6-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Plovdiv traveling south to Haskovo, and Smolyan

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 2 nights 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 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.

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

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.

Dine in style at Salt & Pepper, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Rahat Tepe boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out KFC. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Rock Bar Download, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to North Star. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Morado Bar & Dinner, another top-rated place in the area.

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

Day 2 of your road trip across Bulgaria promises a magnificent time exploring Plovdiv. You have 1 night left in Plovdiv. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Make Museum of Natural Sciences your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this museum an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 2,598 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,842 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this sightseeing destination every year.

Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,893 visitors.

When you’re finished at Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, the perfect next stop is Old Town of Plovdiv. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 4,450 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Nebet Tepe. This hill is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,913 reviews.

Your discoveries in Plovdiv do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Plovdiv on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Ресторант "Старият Пловдив", a top-rated dining destination in Plovdiv. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Sofra, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Central Park. 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 Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Qbar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is ANYWAY Social Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Plovdiv, and Stara Zagora. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Haskovo, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,537 visitors.

Singing Fountain is another popular attraction you could visit today. This park has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,640 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Stara Zagora, 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 Plovdiv to Stara Zagora may take around 1 hour 13 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Stara Zagora, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Drop by the renowned “Bedechka” Park. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,259 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Stara Zagora Zoo. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,506 visitors, this zoo deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Park “Ayazmo“. This park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,330 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Haskovo, 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 Haskovo's best restaurants.

Savor the flavors at Версай Bar&Dinner, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Orchid bistro beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider PLAZA Bar & Dinner. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Haskovo tonight.

Keep the evening going at Galaxy cafe-club, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.

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

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore Beli Plast, Asenovgrad, 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 Smolyan. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

After soaking in Haskovo’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Beli Plast. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 26 min. When you arrive in Beli Plast, it's time to take a break from the road.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Mushroom Rocks. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,733 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Beli Plast, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Asenovgrad. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 12 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Journey into the unknown at Paleontological Museum of Asenovgrad, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 611 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Asen's Fortress is a recommended place to visit. This fortress is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,157 reviews.

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 Smolyan. Smolyan 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 Smolyan. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at restaurant ECO, a top-rated dining spot in Smolyan. If you're in the mood for something new, try Механа „Мечо ухо“, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Konaka. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Smolyan.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Venus Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Caffe The Clock offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Chereshovo, Smolyan, and Chepelare. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Plovdiv, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is The Waterfalls Canyon. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,294 reviews.

Smolyan Waterfall is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 839 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Orfeevi Rocks Pamporovo. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 819 reviews.

Chereshovo welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Drop by the renowned Uhlovitsa. This popular cave has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,811 visitors.

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 are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Plovdiv. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at RESTAURANT Raia, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant Citizens Club offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Ресторант "Мегдана" is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Plovdiv.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Крилото Cocktail Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Cocktail Bar Noris is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, бар Фабрик 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!

Day 6 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.

As your final day in Bulgaria unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Plovdiv's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Bulgaria.

Drop by the renowned Youth Hill. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,086 visitors.

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

Dine in style at Италиански ресторант Пикантино, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Ruski Restorant Petar І boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

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!