We love —
- Discovering the timeless charm of UNESCO-listed Nessebar, where ancient churches and cobbled streets overlook the sparkling Black Sea.
- Exploring the colourful streets of Plovdiv, from its magnificent Roman Amphitheatre to the creative cafés and artisan studios of Kapana.
- Admiring the grandeur of Sofia's Alexander Nevsky Cathedral before wandering elegant boulevards and historic squares steeped in culture.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected for our members by our experts
Bulgaria is a country worth discovering. I’ve put together this self-drive itinerary so you can experience it at your own pace, from the Black Sea beaches to the medieval heights of Veliko Tarnovo, via the fragrant Valley of Roses and the bohemian vibe of Plovdiv. Five cities, four UNESCO sites, and a diversity that surprises you at every turn.
Your itinerary in brief —
DURATION: 7 nights
BEST FOR: Cultural immersion
PACE: Moderate
Explore Bulgaria
Discover the many faces of Bulgaria on a captivating road trip through UNESCO World Heritage Sites, medieval towns, fragrant rose valleys and the sparkling Black Sea coast. Blending cultural treasures, spectacular landscapes and charming stays, this self-drive adventure invites you to explore the country at your own pace.
7-night itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Varna/Bourgas
- Day 2: Varna/Bourgas to Nessebar, Kazanlak and Plovdiv
- Day 3: Plovdiv
- Day 4: Plovdiv to Sofia
- Day 5: Sofia
- Day 6: Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo
- Day 7: Veliko Tarnovo to Varna/Bourgas
- Day 8: Departure from Varna/Bourgas
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
Please note that your hotels may be located inside or outside cities and towns. You may park your car inside or outside the hotels (subject to availability). Additional charges may apply on-site.
Your itinerary in detail —
7-night road trip
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN VARNA/BURGAS
Welcome to Bulgaria, where your journey begins on the sparkling shores of the Black Sea. After collecting your hire car at either Varna Airport (VAR) or Burgas Airport (BOJ), settle into your hotel before heading out to discover the city's seaside charm. Wander through the tranquil Sea Garden, stroll the lively promenade or pause at a waterfront café as you ease into the local way of life. For a deeper introduction, you may wish to join an optional private guided tour of the city.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Car hire collection from Varna Airport (VAR) or Burgas Airport (BOJ)
- Night at Hotel Cherno More 4* or Hotel Bulgaria 4*
Optional:
- Private guided city tour
DAY 2: VARNA/BURGAS → NESSEBAR → KAZANLAK → PLOVDIV
Set off along the Black Sea coast towards the UNESCO-listed town of Nessebar, where cobbled lanes, ancient churches and traditional wooden houses overlook the shimmering sea. Leaving the coast behind, continue through the fragrant Rose Valley to Kazanlak, where the remarkable Thracian Tomb and Rose Museum offer a glimpse into Bulgaria's rich heritage. By evening, arrive in the timeless city of Plovdiv, whose charming streets and layered history invite you to slow the pace and settle in.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at Grand Hotel Plovdiv 4*
DAY 3: PLOVDIV
Spend the day uncovering the many layers of Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Wander through the beautifully preserved Old Town, where colourful Revival-era mansions and cobbled streets lead to the magnificent Roman Amphitheatre. Continue into the creative Kapana district, filled with artisan boutiques and inviting cafés, or venture into the Rhodope Mountains to discover the peaceful Bachkovo Monastery, nestled among forested hills.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at Grand Hotel Plovdiv 4*
DAY 4: PLOVDIV → SOFIA
Leave Plovdiv behind and journey towards Bulgaria's vibrant capital, with opportunities to discover the country's rich heritage along the way. Pause in Karlovo to experience the traditions of the Bulgarian Revival, from artisan crafts to locally made sweets, or visit the historic town of Panagyurishte, home to the remarkable Panagyurishte Gold Treasure. Continue to Sofia, where grand boulevards, elegant architecture and centuries of history await.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at Hotel Via Serdica 4* or Hotel Abrazo 4*
DAY 5: SOFIA
