Here’s a suggested eight-day travel itinerary for Bulgaria, featuring the highlights of Sofia, Plovdiv, and Veliko Tarnovo.
Why Travel To Bulgaria
- Stunning architecture
- Fascinating ancient sites & monasteries
- Captivating history
- Spectacular landscape
- Good travel infrastructure
- Delicious local cuisine and wine
- Friendly people
- Budget friendly
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A:Sophia B:Plovdiv C:Veliko-Tarnovo
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Bulgaria Travel Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Sofia
- Day 2: Explore Sofia
- Day 3: Day trip to Rila Monastery
- Day 4: Travel to Plovdiv, Explore Plovdiv
- Day 5: Explore Plovdiv
- Day 6: Travel to Veliko Tarnovo, Explore Veliko Tarnovo
- Day 7: Explore Veliko Tarnovo
- Day 8: Day trip to Buzludzha Monument
- Day 9: Depart
If you've more time and want to enjoy the beaches then visit Black Sea coastline.
Best Time To Visit Bulgaria
If you're basing your visit solely on temperatures, then the ideal time to travel to Bulgaria is from May through September. However, June through August marks the peak season, meaning accommodation and flight costs will be at their highest. For more affordable prices and still pleasant weather, consider going in late spring or early autumn.
Bulgaria Top Experiences
- Massive St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia
- Colorful Rila Monastery
- Performance at Ancient Roman Theatre Of Philippopolis in Plovdiv
- Charming town of Veliko Tarnavo
- Quirky Buzludzha monument
- Delicious Bulgarian cuisine
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Day 1: Arrive In Sofia
After arriving in Sofia take it easy on your first day in Bulgaria. Sofia is the capital and the largest city of Bulgaria. If you're not too tired then take a stroll through Sofia city center. Afterward, head over to Vitosha Boulevard, which is a lively pedestrian street full of cafes, bars, restaurants, and trendy shops. Enjoy a nice dinner at one of the authentic Bulgarian restaurants on Vitosha Boulevard.
Best area to stay in Sofia: Best location to book your stay in Sofia is the City Center area.
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| Sofia |
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| Sofia Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex |
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| Medieval orthodox temple of St. Petka Samardjiyska (Sofia) |
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| Sofia |
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| Vitosha Boulevard (Sofia) |
(Image By Stolichanin - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39900191)
Day 2: Explore Sofia
- After a good night's sleep, start your day with a nice breakfast. Then take a guided walking tour of Sofia where you’ll learn about the city's rich history, cultural landmarks, and stunning architecture.
- After lunch visit Cathedral Saint Aleksandar Nevski, which is a massive church built between 1882 and 1912 in memory of the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for Bulgaria’s independence.
- Next visit Banya Bashi Mosque which was completed in 1566. You can also visit The Sofia Synagogue which is the largest synagogue in Southeastern Europe. Travel tip: Please check the tourist visiting hours in advance for the mosque and the synagogue to plan your visit.
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| Cathedral Saint Aleksandar Nevski (Sofia) |
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| Banya Bashi Mosque (Sofia) |
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| The Sofia Synagogue |
Day 3: Day trip to Rila Monastery & Boyana Church
- Join Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Guided Tour from Sofia. You'll start your day by visiting the Boyana Church, a stunning medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church recognized by UNESCO, located just outside Sofia. This beautiful structure dates back to the 11th century.
- Next in the tour you'll visit the Rila Monastery which is the largest Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. Established in the 10th century, it showcases stunning colorful architecture and beautiful religious art. After exploring the monastery, have delicious lunch at one of the authentic Bulgarian restaurants nearby.
- After you're back in the city and if you're not too tired, you can check out the Saint Sofia Church, the oldest church in Sofia which dates back to the 4th century. Alternatively, you can enjoy a nice stroll and explore more of Sofia.
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| Rila Monastery |
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| Rila Monastery |
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| Rila Monastery |
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Boyana Church
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| Saint Sofia Church |
Day 4: Sofia to Plovdiv, Explore Plovdiv
- Take the transport in morning from Sofia to Plovdiv, which is about couple of hours by road. Plovdiv is the cultural capital of Bulgaria and the second largest city in Bulgaria. In the afternoon join a guided walking tour of the historic old town of Plovdiv.
- In late afternoon visit the Ancient Roman Theatre Of Philippopolis, which is one of the world's best-preserved ancient Roman theatre. The theatre was built in the 1st century AD, probably during the reign of Domitian. The theatre can seat between 5,000 and 7,000 spectators and it is currently in use. While in Plovdiv, don’t miss the chance to catch an evening performance at the theatre for a truly unforgettable open-air experience.
- Best area to stay in Plovdiv: Best location to book your stay in Plovdiv is the Old Town area.
