9-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia traveling east to Veliko Tarnovo, Kavarna, Sveti Vlas, and Plovdiv

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Sofia has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Borisova Gradina Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,952 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.

Sofia also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-day vacation in Bulgaria!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Sofia has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights 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 town of Sofia, like the extraordinary National Palace of Culture. This attraction is a convention center and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,776 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Sofia is the spectacular South Park. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,055 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Ivan Vazov National Theater. This must-see tourist destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,201 visitors.

This is a popular destination among visitors in Sofia.

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 Restaurant "Staria Chinar", 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 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

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

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 3 of your epic road trip in Bulgaria, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Sofia. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Veliko Tarnovo. You’ll stay in Veliko Tarnovo for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Sofia’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Sofia, start your day with a visit to the amazing St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This much-appreciated church and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,076 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Knyazheska Garden. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,458 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Eagles' Bridge to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Eagles' Bridge is a stone bridge that has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,677 visitors.

The lovely Park "Geo Milev" is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 9,902 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.5 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 Druzhba Park. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,323 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Sofia has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Veliko Tarnovo. Veliko Tarnovo 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 VkusoteriA. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 993 reviews.

The remarkable Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One") is another top restaurant in Veliko Tarnovo we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,818 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Restaurant Ego 1 is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,561 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Veliko Tarnovo, the fantastic Bianko. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,466 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Lino Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Tequila Bar Funky Monkey. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 493 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Veliko Tarnovo and embark on a scenic drive to Kavarna, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Veliko Tarnovo 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 Veliko Tarnovo. 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 4,458 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Tsarevets Fortress. This attraction, a beloved top-tier point of interest, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,511 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Balchik Palace. This attraction is a palace that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 19,217 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Balchik Botanic Garden. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 15,288 reviews.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Laguna Terrace. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 175 customers.

This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation.

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!

You’ll stay in Sveti Vlas for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore today is Kaliakra. This excellent attraction is a nature reserve that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 10,175 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. 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 Retro Museum for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Varna. This popular attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,327 visitors.

This outstanding urban park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 31,686 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral in the city of Varna. This attraction, a stunning eastern orthodox cathedral, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,705 visitors.

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

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

Day 6 of your road trip through Bulgaria is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Sveti Vlas and the city of Burgas. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Sveti Vlas is the amazing Sunny Beach. This attraction is a town and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,756 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Church of Saint Sophia. This church and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,769 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Sveti Vlas 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 The Sea Garden in the city of Burgas for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 34,044 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the city of Burgas is the outstanding Sand Fest Burgas. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,699 visitors, this best-rated sightseeing destination 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 Plovdiv.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,229 customers.

Locals also recommend Pavaj as one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. Pavaj is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

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

After dinner, visit Club Fargo, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like 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.

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

On day 7 of your road trip across Bulgaria, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Plovdiv. You’ll stay in Plovdiv for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Capital City Center, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Plovdiv. This apartment has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 859 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Plovdiv is the 5-star Hotel Residence City Garden. The hotel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 608 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Plovdiv is the 3-star Philippopolis Hotel. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 182 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 Plovdiv, like the outstanding Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,228 visitors.

Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Plovdiv. This incredible attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,047 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Plovdiv is the extraordinary Singing Fountains. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,815 reviews.

Come to Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv.

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

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Hemingway Restaurant, after your day of exploring the city of Plovdiv. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 customers.

R-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik" is another of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is PASA Restaurant. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 customers.

Locals recommend Rock Bar Download, one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Plovdiv, Bar The Post. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 customers.

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

Rise and shine on day 8 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Plovdiv and embark on a scenic drive to Sofia, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Tsarska Bistritsa. This attraction is a palace that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,090 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible City Park by the river Iskar. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,123 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Plovdiv is the stunning Tsari Mali Grad. This fortress and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,546 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Rila. This attraction is an urban park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,931 visitors.

This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation.

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 9 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Sofia 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.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Sofia at Taj Mahal Restaurant before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,423 customers.

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