Sofia to Black Sea Public Transport Crossing
Cross the country from west to east without a car, traveling from the capital through ancient towns and the old capital to Varna.
This one-way, no-backtracking route relies entirely on trains, buses, and day tours, making it perfect for first-time visitors who prefer not to drive. Spend ample time in Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo, and depart from Varna, which has its own airport. The southwest highlands and Cape Kaliakra are excluded as they require a car. It is recommended to buy tickets for long-distance segments one day in advance.
Long-distance buses can be fully booked and the Black Sea coast is crowded in July and August; book tickets and accommodation early.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Sofia and Explore the City Center
Sofia（St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral、Church of St. George Rotunda、Ancient Serdica Complex、Vitosha Boulevard）
Take the metro from the airport to the city center (approx. 20 minutes). Main sights are within walking distance.
Stay: Serdika City Centre
Day 2 · Rila Monastery and Boyana
Sofia（Rila Monastery、Boyana Church）
Join a day tour from Sofia. The drive to Rila takes about 2 hours, with a stop at Boyana on the way back.
Direct public buses to Rila are rare; a day tour is the most hassle-free option.
Stay: Serdika City Centre
Day 3 · Head to Plovdiv Old Town
Plovdiv（Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis、Old Town of Plovdiv、Balabanov House、Kapana Creative District）
Take a bus or train to Plovdiv in the morning (approx. 2–2.5 hours), then explore entirely on foot.
The Old Town has steep, cobbled streets; drop off your luggage at your accommodation first.
Stay: Kapana & Pedestrian Zone
Day 4 · Transfer to Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo（Gurko Street、Samovodska Charshiya）
Take a bus in the morning (approx. 3–4 hours). Some services require a transfer in Stara Zagora. Alternatively, take a train to Gorna Oryahovitsa.
Stay: Old Town & Gurko Street
Day 5 · Tsarevets Fortress and Arbanasi
Veliko Tarnovo（Tsarevets Fortress、Arbanasi、Church of the Nativity, Arbanasi）
Walk to the fortress in the morning, and take a taxi in the afternoon for the 5 km round trip to the village of Arbanasi.
The Sound and Light Show runs on demand; check the local schedule upon arrival.
Stay: Old Town & Gurko Street
Day 6 · East to Varna on the Black Sea
Varna（Sea Garden, Varna、Varna Central Beach & Seaside Promenade）
Take a bus (approx. 3–4 hours), or take a taxi to Gorna Oryahovitsa to catch a train to Varna.
Stay: City Center & Sea Garden
Day 7 · Varna Historic Sights and Departure
Varna（Varna Archaeological Museum、Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, Varna、Roman Thermae of Varna）
Sights in the city center are within walking distance. Take a bus or taxi to the airport depending on your flight time.
Museums may close on Mondays during the low season; double-check before heading out.