Go Local: Best of Bulgaria, Self-Drive
Free Cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Mobile Ticketing
Use your phone for entry to your destination.
Guide Language
English, German, French
Group Size
Max 12 people
Description
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Sofia
Transfer from Sofia Airport to the hotel; free evening to explore the capital.
Day 2 – Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo
Morning breakfast, then drive to Veliko Tarnovo, the historic medieval capital of Bulgaria.
Day 3 – Veliko Tarnovo to Varna
After breakfast, travel to the Black Sea city of Varna; enjoy a 4‑course dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4 – Varna – Balchik & Cape Kaliakra
Day trip along the coast visiting Cape Kaliakra with a professional guide, then explore Balchik Palace and its gardens (guide and entrance fees included).
Day 5 – Varna to Burgas
Morning transfer to Burgas on the southern Black Sea coast; the day is free for leisure.
Day 6 – Burgas to Plovdiv
Drive inland to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s cultural hub; enjoy the city’s Roman theatre and old town at your own pace.
Day 7 – Plovdiv to Bansko – Village Experience
Travel to Bansko; visit a local village house, share a traditional Bulgarian lunch prepared by granny Deshka, help with household chores, and take part in folklore dances and songs.
Day 8 – Return to Sofia & Departure
Drive back to Sofia, have breakfast, then transfer to Sofia International Airport for your flight home.
Day 1 – Arrival in Sofia
Transfer from Sofia Airport to the hotel; free evening to explore the capital.
Day 2 – Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo
Morning breakfast, then drive to Veliko Tarnovo, the historic medieval capital of Bulgaria.
Day 3 – Veliko Tarnovo to Varna
After breakfast, travel to the Black Sea city of Varna; enjoy a 4‑course dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4 – Varna – Balchik & Cape Kaliakra
Day trip along the coast visiting Cape Kaliakra with a professional guide, then explore Balchik Palace and its gardens (guide and entrance fees included).
Day 5 – Varna to Burgas
Morning transfer to Burgas on the southern Black Sea coast; the day is free for leisure.
Day 6 – Burgas to Plovdiv
Drive inland to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s cultural hub; enjoy the city’s Roman theatre and old town at your own pace.
Day 7 – Plovdiv to Bansko – Village Experience
Travel to Bansko; visit a local village house, share a traditional Bulgarian lunch prepared by granny Deshka, help with household chores, and take part in folklore dances and songs.
Day 8 – Return to Sofia & Departure
Drive back to Sofia, have breakfast, then transfer to Sofia International Airport for your flight home.
Meeting Point
Included
- task_alt Accommodation
- task_alt Guide
- task_alt Meals
- task_alt Additional Services
- task_alt Transport
Excluded
- close Flights
- close Insurance
- close Optional
- close Additional Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between vehicle category B and C? Could you please provide more information on the vehicles available for each category, so that they our travelers can decide which category would suit them best?
Category B: ECONOMY - Citroen C3 or similar 2022 / 2023; Manual transmission. Category C: COMPACT - Opel Mokka or similar 2024; Manual transmission
Are optional excursions included in the itinerary?
Optional excursions are marked in your itinerary, and entrance fees for museums and sites can usually be paid at the venue.
Can you provide advice on meals during the tour?
Local dining experiences are recommended, and restaurants will often feature traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
How do we handle payment for the rental car?
Rental car payments are usually taken care of as part of the package, but check for any additional overages or services upon pick-up.
What transport options are included for moving between tour locations?
Transportation between locations is handled with the rental car you've reserved as part of the self-drive arrangement.
We are interested in the Go Local : Best of Bulgaria,Self-drive Tour. Can this tour be extended to 13 days by adding an extra night in both Veliko Tarnovo and Plovdiv? If so, what is the additional cost? Also what type of vehicle is included in the car hire? We will probably be arriving by bus, so can the car be picked up in Sofia city or at a hotel in Sofia? We may wish to extend our time in Sofia after the tour, but may not need the car. Can it be returned to an office in Sofia? Also can extra night's accommodation only be booked in Sofia through this tour company?
We are pleased to send you the following special quote as per your private requirements: 1. Additional overnight in Veliko Tarnovo, Hotel Panorama or similar: 140EUR per person per night, including accommodation in DBL room, BB basis and one additional day of the rent-a-car category B. 2. Additional overnight in Plovdiv, Grand Hotel Plovdiv or similar: 140EUR per person per night, including accommodation in DBL room, BB basis and one additional day of the rent-a-car category B. 3. Pre/ Post-night in Sofia (Hotel Budapest or similar), Double Room, Standard Hotel Category 76 EUR per person per night on BB Basis. 4. It is possible to pick up/ drop off the rent-a-car from your hotel. The supplement is 25 EUR per service, payable at the rent-a-car agency. 5. If you chooce car B category, the vehicle is Citroen C3 manual or similar. If you chooce car C category, the vehicle is Toyota Corolla manual or similar or similar.
What should I include in my packing list for Bulgaria?
Pack for varying weather conditions, including layers for warmth and coolness, as well as comfortable walking shoes.
How can I check the parking situation for our tour locations?
Parking is usually manageable in smaller cities, while larger cities have paid parking zones. Each hotel can also provide specific information.
What kind of currency should I use in Bulgaria?
In Bulgaria, it is recommended to use BGN; euros are accepted in tourist areas but not generally throughout the country.
We are interested in two of your Bulgaria tours. 1. Go local, Best of Bulgaria and 2. Self drive, Bulgaria. Not quite sure of the difference between them? We are happy to self-drive and don't need a guide every day, but a couple of day trips are fine. Also we would be happy to add a day or two to the middle of the trip and an extra day in Sophia, I see is possible.
The main difference between the two routes is the duration. Go local: Best of Bulgaria is longer and includes more days on the beach area and some included services. It is dependig of your wish, you can read the programms and decide. And yes, pre- and post-overnights are possible. Another difference is the start-end airport. Go local is from/to Sofia and Explore Bulgaria is from/to Varna or Burgas airport. So, you need to decide which flights you are going to use.
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