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

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. Today's main destinations are Rila 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.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Rila, 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 Kyustendil to Rila may take around 1 hour 36 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Rila, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Rila today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Kirilova Polyana Meadow. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 502 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Rila and set your GPS to Rila Monastery. 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 10 min. Upon reaching Rila Monastery, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Rila Monastery is the fantastic Rila Monastery. As an appreciated monastery and local gem in the area, Rila Monastery has earned an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 18,596 reviews.

Pernik’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Rila Monastery behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 26 min. Pernik welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Vitosha Nature Park is a travelers’ favorite in Pernik, 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 9,478 visitors.

Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Sofia.

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Sofia. 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 Hotel Forum, a top-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Hotel ZOO Sofia, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Mamma Mia Ltd. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Halbite Beer Hall after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Lime Cafe & Cocktails for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting.

Celebrate day 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 6 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 3 nights more before hitting the road again.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated park and attraction in Sofia — Borisova Gradina Park. About 27,635 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

The popular Eagles' Bridge is another top sight in Sofia that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved stone bridge in the area, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,319 visitors.

Prince's Garden is a spectacular park and highlight on travelers’ itineraries in Sofia, earning an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,695 enchanted visitors.

As the day moves along, be sure to make time to drop by the magnificent Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. Because of its allure and charm, around 20,088 visitors have rated this attraction and church an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Discover the allure of Church Of St. Nicholas The Miraclemaker. Echoing its popularity, 5,066 travelers have awarded this famous church and sightseeing spot an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

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 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 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.

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

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Sofia today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding South Park. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,985 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Lions' Bridge. This incredible attraction and footbridge holds an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, thanks to 6,469 visitors.

According to travelers in Sofia, the extraordinary Cathedral Of Saint Nedelya is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and church is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,691 visitors.

As the day moves along, don’t miss out the incredible sightseeing destination, National Theater "ivan Vazov". Up to 9,932 visitors have rated it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Musagenitsa, 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 Musagenitsa may take around 15 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Musagenitsa, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Musagenitsa today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Muzeiko. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,751 visitors.

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, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria 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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Ресторант VICTORIA България, a top-rated dining spot in Sofia. If you're in the mood for something new, try Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Park Hotel "MOSKVA". Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Sofia.

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

On day 8, you will wake up in Sofia with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Sofia before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Sofia is the fantastic North Park. As an appreciated park and local gem in the area, North Park has earned an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 11,004 reviews.

Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary Holy Trinity Park. This attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,845 visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself!

Join countless others in discovering the allure of Russian Monument Square, a standout sightseeing destination and attraction that's captivated the hearts of many. It has a stellar rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,608 reviewers.

Experience the magic that has drawn so many to the doorstep of the outstanding National Palace Of Culture. This convention center is a highly recommended attraction in the city boasting an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 14,569 visitor reviews.

Just around the corner lies the magnificent Sofia Zoo, a popular zoo and attraction many visitors enjoy. More than 15,237 people have rated this attraction an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Sofia’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria.

Make sure to book a table at Hotel Jasmin, a popular restaurant in Sofia. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Sofia at J. J. Murphy's, 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 Hotel “Crystal Palace Boutique“. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Sofia tonight.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 9 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 - Sofia in Bulgaria. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Plovdiv where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

In Sofia, the extraordinary Zaimov Park awaits. This attraction is a valued park that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,334 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Sofia is the spectacular Druzhba Park. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,598 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

When you arrive in Reduta, it's time to take a break from the road.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated park and attraction in Reduta — Geo Milev Park. About 10,414 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Set your GPS to Bachkovo and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 3 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bachkovo beckons with new experiences!

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated place of worship and attraction in Bachkovo — Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno". About 13,211 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Plovdiv. 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 sun sets on day 9 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Plovdiv'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, Plovdiv has them.

Don’t miss out on dining at Salt & Pepper, a top-rated dining destination in Plovdiv. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Rahat Tepe, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at KFC. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

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!