Some tourists, when traveling to another country, prefer to explore it through guided excursions rather than on their own. Others are strong advocates of independent travel. In this article, we will tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of such trips in Bulgaria.
Comparative Characteristics of Independent and Guided Trips
Independent Travel
Pros:
You can save a significant amount of money.
You are not dependent on anyone; no one restricts you within the framework of a guided program.
Cons:
Some attractions are difficult to reach by bus. For example, the Aladzha Monastery, the Rila Monastery, Ropotamo, the Stone Forest, or Cape Kaliakra can be reached either by car or with a guided group.
When traveling for the first time, it may be challenging to plan the itinerary.
Excursion Tours
Benefits:
Convenience. You don't have to plan anything, look for transportation and clarify the route. You'll be taken to interesting and sometimes inaccessible places, and the guide will tell their story in an entertaining way.
It is advantageous to take an excursion to the center of the country (Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia). It's a bit difficult to get there on your own.
You can take an individual excursion. But this option is suitable if you are traveling in a company.
It's better to buy excursions in small towns — it's cheaper.
Disadvantages:
High cost.
Time constraints. You will need to follow a schedule.
No options. Sometimes the tour program does not include all the interesting places you would like to see.
How to travel independently in Bulgaria
Many tourists often ask themselves the question "How to see more beautiful places and sights, but at the same time not to go bankrupt?". The answer is simple: independent travel.
Descriptions of independent travel:
You can visit many places in the country and see a lot while saving a decent amount of money.
You'll have to plan your itinerary and even do a bit of research on the country, but it's worth it.
Traveling in Bulgaria isn't difficult - bus services are well developed and you can go almost anywhere in the country.
Where to go alone
A lot of interesting Bulgarian sights are located quite far from the sea, in the center of the country. Plovdiv, Sofia and the Rose Valley will take a whole day to get to, and you'll have to stay overnight.
A good way to see the country is to visit seaside towns. Not only are they beautiful, but they are also rich in attractions.
Balchik
The town is famous for its botanical garden. It takes 3 hours to get there from Nessebar.
Pomorie
Small and very cozy resort. Here is located an amazingly beautiful Monastery of Saint George with a rich history. Visiting Pomorie you will see the holy Orthodox sites, admire the beauty of the sea, taste delicious fruits from the local market.
Also be sure to visit the Pomorie Lake, famous for its healing mud far beyond the borders of Bulgaria. You will have a chance to sunbathe on the clean wild beach on the spit.
It is convenient to get to Pomorie by bus from Nessebar (20-30 minutes) and Burgas.
Nessebar
An incredibly beautiful resort town located very close to the popular tourist destination Sunny Beach. It can be reached by boat, on foot or by tourist steam train.
Burgas
There is a lot to see here, sights and temples abound. People often go here for shopping, which is not quite right - prices are very high.
Better to visit Primorsky Primorsky Park, it is located on the seashore and will delight your eyes with rich vegetation. At the same time, admire the sand sculptures on the beach - the creation of the hands of visiting artists.
If you drive from Nessebar, it will take you less than an hour to get to Burgas.
Varna
Big tourist town. There are many parks and squares. Be sure to check out the local souvenir shops and dolphinarium.
The distance from Nessebar to Varna takes two hours.
Transport for Independent Travel
Bus Trip
The bus system in Bulgaria is well developed. Schedules and routes are displayed at the stops. All you need to discover Bulgaria more closely is a map.
Car Rental
By renting a car, you can go wherever you want, regardless of timetables and routes. The rental cost of a car starts from 30 USD per day.
Taxi
This is very expensive. You will have to pay from 5–6 BGN per kilometer, and the meter runs very quickly. You can bargain to lower the price, but it will still remain quite high.
Taxi is an option for wealthy tourists. The only case when taking a taxi is worthwhile is for an airport transfer. It is very convenient and not too expensive if you take the car directly at the airport.
