6-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Plovdiv traveling north to Sofia, and Gabrovo

Say hello to Plovdiv! Your exciting road trip through Bulgaria is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Plovdiv for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

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 Alyosha Monument 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 satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

Keep the evening going at Rock Bar Download, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to North Star, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Morado Bar & Dinner, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Bulgaria!

On day 2 of your road trip in Bulgaria, 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 in Plovdiv. In the evening, you’ll end up in Sofia, where you will stay for 2 nights.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Singing Fountain. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,640 reviews.

Continue your journey at “tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This park is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,537 travelers from near and far.

Plovdiv is also the home of Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,842 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Old Town Of Plovdiv. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,450 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,893 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this sightseeing destination.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Sofia, 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 Sofia's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Make sure to reserve a table at Hotel Forum, 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 ZOO Sofia, 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 Mamma Mia Ltd, a hidden gem nestled in Sofia. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Halbite Beer Hall stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Lime Cafe & Cocktails offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Dolni Varpishta, Boicheta, and Stara Zagora. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Plovdiv, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Dolni Varpishta and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 21 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Dolni Varpishta beckons with new experiences!

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Dryanovo Monastery "st. Archangel Michael". This extraordinary place of worship has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,058 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Dolni Varpishta and set your GPS to Boicheta. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 29 min. Upon reaching Boicheta, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Kick off the day at Ethno Village Etar, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,399 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Plovdiv, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Plovdiv's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Ресторант "Старият Пловдив", highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Sofra? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Central Park as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Plovdiv.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Qbar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Anyway Social Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Bulgaria!