10-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Sofia to Kyustendil, Plovdiv, and Bansko and surrounding area

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 4 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Sofia, featuring family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Start at South Park, a notable park in the city. Then, head to Borisova Gradina Park and soak in the ambiance of this eye-catching park.

There are many interesting places to see in Sofia and when you are ready for more, go to Eagles' Bridge. This is one of the city’s most well-known spots. After exploring the monument, visit the worthwhile Prince's Garden. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the locally renowned Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky, a locally renowned church in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Bulgaria is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Sofia. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Hotel Forum beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Turquoise Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Sofia tonight.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Kathrine Cocktail - Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to The Cocktail Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Urban Rebel is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

Day 3 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Sofia has to offer. Cherish the 3 nights you have left in Sofia by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Sofia allows for both. Start by heading to North Park. This popular park provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Russian Monument Square, a frequently visited public square. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the locally renowned National Palace Of Culture. Round off your day at Sofia Zoo, another gem in Sofia with photogenic features to discover.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Bulgaria is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Sofiyska Banitsa, a highly-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're eager to try something different, consider Hotel ZOO Sofia, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bar & Dinner Relax. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to One More Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Teos Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Bsd 2 Ndk provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria!

Day 4 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Sofia for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Today’s agenda in Sofia includes a park, a church, and a performing arts theater. Druzhba Park is must-visit park and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Cathedral Of Saint Nedelya, an intriguing church, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to National Theater "ivan Vazov", a photogenic performing arts theater, also available for your discovery today.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Bulgaria is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Mamma Mia Ltd, a top-rated dining spot in Sofia. If you're in the mood for something new, try Esterhasi Restaurant, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Da Massimo. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Sofia.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Corner, known for its lively atmosphere. Gaba is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, K. E. B. A. Offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

On day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria, 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 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Montana and Tsvetkova Bara to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Montana. This car ride takes around 1 hour 57 min.

Head to Park Montanezium, a locally appreciated park in Montana. Explore its picturesque features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Park Sunny Garden. This increasingly popular park is a top recommendation in the area.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Tsvetkova Bara, 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 Montana to Tsvetkova Bara may take around 29 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Tsvetkova Bara, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make your way to Klisurski Monastery, a curiosity-inducing monastery that draws attention for its picture-perfect features.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Brew it Craft Beer & Food, an iconic dining spot in Sofia. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Divaka, a popular restaurant in Sofia. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of The School, a hidden gem nestled in Sofia. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Bilkova Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Bar "bar" is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Kick's also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Bulgaria.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - Bankya, Vrabcha, Sirishtnik, and Zemen. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Kyustendil. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Sofia and set your GPS to Bankya. 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 1 hour 26 min. Upon reaching Bankya, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Take your self-guided tour to Yablanitsa River Gorge, a worthwhile canyon that everyone visiting Bankya should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Sirishtnik’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Vrabcha behind. This drive usually takes around 59 min. Sirishtnik welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Make your way to Vrabcha Waterfall, a curiosity-inducing waterfall that draws attention for its idyllic features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Vrabcha, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Sirishtnik. This drive usually takes around 59 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Begin your journey at Ecopath "looking At Nine Mountains" and explore the serene features.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Kyustendil. Kyustendil offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As you explore more of Kyustendil, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restaurant Friends, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Hotel Ramira offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Vintage bar and dinner. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Kyustendil.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Vogue after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city.

Say good night to Kyustendil and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

On day 8 of your road trip in 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 in Plovdiv. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bansko, where you will stay for 1 night.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Plovdiv today. One of the most notable attractions included on the itinerary is Singing Fountain. This romantic art installation will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to “tsar Simeon Garden” Park and learn what makes this serene park unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the intriguing Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis. After exploring the archeological site, head to Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis. This well-known archeological site is a highlight in Plovdiv. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the increasingly popular Lauta Park. Enjoy exploring this incredible park at your own pace.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bansko. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Kasapinova Mehana, a highly-rated dining destination in Bansko. If you're eager to try something different, consider Euphoria, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at OSCAR Wine Bar & Gastro. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bansko this evening.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Nova Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Penguins Bar & Dinner. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Amigo Pub, another top-rated place in the area.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

Dive into day 9 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore Kyustendil and Bistritsa, 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 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bansko, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Kyustendil may take around 1 hour 26 min. Upon your arrival in Kyustendil, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Sandanski Archaeological Museum, a curiosity-inducing museum known for its instagrammable features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Еpiscopal Basilica, a locally appreciated archeological site that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. Next, stop by Park "st. Vrach" and uncover the details of this eye-catching park.

When you’ve had your share of Kyustendil, 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 1 hour 30 min.

Rila is an increasingly popular mountain range we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Sofia. Sofia offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Sofia. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Dine in style at Garden restaurant Yoli, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Face bar & dinner boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Art Club Museum. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Sofia.

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

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