Getaway in Bulgaria
Between Orthodox monasteries and the Black Sea coast, a self-drive tour through Bulgarian treasures.
Duration
8 days
From
€550/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Discover Bulgarie through an eight-day itinerary combining heritage, history and varied landscapes. Behind the wheel of your rental vehicle, you'll reach Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Bulgarian tsars, perched above the meanders of the Yantra River and dominated by the imposing Tsarevets Fortress. You'll then continue towards the Black Sea coast and the historic city of Nessebar, inscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage for its medieval churches and typical wooden house architecture of the region.
The journey will also take you to the Valley of the Thracian Kings, famous for its millennia-old royal tombs nestled in the heart of the hills, then to Plovdiv, one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe, whose old quarter with Bulgarian Renaissance-style houses adjoins a remarkably preserved Roman theatre. After a stop in Bansko, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, a charming village renowned for its traditional architecture and outdoor activities, you'll conclude your journey with a visit to the Rila Monastery, an emblematic site of Bulgarian culture and spirituality.
A balanced circuit, rich in cultural and natural discoveries, to explore the country's must-see places in complete freedom.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
SOFIA – Arrival in Bulgaria
Welcome upon your arrival at Sofia airport, transfer and check-in at your hotel
Day arrangements based on your arrival time.
SOFIA > ORESHAK > VELIKO TARNOVO – The city of Bulgarian tsars
Sofia → Veliko Tarnovo
Delivery of the rental vehicle.
Departure towards the village of Oreshak following the north slopes of the Balkan. Visit of the Monastery of Troyan, the third most important in the country. Continuation towards the city of Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Visit of the Tsarevets citadel and walk in the historic district of the city.
Check-in to accommodation, overnight stay.
VELIKO TARNOVO > MADARA > VARNA – The Pearl of the Black Sea
Veliko Tarnovo → Varna
Before heading to the Bulgarian coast, you can visit the heights of Veliko Tarovo, at the village of Arbanassi.
Arbanasi is a large town, located on a plateau from which you can glimpse the hills of Tsarevets and Trapézitsa, 4 km from Bulgaria's medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo.
The program continues with discovery of the Shumen region, the natural phenomena nicknamed Standing Stones and the Madara Rider (UNESCO site).
Arrival at the thousand-year-old city of Varna, still known as the Pearl of the Black Sea. The city enjoys great international renown thanks to its thousand-year-old past and its current dynamism.
VARNA > KAMCHIA > NESSEBAR – Discovery of the City of Forty Churches
Varna → Nessebar
Free time.
You can enjoy many social activities offered by the city, go shopping or take a walk in the maritime garden that runs along the coast.
Continue heading South to the Kamtchia nature reserve. Possibility of a boat trip to discover the beauty of the reserve.
Subsequently, arrival at Nessebar, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional architectural ensemble of Byzantine style.
Visit of the Old town and St. Stephan church.
NESSEBAR > KAZANLAK > PLOVDIV – The Valley of the Thracian Kings
Nessebar → Plovdiv
Continuation towards the city of Plovidiv, European Capital of Culture 2019. Possible passage through Burgas - the fourth city of the country.
Before arriving in Plovdiv, visit of the copy of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (the original, UNESCO site - closed to visits) and the Russian church of Shipka.
Check-in at the accommodation, overnight.
PLOVDIV > BANSKO – A Thousand-Year-Old City
Plovdiv → Bansko
You will be able to visit the old town with numerous ancient sites: the Forum, the Odeon and the Stadium. Discovery of the unique cultural heritage of Old Plovdiv with the Roman Theatre, the church Sts. Constantin and Helen and ancient ruins.
You then resume your journey towards Bansko.
Your route will also take you, at 800 meters altitude, through the city of Velingrad, the thermal resort most renowned in the country, even in the Balkans. A stop there is pleasant and you will enjoy walking along the shaded streets of this peaceful city, dotted with fountains and small restaurants.
Along the way, we recommend you make a detour to the dancing bears park, a nature reserve, located 12km from the city of Belitsa.
BANSKO > RILSKI MANASTIR > SOFIA – Spiritual Encounter at Rila
Bansko → Sofia
You can spend the morning discovering the historic center of Bansko. Don't miss visiting the Church of the Holy Trinity, one of the city's main symbols.
Head south in the country to visit the colorful Rila Monastery, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for the quality of its iconostases, architecture and history.
The site is nestled within the fabulous Rila National Park and remains an emblematic symbol of Bulgarian Orthodoxy.
Return to Sofia and return the rental vehicle.
SOFIA – The Return
Day organized according to your departure. Possible visit to the women's market.
Transfer to Sofia airport, departure.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- The round-trip flight and airport taxes
- Cancellation, repatriation, and health expense insurance
- Fuel, parking fees and travel expenses
- Beverages and Personal Expenses
- Paid options not included in the program
- Local guides and visits
- GPS
Included
- Private Transfer Airport > Hotel > Airport
- Vehicle delivery on Day 2 and return on Day 7
- Economy class vehicle (2 persons), intermediate (3 persons), superior (4 persons) with unlimited mileage, insurance and road taxes for the country, second driver option included, 24/7 assistance
- Accommodation/ double room basis
- Breakfast
- Travel journal and practical electronic guide
- Balkania Tour 24/7 Phone Support
- Exclusive deals reserved for Balkania Tour customers
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Bulgaria for a tourist stay. Entry rules may evolve, so we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport or ID card
Nationals of the European Economic Area may enter Bulgaria with a valid passport or national identity card. The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Canadian nationals must carry a valid passport, whose validity covers the entire planned stay. It is recommended that the passport be valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from Bulgarian territory.
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland benefit from freedom of movement within the European Union and may stay in Bulgaria without duration restrictions for a tourist stay, provided they comply with applicable local regulations.
Canadian nationals benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Bulgaria. This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen area.
Authorities may request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay,
a travel insurance covering the duration of the stay.
Schengen Area
Bulgaria joined the Schengen area in January 2024 for air and maritime borders, and in January 2025 for land borders. Internal border controls within the Schengen area have been lifted, facilitating travel from other member countries.
For Canadian nationals, the stay in Bulgaria is counted within the global quota of 90 days within 180 days applicable to the entire Schengen area.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid travel document (passport or, for EEA nationals, national identity card) covering the duration of the stay.
When a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization for departure from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence. It is recommended to check with the relevant authorities before departure.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should contact the embassy or consulate of Bulgaria in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended that you have assistance-repatriation and foreign medical expense coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To enter Bulgaria, you must present a valid identity document (ID card or passport). As of 2025, Bulgaria is partially applying Schengen rules for air and maritime travel, which facilitates movement depending on your origin. No visa is required for a standard tourist stay. Before traveling, check with the Bulgarian consular authorities competent for your nationality for the precise entry and stay conditions applicable to your situation.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 110 and 180 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and activities. International flights (200-400 euros return) are additional. Bulgaria offers excellent value for money in Europe.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust together every detail until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Sofia Western Region
Dual French-Bulgarian duo in the land of roses and Thracians, based in Pazardzhik
We love sharing a Bulgaria that often goes unseen at first glance: family homes, traditions, hidden landscapes, and that genuine hospitality that gives travel its true meaning.
— Damien & Filip
