Bulgaria has a beautiful countryside, mountains, wine regions, culture, and ancient ruins dating back to the Thracian and Roman times. Use this 10 day self-drive itinerary to plan your holiday to Bulgaria.
Sozopol is one of the oldest towns on the Bulgarian coast. It has been inhabited by Greeks, Romans and Ottomans, all of which have left their mark on this historic Bulgarian town. These days it is a bustling tourist destination where we enjoyed visiting ancient ruins, churches, and a coastal fortress. It also has a beautiful coastline and is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs.
The UNESCO city of Nessebar has a long and interesting history. It has been inhabited by Greeks, Romans and Ottomans, all of which have left their mark on this historic Bulgarian city. These days it is a bustling tourist destination where we enjoyed visiting ancient ruins, churches, and buildings. It also has a beautiful coastline and is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs.
Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast is a popular summer destination and Burgas is the perfect place to stay if you are looking to avoid the crowds and party zones. It has a laid back atmosphere with good food and the opportunity to explore some traditional and historic areas. It’s also has a beautiful beach that stretches for miles.
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, has an interesting history. It was occupied for over 2,000 years by Greeks, Romans, Ottomans and the Soviets. Each left their imprint on this beautiful historic city. There are numerous historic churches and buildings as well as the ancient Thracian and Roman city of Serdica which has been excavated and is open to the public.
Melnik is the smallest town in Bulgaria in the heart of Bulgaria’s wine growing region. It sits at the foothills of the Pirin mountain range and is famous for its ‘Melnik Earth Pyramids’, sandstone rock formations formed by erosion from rainfall and wear. We were keen to sample the Bulgarian wine and explore the beautiful countryside and medieval Rozhen Monastery.
Rila Monastery is the largest Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is a popular site that is set in the beautiful Rila Mountains. Read this guide that details how to get there, what to see, and where to stay.
The Rila Mountains are the highest mountain range in Bulgaria and are a popular tourist destination. During the winter there is skiing to be enjoyed and in summer there hiking trails to explore. We visited the Rila Mountains to hike the famously stunning 7 Rila Lakes trail.
Plovdiv is an ancient city in Bulgaria featuring a historic old town, Roman ruins, and a stylish pedestrian shopping district. These are the unmissable highlights I enjoyed during my afternoon exploring this wonderful, lively city.