Classic Bulgaria Self-Drive Tour
9 Days Starting and ending in Sofia
Visiting: Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Tryavna, Plovdiv, Bansko
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CB-SD-9
Group Type:
Independent
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
21-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Although Bulgaria is a small country, it has unique nature, ancient history, favourable climate, attractive holiday opportunities, affordable prices and most of all – amazing cuisine and hospitable people. The tour itinerary proposed covers some of the most visited locations in Bulgaria – combination of modern cities, traditional villages, UNESCO sites, crafts and architecture, ancient sites, unspoilt nature. You will be free to chose you own comfortable travel pace with time to explore and absorb the visited regions. We will take care for each detail of your trip and provide local support during all your travel.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Sofia
Location: Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Sofia – arrival at the airport, private transfer from the airport and check in at your hotel.
Day 2 : Sofia - Veliko Turnovo
Location: Veliko Tarnovo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Car delivery to your hotel and departure to central Bulgaria and Veliko Turnovo – the medieval capital city of Bulgaria, picturesquely located on 4 hills above Yantra river. Meet your ptivate tour guide and time to explore the place on a 2 h walking tour.
Approximate mileage 250 km ( 4 h drive ).
Day 3 : Veliko Turnovo - Tryavna
Location: Tryavna
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Possible visits of the monasteries around Veliko Turnovo ( Transfiguration, Petropavlovski ) and departure via Gabrovo and Etura to Tryavna museum town. Enjoy the cozy old town with its cobblestone streets and many workshops of local icon painters or woodcarvers. Overnight in Tryavna.
Approximate mileage: 45 - 70 km
Day 4 : Tryavna - Etura - Shipka - Kazanlak - Plovdiv
Location: Plovdiv
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the central and highest part of the Balkan mountains via Shipka mountain pass and memorial peak. You will enjoy breathtaking views of mountain peaks and the Upper Thracian plain. Possible stops en route at Etura Open Air ethnographic complex, Shipka, Kazanluk - the centre of the Valley of Roses, known as well as the Valley of the Thracian kings ( Kazanluk Thracian tomb, Ostrusha, Goliama Kosmatka, Museum of Roses, etc ). Arrival in Plovdiv and check in at your hotel.
Approximate mileage: 150 - 170 km
Day 5 : Plovdiv
Location: Plovdiv
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day dedicated to Plovdiv to explore the oldest permanently inhibited city in Europe, European Capital of culture in 2019 – the Old Plovdiv architecture reserve with the many museum houses, galleries, churches, the Ancient Theatre, the old pharmacy, Kapana – the artistic neighbourhood of Plovdiv, the longest pedestrian street of the world, etc. etc.
Possible visits with the car to Assenova Fortress, Bachkovo Monastery ( 2nd largest in Bulgaria ), etc., located within 1 h drive from Plovdiv.
Day 6 : Plovdiv - Bansko
Location: Bansko
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart along mountain roads to Bansko museum town. En route possible stop to Velingrad and Kleptuza – the largest karst lake in Bulgaria.
Approximate mileage: 179 km
Day 7 : Pirin Mountain
Location: Bansko
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day to enjoy Pirin mountain ( National Park, UNESCO site ) and its surroundings – walking/ hiking/ trekking, or departure south, just next to the Greece border to visit to Melnik Museum town famous for its wines. Bansko – Melnik is 105 km. Return to the hotel in Bansko.
Day 8 : Bansko - Rila Monastery - Sofia
Location: Sofia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure to Sofia.
En route - stop for a visit of Rila UNESCO site with local guide.
Rent-a-car drop off at your hotel in Sofia.
Approximate mileage 200 km
Day 9 : Sofia - Departure
Location: Sofia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free time and departure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Family-run hotels, 3* hotels
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Meals – Breakfast Only
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7 days rent-a-car ( delivery on Day 2, Drop off on Day 8 evening at your hotel ), with delivery and drop off charges
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Private local guides - Veliko Turnovo, Rila Monastery
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Maps and useful information
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Arrival transfer Sofia Airport
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Country Entry Visas
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Entrance Fees
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Rent-a-car deposit: 200-250 EUR.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
3*
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
yes
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
yes
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Bulgarian local currency is LEV. It is fixed to the EUR at the rate of 1 EUR = 1.955 BGN. There are a lot of ATMs if you prefer to use your debit or credit cards.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
no
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Are flights included in this tour?
no
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
no
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
low
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
yes
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Free wifi is available in most of the hotels
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
no
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What is the maximum group size?
4
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
no
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Company Instant Book
yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Arrival transfer is included
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Across Europe requires a minimum deposit of 0% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 7 days before departure.
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