Here is a sample itinerary for a 30-day trip to Bulgaria on a limited budget:
Day 1: Arrival in Sofia
- Cost: $200-300 for a one-way flight from your location to Sofia
- Transportation: Take the metro or bus from the airport to your hotel
- Accommodation: $30-50 per night for a budget hotel in the city center
Day 2-3: Sofia
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the metro or bus to visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Vitosha mountain, and other famous landmarks in the city
Day 4: Sofia to Plovdiv
- Cost: $20-30 for a one-way bus or train ticket
- Transportation: Take the bus or train from Sofia to Plovdiv
- Accommodation: $30-50 per night for a budget hotel in the city center
Day 5-6: Plovdiv
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the bus to visit the Old Town of Plovdiv, the Roman theatre, and other historical sites in the city
Day 7: Plovdiv to Veliko Tarnovo
- Cost: $20-30 for a one-way bus or train ticket
- Transportation: Take the bus or train from Plovdiv to Veliko Tarnovo
- Accommodation: $30-50 per night for a budget hotel in the city center
Day 8-9: Veliko Tarnovo
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the bus to visit the Tsarevets Fortress, the Asen’s Monument, and other historical sites in the city.
Day 10: Veliko Tarnovo to Rila Monastery
- Cost: $20-30 for a one-way bus ticket
- Transportation: Take the bus from Veliko Tarnovo to Rila Monastery
- Accommodation: $20-30 per night for a budget hotel near the monastery
Day 11: Rila Monastery to Bansko
- Cost: $20-30 for a one-way bus ticket
- Transportation: Take the bus from Rila Monastery to Bansko
- Accommodation: $30-50 per night for a budget hotel in the city
Day 12-13: Bansko
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the bus to visit the Ski resort, the town of Bansko, and other famous landmarks in the area.
Day 14: Bansko to Varna
- Cost: $20-30 for a one-way bus ticket
- Transportation: Take the bus from Bansko to Varna
- Accommodation: $30-50 per night for a budget hotel in the city
Day 15-16: Varna
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the bus to visit the Varna Cathedral, the Sea Garden and the Beach.
Day 17: Varna to Burgas
- Cost: $20-30 for a one-way bus or train ticket
- Transportation: Take the bus or train from Varna to Burgas
- Accommodation: $30-50 per night for a budget hotel in the city
Day 18-19: Burgas
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the bus to visit the Burgas Lake, the Burgas Beach and the Burgas City Center.
Day 20: Burgas to Nesebar
- Cost: $20-30 for a one-way bus or train ticket
- Transportation: Take the bus or train from Burgas to Nesebar
- Accommodation: $30-50 per night for a budget hotel in the city
Day 21-22: Nesebar
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the bus to visit the Old Nesebar, the Nesebar Beach and the Nesebar City Center.
Day 23: Nesebar to Sunny Beach
- Cost: $20-30 for a one-way bus or train ticket
- Transportation: Take the bus or train from Nesebar to Sunny Beach
- Accommodation: $30-50 per night for a budget hotel in the city
Day 24-25: Sunny Beach
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the bus to visit the Sunny Beach, the Action Aquapark and the Nessebar City Center
Day 26: Sunny Beach to Burgas
- Cost: $20-30 for a one-way bus or train ticket
- Transportation: Take the bus or train from Sunny Beach to Burgas
- Accommodation: $30-50 per night for a budget hotel in the city
Day 27-28: Burgas
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the bus to visit the Burgas Lake, the Burgas Beach and the Burgas City Center
Day 29: Burgas to Sofia
- Cost: $20-30 for a one-way bus or train ticket
- Transportation: Take the bus or train from Burgas to Sofia
- Accommodation: $30-50 per night for a budget hotel in the city
Day 30: Sofia
- Cost: $20-30 per day for meals and sightseeing
- Transportation: Walk or take the metro or bus to visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Vitosha mountain, and other famous landmarks in the city
Total cost: Approximately $1200-1800 (including flights, transportation, accommodation, and meals)
Please note that this is a rough estimate and prices may vary depending on season, location, and personal preferences. Bulgaria is a beautiful country and there are many more places to visit depending on your interests and preferences. Also, consider that you could adjust your itinerary to fit your needs, also try to look for deals and discounts for transportation and accommodation.
Additionally, there are many ways to cut down costs while traveling in Bulgaria. For example, using public transportation like buses and trains, staying in budget accommodation like hostels and guesthouses, and cooking your own meals. Also, you can opt for free activities like hiking and exploring nature. Bulgaria is rich in history, culture, and nature, and many places like Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Rila Monastery, and many others are worth visiting.
Also, you could consider visiting during shoulder season, which is the period between high and low season, prices tend to be lower and the crowds are smaller.
Another way to save money is to plan your trip around free events, festivals, and activities. Bulgaria is home to many festivals and events throughout the year, and many of them are free to attend. Finally, do your research ahead of time and see if you can find any discounts or deals on transportation, accommodation, or activities that will help you save money on your trip.