Bulgaria 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Bulgaria

Day 1: Sofia - Capital City Adventure

  • Arrival at Sofia Airport (visitors from EU countries do not require a visa, while others should check Bulgarian embassy website for visa requirements)
  • Check into your hotel and freshen up.
  • Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Sofia’s vibrant city center with its colorful street art.
  • Evening: Explore Vitosha Boulevard for shopping and dining.

Day 2: Rila Monastery & Seven Rila Lakes

  • Morning: Travel to Rila Monastery (115 km from Sofia, ~1h30m by car). Discover the spiritual heart of Bulgaria, marvel at its stunning architecture.
  • Afternoon: Head towards the Seven Rila Lakes for a scenic hike (~24 km from Rila Monastery, ~1h drive). Enjoy breathtaking views and crystal-clear alpine lakes.
  • Return to Sofia in the evening.

Day 3: Plovdiv - Ancient City of Hills

  • Morning: Travel to Plovdiv (150 km from Sofia, ~1h45m by car). Visit the Old Town with its Roman Theater, Ethnographic Museum, and colorful houses on cobblestone streets.
  • Afternoon: Explore Plovdiv’s contemporary art scene at Project Factory and Kapana district.
  • Evening: Relax in a local restaurant, sample traditional Bulgarian cuisine.

Day 4: Bachkovo Monastery & Asenova Fortress

  • Morning: Travel to Bachkovo Monastery (30 km from Plovdiv, ~35min by car). Discover the second-largest monastery in Bulgaria, boasting centuries of history.
  • Afternoon: Visit Asenova Fortress (65 km from Plovdiv, ~1h drive) and explore this medieval castle nestled amidst picturesque Rhodope Mountains.
  • Return to Plovdiv in the evening.

Day 5: Veliko Tarnovo - The City of Tsars

  • Morning: Travel to Veliko Tarnovo (200 km from Plovdiv, ~2h by car). Explore Tsarevets Hill and the historic Archaeological Museum.
  • Afternoon: Visit Arbanassi Village for its well-preserved Bulgarian Revival architecture and the magnificent Church of the Nativity of Christ.
  • Evening: Stroll through the old town, enjoy local cuisine in a traditional restaurant.

Day 6: Elena Balkan & Gorge of Roses

  • Morning: Drive to Elena Balkan (32 km from Veliko Tarnovo, ~40min by car) and explore this charming mountain village. Visit the local museum and enjoy panoramic views.
  • Afternoon: Head to the Gorge of Roses (85 km from Elena Balkan, ~1h20m by car). Enjoy a scenic drive through rose fields and visit the Rose Oil Extraction Museum in Kazanlak.
  • Return to Veliko Tarnovo in the evening.

Day 7: Return to Sofia & Farewell

  • Morning: Travel back to Sofia (165 km from Veliko Tarnovo, ~2h by car) and spend some time exploring any missed sights or shopping for souvenirs.
  • Afternoon: Departure from Sofia Airport.

Transportation: Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Bulgaria; however, public buses also connect most destinations. Taxis are widely available but can be costly on longer routes.

Tips for Tourists: The official currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Credit cards are accepted in larger cities and tourist areas but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller towns and villages. English is spoken in many places, especially in the service industry, but learning a few basic phrases will undoubtedly enhance your experience. Enjoy your trip!