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.

From

$1,322

US $1,123 per person

Go Local: Best of Bulgaria, Self-Drive

11 days

•

Start and end in Sofia

5.0

2 traveler reviews

View all
Bulgaria is a jewel of a country and it shouldn't be overlooked as a great destination to explore.
Alexandra, traveled in May
5.0
View all

From

$1,322

-15%

US $1,123 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Operator: Destination Services Bulgaria
Explorer: Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Private Tour: Travel exclusively with your friends and family
Self-guided: Independent exploration, backed by expert advice and support
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English: Other languages on request: German, French
All Ages Welcome

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Sofia
Start point
София, Sia, Bulgaria (Welcome to Bulgaria! Arrive at Sofia Airport, take your car and drive to your accommodation hotel., 00:00 - 00:00)
Optional Activities
- Dinner with Folklore and Nestinari Dances: four-course dinner at a typical restaurant with a glass of wine, plus folklore program and barefoot dance on smouldering embers (20:00-23:00, weather permitting). Transfers and guide not included.
Landmarks
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
St. George Rotonda
St. Nikolay Church
National Theatre Ivan Vazov
Vitoshka Street
Day 2
Sofia
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Sofia city tour: 4-hour private guided tour in English, French, German, or Spanish. Guide included. Transfers and entrance fees not included.
Landmarks
National History Museum
Boyana Church
Vitosha Mountain
Day 3
Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Troyan Monastery
Landmarks
Troyan Monastery
Tzarevetz Fortress
Samovodska charshia
Arbanassi
Day 4
Veliko Tarnovo to Varna
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari
- Visit Madara Rider
Landmarks
Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari
Madara Rider
Day 5
Varna
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (4-course dinner at a local restaurant. No transfers nor guidance included.)
Included Activities
- Dinner at a local restaurant (4-course)
Optional Activities
- Varna city tour: 4-hour private guided tour in English, French, German, or Spanish. Guide included. Transfers and entrance fees not included.
- Visit Cathedral of Varna
- Visit Archaeological Museum
Landmarks
Cathedral of Varna
Archaeological Museum of Varna
Sea Garden
Day 6
Varna - Balchik - Kaliakra
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Cape Kaliakra with guided exploration
- Visit Balchik Palace and Botanical Gardens (guidance and entrance fees included)
Landmarks
Cape Kaliakra
Balchik Palace
Balchik Botanical Garden
Day 7
Varna to Burgas - Nessebar - Sozopol
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Old Town of Nessebar
- Visit Sozopol
Landmarks
Old Town of Nessebar
Sozopol
Day 8
Burgas to Kazanlak to Plovdiv
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
- Visit Rose Museum
- Explore Roman Amphitheatre
- Visit Hindlyan House
Landmarks
Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
Rose Museum
Roman Amphitheatre of Plovdiv
Hindlyan House
Day 9
Plovdiv to Bansko
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch (Typical Bulgarian lunch prepared together with granny Deshka at her home)
Included Activities
- Visit local village house with typical Bulgarian lunch
- Participate in household work with granny Deshka
- Prepare lunch together with Deshka
Optional Activities
- Visit Dobarsko church
Landmarks
Yundola Pass
Dobarsko
Bansko
Day 10
Bansko to Rila to Sofia
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Rila Monastery
Landmarks
Rila Monastery
Day 11
Sofia - Departure
End point
София, Sia, Bulgaria (CAR HIRE DROP-OFF / DEPARTURE SOFIA (10km – 30min), 00:00 - 00:00)
Meals
Breakfast

Landmarks
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
St. George Rotonda
St. Nikolay Church
National Theatre Ivan Vazov
Vitoshka Street

