5-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Bulgaria and Greece With Itinerary from Sofia to Thessaloniki and Blagoevgrad

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Description

Get ready for an exhilarating 5-day European road trip. This trip will take you through Bulgaria and Greece and immerse you in the diverse tapestry of European culture.

With this ultimate European tour package, you'll experience the essence of 2 incredible countries, each offering a tapestry of experiences that will leave you with lasting memories. You'll stay 3 nights in Bulgaria and 1 night in Greece.

In the first leg of your journey, you'll find yourself in the heart of Bulgaria, a land filled with treasures waiting to be discovered. You’ll collect your chosen rental car in the city of Sofia and begin your adventure from there. Explore Sofia, Blagoevgrad, and Plovdiv, where picturesque vistas and cultural gems await your exploration.

Next, prepare to be mesmerized by the diverse and vibrant landscapes of Greece. Immerse yourself in the allure of Thessaloniki, where every street tells a story.

Your multi-country road trip brings you close to some of Europe’s most iconic attractions and landmarks, such as Thessaloniki’s White Tower Of Thessaloniki. From must-see attractions to breathtaking viewpoints, this meticulously crafted itinerary promises you a glimpse into the unique features of this region in Europe.

Throughout your tour, you’ll stay at some of the best accommodations along your route. Our recommendations always include options with varying levels of comfort, ranging from 3 to 5-star hotels that cater to various preferences and budgets.

Your ultimate multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Greece will not be complete without indulging in some retail therapy! Embark on a quest for a rare souvenir in each destination. Beyond the thrill of buying unique goods, it’s also an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in local customs and interact with friendly locals at every stop.

By booking this holiday package, you can save yourself from the tedious task of researching and planning your road trip in Europe. We'll handle all the travel arrangements for your 5-day self-drive adventure in Bulgaria and Greece. With our expertise, you can enjoy a hassle-free experience and focus on immersing yourself in incredible destinations without the stress of organizing every detail. This holiday deal also comes with 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide accessible via our mobile app to assist you throughout your journey.

Discover breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and iconic landmarks in multiple European countries on one epic road trip! Travel across borders and experience the freedom of the open road as you create lifelong memories in Bulgaria and Greece.

Choose your travel dates today and start planning your unforgettable multi-country road trip with Guide to Europe!

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Itinerary summary

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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Park "Zaimov"
St Alexander Nevsky CathedralNational Palace of CultureBorisova Gradina ParkIvan Vazov" National Theater
Aristotelous SquareAgias Sofias SquareArch of GaleriusWhite Tower of ThessalonikiThe Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos
Ancient Theatre of PhilippopolisAncient Stadium of PhilipopolisTsar Simeon GardenSinging Fountains
South Park

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Sofia - Arrival day
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  • Park "Zaimov"
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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.

In Sofia, the extraordinary Zaimov Park awaits. This attraction is a valued park that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,334 travelers' reviews.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Sofia. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Bulgaria. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Greece by rewarding yourself with a taste of Sofia’s local cuisine. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax or mingle with the locals and raise a toast to your exciting road trip adventure.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restaurant Vodenitzata, a top-rated dining spot in Sofia. If you're in the mood for something new, try Saffron Indian Restaurant, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Island Restaurant. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Sofia.

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

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.

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Sofia
  • Thessaloniki
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Drive 306 km, 4 hours 39 min

  • St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • National Palace of Culture
  • Borisova Gradina Park
  • Ivan Vazov" National Theater
  • More

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Greece. Today's main destinations are Sofia 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 Thessaloniki. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated church and attraction in Sofia — Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. About 20,088 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The popular National Palace Of Culture is another top sight in Sofia that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved convention center in the area, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,569 visitors.

Borisova Gradina Park is a spectacular park and highlight on travelers’ itineraries in Sofia, earning an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 27,635 enchanted visitors.

As the day moves along, be sure to make time to drop by the magnificent National Theater "ivan Vazov". Because of its allure and charm, around 9,932 visitors have rated this attraction and performing arts theater an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Thessaloniki. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during 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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Kitchen Bar, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, The Greek offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Phanós is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Thessaloniki.

Continue your lively evening at Beetle Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Vogatsikou 3 is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Souel ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Thessaloniki
  • Blagoevgrad
  • More

Drive 203 km, 3 hours 20 min

  • Aristotelous Square
  • Agias Sofias Square
  • Arch of Galerius
  • White Tower of Thessaloniki
  • The Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos
  • More

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

Aristotelous Square is a travelers’ favorite in Thessaloniki, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 42,109 visitors.

In Thessaloniki, don’t miss Agias Sofias Square, a great public square and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,374 reviews.

Check other top attractions in Thessaloniki off your list when you visit the wonderful Arch Of Galerius And Rotunda. This popular sight is an outstanding monument, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,542 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding White Tower Of Thessaloniki. This monument and place of interest has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 52,379 reviews. It’s estimated that around 290,192 people come to admire it every year.

If you’re keen to explore even more, the fantastic The Umbrellas Sculpture By Zogolopoulos awaits. This art installation is a tourist hot spot, garnering an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13,884 visitors.

Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Blagoevgrad.

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Blagoevgrad. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Greece.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Tchsasovnika, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Bar All Stars is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Verde. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Blagoevgrad tonight.

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

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Bulgaria and Greece! Enjoy your evening in Blagoevgrad to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Blagoevgrad
  • Plovdiv
  • Sofia
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Drive 386 km, 4 hours 43 min

  • Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
  • Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
  • Tsar Simeon Garden
  • Singing Fountains
  • More

On day 4 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 Plovdiv in Bulgaria. In the evening, you’ll end up in Sofia, where you will stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Plovdiv and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 41 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Plovdiv beckons with new experiences!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Plovdiv is the magnificent Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis. Around 17,893 visitors have rated this excellent archeological site and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis on this leg of your adventure in Bulgaria. This attraction is a well-known archeological site that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 7,842 travelers.

The remarkable “tsar Simeon Garden” Park is known to be one of the best places to visit in Plovdiv, and its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,537 traveler reviews is proof.

Dive deeper into Plovdiv by exploring the captivating Singing Fountain. With a stellar average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,640 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Plovdiv exploration list!

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Sofia. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Sofia boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Bulgaria.

Make sure to reserve a table at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", 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 Forum, 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 Turquoise Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Sofia. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

Celebrate day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Sofia - Departure day
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  • South Park
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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.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

South Park is a travelers’ favorite in Sofia, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,985 visitors.

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!

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