From
$2,131
NZ $1,705

Go Local: Best of Bulgaria, Self-Drive

11 days
Start and end in Sofia
5.0
2 traveler reviews

Go Local: Best of Bulgaria, Self-Drive

11 days
Start and end in Sofia
5.0
2 traveler reviews
From
$2,131
-20%
NZ $1,705
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $341 now + easy payments of $227 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Self-guided
Independent exploration, backed by expert advice and support
Guided in English
Other languages on offer: German, French
Age range 2 to 99
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Explore Sofia's vibrant city center on your own
  • Visit UNESCO sites: Boyana Church and Rila Monastery
  • Discover the medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo
  • Stroll through Nessebar's ancient cobbled streets
  • Witness the Nestinari fire dance in a folklore night

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 ARRIVAL SOFIA / CAR HIRE PICK-UP (10km – 30min)
  2. Day 2 SOFIA
  3. Day 3 SOFIA – VELIKO TARNOVO (270km – 4hrs)
  4. Day 4 VELIKO TARNOVO – VARNA (310km – 4.5h)
  5. Day 5 VARNA
  6. Day 6 VARNA – BALCHIK – KALIAKRA – VARNA (160km – 2.5hrs)
  7. Day 7 VARNA – NESSEBAR – BURGAS (140km – 2.5hrs)
  8. Day 8 BURGAS – KAZANLAK – PLOVDIV (300km – 4hrs)
  9. Day 9 PLOVDIV – BANSKO (160km – 3hrs)
  10. Day 10 BANSKO – RILA – SOFIA (210km – 3.5hrs)
  11. Day 11 CAR HIRE DROP-OFF / DEPARTURE SOFIA (10km – 30min)
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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

Customer Photos

5.0
(4 reviews)

Number of tours

7

Age Range

2 to 99 years old

Response time

10 hours

Response rate

100%

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

Read more

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Go Local: Best of Bulgaria, Self-Drive reviewer 1
    · August 31st, 2023
    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
    Destination Services Bulgaria commented on this review
    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
    Go Local: Best of Bulgaria, Self-Drive customer review photo 1Go Local: Best of Bulgaria, Self-Drive customer review photo 2
    Trip date: August 2023
  • Go Local: Best of Bulgaria, Self-Drive reviewer 2
    · May 29th, 2023
    This tour was amazing. Emiliana connects with...
    Show more
    Destination Services Bulgaria commented on this review
    Thank you, Alexandra and Luis, it was pleasure! We are more than happy that you have a great trip!
    Trip date: May 2023

Dates & Availability

11 days
Go Local: Best of Bulgaria, Self-Drive
From Sofia to Sofia

Why book with TourRadar?

    • Trusted and vetted operators
    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $50 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

    To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Australia, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits
Select a departure month
  • Upcoming departures
  • July 2025
  • August 2025
  • September 2025
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Select The Travel Month

Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 24 Jun, 2025
  • -20%
    From Wednesday
    9 Jul, 2025
    To Saturday
    19 Jul, 2025
    English, German, French +2 more
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,678
    NZ $2,142
  • -20%
    From Thursday
    10 Jul, 2025
    To Sunday
    20 Jul, 2025
    English, German, French +2 more
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,678
    NZ $2,142
  • -20%
    From Friday
    11 Jul, 2025
    To Monday
    21 Jul, 2025
    English, German, French +2 more
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,678
    NZ $2,142
  • -20%
    From Saturday
    12 Jul, 2025
    To Tuesday
    22 Jul, 2025
    English, German, French +2 more
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,678
    NZ $2,142
  • -20%
    From Sunday
    13 Jul, 2025
    To Wednesday
    23 Jul, 2025
    English, German, French +2 more
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,678
    NZ $2,142
  • -20%
    From Monday
    14 Jul, 2025
    To Thursday
    24 Jul, 2025
    English, German, French +2 more
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,678
    NZ $2,142
  • -20%
    From Tuesday
    15 Jul, 2025
    To Friday
    25 Jul, 2025
    English, German, French +2 more
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,678
    NZ $2,142
  • -20%
    From Wednesday
    16 Jul, 2025
    To Saturday
    26 Jul, 2025
    English, German, French +2 more
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,678
    NZ $2,142
  • -20%
    From Thursday
    17 Jul, 2025
    To Sunday
    27 Jul, 2025
    English, German, French +2 more
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,678
    NZ $2,142
  • -20%
    From Friday
    18 Jul, 2025
    To Monday
    28 Jul, 2025
    English, German, French +2 more
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $2,678
    NZ $2,142

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • 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 BulgariaOperatorWritten 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 BulgariaOperatorWritten 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 BulgariaOperatorWritten 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 BulgariaOperatorWritten 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 BulgariaOperatorWritten 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 BulgariaOperatorWritten 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 BulgariaOperatorWritten 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 BulgariaOperatorWritten 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 BulgariaOperatorWritten 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 BulgariaOperatorWritten 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.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Destination Services Bulgaria with your enquiry, they usually respond within 10 hours.
From
$2,131
-20%
NZ $1,705
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $341 now + easy payments of $227 Learn More

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 August 18th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 18th, 2025, 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
  • 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.