4-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Sofia traveling east to Bansko
Description
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Description
Explore the best of Bulgaria on a 4-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Sofia, Stob, Bansko, Plovdiv, and Bachkovo. This road trip itinerary in Bulgaria seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Bulgaria takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Sofia and 1 night in Bansko. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Bulgaria. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Sofia, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Bulgaria on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Bulgaria. Borisova Gradina Park and Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Rila Monastery, learn more about the unique Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of “tsar Simeon Garden” Park.
As you hit the open road and drive through Sofia, Stob, Bansko, Plovdiv, and Bachkovo, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Bulgaria. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Bulgaria.
Throughout your road trip in Bulgaria, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Bulgaria.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Bulgaria fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Bulgaria today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Sofia - Arrival day
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- Borisova Gradina Park
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Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach Sofia and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
Sofia is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Borisova Gradina Park, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Sofia. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
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 Sofia, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Vodenitzata, a top-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Saffron Indian Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Island Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Grijn Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Cairo Relax Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Bar National provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Raise a toast to the start of your 4-day road trip in Bulgaria!
Day 2
- Sofia
- Bansko
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Drive 228 km, 3 hours 46 min
- Stob Earth Pyramids - Trail entry
- Rila Monastery
- Holy Trinity Church
- House Museum of Nikola Vaptsarov
- City Park
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Stob, Rila, and Bansko. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bansko, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Sofia is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a rock formation, a monastery, a church, a museum, a park and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the curiosity-inducing Stob Earth Pyramids and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Rila Monastery, a historic monastery that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Holy Trinity Church, one of the village’s most worthwhile spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the increasingly popular House Museum Of Nikola Vaptsarov. When you're finished at the museum, City Park awaits your visit. This park is a picturesque highlight on today's itinerary.
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.
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 and reflect on the day's adventures.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Kasapinova Mehana, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Euphoria? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at OSCAR Wine Bar & Gastro as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bansko.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Nova Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Penguins Bar & Dinner offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Bansko. Amigo Pub is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Bulgaria!
Day 3
- Bansko
- Sofia
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Drive 350 km, 5 hours 44 min
- Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
- Tsar Simeon Garden
- Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno
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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 Plovdiv and Bachkovo. In the evening, you’ll end up in Sofia, where you will stay for 1 night.
Discover a day packed with fun adventures, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots in Bansko. Begin your sightseeing with Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis. This captivating archeological site is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to “tsar Simeon Garden” Park, another must-visit attraction.
As you wander through the inviting streets of Bansko, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno". This interesting monastery is a traveler-favorite.
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.
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.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", a highly-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're eager to try something different, consider Hotel Forum, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Turquoise Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Kathrine Cocktail - Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to The Cocktail Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Urban Rebel also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Bulgaria!
Day 4
- Sofia - Departure day
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- St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
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Day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Sofia before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. This notable church is a popular place to see in the city.
On your last day in Bulgaria, take time to indulge in shopping at Sofia’s popular marketplace, Paradise Center. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.
Before you conclude your road trip in Bulgaria, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Sofia.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Hotel ZOO Sofia, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Sofia. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Bulgaria!
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