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

$1,248

US $999 per person

Go Local: Best of Bulgaria, Self-Drive

11 days

•

Start and end in Sofia

5.0 (2 reviews)

View all
We found every detail of the organisation to be perfect. We would happily recommend your company to anyone.
David•traveled in August5.0
View all

From

$1,248

20% off

US $999 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 departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only 20% today. The rest is due 60 days before departure. Learn more

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Plan your adventure:

Operator: Destination Services Bulgaria
Road Trip & Self-Drive: Hit the open road and travel at your own pace
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

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Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
Sofia
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 - celebrate with a four-course welcome dinner, folklore program, and UNESCO-listed barefoot dance on smouldering embers (20:00-23:00, weather dependent, guide and transfers not included)
Landmarks
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
St. George Rotunda
Russian Church St. Nikolay
National Theatre Ivan Vazov
Vitoshka Street
Day 2
Sofia
Sofia
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Sofia city tour - private 4-hour 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 - Veliko Tarnovo
Sofia - Veliko Tarnovo
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Stop and visit Troyan Monastery
Landmarks
Troyan Monastery
Tzarevetz Fortress
Samovodska Charshia
Arbanassi
Day 4
Veliko Tarnovo - Varna
Veliko Tarnovo - Varna
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari
- Visit Madara Rider
Landmarks
Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari
Madara Rider
Day 5
Varna
Varna
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (4-course dinner at a fancy restaurant)
Included Activities
- 4-hour guided walking tour of Varna historic centre (English, French, or German-speaking guide; Spanish at additional cost)
- Varna Archaeological Museum visit
- Roman Baths visit
- 4-course dinner at a fancy restaurant
Landmarks
Varna Archaeological Museum
Roman Baths
Sea Garden
Day 6
Varna - Balchik - Kaliakra - Varna
Varna - Balchik - Kaliakra - Varna
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Cape Kaliakra with ancient and medieval fortresses and church ruins
- Visit Balchik castle and botanical garden
Landmarks
Cape Kaliakra
Balchik Castle
Day 7
Varna - Nessebar - Burgas
Varna - Nessebar - Burgas
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore UNESCO old town of Nessebar with 13th-century churches
- Visit Sozopol fishing village and art centre
Landmarks
Nessebar Old Town
Sozopol
Day 8
Burgas - Kazanlak - Plovdiv
Burgas - Kazanlak - Plovdiv
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Thracian Tomb in Kazanlak
- Visit Rose Museum
- Pick roses in Rose Valley (May-June only)
- Explore Roman Amphitheatre in Plovdiv
- Visit Hindlyan House in Plovdiv
Landmarks
Thracian Tomb (Kazanlak)
Rose Museum
Roman Amphitheatre (Plovdiv)
Hindlyan House
Day 9
Plovdiv - Bansko
Plovdiv - Bansko
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional Bulgarian lunch prepared together with granny Deshka)
Included Activities
- Visit granny Deshka's home with household participation
- Prepare typical Bulgarian lunch with Deshka
- Folklore dances and songs performed by local grannies
Optional Activities
- Stop in mountain villages to buy local honey, fruit jelly, or cheese from producers
- Visit Dobarsko church with unique Jesus Christ mural
Landmarks
Yundola Pass
Dobarsko Church
Day 10
Bansko - Rila - Sofia
Bansko - Rila - Sofia
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Rila Monastery
Landmarks
Rila Monastery
Day 11
Sofia
Sofia
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 Rotunda
Russian Church St. Nikolay
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
Varna Archaeological Museum
Roman Baths
Sea Garden

Landmarks
Cape Kaliakra
Balchik Castle

Landmarks
Nessebar Old Town
Sozopol

Landmarks
Thracian Tomb (Kazanlak)
Rose Museum
Roman Amphitheatre (Plovdiv)
Hindlyan House

Landmarks
Yundola Pass
Dobarsko Church

Landmarks
Rila Monastery

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Operated by

Destination Services Bulgaria

Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
Response rate: 100%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

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

David5.0•August 2023
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
Alexandra5.0•May 2023
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 & Prices

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

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From Friday
20 Nov, 2026
To Monday
30 Nov, 2026
English, German, French +2 more
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US$999 per person
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To Sunday
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To Monday
12 Apr, 2027
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To Tuesday
13 Apr, 2027
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US$1,090 per person
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4 Apr, 2027
To Wednesday
14 Apr, 2027
English, German, French +2 more
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This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
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$1,362
US$1,090 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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From Monday
5 Apr, 2027
To Thursday
15 Apr, 2027
English, German, French +2 more
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,362
US$1,090 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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From Tuesday
6 Apr, 2027
To Friday
16 Apr, 2027
English, German, French +2 more
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,362
US$1,090 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
20% off
From Wednesday
7 Apr, 2027
To Saturday
17 Apr, 2027
English, German, French +2 more
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,362
US$1,090 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
20% off
From Thursday
8 Apr, 2027
To Sunday
18 Apr, 2027
English, German, French +2 more
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,362
US$1,090 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
20% off
From Friday
9 Apr, 2027
To Monday
19 Apr, 2027
English, German, French +2 more
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,362
US$1,090 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

We couldn't find results

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.

Good to know

Tour ID: 234131

The practical details for your trip across Bulgaria: money, plugs and flexible ways to pay, all in one place.

Have a question? Chat with a travel expert

Pay in installments
Spread the cost in interest-free biweekly installments of $38.
Deposit only
Book now with just a 20% deposit. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure.
лв. - Bulgarian Lev
You’ll encounter Bulgarian Lev in Bulgaria.
Plug types C, F
You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in Bulgaria.

Currency
лв.
Bulgarian Lev
Bulgaria
Plugs & adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, F.
- Type C
  Used in Bulgaria
- Type F
  Used in Bulgaria
Visa
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay. We can’t process visas for you, but here’s a quick indication for this trip.
This is only an indication. Visa rules depend on your passport, trip length and purpose. Always confirm with the official embassy or consulate before you travel.
Payment information
Pay now
A 20% deposit
Balance due
60 days before departure
Installments
Interest-free, every two weeks
Currency
USD
Booking fee
None
Book now with just a 20% deposit and pay the rest later. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure, charged automatically to your card, or you can split it into interest-free biweekly installments of $38 at checkout. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before December 29th, 2026 will need to be paid in full at checkout.
Accepted for Destination Services Bulgaria tours
Visa
Maestro
Mastercard
American Express
PayPal
TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.
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Insurance
Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.
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Best of the South West Tour

From

$1,248

20% off

US $999 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 departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only 20% today. The rest is due 60 days before departure. Learn more

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Go Local: Best of Bulgaria, Self-Drive

Explore our featured adventures

Itinerary

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Prices

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Pay in installments

Deposit only

лв. - Bulgarian Lev

Plug types C, F

Currency

Plugs & adapters

Visa

Payment information

Accepted for Destination Services Bulgaria tours

Cancellation Policy

Insurance

Best price guarantee

How it works

Your quote needs

What doesn’t count

Accessibility

People also viewed

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