Landmarks
National History Museum
Boyana Church
Vitosha Mountain

Landmarks
Troyan Monastery
Tzarevetz Fortress
Samovodska charshia
Arbanassi

Landmarks
Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari
Madara Rider

Landmarks
Cathedral of Varna
Archaeological Museum of Varna
Sea Garden

Landmarks
Cape Kaliakra
Balchik Palace
Balchik Botanical Garden

Landmarks
Old Town of Nessebar
Sozopol

Landmarks
Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
Rose Museum
Roman Amphitheatre of Plovdiv
Hindlyan House

Landmarks
Yundola Pass
Dobarsko
Bansko

Landmarks
Rila Monastery

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport
Free eSIM
TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Operated by

Destination Services Bulgaria

5.0

(4 reviews)

Number of tours

Age Range

2 to 99 years old

Response time

10 hours

Response rate

100%

Destination Services Bulgaria is the leading incoming tour operator in...

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

5.0

Overall rating based on 2 Reviews

Itinerary
5.0
Transport
5.0
Guide
5.0
Accommodation
4.0
Food
5.0
Tour Operator
5.0

David
August 31st, 2023
5.0
We really enjoyed the excellent communication from Emiliana and we found every detail of the organisation to be...
We really enjoyed the excellent communication from Emiliana and we found every detail of the organisation to be perfect. We had a delightful day with our very knowledgeable and engaging guide from Varna. We thought all the hotels were well placed and comfortable. The hire car was very good and all arrangements for it went smoothly. We very much appreciated the suggested place to visit and did our best to cover all of them. We also enjoyed the meals arranged for us. In short, we loved Bulgaria and would happily recommend your company to anyone.Show more
Traveled in August 2023
Reply from: Destination Services Bulgaria
Dear David and Caroline, we are very happy that you enjoyed your stay in our beautiful country! Wish you health and many more adventures! Destination Services Bulgaria Team
Show more
Alexandra
May 29th, 2023
5.0
This tour was amazing. Emiliana connects with you instantly and is super responsive, accommodating and professional...
This tour was amazing. Emiliana connects with you instantly and is super responsive, accommodating and professional throughout the trip - she answered all of our pre trip questions and during the trip was very helpful and made us feel connected throughout the trip as though we had a guide but were on our own! The trip itself is full way to see this beautiful country and allows a few add ons if desired or subtraction as well. This is full independent trip. Driving in Bulgaria was easier than expected and the overall logistics of this trip are very well thought out and comfortable timing and relaxation time. Bulgaria is a jewel of a country and it shouldn't be overlooked as a great destination to explore the layers of history, the fresh foods, the wonderful people and spirit of an Eastern Balkan country. End of May was the perfect time to explore as well. Thank you to Emiliana again!!Show more
Traveled in May 2023
Reply from: Destination Services Bulgaria
Thank you, Alexandra and Luis, it was pleasure! We are more than happy that you have a great trip!
Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

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Ends in1d1h26m6s

-15%
From Wednesday
1 Apr, 2026
To Saturday
11 Apr, 2026
English, German, French +2 more
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,442
US $1,226 per person
Multiple Room Types
-15%
From Thursday
2 Apr, 2026
To Sunday
12 Apr, 2026
English, German, French +2 more
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This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,442
US $1,226 per person
Multiple Room Types
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From Friday
3 Apr, 2026
To Monday
13 Apr, 2026
English, German, French +2 more
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This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,442
US $1,226 per person
Multiple Room Types
-15%
From Saturday
4 Apr, 2026
To Tuesday
14 Apr, 2026
English, German, French +2 more
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This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,442
US $1,226 per person
Multiple Room Types
-15%
From Sunday
5 Apr, 2026
To Wednesday
15 Apr, 2026
English, German, French +2 more
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,442
US $1,226 per person
Multiple Room Types
-15%
From Monday
6 Apr, 2026
To Thursday
16 Apr, 2026
English, German, French +2 more
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,442
US $1,226 per person
Multiple Room Types
-15%
From Tuesday
7 Apr, 2026
To Friday
17 Apr, 2026
English, German, French +2 more
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,442
US $1,226 per person
Multiple Room Types
-15%
From Wednesday
8 Apr, 2026
To Saturday
18 Apr, 2026
English, German, French +2 more
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,442
US $1,226 per person
Multiple Room Types
-15%
From Thursday
9 Apr, 2026
To Sunday
19 Apr, 2026
English, German, French +2 more
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,442
US $1,226 per person
Multiple Room Types
-15%
From Friday
10 Apr, 2026
To Monday
20 Apr, 2026
English, German, French +2 more
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,442
US $1,226 per person
Multiple Room Types

