Bulgaria Fly-Drive Holiday

Fly to Sofia and transfer to the hotel and check in for an overnight stay.

Today is a free day day in Sofia, a city shaped by over 2,000 years of history and a lively contemporary scene. Start at the impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and stroll along the yellow cobblestones, passing government buildings and galleries. Discover the ancient Roman ruins of Serdica beneath the city center, then head to Vitosha Boulevard for quality coffee, local boutiques, and relaxed people-watching. Take time to visit a museum or unwind in Borisova Garden, a green retreat loved by locals. In the evening, try shopska salad or slow-cooked kavarma, paired with a glass of Bulgarian Mavrud wine. Sofia is walkable, authentic, and easy to enjoy in a single, well-spent day. (B)

Drive to Bansko (212km, 3 hours 15 mins) , stopping at Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Bulgaria’s cultural and spiritual history. Surrounded by dense forests, the monastery became a crucial centre for maintaining Bulgarian religion and culture during Turkish rule. Enjoy a delicious trout meal at one of the local restaurants nearby before continuing your scenic drive to Bansko. Overnight in Bansko, a popular mountain resort known for its stunning landscapes and winter sports. (B)

Drive through the scenic mountains to Plovdiv (147km, 2 hours 30 mins) with time to enjoy the landscapes along the way. Stop at Kovachevitsa, a picturesque village known for its traditional Bulgarian architecture and cobblestone streets, offering stunning mountain views. Continue through Velingrad, known as the “Spa Capital” of Bulgaria, ideal for a short wellness stop with beautiful natural surroundings. Don’t miss Bachkovo Monastery, just south of Plovdiv. Dating back to 1083, it’s Bulgaria’s second-largest monastery and a vital cultural and religious landmark with stunning medieval architecture and exquisite frescoes. Arrive in Plovdiv and check in to the hotel for 2 nights. (B)

Drive from Plovdiv to Burgas, located on Bulgaria’s scenic Black Sea coast  (325km, 3 hours 35 minutes). Take a detour through the scenic Valley of Roses, a region famous for its fields of blooming roses and the production of rose oil. Consider stopping at a local distillery to see how rose oil products are made. Continue on to Kazanlak, where you can visit the Thracian Tomb, a UNESCO-listed site known for its ancient burial chambers and stunning frescoes. Then, proceed towards Burgas, where you can enjoy the vibrant coastal atmosphere and take in the beautiful sea views. Check in to the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

Drive to Varna (136km, 2 hour 22 mins). Stop off at Nessebar, a scenic town located on a picturesque peninsula along the Black Sea. Known as the “City of 40 Churches,” it features around a hundred historic stone and wooden houses, showcasing a unique architectural ensemble. Continue to Varna, Bulgaria’s maritime capital, where you can enjoy a mix of cosmopolitan charm and seaside beauty. Explore the expansive Maritime Park, walk along the pedestrian shopping streets, and relax on wide sandy beaches. Don’t miss the old Varna district, with its neo-classical 19th-century facades, adding a touch of elegance to the city’s coastal atmosphere. Overnight in Varna. (B)

Drive north along the Black Sea coast to visit the summer residence of Queen Maria of Romania in Balchik. The estate features charming gardens, including a botanical collection renowned for its extensive cactus species. Continue to Silistra, located on the Danube River, where you can explore the Srebarna Nature Reserve, home to rare bird species like the Rose Pelican. Follow the scenic route along the Danube to Ruse (293km, 4 hours), known as the "Little Vienna" for its elegant neoclassical architecture. This aristocratic city is a cultural and historical gem, offering a mix of riverside charm and urban sophistication. (B)

Start the day with a visit to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO-listed site near Ruse, renowned for its intricate medieval frescoes. Journey south into the picturesque Balkan Mountains to Veliko Tarnovo, the historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Explore the Tsarevets Fortress, perched dramatically above the Yantra River, symbolising the city's royal legacy. Stroll along Samovodska Charshiya Street, lined with artisan shops offering unique souvenirs. Nearby, discover the village of Arbanassi, a museum village famous for its well-preserved architecture and richly decorated churches. Experience the charm of Veliko Tarnovo’s captivating history and natural beauty. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo (110km, 1 hour 40 mins). (B)

Today after a morning relaxing drive back to Sofia (219km, 2 hours 40 minutes), offering a chance to further explore Bulgaria’s vibrant capital. Enjoy a different side of the capital. In the late afternoon or evening, visit the Central Mineral Baths area and the former public bathhouse, now home to the Sofia History Museum, or stop by the nearby Women’s Market (Zhenski Pazar) to browse local produce, spices, and street food. For your final evening, dine in the Oborishte or Lozenets district, neighbourhoods known for their small, characterful restaurants and wine bars, offering a relaxed and authentic conclusion to your journey through Bulgaria. Overnight in Sofia. (B)