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10-Day Itinerary for Bulgaria: A Complete Guide

Bulgaria is a country rich in history, culture, and beautiful landscapes. With its mix of ancient ruins, scenic mountains, delicious food, and stunning coastline, it’s an underrated European gem. This 10-day itinerary provides the perfect balance of exploring the highlights and experiencing the lesser-visited spots. Keep it slow and immersive to get a real feel of the country while saving time for some personal downtime.

Day 1: Arrive in Sofia and Explore the City

Start your trip in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It’s a small but vibrant city, filled with history and culture. Spend your first day walking around the city center to get your bearings. Head to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It’s one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world and a sight to behold.

Then, walk over to the Soviet Army Monument. It’s an interesting piece of history from Bulgaria’s communist past. Afterward, take a stroll through the pedestrian street, Vitosha Boulevard, where you’ll find cafes and shops. Sit down for a coffee and watch locals go about their day.

In the evening, enjoy traditional Bulgarian food at a cozy restaurant. Try some banitsa (a cheese pastry) and shopska salad, Bulgaria’s national dish.

Day 2: Day Trip to Rila Monastery

On your second day, take a day trip to the Rila Monastery. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Bulgaria’s most famous landmarks. The monastery is surrounded by mountains and forests, making it a peaceful and scenic destination. You can easily book a tour or take a bus from Sofia.

Spend the day exploring the beautiful buildings, admiring the detailed frescoes, and learning about its role in preserving Bulgarian culture during the Ottoman rule. If you feel adventurous, you can take a short hike in the surrounding mountains.

Return to Sofia in the evening and have a relaxing dinner. Try a local dessert like mekitsa, fried dough served with jam or honey.

Day 3: Plovdiv – Bulgaria’s Cultural Capital

Take an early morning bus or train to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city. Plovdiv is known for its rich history and has been named the European Capital of Culture. It’s one of the oldest cities in Europe, with history dating back thousands of years.

Start by walking through the Old Town, a well-preserved area filled with old houses and cobblestone streets. Step into the Ancient Roman Theatre, an amphitheater that’s still in use today. If you’re lucky, there may even be an event happening while you’re there!

Afterward, explore the art scene in the Kapana district. It’s full of street art, galleries, and quirky shops. You can also grab a bite to eat in one of the many trendy cafes here. Spend the evening strolling along the Roman Stadium street and soak in the atmosphere.

Day 4: Plovdiv and Surroundings

Continue exploring Plovdiv in the morning. Hit spots you missed like Nebet Tepe, which offers great views of the city. Visit the Ethnographic Museum if you’re interested in local culture and history.

Later, take a short trip to the nearby Asen’s Fortress. This medieval fortress offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a great place for an afternoon outing. The bus ride from Plovdiv takes around 30 minutes, and you can spend a few hours walking around the ruins and taking photos.

In the evening, return to Plovdiv for some downtime. Try a local dish like kavarma (slow-cooked meat stew) and enjoy people-watching in one of the many open-air restaurants.

Day 5: Veliko Tarnovo – The City of Tsars

Next up is Veliko Tarnovo, a picturesque city that was the medieval capital of Bulgaria. Take a bus from Plovdiv and arrive in the late morning. The city is split into two by a dramatic gorge with the Yantra River flowing through it, which makes for beautiful views.

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Spend the afternoon visiting Tsarevets Fortress. It’s the historic heart of the city and offers plenty of ruins to explore. Don’t miss the Patriarchal Cathedral on top of the hill; it’s uniquely decorated with modernist frescoes.

In the evening, walk around the old town streets, lined with quaint houses and artisan shops. Grab dinner in one of the taverns and try some sarmi (stuffed cabbage leaves) or tarator (cold cucumber soup).

Day 6: Arbanasi Village and More of Veliko Tarnovo

Today, start with a half-day trip to the nearby village of Arbanasi. This small village has a handful of old churches and houses from the 16th century and feels like a step back in time.

Make sure to visit the Church of the Nativity, famous for its vivid frescoes. Walk around the village to capture stunning views of the surrounding mountains and enjoy the village’s slow pace.

Return to Veliko Tarnovo for the evening and explore more of the old town. Explore Samovodska Charshia, a street filled with artisan shops where local craftspeople make traditional products.

Day 7: Varna – Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast

It’s time to head to the coast! Take a bus to Varna, Bulgaria’s summer capital. Varna is a lively port city situated along the Black Sea and is a great spot for relaxing.

Spend the afternoon lazing on the beach or walking along the Sea Garden, a large park by the water. Stop at one of the seaside cafes for lunch and enjoy some seafood, such as shkembe chorba (tripe soup) or mussels.

In the evening, visit the Varna Archaeological Museum, home to the world’s oldest gold treasure, from a civilization that predates ancient Egypt.

Day 8: Day Trip to Balchik and the Botanical Garden

Take a short day trip from Varna to Balchik, a charming coastal town. Visit the Balchik Palace and the beautiful Botanical Garden, which was once a royal summer residence.

Stroll through the gardens, filled with thousands of different plant species, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The garden overlooks the sea, making it a perfect spot to sit and relax.

In the evening, return to Varna and take a relaxing walk along the beach promenade. Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the beachside restaurants.

Day 9: Nessebar – The Ancient Coastal Town

Head further down the coastline today to Nessebar. This ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Bulgaria’s most well-preserved historical coastal towns.

Walk around the narrow streets of the Old Town and explore the many ancient churches built during the Byzantine era. Enjoy the beautiful sea views and old fishing boats along the port. It’s like stepping back in time.

Nessebar also has excellent seafood, and its proximity to the coast makes it a top spot to try Black Sea fish specialties. End the day with a walk along the coastline, watching the sunset over the horizon.

Day 10: Return to Sofia and Departure

If you have the time, head back to Sofia in the morning. You can either take an early bus or a flight from Varna or Burgas to save time. Spend your last hours in Sofia picking up some souvenirs at the flea market near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral or just taking one last walk around the city.

If you missed any spots or museums in Sofia earlier, now is a good time to catch up before saying goodbye to Bulgaria!

End your trip with a traditional Bulgarian meal at a local restaurant. It’s the perfect way to close off your 10 days in this beautiful and underrated country.

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