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

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Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

A
Abigail
Asked on March 24th, 2025
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?
Transport
- Destination Services BulgariaOperator•Written March 2025
  Category B: ECONOMY - Citroen C3 or similar 2022 / 2023; Manual transmission. Category C: COMPACT - Opel Mokka or similar 2024; Manual transmission
V
Volker
Asked on March 18th, 2025
Are optional excursions included in the itinerary?
Tour Details
- Destination Services BulgariaOperator•Written March 2025
  Optional excursions are marked in your itinerary, and entrance fees for museums and sites can usually be paid at the venue.
M
María José
Asked on March 8th, 2025
Can you provide advice on meals during the tour?
Meals
- Destination Services BulgariaOperator•Written March 2025
  Local dining experiences are recommended, and restaurants will often feature traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
F
Florina-Andreea
Asked on February 26th, 2025
How do we handle payment for the rental car?
Payments
Transport
- Destination Services BulgariaOperator•Written February 2025
  Rental car payments are usually taken care of as part of the package, but check for any additional overages or services upon pick-up.
M
Mette Janna
Asked on January 26th, 2025
What transport options are included for moving between tour locations?
Transport
- Destination Services BulgariaOperator•Written January 2025
  Transportation between locations is handled with the rental car you've reserved as part of the self-drive arrangement.
J
Judy
Asked on November 18th, 2024
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?
Accommodation
Tour Details
Transport
- Destination Services BulgariaOperator•Written November 2024
  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.
R
Renske
Asked on September 19th, 2024
What should I include in my packing list for Bulgaria?
Other
- Destination Services BulgariaOperator•Written September 2024
  Pack for varying weather conditions, including layers for warmth and coolness, as well as comfortable walking shoes.
M
Maud
Asked on September 5th, 2024
How can I check the parking situation for our tour locations?
Transport
- Destination Services BulgariaOperator•Written September 2024
  Parking is usually manageable in smaller cities, while larger cities have paid parking zones. Each hotel can also provide specific information.
B
Bridie
Asked on August 30th, 2024
What kind of currency should I use in Bulgaria?
Other
- Destination Services BulgariaOperator•Written August 2024
  In Bulgaria, it is recommended to use BGN; euros are accepted in tourist areas but not generally throughout the country.
J
Julie
Asked on June 2nd, 2024
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.
Tour Details
Transport
- Destination Services BulgariaOperator•Written June 2024
  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.

From

$1,322

-15%

US $1,123 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 234131

Currency
лв.
Bulgarian Lev
Bulgaria
Plugs & Adapters
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Bulgaria. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Tuberculosis - Recommended for Bulgaria. Ideally 3 months before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Bulgaria. Ideally 2 months before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before May 1st, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after May 1st, 2026, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Destination Services Bulgaria. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Destination Services Bulgaria will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Destination Services Bulgaria" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Destination Services Bulgaria. Please familiarize yourself with the Destination Services Bulgaria payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Go Local: Best of Bulgaria, Self-Drive

Itinerary

Sofia

Optional Activities

Sofia

Optional Activities

Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo

Optional Activities

Veliko Tarnovo to Varna

Optional Activities

Varna

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Varna - Balchik - Kaliakra

Included Activities

Varna to Burgas - Nessebar - Sozopol

Optional Activities

Burgas to Kazanlak to Plovdiv

Optional Activities

Plovdiv to Bansko

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Bansko to Rila to Sofia

Optional Activities

Sofia - Departure

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What's Included

What's Not Included