6-Day Road Trip in Bulgaria, and Greece from Sofia to Thessaloniki, and Blagoevgrad

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.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Borisova Gradina Park. This outstanding park and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 27,635 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Borisova Gradina Park is worth pages in your travel diary.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Sofia. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

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.

Esteemed as a much-enjoyed restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Hotel Forum, a top-rated dining spot in Sofia. If you're in the mood for something new, try Hotel ZOO Sofia, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Mamma Mia Ltd. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Sofia.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Halbite Beer Hall. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Lime Cafe & Cocktails offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two.

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

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Sofia today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding South Park. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,985 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular National Palace of Culture. This incredible attraction and convention center holds an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to 14,569 visitors.

According to travelers in Sofia, the extraordinary Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and church is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,088 visitors.

As the day moves along, don’t miss out the incredible sightseeing destination, National Theater "Ivan Vazov". Up to 9,932 visitors have rated it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

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.

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Thessaloniki. 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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Kitchen Bar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? The Greek offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Phanós. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Thessaloniki.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Beetle Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Vogatsikou 3, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Souel. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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!

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

One place travelers keep coming back to in Thessaloniki is the magnificent White Tower of Thessaloniki. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes over 290,192 travelers from across the world. Around 52,379 visitors have rated this excellent fortified tower and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing The Umbrellas Sculpture by Zogolopoulos on this leg of your adventure in Greece. This attraction is a well-known sightseeing destination that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 13,884 travelers.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Edessa. This car ride takes around 1 hour 18 min.

Waterfalls Park, Edessa is a travelers’ favorite in Edessa, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 19,690 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Edessa, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Vergina may take around 1 hour 3 min. Upon your arrival in Vergina, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

A tour of Vergina is not complete without a visit to the famous Museum of the Royal Tombs at Aigai (Aegae). This incredible museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 8,871 travelers.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Thessaloniki’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 miss out on dining at Mamalouka, a top-rated dining destination in Thessaloniki. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Clochard, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Sofi's House Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Thessaloniki this evening.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Castra- All Day Terrace Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Barbaben - Μπαρ/Μπα/Μπεν is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Apallou is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 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 Blagoevgrad, your home for 1 night.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Thessaloniki, including the outstanding Kapani. Having an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 11,747 reviews, this fascinating market and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Thessaloniki is also home to the captivating Aristotelous Square, a local square considered one of the highlights of the city. About 42,109 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.7 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary Agias Sofias Square is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Thessaloniki. This extraordinary square and tourist hot spot boasts a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,374 travelers.

A trip to the wonderful Arch of Galerius and Rotunda will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing tetrapylon and attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 12,542 reviews.

Soak in Thessaloniki's rich culture at the fantastic Atatürk Museum. Further proving its status as one of the best places to visit in Thessaloniki is its overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,010 visitor reviews.

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

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 Blagoevgrad. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Tchsasovnika, a highly-rated dining destination in Blagoevgrad. If you're eager to try something different, consider Bar All Stars, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Verde. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Blagoevgrad this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting BeFree, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Swing is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Найс плейс also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

As the night falls in Blagoevgrad, 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.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your multi-country journey across Bulgaria, and Greece. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Plovdiv in Bulgaria. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Sofia where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

When you’ve had your share of Blagoevgrad, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Plovdiv. Your travel time is around 2 hours 41 min.

Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is a travelers’ favorite in Plovdiv, 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 17,893 visitors.

In Plovdiv, don’t miss Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis, a great sightseeing destination and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,842 reviews.

Check other top attractions in Plovdiv off your list when you visit the wonderful “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This popular sight is an outstanding park, rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,537 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding Singing Fountain. This park and place of interest has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,640 reviews.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Sofia. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Bulgaria's delectable cuisine at one of Sofia's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enhance your vacation experience by enjoying the local nightlife or unwinding with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Divaka, a top-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Face bar & dinner, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Art Club Museum. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

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 6 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.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated park and attraction in Sofia — Zaimov Park. About 15,334 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Ресторант VICTORIA България, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

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 6-day European road trip in Bulgaria, and Greece with fond memories. Safe travels!