23 days in Bulgaria Itinerary

Combine historical exploration and seaside relaxation at Varna, Bulgaria's coastal Black Sea city.

Appreciate the collections at Varna Archaeological Museum and National Maritime Museum. Get some historical perspective at Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery. Venture out of the city with trips to Pliska National Historical Archaeological Reserve (in Pliska), Shumen (Monument "1300 Years of Bulgaria" & Madara Rider) and Cape Kaliakra (in Dobrich). The adventure continues: examine the collection at Butterfly House Varna, try your luck at INTERNATIONAL Hotel Casino & Tower Suites, pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, and browse the different shops at Grand Mall.

For ratings, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Varna tour builder app.

Chicago, USA to Varna is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. You'll lose 8 hours traveling from Chicago to Varna due to the time zone difference. In May, daytime highs in Varna are 71°F, while nighttime lows are 52°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Sat) so you can catch the shuttle to Nessebar.

Between the ruggedly beautiful Balkan Mountains and shores of the Black Sea lies the World Heritage Site, Nessebar.

On the 4th (Sun), stroll around Camel Park Sunny Beach, then pause for some serene contemplation at Church of St. Blaise, and then experience the excitement of Erma Spa Turkish Bath. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: delve into the distant past at The Church of St. John Aliturgetos, take in the spiritual surroundings of St Stephens Church, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, explore the ancient world of Church of Saint Sophia, then learn about winemaking at Wine tasting Messembria, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of Christ Pantocrator.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Nessebar trip planner.

Traveling by shuttle from Varna to Nessebar takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In June, daily temperatures in Nessebar can reach 80°F, while at night they dip to 62°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) early enough to drive to Veliko Tarnovo.

Veliko Tarnovo is a city in north central Bulgaria and the administrative centre of Veliko Tarnovo Province.Often referred to as the "City of the Tsars", Veliko Tarnovo is located on the Yantra River and is famously known as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, attracting many tourists with its unique architecture. Appreciate the collections at Open Air Ethnographic Museum ETAR and Konstantsalieva House. Get some cultural insight at Chiesa della Nativita and Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration of God. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Veliko Tarnovo: Shipka (Rozhdestvo Hristovo Temple & Shipka Monument), Museum of Roses (in Kazanlak) and National Education Museum (in Gabrovo). There's much more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Troyan Monastery, take an in-depth tour of Ethnographic Museum, don't miss a visit to Samovodska Charshiya Complex, and take in the local highlights with Walking tours.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Veliko Tarnovo trip planner.

Getting from Nessebar to Veliko Tarnovo by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In June, daily temperatures in Veliko Tarnovo can reach 80°F, while at night they dip to 58°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Ivanovo.

On the 11th (Sun), take in the spiritual surroundings of St. Dimitrii of Basarbovo Monastery and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo.

To find more things to do, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Ivanovo journey planner.

Getting from Veliko Tarnovo to Ivanovo by car takes about 1.5 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Belogradchik.

Belogradchik is a town in Vidin Province, Northwestern Bulgaria, the administrative centre of the homonymous Belogradchik Municipality. On the 12th (Mon), explore the fascinating underground world of The Magura Cave, then explore the striking landscape at Belogradchik Rocks, and then appreciate the extensive heritage of Belogradchik Fortress.

For photos, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Belogradchik journey planner.

You can drive from Ivanovo to Belogradchik in 4.5 hours. Traveling from Ivanovo to Belogradchik, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In June, daily temperatures in Belogradchik can reach 82°F, while at night they dip to 59°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Plovdiv.

Though it is often seen as merely a stopover city, Plovdiv is actually a lively university town with bohemian cafes, a thriving art scene, and exciting nightlife.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Bachkovo Monastery and Ethnographic Museum. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Assen's Fortress and Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis. And it doesn't end there: take in the architecture and atmosphere at "St. st. Konstantin and Elena" Church, walk around Park Tsar Simeon, appreciate the extensive heritage of Nebet Tepe, and see the interesting displays at Regional Archaeological Museum Plovdiv.

To see photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Plovdiv holiday planning site.

Drive from Belogradchik to Plovdiv in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. The time zone difference when traveling from Belogradchik to Plovdiv is 1 hour. In June in Plovdiv, expect temperatures between 82°F during the day and 60°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Thu) early enough to drive to Sofia.

Spend time in one of Europe's oldest cities, the vibrant Bulgarian capital of Sofia.

Step off the beaten path and head to National Museum of History and Museum of illusions Sofia. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like National Museum of Military History and Catedral de Sveta-Nedelya. Dedicate the 20th (Tue) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Park "Kambanite", admire the natural beauty at Borisova Gradina, scramble along the landscape with a canyoning and rapelling tour, and take in the dramatic scenery at Boyana Waterfall.

To see photos, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Sofia trip builder tool.

You can drive from Plovdiv to Sofia in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Traveling from Plovdiv in June, Sofia is slightly colder at night with lows of 55°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Wed) early enough to catch the flight back home.