in Bulgaria unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Burgas’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Bulgaria.

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!