11-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Plovdiv to Bansko, Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, and Varna and surrounding area

On day 3 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 Asenovgrad, Bachkovo, and Pazardzhik. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bansko, where you will stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Asenovgrad. This drive usually takes around 29 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Asen's Fortress is a curiosity-inducing castle we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its majestic features before continuing your self-guided tour to Paleontological Museum Of Asenovgrad, a respected museum that’s well-regarded in the area.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Bachkovo, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Upon arrival in Bachkovo, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno", a locally renowned monastery known for its historic features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Asenovgrad and set your GPS to Pazardzhik. 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 57 min. Upon reaching Pazardzhik, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Take your self-guided tour to "svoboda" Park Island, an up-and-coming park that everyone visiting Pazardzhik should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bansko, 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 Bansko's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Savor the flavors at Kasapinova Mehana, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Euphoria beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider OSCAR Wine Bar & Gastro. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Bansko tonight.

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

Relax and reminisce about your day in Bulgaria and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Razlog, Delvino, Stob, and Rila. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Sofia, where you’ll be staying for 4 nights.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Razlog allows for both.

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 Razlog may take around 12 min. Upon your arrival in Razlog, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Park "razlog". Spend some time admiring the instagrammable features of the park before you continue to your next stop.

Set your GPS to Delvino and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 56 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Delvino beckons with new experiences!

Take your self-guided tour to Park "bachinovo", an underrated park that everyone visiting Delvino should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Stob. This car ride takes around 27 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Stob Earth Pyramids, an underrated rock formation known for its visually striking features.

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

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

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

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

Day 6 of your road trip across Bulgaria promises a magnificent time exploring Sofia. You have 2 nights left in Sofia. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Get ready for a day filled with a charming, a peaceful, a stunning, a visually striking, a respected, a symbolic, and a noteworthy in the charming city of Sofia. Your adventure starts at Borisova Gradina Park, a notable local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Prince's Garden. This underrated park is known for its eye-catching appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Sofia's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Eagles' Bridge. This symbolic monument offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Sofia Zoo is also worth visiting, along with South Park. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.

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 explore more of Sofia, 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 wonderful meal at Sofiyska Banitsa, a top-rated dining spot in Sofia. If you're in the mood for something new, try Hotel ZOO Sofia, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Bar & Dinner Relax. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Sofia.

Keep the evening going at One More Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Teos Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Bsd 2 Ndk, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

On day 7 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Today’s itinerary in Sofia covers several incredible sights, including a park, a church, a convention center, a rock formation and much more! Start your adventure at North Park. This interesting park is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the photogenic wonders of Cathedral Of Saint Nedelya, a must-see church in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Church Of St. Nicholas The Miraclemaker. This frequently visited church offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to National Palace Of Culture, where you can take in its photogenic features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Golden Bridges. This peaceful rock formation offers a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Mamma Mia Ltd, a highly-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're eager to try something different, consider Esterhasi Restaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Da Massimo. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

Continue your lively evening at The Corner, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Gaba is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, K. E. B. A. Ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Bulgaria!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 8 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Sofia. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several an instagrammable, a historic, a culturally significant, a stunning, a masterful, an inviting, and an idyllic. Whether you decide to explore Sofia on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Russian Monument Square is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this standout public square before continuing your journey. Holy Trinity Park is your next stop. This often recommended park is one of the best-rated sights in Sofia.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Lions' Bridge. This masterful monument is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky and Zaimov Park.

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 Veliko Tarnovo. Veliko Tarnovo 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 Veliko Tarnovo. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Restaurant "Ethno", a top-rated dining destination in Veliko Tarnovo. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Tavern "Petleto", another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Bell. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Veliko Tarnovo this evening.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Famous Bar 2 is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Bar Grill Kolata, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Bar Melodie / Melody Bar /. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria!