9-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Plovdiv to Sofia, Lovech, Shumen, 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 Youth Hill. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,980 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 Pavaj as one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

Plovdiv also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv is Torro Grande / Torro Grande. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,651 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv is Rahat Tepe. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

Locals also enjoy Club Fargo. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-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 12,192 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 15,208 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is a top-tier point of interest that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,478 visitors.

The lovely Old Town of Plovdiv is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,234 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.8 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 Nebet Tepe. This attraction is a hill rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,908 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 Vodenitzata is another top restaurant in Sofia we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,223 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Restaurant "Staria Chinar" is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Sofia, the fantastic The School. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,988 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Bar Friday. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is The Cocktail Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 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 Plus Bristol Hotel, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Sofia. This hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 4,440 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 Calipso Hotel. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 998 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 Druzhba Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,441 visitors.

Park "Geo Milev" is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Sofia. This incredible attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,260 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Sofia is the extraordinary Sofia Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 14,742 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible South Park. Around 30,616 visitors have given this park an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic National Palace of Culture. National Palace of Culture is a popular convention center, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,244 travelers.

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 Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant, after your day of exploring the city of Sofia. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,625 customers.

Art Club Museum is another of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,570 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia is Merak. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,328 customers.

Locals recommend One More Bar, 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 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Sofia, Halbite Beer Hall. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

The Corner is also one of the best bars in the city of Sofia. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,874 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 Borisova Gradina Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 27,212 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Sofia is the spectacular Eagles' Bridge. This attraction is a stone bridge and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,102 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Knyazheska Garden. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,658 visitors.

Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This church is a popular destination among visitors in Sofia. Rated at an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,964 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Ivan Vazov National Theater. Ivan Vazov National Theater is a top-tier point of interest and popular attraction in Sofia. More than 9,666 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.8 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 Garden restaurant Yoli, 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 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,745 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Sofia is the popular Hasienda Restaurant. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,469 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Sofia is Taj Mahal Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,423 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Bar & Dinner Relax 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 1,554 customers.

The Wrong Bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Sofia. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,293 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Sofia is Face bar & dinner. Face bar & dinner has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,437 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 St. Nedelya Church. This attraction is a church that is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,501 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible church, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,337 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Sofia is the outstanding Park "Zaimov". This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,115 visitors.

The spectacular Holy Trinity Park is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating park and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,720 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic North Park. This attraction is a popular park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,772 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 Shumen, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Lovech 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 Marno Pole Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,606 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Ascension. This attraction, a beloved church, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 218 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Lovech is the stunning Tsarevets Fortress. This top-tier point of interest and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,718 visitors.

Next, you could make your way to the best-rated must-see tourist destination in Lovech. The popular Trapezitsa Fortress is a great place to visit on this day of your road trip adventure. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,161 visitors, it’s one of the most popular places to see in the city.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Barbarossa Beach Club. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,743 customers.

Locals also recommend Primo Bar & Grill, another of the best restaurants in Shumen. Primo Bar & Grill is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,308 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Vienna garden. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,079 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit BACARDI CLUB to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Shumen, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,210 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Zino Club. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Zino Club has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 646 customers.

SPORTEN BAR I GRIL "REFERITE" 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 285 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!

Rise and shine on day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Shumen and embark on a scenic drive to Burgas, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Shumen and Nesebar 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 Shumen. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Sea Garden. This attraction is an urban park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 32,141 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral. This attraction, a beloved eastern orthodox cathedral, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,920 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Varna 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 Nesebar has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Sunny Beach. This attraction is a town that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,801 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Church of Saint Sophia. This church and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,816 reviews.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Nesebar, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Burgas. When you arrive in Burgas 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 Happy Bar & Grill. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,335 customers.

Locals also recommend Romance Pub & Pizza, another of the best restaurants in Burgas. Romance Pub & Pizza is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,070 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Ten'ova k'shcha. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,985 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Papa Beer - Craft Beer Bar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Burgas, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 981 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Happy Bar & Grill. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Happy Bar & Grill has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,139 customers.

GOTi - Family & Kitchen is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,786 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!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 8 of your epic road trip in Bulgaria, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Burgas. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Plovdiv. You’ll stay in Plovdiv for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Burgas’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Burgas, start your day with a visit to the amazing The Clock. This much-appreciated best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,731 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating The Sea Garden. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 34,514 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Burgas has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Plovdiv. Plovdiv 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 Restaurant SOUTH breeze. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 3,322 reviews.

The remarkable Hemingway Restaurant is another top restaurant in Plovdiv we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik" is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Plovdiv, the fantastic 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.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Rock Bar Download. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is No sens klub. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 984 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

Day 9 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 4,386 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 PASA Restaurant before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restaurant Rio for your last chance at a meal in the city of Plovdiv. The Restaurant Rio restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,069 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Le Petit Paris. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,036 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!