Relaxed 12-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo and Plovdiv

Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Bulgaria continues on day 2, allowing you to create more unforgettable memories. Today’s travel plan offers you the chance to have a more in-depth understanding of Bulgaria and its people by visiting the offerings and top attractions of Sofia and beyond. With 3 nights left in Sofia, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Sofia is home to plenty of attractions that offer a serene, an awe-inspiring, a photogenic, and a charming! Start at Druzhba Park, a curiosity-inducing park that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Sofia Zoo, enchanting visitors with its photogenic appeal. Continue your exploration at South Park. This park is one of the city’s most notable spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Sofia at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit National Palace Of Culture.

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

Your self-guided tour starts at Geo Milev Park, a popular park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

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

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Bulgaria, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Sofia.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Hotel Forum? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Turquoise Restaurant as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Sofia.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Sofia and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Kathrine Cocktail - Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. The Cocktail Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Urban Rebel provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Bulgaria.

On day 3 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Bulgaria, you’ll go deep into Sofia, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Sofia, and meet locals along the way!

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several a charming, an idyllic, an enchanting, an eye-catching, a standout, a majestic, a remarkable, and a culturally significant. 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. Borisova Gradina Park is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this standout park before continuing your journey. Eagles' Bridge is your next stop. This well-known monument 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 Prince's Garden. This picturesque park is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Church Of St. Nicholas The Miraclemaker and National Theater "ivan Vazov".

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Bulgaria by joining a traveler-approved tour in Sofia. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Sofia that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Bulgaria more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Sofia to find the best options for you!

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Sofia, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Sofiyska Banitsa, 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 Bar & Dinner Relax. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Sofia. The bars in Sofia make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at One More Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Teos Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Bsd 2 Ndk, another top-rated place in the area.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Bulgaria!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the village of Dolni Varpishta and drive in the direction of the village of Boicheta for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of Plovdiv, where you’ll stay for 3 nights.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Veliko Tarnovo, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Dolni Varpishta may take around 28 min. Upon your arrival in Dolni Varpishta, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Dryanovo Monastery "st. Archangel Michael" is a frequently visited monastery we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its picture-perfect features before continuing your self-guided tour to Bacho Kiro Cave, a visually striking cave that’s well-regarded in the area.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Dolni Varpishta, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Boicheta. This drive usually takes around 24 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Ethno Village Etar. Spend some time admiring the picture-perfect features of the museum before you continue to your next stop.

Set your GPS to Kazanlak and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 27 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kazanlak beckons with new experiences!

Make your way to Monument Of Freedom, Saint Nicholas Peak, an up-and-coming monument that draws attention for its breathtaking features.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Plovdiv. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Plovdiv, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

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 satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Plovdiv.

Keep the evening going at Rock Bar Download, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to North Star, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Morado Bar & Dinner, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

Day 9 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Plovdiv, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Bulgaria are extraordinary.

Today’s route brings an enchanting, an eye-catching, a historic, a profound, a romantic, an idyllic, a majestic, and a noteworthy. The first attraction of today is Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis. This popular archeological site is a picture-perfect place to see in Plovdiv. Continue your discovery at Sveta Marina Church, a heritage-rich church with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Plovdiv, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to “tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This popular park offers a serene encounter with Plovdiv. Singing Fountain is the last of our recommendations for today. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Plovdiv.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Bulgaria by joining a traveler-approved tour in Plovdiv. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Plovdiv that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Bulgaria more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Plovdiv to find the best options for you!

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Bulgaria, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv.

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.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Plovdiv. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Qbar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Anyway Social Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

Day 10 of your relaxed road trip through Bulgaria means 24 hours of making the best memories in Plovdiv. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Plovdiv. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Plovdiv!

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Plovdiv, including a park, an archeological site, a historical landmark, a museum and much more! Start your day at Youth Hill. This instagrammable park is an underrated place to see in Plovdiv. Then, wander over to Nebet Tepe. If romantic sites excite you, this archeological site will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Old Town Of Plovdiv. This romantic historical landmark is a favorite among visitors.

Plovdiv offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Gate "hisar Kapia", Plovdiv is an intriguing spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the historical landmark, don’t forget to check out the visually striking Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this often recommended museum in Plovdiv.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Bulgaria. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Bulgaria and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Bulgaria. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Plovdiv, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Have a fantastic dining experience at RESTAURANT Raia, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant Citizens Club offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Restorant "Megdana" is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Plovdiv.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Plovdiv and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Continue your lively evening at Kriloto Cocktail Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Cocktail Bar Noris is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Bar Fabrik ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Bulgaria.