10-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Plovdiv to Pastra, Bansko, and Veliko Tarnovo and surrounding area

Day 2 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Plovdiv. You’ll stay in Plovdiv for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

A visit to Kapana Creative District is a must on the agenda today. This neighborhood is full of hidden gems and character, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Plus, you’ll be close to some of the city’s most famous sights.

Check out the popular archeological site, Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis. Afterward, continue to Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis, an archeological site every traveler should visit. As you explore Plovdiv’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Next, make your way to “tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This interesting park is an essential stop. Following that, head to Singing Fountain, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Bulgaria. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Elevate your experience in Plovdiv with a visit to the city's premier shopping location, Kapana District. Explore unique boutique shops and uncover hidden gems along the way. For a cultural touch, look for artisan crafts that perfectly capture the charm of Bulgaria. After shopping, enjoy nearby attractions or simply people-watch and capture memorable photos.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Plovdiv. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Sofra beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Central Park. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Plovdiv tonight.

Keep the evening going at Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Qbar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Anyway Social Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Head back to your accommodation in Plovdiv and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Bulgaria.

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you'll explore 4 destinations, including Borovets, Bistritsa, Stob, and Rila. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Pastra, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Borovets. This car ride takes around 1 hour 48 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Dvorets " Tsarska Bistrica " Vhod and explore the visually striking features. Next, make your way to Tsarska Bistritsa, another highlight in Borovets.

When you’ve had your share of Borovets, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Bistritsa. Your travel time is around 59 min.

Rila is an underrated mountain range we recommend visiting today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Set your GPS to Stob and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 38 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Stob beckons with new experiences!

Our first attraction recommendation in Stob is Stob Earth Pyramids, an underrated rock formation that draws attention for its peaceful features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Pastra, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Pastra's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Bulgaria.

Greet day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Pastra, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Sapareva Banya, Ovchartsi, and Samokov.

When you’ve had your share of Pastra, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Sapareva Banya. Your travel time is around 1 hour 26 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Seven Rila Lakes, an often recommended lake that everyone visiting Sapareva Banya should see. Next, head to Skakavitsa Waterfall. This awe-inspiring waterfall is one of the most underrated attractions in the region.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Ovchartsi, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Sapareva Banya to Ovchartsi may take around 37 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Ovchartsi, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Ecopath "goritsa Waterfall" and explore the peaceful features. Next, make your way to Ovchartsi Waterfall “goritsa”, another highlight in Ovchartsi.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Samokov may take around 49 min. Upon your arrival in Samokov, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Our first attraction recommendation in Samokov is Beli Iskar Eco Trail, an often recommended hiking area that draws attention for its mesmerizing features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Pastra and your accommodation.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Pastra, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Bulgaria.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Razlog and Bansko. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bansko, where will spend 2 nights.

After soaking in Pastra’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Razlog. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 13 min. When you arrive in Razlog, it's time to take a break from the road.

Our first attraction recommendation in Razlog is Park "razlog", a frequently visited park that draws attention for its enchanting features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Bansko. This drive usually takes around 12 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is City Park. Spend some time admiring the instagrammable features of the park before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Monument Paisius Of Hilendar. This intriguing monument is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Holy Trinity Church. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the church. Next, take your journey to "neofit Rilski" House-museum, an increasingly popular museum.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Bansko. Bansko offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bansko. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Kasapinova Mehana, a popular restaurant in Bansko. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Bansko at Euphoria, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated OSCAR Wine Bar & Gastro. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Bansko tonight.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Nova Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Penguins Bar & Dinner is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Amigo Pub provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

Wake up to day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Bansko, Kresna, and Kyustendil. With 1 night to stay in Bansko, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!

Whether you decide to explore Bansko on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Kyustendil and set your GPS to Bansko. 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 28 min. Upon reaching Bansko, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Our first attraction recommendation in Bansko is Banderishka Meadow, an often recommended hiking area that draws attention for its mesmerizing features.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Lake Muratovo, an up-and-coming lake that offers a unique experience.

Upon reaching Kresna, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Vihren is a beloved summit we recommend visiting today.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bansko. This car ride takes around 28 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Pirin National Park, a frequently visited national park that everyone visiting Kyustendil should see.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Bansko.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bansko. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Kabatsite, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Tavern Matsurev Khan offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Ethno Restaurant is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Bansko.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Lion's Pub, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Pirin 75 is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Wine Bar 25 is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Bulgaria.

On day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Veliko Tarnovo are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Veliko Tarnovo, where you will stay for 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bansko, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Veliko Tarnovo. This drive usually takes around 4 hours 17 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Park "sveta Gora", an intriguing park in Veliko Tarnovo. Explore its stunning features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Tsarevets Fortress. This well-known castle is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Trapezitsa Fortress is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most respected archeological site in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the up-and-coming Marno Pole Park and discover what makes this park unique. If you’re up for one more stop in the city, head to Monument Of Mother Bulgaria, a historic monument many travelers find the visit worthwhile.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Veliko Tarnovo. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Veliko Tarnovo's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurant "Ethno", highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Tavern "Petleto"? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at The Bell as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Famous Bar 2, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Bar Grill Kolata provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Bar Melodie / Melody Bar / offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Bulgaria.

On day 8 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you’ll start and end your day in Veliko Tarnovo, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Veliko Tarnovo, there’s no need to rush. Experience Gorna Oryahovitsa and Lyaskovets to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Gorna Oryahovitsa is brimming with adventures.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Gorna Oryahovitsa. This car ride takes around 13 min.

Park „nikolaj Panayotov“ is an intriguing park we recommend visiting today.

Lyaskovets’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Gorna Oryahovitsa behind. This drive usually takes around 12 min. Lyaskovets welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Spend your afternoon discovering Lyaskovets Monastery "sv. Sv. Peter And Paul", a worthwhile monastery known for its stunning features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Veliko Tarnovo and your accommodation.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Veliko Tarnovo. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Burger and Sweets "Asenevtsi", an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Bianko offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss EGO pizza & grill The Old Town. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Ristretto. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, The Gallery offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Tequila Bar Funky Monkey, another top-rated bar in the area.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Bulgaria!

Your itinerary for day 9 of your road trip in Bulgaria includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Kazanlak and Shipka. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Plovdiv, where you'll spend 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Veliko Tarnovo, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Kazanlak. Your travel time is around 1 hour 10 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Monument Of Freedom, Saint Nicholas Peak, an up-and-coming monument that everyone visiting Kazanlak should see.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Shipka, home to many well-known sights in the region. Upon arrival in Shipka, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Shipka Memorial Church and explore the picture-perfect features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Kazanlak. This car ride takes around 1 hour 10 min.

Savor the day by heading to Rose Museum, an underrated museum that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Thracian Tomb Of Kazanlak, where you can soak in the photogenic surroundings.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Plovdiv, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Plovdiv is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv.

Savor the flavors at RESTAURANT Raia, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Restaurant Citizens Club beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Restorant "Megdana". With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Plovdiv tonight.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Kriloto Cocktail Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Cocktail Bar Noris is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Bar Fabrik is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!