6-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Sofia to Plovdiv and Bansko
Description
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Description
Escape the ordinary with this exciting 6-day road trip through Bulgaria. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Bulgaria takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 3 nights in Sofia, 1 night in Plovdiv, and 1 night in Bansko. 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 Sofia, 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. Marvel at the remarkable Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky, learn more about the unique Rila Monastery, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis.
As you hit the open road and drive through Sofia, Plovdiv, Asenovgrad, Bachkovo, Bansko, and Stob, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Sofia - Arrival day
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- National Palace of Culture
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Say hello to Sofia! 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 Sofia for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!
Sofia 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 National Palace Of Culture, or just 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 Sofia. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Sofia, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurant Vodenitzata, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Saffron Indian Restaurant? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Island Restaurant as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Sofia.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Grijn Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Cairo Relax Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Bar National provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Bulgaria!
Day 2
- Sofia
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Drive 32 km, 1 hour 54 min
- Boyana Church
- Borisova Gradina Park
- St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Regional History Museum Sofia
- South Park
- Tsar Ivan Shishman Street
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Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Sofia for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.
A top thing to do today is to explore Tsar Ivan Shishman Street, a must-see street in Sofia. It's the perfect starting point for touring the top attractions in the area.
Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and historic treasures in the charming city of Sofia. Your adventure starts at Boyana Church, an intriguing local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Borisova Gradina Park. This well-known park is known for its UNESCO world heritage-designated appeal.
After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Sofia's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. This stunning church offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Regional History Museum Of Sofia is also worth visiting, along with South Park. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. 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 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 delicious meal at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", a highly-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're eager to try something different, consider Hotel Forum, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Turquoise Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Kathrine Cocktail - Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, The Cocktail Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Urban Rebel is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Say good night to Sofia and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Bulgaria!
Day 3
- Sofia
- Plovdiv
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Drive 149 km, 2 hours 8 min
- Nebet Tepe
- Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
- Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv
- Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
- Tsar Simeon Garden
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On day 3 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 Plovdiv, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views in Sofia. Begin your sightseeing with Nebet Tepe. This beloved archeological site is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Old Town Of Plovdiv, another must-visit attraction.
As you wander through the inviting streets of Sofia, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv. This locally appreciated museum is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. “tsar Simeon Garden” Park is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers.
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.
Savor the flavors at Salt & Pepper, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Rahat Tepe beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider KFC. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Plovdiv tonight.
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 your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Bulgaria!
Day 4
- Plovdiv
- Bansko
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Drive 239 km, 4 hours 54 min
- Asen's Fortress
- Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno
- Holy Trinity Church
- City Park
- Baikushev's pine
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Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore Asenovgrad, Bachkovo, and Bansko, 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 Bansko. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Immerse yourself in Plovdiv’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Asen's Fortress. This inviting castle is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the awe-inspiring features of Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno", a must-visit monastery in the town.
In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Holy Trinity Church, a beloved church. For a change of scene, check out City Park, known for its awe-inspiring features. We also recommend visiting Baikushev's Pine. This tree is a must for anyone looking to experience the town to the fullest.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Bansko. Bansko offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Bansko's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Kasapinova Mehana, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Euphoria offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss OSCAR Wine Bar & Gastro. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bansko.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Nova Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Penguins Bar & Dinner. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Amigo Pub, another top-rated place in the area.
Say good night to Bansko and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Bulgaria!
Day 5
- Bansko
- Sofia
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Drive 223 km, 3 hours 18 min
- Rila Monastery
- Bohemia Falls Ecotrail
- Stob Earth Pyramids - Trail entry
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 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 Stob. 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.
Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Bansko, including a monastery, a waterfall, and a rock formation. Start your day at Rila Monastery. This historic monastery is a locally renowned place to see in Bansko. Then, wander over to “bohemia Falls” Ecotrail. If serene sites excite you, this waterfall will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Stob Earth Pyramids. This stunning rock formation is a favorite among visitors.
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.
Don’t miss out on dining at Sofiyska Banitsa, a top-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Hotel ZOO Sofia, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bar & Dinner Relax. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.
Continue your lively evening at One More Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Teos Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Bsd 2 Ndk ensures a night out tailored to your taste.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!
Day 6
- Sofia - Departure day
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- Park "Zaimov"
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Day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Sofia before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Zaimov Park. This interesting park is a popular place to see in the city.
Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.
Before you conclude your road trip in Bulgaria, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Sofia.
If you're eager to try something different, consider Esterhasi Restaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Sofia. 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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