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

On day 2 of your European tour in Bulgaria and Greece, you’ll start and end your day in Sofia, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Sofia for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Sofia in Bulgaria to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. 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 romantic park before continuing your journey. Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky is your next stop. This notable church 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 Boyana Church. This heritage-rich church is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Rila Monastery.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Sofia. 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.

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.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Kathrine Cocktail - Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The Cocktail Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Urban Rebel provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Thessaloniki in Greece. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Thessaloniki, your home for 1 night.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Sofia, including a museum, a monument, an art installation, a public square and much more! Start your day with a visit to Museum Of Byzantine Culture. This frequently visited museum is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to White Tower Of Thessaloniki, which may be one of the most breathtaking places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Sofia on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to The Umbrellas Sculpture By Zogolopoulos, a captivating art installation in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Aristotelous Square.

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

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 Thessaloniki’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.

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.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Beetle Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Vogatsikou 3 provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Souel offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Take in the ambiance of Thessaloniki 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 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 Melnik in Bulgaria. In the evening, you’ll end up in Sofia, where you will stay for 1 night.

Get ready for an exciting day in Thessaloniki. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a museum, a historical landmark, and a monastery. Begin your adventure at Kordopulov House. This is a locally appreciated museum you should not miss. Another must-see is Muzej Na Vinoto, a worthwhile museum in Thessaloniki.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Melnik. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Rozhen Monastery, another of the town’s frequently visited attractions.

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 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.

Dine in style at Sofiyska Banitsa, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Hotel ZOO Sofia boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Bar & Dinner Relax. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Sofia.

Cap off your dinner by heading to One More Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Teos Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Bsd 2 Ndk is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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