5-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Plovdiv to Sofia

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Description

Explore the best of Bulgaria on a 5-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Plovdiv, Sofia, 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 Plovdiv and 2 nights in Sofia. 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 Plovdiv, 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. South Park and Borisova Gradina Park are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Plovdiv, Sofia, 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!

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Itinerary summary

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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Monument of the Red Army "Alyosha"
Sofia ZooNational Palace of Culture
Eagles' Bridge

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Day 1

Day 1 – Plovdiv - arrival day

  • Plovdiv - Arrival day
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Welcome to Plovdiv, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Bulgaria! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Plovdiv's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Plovdiv 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 Youth Hill or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Plovdiv. 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.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Plovdiv. 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.

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

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Rock Bar Download is an excellent place to start. You could also check out North Star, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Morado Bar & Dinner. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Bulgaria!

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Day 2

Day 2 – Plovdiv and Sofia

  • Plovdiv
  • Sofia
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Drive 151 km, 2 hours 9 min

  • Monument of the Red Army "Alyosha"
  • More

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Plovdiv. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Sofia, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Plovdiv, including an archeological site, an art installation, a park, a monument and much more! Start your day at Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis. This standout archeological site is a captivating place to see in Plovdiv. Then, wander over to Singing Fountain. If visually striking sites excite you, this art installation will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find “tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This romantic park is a favorite among visitors.

Plovdiv offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis is an up-and-coming spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the archeological site, don’t forget to check out the breathtaking Alyosha Monument. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this intriguing monument in Plovdiv.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Sofia. Sofia offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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.

Make sure to book a table at Restaurant Vodenitzata, a popular restaurant in Sofia. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Sofia at Saffron Indian Restaurant, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Island Restaurant. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Sofia tonight.

Keep the evening going at Grijn Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Cairo Relax Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Bar National, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

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Day 3

Day 3 – Sofia

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 23 km, 1 hour 5 min

  • Sofia Zoo
  • National Palace of Culture
  • More

Day 3 of your road trip across Bulgaria promises a magnificent time exploring Sofia. You have 1 night left in Sofia. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Today’s itinerary in Sofia covers several incredible sights, including a zoo, a park, a convention center, a performing arts theater and much more! Start your adventure at Sofia Zoo. This captivating zoo is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing wonders of South Park, a must-see park in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to National Palace Of Culture. This locally renowned convention center offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Borisova Gradina Park, where you can take in its romantic features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to National Theater "ivan Vazov". This visually striking performing arts theater offers a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. 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.

Dine in style at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Hotel Forum boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Turquoise Restaurant. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Sofia.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Kathrine Cocktail - Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, The Cocktail Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Sofia. Urban Rebel is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

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Day 4

Day 4 – Sofia, Reduta, Bachkovo, and Plovdiv

  • Sofia
  • Bachkovo
  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 214 km, 3 hours 14 min

  • Eagles' Bridge
  • More

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore Sofia, Reduta, and Bachkovo, 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 Plovdiv. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Today’s route brings a gorgeous, a visually striking, a historically significant, a monumental, a majestic, and a peaceful. The first attraction of today is Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. This captivating church is a symbolic place to see in Sofia. Continue your discovery at Zaimov Park, an idyllic park with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Sofia, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Eagles' Bridge. This popular monument offers a heritage-rich encounter with Sofia.

Reduta’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Sofia behind. This drive usually takes around 7 min. Reduta welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Begin your journey at Geo Milev Park and explore the instagrammable features.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Reduta, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bachkovo may take around 2 hours 7 min. Upon your arrival in Bachkovo, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Head to Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno", an interesting monastery in Bachkovo. Explore its monumental features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

As you explore more of Plovdiv, 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 Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", a highly-rated dining destination in Plovdiv. If you're eager to try something different, consider Sofra, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Central Park. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, known for its lively atmosphere. Qbar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Anyway Social Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

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Day 5

Day 5 – Plovdiv - departure day

  • Plovdiv - Departure day
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Day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Plovdiv before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Make the most of your final day in Bulgaria by visiting Plovdiv’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Bulgaria.

Begin your sightseeing with Lauta Park. This worthwhile park is one of the top attractions in the city.

Before you conclude your road trip in Bulgaria, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Plovdiv.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at RESTAURANT Raia, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Restaurant Citizens Club offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restorant "Megdana".

You’ll then say farewell to Plovdiv. 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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