A week in Bulgaria by car

The itinerary

Days 1 and 2: Sofia and Rila Monastery

In Sofia, Boyana Church (UNESCO, 1979) and its frescoes of 1259, then Vitosha. The next day, Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th century and UNESCO-listed in 1983, at 1,147 m above sea level in the Rila mountains.

Days 3 and 4: Plovdiv and the Valley of the Roses

In Plovdiv, the “Old Plovdiv” reserve covers the old town, with its ancient theatre, which still hosts performances. The following day, Kazanlak, in the heart of the Valley of the Roses: the Thracian tomb (UNESCO, 1979), whose original is closed to the public, can be discovered through a scale replica, open from May to November. The Rose Festival takes place every year on the first weekend of June. In the evening, Veliko Tarnovo.

Day 5: Veliko Tarnovo, then Varna

Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire from 1185 to 1393; Tsarevets fortress overlooks the Yantra and lights up during the “Sound and Light” show. In the afternoon, drive on to Varna and the Black Sea.

Days 6 and 7: the coast, then the return

Heading down the coast, Nessebar Old Town (UNESCO, 1983), then Burgas. On the last day, the Trakia motorway takes you back to Sofia.

Your car for the week

From 7 days, the daily price goes down further and applies to the whole rental. The vehicles stay in Bulgaria: no border crossings, even for a day. The vehicle is handed over in Sofia or at the airport; elsewhere in Bulgaria, delivery is on quote.