8-Day Comprehensive Road Trip Across Bulgaria: From Sofia to the Black Sea

Day 1: Sofia Exploration

Sofia, Bulgaria on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Memento

Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian breakfast featuring banitsa (cheese pastry) and strong Bulgarian coffee. The café opens early and provides a cozy atmosphere.
BGN8, 1h0m

9:30am

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Visit Sofia's iconic Orthodox cathedral, known for its tremendous gold-plated domes and stunning interior mosaics. Open from 7am to 7pm.
BGN0, 1h0m

10:45am

National History Museum

Discover Bulgaria's rich history from ancient Thracians to the modern era. The museum is open 10am to 6pm.
BGN10, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hadjidraganov's Houses

Dine on traditional Bulgarian dishes in an authentic 19th-century house setting. Open from 12pm to 11pm.
BGN25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Boyana Church

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site known for stunning medieval frescoes. Open 9am to 5pm.
BGN10, 1h0m

5:00pm

Stroll Vitosha Boulevard

Explore Sofia's main pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes for an afternoon coffee or souvenir shopping.
BGN0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Raketa Rakia Bar

Experience contemporary Bulgarian cuisine paired with a selection of rakia, Bulgaria’s national fruit brandy. Open until 11pm.
BGN30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Sofia to Plovdiv

Plovdiv, Bulgaria on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your Sofia accommodation to fuel up for the drive east to Plovdiv (approx. 1h 40min).
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Plovdiv

Travel eastwards on the A1 highway to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city famous for its Roman ruins and old town charm.
Fuel approx. BGN30, 1h40m

11:15am

Walk the Old Town

Explore the cobblestone streets, colorful 19th-century houses, and the Roman Theatre dating back to the 2nd century AD. Open daily 9am to 7pm.
BGN8, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Puldin Restaurant

Taste traditional Bulgarian and Thracian dishes in the heart of Plovdiv’s old town. Open 12pm to 10pm.
BGN25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum

Visit an impressive collection showcasing Bulgarian folk culture, costumes, and crafts. Open 9am to 5pm.
BGN5, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax in Tsar Simeon Garden

Enjoy a leisurely stroll in this large, historic park with fountains and sculptures, perfect for a late afternoon break.
BGN0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hemingway Restaurant

Dine on contemporary Bulgarian cuisine with international influences in a stylish setting. Open until 11pm.
BGN35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Plovdiv to Rhodope Mountains

Smolyan, Bulgaria on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a local breakfast before heading into the scenic Rhodope Mountains area.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Smolyan

Travel via Kardzhali to Smolyan, approx. 2h 30min through mountainous terrain with stunning natural views.
Fuel approx. BGN40, 2h30m

11:30am

Visit Uhlovitsa Cave

Discover this fascinating cave famous for its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites; open 9am to 6pm.
BGN10, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mehana Smolyan

Enjoy traditional Rhodope dishes such as patatnik (potato dish) in an authentic Bulgarian tavern. Open 12pm to 10pm.
BGN20, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Smolyan Lakes

Hike or relax around these picturesque mountain lakes surrounded by forest and offering peaceful nature walks.
BGN0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner in Smolyan

Try local dishes at a recommended restaurant like Rodopi Restaurant, known for fresh local ingredients. Open until 9pm.
BGN25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Rhodope Mountains to Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before continuing your journey north towards Veliko Tarnovo (approx. 4h drive).
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Veliko Tarnovo

Embark on a scenic drive across central Bulgaria through diverse landscapes to the historical city of Veliko Tarnovo.
Fuel approx. BGN50, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Shtastlivetsa

Dine in a historic tavern overlooking the Yantra River, offering Bulgarian specialties with a modern twist. Open 12pm to 10pm.
BGN30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Tsarevets Fortress

Explore this medieval fortress complex that served as the stronghold of the Bulgarian emperors, open 9am to 7pm.
BGN10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Walk Old Town Veliko Tarnovo

Stroll the narrow cobbled streets, admire traditional architecture, and browse local artisan shops.
BGN0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hadjidraganov's Houses Veliko Tarnovo

Relish classic Bulgarian cuisine served in a beautiful setting replicating a Bulgarian Revival-era residence. Open until 10pm.
BGN30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Veliko Tarnovo to Varna

Varna, Bulgaria on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast before departing for Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast city of Varna (approx. 3h 30m).
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Varna

Travel northeast to the sunny beaches of Varna, known for its sea gardens and Roman baths.
Fuel approx. BGN40, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Staria Chinar

Dine in a traditional Bulgarian restaurant located near the Sea Garden, offering fresh seafood and salads. Open 12pm to 11pm.
BGN30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Varna Archaeological Museum

Explore Bulgaria’s oldest gold treasure and rich archaeological exhibits. Open 9am to 6pm.
BGN10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Sea Garden

Spend the afternoon strolling or relaxing in Varna’s large park along the coast, featuring fountains, sculptures, and cafes.
BGN0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Happy Bar & Grill

Enjoy a variety of Bulgarian and international dishes with sea views. Open until midnight.
BGN35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Varna to Burgas via Nessebar

Nessebar & Burgas, Bulgaria on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast at Varna hotel before heading south along the coast.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Nessebar

A short 40-minute scenic drive brings you to Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage town known for its medieval churches and black sea views.
Fuel approx. BGN10, 0h40m

9:45am

Explore Old Nessebar

Walk through narrow cobbled streets, visit the Church of St. John Aliturgetos and soak up ancient town charm. Open daily.
BGN0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Old Anchor

Enjoy fresh seafood with sea views in this cozy restaurant. Open 12pm to 10pm.
BGN30, 1h30m

1:30pm

Drive to Burgas

Continue south along the coast to Burgas, the commercial hub of Bulgaria’s southern Black Sea coast (approx. 40 min).
Fuel approx. BGN10, 0h40m

2:15pm

Visit Burgas Sea Garden

Relax in this popular waterfront park featuring lakes, sculptures, and cafes. Park is open year-round.
BGN0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Burgas Regional History Museum

Discover Burgas’ history from ancient times to the modern era. Open 9am to 5pm.
BGN5, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mr Baba

Savor Bulgarian and Balkan cuisine in a charming setting with live traditional music some evenings. Open until 10pm.
BGN30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Black Sea Coast Relaxation

Burgas, Bulgaria on May 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Relaxed start with breakfast by the sea, preparing for a laid-back day.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Day at Sunny Beach

Drive about 20 minutes to Bulgaria’s largest beach resort to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or water sports in the warm waters.
BGN0 (activities extra), 4h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at The Fat Cat

Relax with casual pub fare and cold drinks near the beach. Open 12pm to midnight.
BGN20, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Burgas

Head back to Burgas to explore town or relax at your hotel.
Fuel approx. BGN10, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at El Kapan

Enjoy fine dining featuring Balkan and Mediterranean cuisine. Open until 11pm.
BGN40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Return to Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast and prepare for the drive back to Sofia (approx. 4 hours).
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Sofia

Leave Burgas and head west towards Sofia, enjoying the scenic Bulgarian landscapes along the way.
Fuel approx. BGN50, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch in Sofia at Made in Home

Enjoy a fresh, modern take on Bulgarian cuisine in a cozy bohemian setting. Open 12pm to 11pm.
BGN30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax or Last-minute Shopping

Spend your afternoon exploring any missed sights or shopping for souvenirs in Sofia.
BGN0, Until evening

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Pantheon

Celebrate your Bulgarian adventure with fine cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere near the city center.
BGN40, 2h0m
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