5-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Sofia traveling south to Blagoevgrad

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Sofia. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Blagoevgrad, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Sofia. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await. National Palace Of Culture is the perfect place to start. This convention center is one of the most well-known places to visit in Sofia. Next, head to Borisova Gradina Park, a popular park, known for its serene features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Eagles' Bridge. This heritage-rich monument offers a unique experience that is highly recommended. Meanwhile, Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky adds its own distinct charm to your journey. Finish your day with a visit to National Theater "ivan Vazov", a history-steeped performing arts theater in Sofia.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Blagoevgrad's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

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

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

On day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you’ll start and end your day in Blagoevgrad, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Blagoevgrad for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Sofia and Reduta to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Blagoevgrad, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Sofia may take around 1 hour 24 min. Upon your arrival in Sofia, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make your way to Druzhba Park, an intriguing park that draws attention for its visually striking features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Sofia Zoo, an instagrammable zoo that stands out in the city. Next, visit South Park, a well-known park that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore North Park, a nearby park, which is highly recommended by other travelers.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Reduta.

Your self-guided tour starts at Geo Milev Park, an interesting park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Blagoevgrad.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Blagoevgrad. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Shery, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Naomi Bar & Patisserie beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Hotel Cardinal. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Blagoevgrad tonight.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Bulgaria!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Rila and Pernik. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Sofia. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Rila, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Blagoevgrad to Rila may take around 46 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Rila, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Rila Monastery, a locally renowned monastery known for its historic features.

Rila’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Blagoevgrad behind. This drive usually takes around 46 min. Rila welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Begin your journey at “bohemia Falls” Ecotrail and explore the romantic features.

After soaking in Rila’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Pernik. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 5 min. When you arrive in Pernik, it's time to take a break from the road.

Vitosha Nature Park is a frequently visited nature reserve we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its serene features before continuing your self-guided tour to Living Water Spring, a visually striking hot spring that’s well-regarded in the area.

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", a popular restaurant in Sofia. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Sofia at Hotel Forum, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Turquoise Restaurant. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Sofia tonight.

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.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria!