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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your multi-country journey across Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Nevestino in Bulgaria. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Plovdiv where you'll spend 2 nights of well-deserved relaxation.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Kyustendil, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Nevestino may take around 16 min. Upon your arrival in Nevestino, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated sightseeing destination and attraction in Nevestino — Kadin Bridge. About 1,488 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Rila. This drive usually takes around 46 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated point of interest and attraction in Rila — “bohemia Falls” Ecotrail. About 218 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Rila, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Rila Monastery may take around 21 min. Upon your arrival in Rila Monastery, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated monastery and attraction in Rila Monastery — Rila Monastery. About 18,596 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Plovdiv. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

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

Make sure to book a table at Salt & Pepper, a popular restaurant in Plovdiv. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Plovdiv at Rahat Tepe, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is KFC. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Plovdiv tonight.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Rock Bar Download stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, North Star offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Morado Bar & Dinner is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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 6, you will wake up in Plovdiv with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Plovdiv before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria.

In Plovdiv, the extraordinary Alyosha Monument awaits. This attraction is a valued monument that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,510 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Plovdiv is the spectacular Singing Fountain. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,640 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing “tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This local park and wonder has an overall review score of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,537 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis is another attraction you might want to add to your Plovdiv exploration itinerary. This point of interest is a popular stop among travelers in the area, as seen in its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,842 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, consider dropping by a well-loved spot among locals — Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis. More than a popular point of interest and attraction, Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis offers visitors an immersive journey of the rich cultural tapestry of Plovdiv. Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,893 traveler reviews.

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Plovdiv. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Ресторант "Старият Пловдив", a top-rated dining destination in Plovdiv. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Sofra, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Central Park. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Qbar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Anyway Social Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria! Enjoy your evening in Plovdiv to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Bachkovo in Bulgaria. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Sofia, your home for 3 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Plovdiv, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Bachkovo. Your travel time is around 38 min.

Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno" is a travelers’ favorite in Bachkovo, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 13,211 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Asenovgrad. This car ride takes around 16 min.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Asen's Fortress. This outstanding fortress and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 from 7,157 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Asen's Fortress is worth pages in your travel diary.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Stara Zagora, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Asenovgrad to Stara Zagora may take around 1 hour 24 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Stara Zagora, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Stara Zagora is the magnificent Park “ayazmo“. Around 8,330 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Sofia’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

As the sun sets on day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Sofia's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Bulgaria to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Sofia has them.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Hotel Forum, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Hotel ZOO Sofia offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Mamma Mia Ltd. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Sofia.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Halbite Beer Hall, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Lime Cafe & Cocktails provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks.

Celebrate day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Greet day 8 of your multi-country road trip across Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Sofia for your remaining 2 nights in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Sofia in Bulgaria.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Sofia, including the outstanding Druzhba Park. Having an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,598 reviews, this fascinating park and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Sofia is also home to the captivating Sofia Zoo, a local zoo considered one of the highlights of the city. About 15,237 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.3 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary South Park is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Sofia. This extraordinary park and tourist hot spot boasts a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,985 travelers.

A trip to the wonderful National Palace Of Culture will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing convention center and attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 14,569 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Reduta, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Sofia to Reduta may take around 12 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Reduta, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

A tour of Reduta is not complete without a visit to the famous Geo Milev Park. This incredible park and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,414 travelers.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Divaka, a highly-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're eager to try something different, consider Face bar & dinner, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Art Club Museum. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent 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!

Dive into day 10 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. Today's main destinations are Sofia 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 Skopje. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Sofia today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Lions' Bridge. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,469 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Prince's Garden. This incredible attraction and park holds an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to 7,695 visitors.

According to travelers in Sofia, the extraordinary Eagles' Bridge is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and stone bridge is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,319 visitors.

As the day moves along, don’t miss out the incredible park, Borisova Gradina Park. Up to 27,635 visitors have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

If you’re up for another attraction, check out the popular park, Holy Trinity Park. This attraction is rated an average 4.5 out of 5 stars among 7,845 visitors.

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

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Skopje. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in North Macedonia in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.

Dine in style at Tribeca Restaurant & Bar, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Balilla boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Sidro. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Skopje.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Mosh after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Café Capri, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Badu Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

On day 11 of your multi-country road trip across Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria, 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.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Skopje, including the outstanding Skopje Zoo. Having an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 6,982 reviews, this fascinating zoo and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive towards Albania, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Tirana. This drive usually takes around 4 hours 17 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

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 17 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 Bunk’art. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,883 reviews, this fascinating history museum and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Tirana is also home to the captivating Dajti Ekspres, a local gondola lift considered one of the highlights of the city. About 478 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.3 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Tirana, Albania. This car ride takes around 4 hours 17 min.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Shije Fshati - Taste of the Village, an iconic dining spot in Tirana. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Villa Tafaj, a popular restaurant in Tirana. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Oda - Traditional Albanian Cuisine, a hidden gem nestled in Tirana. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Komiteti Bar - Tiranë, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Hemingway Bar Tirana offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Tribeca Bar Tirana. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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!