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| Balabanov's House (Plovdiv) |
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| Nebet Tepe (Plovdiv) |
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| Ancient Roman Theatre of Philippopolis (Plovdiv) |
Day 5: Explore Plovdiv
- Begin your day with a trip to the Regional Ethnographic Museum, where you can explore a fascinating collection of more than 40,000 exhibits. After the museum, have a nice lunch at one of the charming Bulgarian restaurants nearby.
- In the afternoon, visit the Dzhumaya Mosque, constructed between 1363 and 1364. After that, enjoy the rest of your day wandering through the charming streets of Plovdiv. End your day with a delicious dinner in the Kapana district.
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| Regional Ethnographic Museum (Plovdiv) |
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| Dzhumaya Mosque (Plovdiv) |
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| Stadium of Philipopolis Ruins (Plovdiv) |
Day 6: Plovdiv to Veliko Tarnovo
- Take the transport in morning from Plovdiv to Veliko Tarnovo, which takes roughly 3 hours by road. Veliko Tarnovo is a charming medieval town located along the Yantra River in north-central Bulgaria.
- In the afternoon, take part in a guided walking tour of Veliko Tarnovo. You'll get to see its unique architecture, impressive monuments, and vibrant street art and murals. End your day with lovely dinner at one of the restaurants that offers stunning views of the river valley.
- Best areas to stay in Veliko Tarnovo: Best location to book your stay in Veliko Tarnovo is the Historical Old Town area (particularly near Tsar Asen Square or Samovodska Charshiya).
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| Park "Sveta Gora" (Veliko Tarnovo) |
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| Wall Mural (Veliko Tarnovo) |
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| Monument of Mother Bulgaria (Veliko Tarnovo) |
Day 7: Explore Veliko Tarnovo
- Begin your day with a visit to Tsarevets Fortress, the main fortress of the Second Bulgarian Empire from the 12th century. This site is known for its stunning medieval architecture and great historical significance.
- In the afternoon visit Museum of the Revival and Constituent Assembly. This fascinating museum is located in a former Turkish town hall that dates back to 1872 and features three floors of exhibits. Here you'll find an excellent collection of artifacts showcasing Bulgarian history, including paintings, books, documents, photographs, tools, swords, firearms, etc.
- Next visit Samovodska Charshiya Complex where you'll find talented blacksmiths, potters, painters, and more showcasing their crafts for sale.
- After that, take a stroll and discover more of Veliko Tarnovo. End your day again with dinner at one of the charming restaurants overlooking the river valley.
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Tsarevets Fortress (Veliko Tarnovo)
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| Museum of the Revival & Constituent Assembly (Veliko Tarnovo) |
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| Samovodska Charshiya Complex (Veliko Tarnovo) |
Day 8: Day Trip to Buzludzha Monument
- On your final day in Bulgaria, rent a car in Veliko for the day to explore the Buzludzha monument. It is about an hour and half drive from Veliko. Alternatively you can join a guided tour from Veliko Tarnovo (I booked my tour at "Hostel Mostel" in Veliko). By the way, you could also visit the monument from Sophia as part of a guided day tour - Buzludzha Monument Day Tour from Sophia.
- From Veliko make your first stop at The Open Air Ethnographic Museum Etar on your way to Buzludzha, which showcases Bulgarian customs, culture and craftsmanship.
- Your next stop will be the Buzludzha Monument, which is an impressive structure resembling a flying saucer, and is located at an altitude of 1400 meters. This unique site was constructed by the Bulgarian communist government and officially opened its doors in 1981. After the government’s fall from power in 1989, the property was abandoned and left open to damage.
- From Buzludzha, you'll head back towards Veliko. Make a stop at the beautiful Ivanili Waterfalls for a refreshing dip in the waters. Have a nice lunch at a restaurant nearby in this lovely surroundings.
- You might also want to check out The Dryanovo Monastery on your way, which an active Bulgarian Orthodox monastery located in the beautiful Andaka River Valley.
- Arrive in Veliko in evening and relax a bit in your hotel after the long day. End your day with a nice dinner in the Veliko.
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| Buzludzha Monument |
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| Buzludzha Monument |
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| The Open Air Ethnographic Museum Etar |
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| Ivanili Waterfalls |
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| The Dryanovo Monastery |
What to Shop In Bulgaria
Bulgaria is known for Rose oil, Rose cosmetics, Bulgarian cheese, spices, wine, Rakia (Bulgarian alcoholic drink), Bulgarian pottery and handicrafts.
Foods To Try In Bulgaria
- Shopska Salata (chopped vegetables with Bulgarian white cheese)
- Tarator (Cucumber soup)
- Banitsa (pastry)
- Sarmi (stuffed Cabbage vine leaves)
- Kebapche (grilled minced meat stick)
- Meshana skara (grilled meat dish)
- Stuffed peppers
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| Bulgarian Shopska Salad |
(Photo by By Popo le Chien - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78453300)
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this itinerary! Feel free to share your questions or suggestions in the comments section below.
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