Bulgaria in 7 Days
Bulgaria
Overview
One of Europe's most underrated-value trips: Sofia's layered Roman-Ottoman-Communist history (with Roman ruins literally inside the metro station), Plovdiv's still-in-use ancient Roman theatre and creative Kapana district, and the dramatic former medieval capital of Veliko Tarnovo, built into a river canyon. Trains and buses connect all three easily.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Public transport
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €550–€780
Route
1. Sofia2. Plovdiv3. Veliko Tarnovo4. Sofia
Highlights
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia
- Plovdiv's Ancient Roman Theatre, still used for performances
- Tsarevets Fortress and its sound-and-light show in Veliko Tarnovo
- Some of Europe's best value food and lodging
Worth knowing
- Bulgarian uses the Cyrillic alphabet — road signs can be harder to navigate without preparation
- Some rural bus connections run infrequently — check schedules ahead
- Winters are cold; the shoulder-season months are the sweet spot
Day by day
Day 1
SofiaMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Vitosha Boulevard
Overnight: Sofia
Day 2
SofiaMain activities
- Serdica Roman ruins
- National History Museum
Optional additions
- Vitosha Mountain cable car
Overnight: Sofia
Day 3
Sofia → PlovdivMain activities
- Train (~2.5h)
- Plovdiv Old Town
~2.5 hoursOvernight: Plovdiv
Day 4
PlovdivMain activities
- Ancient Roman Theatre
- Kapana creative district
Overnight: Plovdiv
Day 5
Plovdiv → Veliko TarnovoMain activities
- Bus (~3h)
- Old Town streets
~3 hoursOvernight: Veliko Tarnovo
Day 6
Veliko TarnovoMain activities
- Tsarevets Fortress
- Sound and light show at the fortress
Overnight: Veliko Tarnovo
Day 7
Veliko Tarnovo → SofiaMain activities
- Bus back to Sofia (~3.5h)
- Departure
~3.5 hoursOvernight: Sofia
Alternatives
Shorter version · 4 days
Drop Veliko Tarnovo and keep to Sofia and Plovdiv only.
Longer extension · 10 days
Add Varna and the Black Sea coast for a few beach days.