9 days in Bulgaria Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Bulgaria attractions planner
Start: Cairo
Fly
1
Sofia
— 1 night
Drive
2
Rila
— 1 day
Drive
3
Sofia
— 3 nights
Drive
4
Burgas
Drive
5
Nessebar
Drive
6
Sofia
— 4 nights
Fly
End: Cairo
Thu, Dec 22 - Fri, Dec 30
Edit
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View full calendar
Sofia — 1 night

Spend time in one of Europe's oldest cities, the vibrant Bulgarian capital of Sofia.Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Thu): pause for some serene contemplation at Saint Sofia Church and then contemplate the long history of Amphitheatre of Serdica.
For traveler tips, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Sofia day trip planning website.
Cairo, Egypt to Sofia is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also drive. Prepare for cooler weather when traveling from Cairo in December: high temperatures in Sofia hover around 7°C and lows are around -3°C. On the 23rd (Fri), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Rila.
Find places to stay Dec 22 — 23:
Highlights from your trip
Rila — 1 day

Rila is a town in southwestern Bulgaria, in Rila Municipality, part of Kyustendil Province. Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Fri): take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Rila and then contemplate the long history of Rila Monastery.
Start your trip to Rila by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.
Getting from Sofia to Rila by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and taxi. In December in Rila, expect temperatures between 5°C during the day and -4°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Sofia.
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Start your trip to Rila by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.
Getting from Sofia to Rila by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and taxi. In December in Rila, expect temperatures between 5°C during the day and -4°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Sofia.
Find places to stay Dec 23 — 24:
Highlights from your trip
Sofia — 3 nights

Your day by day itinerary now includes Vitosha Boulevard as well as St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 24th (Sat): steep yourself in history at Church St. George Rotunda, then shop like a local with Vitosha Boulevard, and then admire the striking features of St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral.
To see where to stay, photos, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Sofia sightseeing planning tool.
You can drive from Rila to Sofia in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and train. You will have some time to spend on the 26th (Mon) before leaving for Burgas.
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To see where to stay, photos, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Sofia sightseeing planning tool.
You can drive from Rila to Sofia in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and train. You will have some time to spend on the 26th (Mon) before leaving for Burgas.
Find places to stay Dec 23 — 26:
Highlights from your trip
Surrounded by lakes and the sea, Burgas represents a popular vacation spot because of its nature, mild climate, and proximity to several charming ancient towns.Start off your visit on the 26th (Mon): pause for some photo ops at Sculpture of Peptko Blagoev and then stroll around Sea Garden.
For photos, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Burgas online driving holiday planner.
Traveling by car from Sofia to Burgas takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and shuttle; or take a bus. Traveling from Sofia in December, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Burgas, with lows around 0°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 26th (Mon) to allow time for the car ride to Nessebar.
Find places to stay Dec 26 — 27:
Highlights from your trip

Pearl of the Black Sea
Between the ruggedly beautiful Balkan Mountains and shores of the Black Sea lies the World Heritage Site, Nessebar.You've now added Original Bulgarian Wine Shop to your itinerary. On the 26th (Mon), delve into the distant past at Church of Saint Sophia and then stop by Original Bulgarian Wine Shop.
To see other places to visit, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Nessebar online journey maker.
Drive from Burgas to Nessebar in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. December in Nessebar sees daily highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Mon) early enough to fly to Sofia.
Find places to stay Dec 26 — 27:
Highlights from your trip
Sofia — 4 nights
Your day by day itinerary now includes Vitosha Boulevard as well as Format Jewelry, Objects & Interiors. Do your shopping at Paradise Center and National Palace of Culture Congress Centre. Get a sense of the local culture at Boyana Church and National Institute of Archaeology with Museum. See even more of Sofia: browse the different shops at Mall of Sofia, don't miss a visit to Saint Sofia Monument, and hunt for treasures at Central Market Hall (Tsentralni Hali).
To find more things to do, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Sofia journey planner.
Traveling by flight from Nessebar to Sofia takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a shuttle. Traveling from Nessebar in December, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be little chillier in Sofia, with lows of -3°C. You will have some time to spend on the 30th (Fri) before leaving for home.
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To find more things to do, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Sofia journey planner.
Traveling by flight from Nessebar to Sofia takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a shuttle. Traveling from Nessebar in December, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be little chillier in Sofia, with lows of -3°C. You will have some time to spend on the 30th (Fri) before leaving for home.
Find places to stay Dec 26 — 30:
Highlights from your trip
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Bulgaria travel guide
Eventful history has endowed Bulgaria with a rich cultural, architectural, and artistic heritage, while natural beauty and recreational opportunities make it one of Europe's most desirable holiday destinations. Carpeted by dense forests and fed by mighty rivers, this ancient land once drew invaders from distant corners of Europe. Today, the country's Black Sea coastline and seven rugged mountain ranges top the itineraries of nearly 8 million annual visitors. While its growing cities offer modern shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities, Bulgaria's countryside remains a history buff's paradise, boasting well-preserved reminders of ancient civilizations that conquered or passed through this land. Begin your Bulgarian adventure in Sofia, one of Europe's oldest capitals, with over 250 historic landmarks.