13-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Sofia to Pleven and Plovdiv 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 7 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Start at the interesting Borisova Gradina Park, a majestic park in Sofia. Next, go to Zaimov Park.

After visiting Borisova Gradina Park and Zaimov Park, have a stroll along Sofia's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. This historic church offers a unique experience. Church Of St. Nicholas The Miraclemaker is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to National Theater "ivan Vazov", one of the most standout places to visit in Sofia.

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.

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

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Kathrine Cocktail - Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out The Cocktail Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Urban Rebel provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Sofia, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Sofia and Reduta. You still have 6 nights left in Sofia.

Today's adventure in Sofia promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Druzhba Park. This idyllic park is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Geo Milev Park, another visually striking attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Sofia Zoo, one of the city’s most well-known attractions, known for its photogenic features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of South Park. This awe-inspiring park is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit National Palace Of Culture, an interesting convention center, and take a stroll around the area.

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

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Sofiyska Banitsa, 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 Hotel ZOO Sofia, 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 Bar & Dinner Relax, a hidden gem nestled in Sofia. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting One More Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Teos Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Bsd 2 Ndk also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Bulgaria promises a magnificent time exploring Sofia. You have 5 nights left in Sofia. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Continue your journey to Cathedral Of Saint Nedelya, one of the city’s most beloved spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the beloved Prince's Garden. When you're finished at the park, Eagles' Bridge awaits your visit. This monument is a symbolic highlight on today's itinerary.

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 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 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.

Round off your dining experience by visiting The Corner, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Gaba, a bar catering to every mood and preference. K. E. B. A. Likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

Greet day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Sofia for your remaining 4 nights in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Bogoyna, Tran, and Studen Izvor.

Get ready for an exciting day in Sofia. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a canyon, a church, and a museum. Begin your adventure at Erma River Gorge, Tran. This is a frequently visited canyon you should not miss. Another must-see is Holy Paraskeva, an intriguing church in Sofia.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Holy Trinity. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Museum Of Yogurt, another of the village’s worthwhile attractions.

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

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Brew it Craft Beer & Food, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Divaka offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss The School. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Sofia.

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

Head back to your accommodation in Sofia and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Sofia, where you'll stay for 3 nights more.

Today’s agenda in Sofia includes a monastery, a hiking area, a waterfall, a canyon and much more! Zemen Monastery "st. John The Apostle" is must-visit monastery and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Ecopath "looking At Nine Mountains", an up-and-coming hiking area, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Vrabcha Waterfall, an idyllic waterfall, also available for your discovery today.

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

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 lovely dining experience at Garden restaurant Yoli, a popular restaurant in Sofia. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Sofia at Face bar & dinner, 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 Art Club Museum. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Sofia tonight.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Bar Point, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Baldi Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Caché Bar & Cafe also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Wake up to day 8 of your extraordinary road trip in Bulgaria. With 1 night left in Sofia, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Sofia, including a waterfall, a dinosaur park, and a park. Start your adventure at "waterfall" Area - Varshets. This beloved waterfall is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Paleopark Varshets located in Sofia for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Vodopad "rayski Kat". Its romantic features will captivate you. After the waterfall, continue your tour of the town with a visit to Ivanchova Polyana. Visitors usually appreciate the romantic features of this park.

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Restaurant "On The Top", a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restorant VICTORIA Balgariya offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Sofia.

Continue your lively evening at Halbite Beer Hall, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. 5 Corners Pub is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Lime Cafe & Cocktails ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

On day 9 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Mezdra, Chelopek, Vratsa, and Zgorigrad. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Pleven, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Start by visiting Archaeological Complex "citadel", a prime spot to begin your journey. This picture-perfect archeological site is sure to impress. Next on your list is House Museum "baba Iliytsa", another must-visit landmark and underrated museum renowned for its instagrammable features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Sofia by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Ledenika. This visually striking cave is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Sofia experience. We also recommend visiting Vratsata Pass, an increasingly popular cliff.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at KOMPLEKS "ZAMЪKЪT", a highly-rated dining destination in Pleven. If you're eager to try something different, consider Pizzeria Cantonata, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Dezha Vju Pitsa & Restorant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Pleven this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Momento Bar & Pizza, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Sky Lounge provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Kafe-bar Borago offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 10 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you’ll start and end your day in Pleven, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Pleven for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Karlukovo, Lukovit, and Yablanitsa to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Pleven today. One of the most often recommended attractions included on the itinerary is Prohodna. This visually striking cave will help you start your sightseeing on top.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the worthwhile Riverside Landscape Park "panega". After exploring the nature reserve, head to Panega Eco Trail. This increasingly popular hiking area is a highlight in Pleven. As your day continues, stop by "saeva Dupka" Cave, known for its enchanting features.

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

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

Dine in style at restaurant Bavaria, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Snack Bar "Ledenika" boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out 'Gavril' Bar & Grille. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Pleven.

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

On day 11 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 Lovech, Asenovgrad, and Bachkovo. In the evening, you’ll end up in Plovdiv, where you will stay for 1 night.

Pleven is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views! Start at Covered Bridge, an often recommended historical landmark that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Asen's Fortress, enchanting visitors with its history-steeped appeal. Continue your exploration at Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno". This monastery is one of the city’s most well-known spots.

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

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

Dine in style at Salt & Pepper, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Rahat Tepe boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out KFC. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Rock Bar Download offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, North Star is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Morado Bar & Dinner is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

Dive into day 12 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore Plovdiv, 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.

Immerse yourself in Plovdiv’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Singing Fountain. This gorgeous art installation is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the eye-catching features of “tsar Simeon Garden” Park, a must-visit park in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis, an intriguing archeological site. For a change of scene, check out Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis, known for its stunning features. We also recommend visiting Youth Hill. This park is a must for anyone looking to experience the city to the fullest.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Sofia's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Don’t miss out on dining at Blaze club, a top-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Deps, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Luciano. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

Head back to your accommodation in Sofia and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Bulgaria!