5-Day Road Trip in Bulgaria and Greece from Sofia to Thessaloniki and Samokov

Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Bulgaria and Greece begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Sofia in Bulgaria. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Sofia for 1 night.

Catch an early flight to Bulgaria to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Sofia before it’s time to hit the road and drive to your next destination. Discover the city’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and lively atmosphere with visits to the most popular attractions.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Sofia today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Borisova Gradina Park. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 27,212 visitors.

You’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in Sofia. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Sofia’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Bulgaria and Greece.

Don't forget to book a table at Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant, a well-known eatery in Sofia. This popular restaurant and its sumptuous cuisine have won the hearts of food lovers. Its commitment to a delicious menu is evident in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 4,010 satisfied guests.

Ensure you visit Restaurant "Staria Chinar" while exploring Sofia. This popular restaurant offers a delicious menu, distinguished with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 2,717 discerning guests.

Quench your thirst after a long day of adventure at Bar Friday, a prime hotspot for fun and relaxation seekers in the city. Bar Friday boasts an impressive 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 3,410 customers.

Or, try the exciting drinks at The Cocktail Bar, a vibrant place where locals and travelers converge for spirited toasts and amazing stories. The Cocktail Bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,814 customers.

Your multi-country road trip in Bulgaria and Greece has only just begun. Brace yourself for more exciting days to come as you cross country borders in the comfort of your rental car and discover the most unique attractions, activities, and foods of each destination.

On day 2 of your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Greece, 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 to see in Sofia in Bulgaria and Thessaloniki in Greece. In the evening, you’ll end up in Thessaloniki, where you will stay for 1 night.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Sofia is the magnificent St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Around 19,337 visitors have rated this excellent church and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing National Palace of Culture on this leg of your adventure in Bulgaria. This attraction is a well-known convention center that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from around 14,244 travelers.

The remarkable South Park is known to be one of the best places to visit in Sofia, and its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,616 traveler reviews is proof.

Dive deeper into Sofia by exploring the captivating Ivan Vazov National Theater. With a stellar average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,666 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Sofia exploration list!

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Sofia and set your GPS to Thessaloniki, Greece. 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 3 hours 40 min.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Sofia by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Sofia.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Thessaloniki’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

If you've been looking forward to all the culinary delights you’ll get the opportunity to try along your multi-country road trip in Bulgaria and Greece, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Thessaloniki. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Order some of the best-tasting cocktails and celebrate the night away at Pulp. This famous bar in Thessaloniki has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,573 customers.

You can also check out an equally popular bar in the area, Kitchen Bar. This amazing place never disappoints with its variety of drinks and fantastic ambiance. Kitchen Bar has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 9,067 customers.

As the night falls in Thessaloniki, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lay back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

On day 3 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Bulgaria and Greece, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Thessaloniki in Greece and Samokov in Bulgaria. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Samokov, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Thessaloniki, including the outstanding Aristotelous Square. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 42,179 reviews, this fascinating square and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Thessaloniki is also home to the captivating Arch of Galerius and Rotunda, a local tetrapylon considered one of the highlights of the city. About 11,979 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary White Tower of Thessaloniki is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Thessaloniki. This extraordinary fortified tower and tourist hot spot hosts more than 290,192 visitors annually and boasts a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 50,663 travelers.

A trip to the wonderful The Umbrellas Sculpture by Zogolopoulos will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing point of interest and attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,531 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Thessaloniki, prepare for your next destination. Enjoy the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Samokov, Bulgaria. Your travel time is around 3 hours 26 min.

Make the most of your vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Thessaloniki has in store for you.

There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your adventure in Bulgaria. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

It’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Samokov. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Samokov. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Bulgaria in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.

Plan ahead and secure a table at The Old House Restaurant, an acclaimed dining establishment in Samokov. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 2,207 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of Kaymakanova house while experiencing the best of Samokov. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 829 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Pri Sote Traditional Restaurant, an elegant culinary destination in Samokov. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 2,699 previous guests.

Unwind after a long day in one of the best and most popular bars in Samokov, Delight bar & dinner. This famous place has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 382 customers.

Another trendy bar is Khaĭduti. This bar’s extensive drink menu, amazing vibe, and friendly atmosphere have earned it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars, based on the reviews of 345 customers.

Locals also recommend Defected Bar & Café. This bar’s welcoming atmosphere has earned it an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, thanks to the reviews of 146 delighted customers.

Celebrate day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Greece. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Plovdiv in Bulgaria, 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.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Sofia. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 31 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on your trip in Bulgaria. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Plovdiv itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city.

Add this highly recommended tour to your package now and make this refreshing day in Bulgaria extra special!

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Sofia of your choice.

As the day slows down and turns into evening, we encourage you to indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Sofia. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Make sure to book a table at Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Sofia. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of food lovers. Its commitment to culinary excellence is evident in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 2,625 satisfied guests.

Do not miss the opportunity to dine at Art Club Museum during your stay in Sofia. This popular dining spot boasts a tantalizing menu, earning a remarkable rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, esteemed by 2,570 satisfied guests.

Wrap up your evening by visiting the renowned One More Bar, a must-visit hotspot in the city of Sofia. This bar has garnered an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, backed by 2,228 delighted customers.

Alternatively, quench your thirst at the popular Halbite Beer Hall, consistently rated 4.3 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Take in the ambiance of Sofia as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!

On day 5 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Sofia before it’s time to leave.

Depending on how much time you have before your departure, you may want to engage in some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Get some unique items to remind you of your great European road trip across Bulgaria and Greece. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.

On your last day in Bulgaria, take time to indulge in shopping at Sofia’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Bulgaria. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Sofia is the fantastic Park "Zaimov". As an appreciated park and local gem in the area, Park "Zaimov" has earned an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 15,115 reviews.

Get a last taste of Bulgaria’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Sofia and enjoy what may be your last vacation meal of this trip. Look forward to recreating these distinct culinary experiences in your own kitchen later to remind you of your unforgettable road trip across Bulgaria and Greece.

The time has come to say farewell to Sofia for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 5-day European road trip in Bulgaria and Greece with fond memories. Safe travels!