Bulgaria 6 Day Itinerary

Title: Six-Day Itinerary for Exploring Bulgaria

Day 1: Sofia (Arrival)

  • Place to Go: Start your journey in the capital city of Sofia. Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Vitosha Boulevard for shopping and dining.
  • Things to Know: Bulgarian currency is the Lev (BGN). English is widely spoken in major cities but learning a few basic phrases will be appreciated.
  • Activities: Explore the city center on foot or take a bike tour. Visit the National Museum of History for an insight into Bulgaria’s rich history and culture.
  • Visa Requirements: For many countries, a visa is not required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Check your country’s specific requirements before travel.
  • Transportation: Sofia Airport (SOF) is the primary international airport. Taxis and public buses are available from the airport to the city center. The city has an efficient metro system.

Day 2: Rila Monastery & Seven Rila Lakes

  • Place to Go: Travel to Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most famous monastery nestled in the beautiful Rila Mountains. Continue to Seven Rila Lakes for a stunning hike.
  • Things to Know: The monastery is still an active religious site so dress modestly. Weather can be unpredictable in the mountains, so pack accordingly.
  • Activities: Guided tours are available for both destinations. Hiking trails around Seven Rila Lakes offer various difficulty levels.
  • Transportation: You can rent a car or join organized day trips from Sofia.

Day 3: Plovdiv & Asenova Fortress

  • Place to Go: Travel to Plovdiv, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. Visit the Old Town with its ancient Roman Theater, Djumaya Mosque, and the Ethnographic Museum.
  • Things to Know: Plovdiv’s unique charm lies in its blend of antiquity and modernity. The city is known for its vibrant street art and lively cafes.
  • Activities: Explore the revitalized industrial quarter known as Kapana. Take a sunset hike up to Asenova Fortress for panoramic views of the city.
  • Transportation: Trains and buses run regularly from Sofia to Plovdiv. A rental car can provide more flexibility.

Day 4: Nessebar & Sunny Beach

  • Place to Go: Travel to the Black Sea coast and visit the ancient town of Nessebar. Spend the afternoon relaxing on Sunny Beach.
  • Things to Know: The Black Sea is less salty than the Mediterranean, making it ideal for swimming. Remember to pack your swimsuit!
  • Activities: Stroll through Nessebar’s historic center with its Byzantine churches and ancient ruins. Enjoy water sports or simply relax on Sunny Beach.
  • Transportation: Buses and minivans run regularly from Plovdiv to the Black Sea coast. Renting a car is also an option.

Day 5: Buzludzha & Shipka Memorial Church

  • Place to Go: Explore the mysterious Buzludzha Monument and the stunning Shipka Memorial Church.
  • Things to Know: The abandoned Buzludzha monument is only accessible with a guided tour, which may require advance booking.
  • Activities: Tours of both sites offer insights into Bulgaria’s Communist past and the Battle of Shipka Pass during the Russian-Turkish War.
  • Transportation: Renting a car is the best option for this day trip from the Black Sea coast, as public transportation can be limited.

Day 6: Return to Sofia (Departure)

  • Place to Go: Spend your final hours in Bulgaria shopping for souvenirs or exploring any sights you may have missed in Sofia.
  • Things to Know: Make sure to allow enough time to get to the airport for your departure.
  • Transportation: Taxis, buses, and the metro can be used to travel back to Sofia Airport.