11-Day Road Trip in Albania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia from Tirana to Bitola, Kyustendil, Sofia, and Skopje

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Albania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia. Today's main destinations are Kyustendil in Bulgaria, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Sofia. You’ll stay here for 4 nights.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Kyustendil, including the outstanding Hisarlaka Fortress. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,026 reviews, this fascinating architectural structure and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Nevestino. This car ride takes around 18 min.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Nevestino is the fantastic Kadin Bridge. As an appreciated sightseeing destination and local gem in the area, Kadin Bridge has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,488 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bistritsa. This car ride takes around 32 min.

Something that makes Bistritsa the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding urban park, Rila. This local gem has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,975 visitors.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Sofia. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Bulgaria's delectable cuisine at one of Sofia's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enhance your vacation experience by enjoying the local nightlife or unwinding with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Hotel Forum, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Hotel ZOO Sofia? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Mamma Mia Ltd as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Sofia.

Continue your lively evening at Halbite Beer Hall, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Lime Cafe & Cocktails is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!

On day 7 of your European tour in Albania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia, you’ll start and end your day in Sofia, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Sofia for 2 nights more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Sofia in Bulgaria to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Sofia, including the outstanding National Palace Of Culture. Having an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 14,569 reviews, this fascinating convention center and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Sofia is also home to the captivating South Park, a local park considered one of the highlights of the city. About 30,985 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary Sofia Zoo is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Sofia. This extraordinary zoo and tourist hot spot boasts a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 15,237 travelers.

A trip to the wonderful Druzhba Park will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing park and attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,598 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Sofia and set your GPS to Reduta. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 12 min. Upon reaching Reduta, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Reduta, including the outstanding Geo Milev Park. Having an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 10,414 reviews, this fascinating park and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across Albania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia by rewarding yourself with a taste of Sofia’s local cuisine. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax or mingle with the locals and raise a toast to your exciting road trip adventure.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Ресторант VICTORIA България, a highly-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're eager to try something different, consider Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Park Hotel "MOSKVA". With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

Take in the ambiance of Sofia as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!

Day 8 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Sofia. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 1 night more before hitting the road again.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Borisova Gradina Park. This outstanding park and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 27,635 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Borisova Gradina Park is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Eagles' Bridge is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This stone bridge and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 10,319 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing park, Prince's Garden. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,695 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

The top-rated Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky, an outstanding park, is one place you should visit while in Sofia considering its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,088 travelers.

Explore the magnificent National Theater "ivan Vazov" and discover what makes this local sightseeing destination and wonder one of the best attractions in Sofia. This popular sightseeing destination enjoys a rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 from 9,932 travelers.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Albania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Sofia. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Hotel Jasmin, a top-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider J. J. Murphy's, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hotel “Crystal Palace Boutique“. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!

On day 10 of your multi-country road trip across Albania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Skopje in North Macedonia, and Tirana in Albania. In the evening, you’ll end up in Tirana, where you will stay for 1 night.

In Skopje, the extraordinary Skopje Zoo awaits. This attraction is a valued zoo that boasts an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,982 travelers' reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Tirana, Albania. This car ride takes around 4 hours 18 min.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Skopje and set your GPS to Tirana, Albania. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 4 hours 18 min. Upon reaching Tirana, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Tirana, including the outstanding Dajti Ekspres. Having an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 478 reviews, this fascinating gondola lift and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Tirana is also home to the captivating Bunk’art, a local history museum considered one of the highlights of the city. About 1,883 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.7 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Tirana. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Tirana boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Albania.

Savor the flavors at Shije Fshati - Taste of the Village, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Villa Tafaj beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Oda - Traditional Albanian Cuisine. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Tirana tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Komiteti Bar - Tiranë, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Hemingway Bar Tirana provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Tribeca Bar Tirana offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Take in the ambiance of Tirana as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!