Bulgaria 7 Day Itinerary

Bulgaria Travel Itinerary: 7 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Sofia

Activities:

  • Arrive at Sofia Airport (SOF)
  • Transfer to hotel and check-in
  • Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world
  • Explore the National Historical Museum to learn about Bulgaria’s rich history

Things to Know:

  • Visa requirements: Citizens of many countries, including EU, US, Canada, and Australia, do not need a visa for tourism stays up to 90 days.
  • Currency: Bulgarian lev (BGN); 1 EUR ≈ 2 BGN
  • Language: Bulgarian; many people speak English, especially in tourist areas

Transportation:

  • Taxi: readily available at the airport and around the city
  • Public transport: buses and trams; buy tickets from kiosks or newsstands
  • Walking: Sofia is a walkable city, with many attractions within walking distance

Day 2: Sofia to Plovdiv (approx. 150 km, 2 hours)

Activities:

  • Drive to Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Explore the Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and colorful Revival-era houses
  • Visit the Ethnographic Museum to learn about Bulgarian folk culture

Transportation:

  • Rent a car or book a private transfer for the drive to Plovdiv
  • Public transport: buses and trains connect Sofia and Plovdiv regularly

Day 3: Plovdiv

Activities:

  • Visit the Plovdiv Amphitheatre, a well-preserved ancient Roman theatre
  • Explore the Nebet Tepe fortress, with stunning views of the city
  • Wander through the Kapana district, known for its lively atmosphere and street art

Things to Know:

  • Accommodation: Plovdiv has many hotels, hostels, and guesthouses; book in advance during peak season
  • Food: try traditional Bulgarian dishes like shopska salad, banitsa, and kebapche

Day 4: Plovdiv to Veliko Turnovo (approx. 220 km, 3.5 hours)

Activities:

  • Drive to Veliko Turnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria
  • Explore the Tsarevets Fortress, with its stunning views of the Yantra River
  • Visit the Church of the Forty Martyrs, a beautiful example of Bulgarian Orthodox architecture

Transportation:

  • Rent a car or book a private transfer for the drive to Veliko Turnovo
  • Public transport: buses and trains connect Plovdiv and Veliko Turnovo regularly

Day 5: Veliko Turnovo

Activities:

  • Visit the Samovodene Waterfall, a picturesque spot in the nearby forest
  • Explore the Asenova Krepost fortress, with its stunning views of the surrounding countryside
  • Wander through the Varosha district, known for its charming streets and historic architecture

Things to Know:

  • Accommodation: Veliko Turnovo has many hotels, hostels, and guesthouses; book in advance during peak season
  • Currency exchange: there are many currency exchange offices and banks in town

Day 6: Veliko Turnovo to Sunny Beach (approx. 340 km, 4.5 hours)

Activities:

  • Drive to Sunny Beach, one of Bulgaria’s most popular Black Sea resorts
  • Relax on the beach or take a boat tour along the coast
  • Visit the Nessebar ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Transportation:

  • Rent a car or book a private transfer for the drive to Sunny Beach
  • Public transport: buses connect Veliko Turnovo and Sunny Beach regularly

Day 7: Departure from Burgas (approx. 35 km, 0.5 hours)

Activities:

  • Spend the morning relaxing at the beach or exploring Sunny Beach
  • Transfer to Burgas Airport for departure

Things to Know:

  • Flight departures: check your flight schedule and plan accordingly
  • Souvenirs: buy traditional Bulgarian souvenirs like rose oil, lavender products, or handmade crafts