Spend today discovering Sofia, a city where grand Orthodox cathedrals, Roman landmarks and elegant boulevards tell the story of Bulgaria's rich past. Admire the striking Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, stroll along vibrant Vitosha Boulevard and uncover historic treasures, from the ancient Church of St George to the beautifully preserved Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, you may choose to experience Bulgarian hospitality with an optional folklore dinner accompanied by traditional music and the mesmerising Nestinari fire dance.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Folk show & Nestinari dances with dinner in Sofia
- Night at Hotel Via Serdica 4* or Hotel Abrazo 4*
Optional:
- Private guided tour of Sofia
DAY 6: SOFIA → VELIKO TARNOVO
Leave Sofia behind and journey through the picturesque Balkan Mountains, where forested landscapes and centuries-old monasteries reveal another side of Bulgaria. Along the way, pause at the peaceful Troyan Monastery before continuing to the medieval capital of Veliko Tarnovo, dramatically perched above the Yantra River. Round off the day wandering the artisan-lined Samovodska Charshia and the charming village of Arbanassi, once home to some of Bulgaria's wealthiest merchants.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at Hotel Panorama 4*
DAY 7: VELIKO TARNOVO → VARNA/BOURGAS
After breakfast, set off towards Bulgaria's beautiful Black Sea coast, with time to uncover two remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way. Visit the extraordinary Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari, famed for its beautifully preserved carvings, before continuing to the striking Madara Rider, a monumental rock relief steeped in mystery and legend. By evening, arrive in Varna or Bourgas, and celebrate the final night of your journey with a gourmet dinner by the sea.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at Hotel Cherno More 4* or Hotel Bulgaria 4*
- 4-course dinner at restaurant in Varna
DAY 8: DEPARTURE FROM VARNA/BURGAS
After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to Bulgaria as you return your hire car at either Varna Airport (VAR) or Burgas Airport (BOJ). Enjoy a little more time by the coast or join an optional private guided tour to discover a few final highlights before your journey home. Leave with lasting memories of Bulgaria's rich heritage, welcoming cities and spectacular scenery.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Car hire drop-off at Varna Airport (VAR) or Burgas Airport (BOJ)
Optional:
- Private guided city tour
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
At each of your stops, you will be staying in thoughtfully selected hotels.
Your hotels (or similar):
- Varna: Hotel Cherno More 4*
- Burgas: Hotel Bulgaria 4*
- Plovdiv: Grand Hotel Plovdiv 4*
- Sofia: Hotel Via Serdica 4* or Hotel Abrazo 4*
- Veliko Tarnovo: Hotel Panorama 4*
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Immerse yourself in Bulgarian culture during a memorable evening of traditional hospitality. Enjoy a delicious four-course dinner accompanied by live folk music and colourful regional dances before witnessing the captivating Nestinari fire dance, an ancient ritual performed barefoot over glowing embers that blends Orthodox traditions with centuries-old pagan customs from the Strandzha Mountains.
Round off your Bulgarian adventure with an elegant dining experience at one of Varna's renowned restaurants. Savour a carefully curated four-course menu showcasing refined flavours and fresh local ingredients in a stylish setting, making for a memorable final evening on the Black Sea coast.
Optional excursions & extras —
Stay connected with an unlimited data plan
Add an unlimited mobile data plan to stay connected with complete freedom, without any risk of exceeding your allowance. Activate your eSIM and enjoy continuous connectivity wherever you go: share the internet with your loved ones, find the best places around you, use your GPS without stress and enjoy your favourite apps to the full, without worrying about your usage.
Day 1 or 8: Private guided city tour
Discover the rich history and coastal charm of Varna with a private guide. From elegant boulevards and the picturesque Sea Garden to fascinating landmarks and centuries of heritage, this personalised experience offers a deeper insight into Bulgaria's maritime capital.
Day 5: Private guided tour of Sofia
Uncover the fascinating history of Bulgaria's capital with a private guided tour of Sofia. Explore its grand boulevards, impressive Orthodox landmarks and centuries-old monuments while gaining a deeper insight into the city's rich cultural heritage.
Your journey to Bulgaria —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destination —
Bulgaria
