A Road Trip Itinerary To Bulgaria for First-Time Visitors

This 10-day itinerary is designed to give first-time travelers a taste of all that Bulgaria has to offer, starting with a visit to the capital city of Sofia and continuing to other popular destinations such as Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit various cultural and historical sites, enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine, and relax on the beach. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or outdoor adventure, this itinerary has something for everyone.

A tour at a glance

Tour Price

Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Sofia

Upon arriving in Sofia, meet your private guide, who will escort you to your hotel. Take some time to explore this capital city. Visit popular attractions in Bulgaria, such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Boyana Church, and the National Archaeological Museum. In the evening, grab dinner at one of Sofia's many restaurants, which serve a range of cuisines, including Bulgarian, Mediterranean, and Eastern European.

Day 2: Sofia toKopivshtitsa

Make the short drive to Koprivshtitsa, a small town in the Sredna Gora mountain range. The town is known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Spend the evening exploring Koprivshtitsa's charming streets. Spend the evening exploring Koprivshtitsa's charming streets and visiting some of the town's museums and cultural centers.

Day 3:Kopivshtitsa to Plovdiv

In the morning, make your way to Plovdiv (a one-hour and thirty-minute drive), Bulgaria's second-largest city cultural hub. Plovdiv is home to a mix of ancient Roman and Bulgarian architecture. Spend the day exploring the Old Town and its many museums, galleries, and churches. Visit the Roman amphitheater, one of the best-preserved in the world. Check out the childrens railway for a ride up another of the citys hills. Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian dinner at one of Plovdiv's restaurants in the evening, which often features live music and folk dancing. Then, return to your hotel. 

Day 4: Journey toStara Zagora

Hop on an hours drive to Stara Zagora, and en route, visit the hourglass-shaped history museum. Upon arrival, enjoy a walk on the ancient stones of Augusta Trajan Roman theater, and then head to the Zagorka Brewery Museum. Return to your hotel for dinner. and visiting some of the town's museums and cultural centers, such as the Archaeological Museum of Stara Zagora, to see some of the region's oldest and most important artifacts.

Explore the town's main square in the evening before entering your luxury hotel for dinner. 

Day 5: Stara Zagora to Nessebar

Start the day with a visit to the Stara Zagora Panoramic Tower, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. After visiting the tower, head to the town of Nessebar, located on the Black Sea coast.

Nessebar is a popular vacation spot known for its beautiful beaches and charming old town. Spend the afternoon exploring the town's narrow streets and visiting some local museums and churches. Enjoy a sunset walk along the beach in the evening and try some of the local seafood at one of the restaurants.

Day 6:Nessebar Shumen

Start the day with a visit to the Nessebar Archaeological Museum and make a short drive to the town of Shumen, located in the eastern part of the country. In the afternoon, visit the Shumen Fortress, a well-preserved medieval castle that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a hang gliding adventure before returning to the hotel.

Day 7:Veliko Tarnovo

Journey two hours to visit the Tsarevets Fortress, a well-preserved medieval castle that was once the seat of the Bulgarian monarchy. Explore the town's charming streets and try some local cuisine at one of the restaurants for lunch. Return to your hotel. 

Day 8:Veliko Tarnovo toGlozhene Monastery

Start the day with a visit to Samovodska Charshiya, then travel to Glozhene Monastery, a two-hour journey from Veliko Tarnovo. This 700-years old monastery offers beautiful panoramic views. Spend the afternoon exploring the monastery and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Return to Veliko hotel for dinner. 

Day 9: Veliko Tarnovo to Kazanlak

After breakfast, journey to the nearby Thracian Valley, Kazanlak,  home to the Kazanlak Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved frescoes. The town is also home to the Kazanlak Thracian Tomb Museum, which showcases some of the region's oldest and most important artifacts. Enjoy a lavish dinner before heading back to your hotel. 

Day 10: Departure

Your private guide will drive you to the airport to ensure a safe departure. Fly back home with the most unforgettable memories of Bulgaria.  

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