Bulgaria Local Exploration Self-Drive

Welcome to Bulgaria. Upon arrival at Sofia Airport, collect your hire car and make your way to your hotel for check-in. We will provide you with a special welcome package containing a map of Bulgaria, a detailed programme of recommended sights along your route, vouchers, and other useful information to help you make the most of your journey. You have the rest of the day to explore the centre of Sofia at your own pace. Take in the impressive gold-plated dome and ornate interior of St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the largest Orthodox cathedral in the country. Continue your walk to discover key landmarks such as the ancient St George Rotunda, the Russian Church of St Nikolay, and the National Theatre Ivan Vazov. Pause for a coffee on the lively Vitoshka pedestrian street to soak up the atmosphere of Bulgaria’s vibrant capital. If you wish, you can choose to join an optional evening experience: a traditional Bulgarian dinner with a folklore show and the unique Nestinari fire dance, a ritual recognised by UNESCO and performed outdoors when weather permits. Dinner is served from 20:00 to 23:00 and includes a four-course menu with wine, but does not include transfers or a guide. Overnight in Sofia.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then set out to discover Sofia at your own pace. We recommend starting with the National History Museum, which offers a comprehensive overview of Bulgaria’s past through its extensive collection. Afterwards, you may wish to visit the Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional medieval frescoes. If you are drawn to nature, Sofia’s location at the foot of Vitosha Mountain makes it easy to escape the city and enjoy peaceful walking trails surrounded by scenic landscapes. For those interested in a deeper understanding of the capital, you can book an optional private city tour with a guide for up to four hours, available in several languages. Please note that transfers and entrance fees are not included with this service. Overnight in Sofia.

After breakfast at your hotel, set off by car into the heart of the Balkan Mountains. If you are interested in Orthodox traditions, we recommend a stop at Troyan Monastery – the third largest in Bulgaria – set in peaceful mountain surroundings. Continue your journey to Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital, where you can take in the impressive views from Tzarevetz Hill. Wander along the cobbled Samovodska Charshia street to discover the skills of local craftsmen. If you wish, you can join an optional old crafts demonstration on Samovodska Charshia, choosing between a pottery workshop or a wood-carving presentation. No guidance is included for this activity. Later, travel on to the nearby village of Arbanassi to see how prosperous merchants lived during the Bulgarian Middle Ages. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

After a leisurely breakfast, check out from your hotel and set off on a scenic drive across the country towards the Black Sea coast. Along the way, you have the opportunity to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari stands out for its distinctive polychrome caryatids and painted murals, while the Madara Rider is a unique rock relief carved high into the Shumen plateau. These sites offer insight into Bulgaria’s ancient history and cultural heritage. Continue your journey to Varna, known as the Sea Capital, and check in at your hotel. Later, enjoy a stroll through the pedestrian centre to discover the city’s main landmarks and get a feel for its lively atmosphere. Overnight in Varna.

Take your time over breakfast before heading out to discover more of Varna, Bulgaria’s lively seaside city. We recommend a visit to the city’s renowned Archaeological Museum, home to the world’s oldest known gold treasure, and the impressive Cathedral of the Assumption – both key symbols of Varna’s rich past. You might also enjoy a stroll through the Sea Garden, a peaceful park along the coast, or simply relax on one of Varna’s inviting beaches. If you wish to learn more about the city, you can book an optional guided city tour (available in English, French, German or Spanish; transfers and entrance fees not included). In the evening, we will treat you to a four-course dinner at one of Varna’s top restaurants (transfers and guidance not included). Overnight in Varna.

After breakfast at your hotel, we set off along the North Black Sea coast, known for its dramatic rocky beaches, chalk cliffs and striking white waters. Today, a professional guide joins us as we explore Cape Kaliakra, one of Bulgaria’s most scenic headlands. Here, we discover ancient and medieval fortresses, the remains of historic churches, and learn about the legend of the forty maidens. The journey continues to the charming town of Balchik, once the summer residence of Romanian Queen Maria. We visit her castle, renowned for its impressive botanical garden, which features one of Europe’s richest collections of cacti. Guidance and entrance fees are included. We return to Varna for the night.

After breakfast in Varna, we set off south along the Black Sea coast. Our first stop is the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Nessebar, often called the ‘Pearl’ of the Black Sea. Here, you can wander the cobbled streets, discover a wealth of 13th-century churches, and experience the atmosphere shaped by ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine influences. Take time to explore the narrow lanes and traditional wooden houses that give the town its unique character.Continuing south, we travel towards Burgas, following scenic roads with lush forest on one side and sweeping sea views on the other. Along the way, you have the opportunity to visit Sozopol, a town where ancient history meets modern life. Enjoy the lively ambience of this fishing port and art centre, known for its charming streets and seaside spirit.Our day ends in Burgas, where we check in to the hotel. In the evening, you may wish to take a stroll along the promenade and perhaps visit one of the local beach restaurants or clubs. Overnight in Burgas.

After breakfast, we set off early for a scenic drive through the heart of Bulgaria. Our first stop is Kazanlak, where we visit the UNESCO-listed Thracian Tomb, renowned for its remarkably preserved Hellenistic frescoes dating back to 310 BC. As we travel through the Rose Valley, we explore the Rose Museum to discover the region’s unique rose oil production—a tradition central to Bulgarian culture. If you are travelling in May or June, you may have the opportunity to pick a rose in the fields and experience the fragrance firsthand.We continue to Plovdiv, recognised as the European City of Culture in 2019 and included on the UNESCO tentative list. Take time to wander through the Old Town, absorbing its distinctive atmosphere. We explore the Roman Amphitheatre, an impressive structure from the early 2nd century AD, and visit the Hindliyan House, celebrated for its ornate interiors from the Bulgarian Revival period. Later, we check in to our hotel in Plovdiv for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at your hotel, we set out to discover the mountain villages of Rila and Pirin, travelling through the scenic Yundola Pass. This route takes us into rural communities renowned for producing some of Bulgaria’s finest honey and dairy products. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop and purchase local honey, fruit preserves or cheese directly from the producers. In Dobarsko, you can visit a church noted for its unusual mural depicting Jesus Christ in what appears to be a ‘rocket’. We’ll then be welcomed into the home of Granny Deshka, where you’ll join in with household tasks and learn about rural life. Together, we’ll prepare lunch using traditional methods, picking up a few Bulgarian dialect words along the way. Afterwards, enjoy a meal of local specialities and take part in folk songs and dances performed by Deshka and her friends. Following this authentic experience, we continue to Bansko, a well-known ski resort, where we stay overnight.

After a satisfying breakfast, take in the crisp mountain air from your hotel terrace before setting off towards the Rila Monastery. Nestled in the mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Bulgaria’s most significant cultural landmarks, renowned for its striking Renaissance architecture and vibrant frescoes. The monastery has played a central role in Bulgarian history, particularly during the Revival period. After exploring the monastery and its surroundings, we drive back to Sofia for your final night in Bulgaria. Overnight in Sofia.

After a final breakfast in Sofia, check out from your hotel and make your way to the airport. Return your hire car before catching your flight home. Safe travels as you conclude your journey through Bulgaria.