7-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Bulgaria and Greece With Itinerary from Sofia to Thessaloniki

On day 2 of your European tour in Bulgaria and Greece, you’ll start and end your day in Pernik, but spend most of the time exploring beyond the region, including Pernik in Bulgaria. Sofia remains your base for 2 nights more.

Enjoy all that Boyana Church has to offer. This is a locally appreciated church you should not miss. Another must-see is Eagles' Bridge, a locally renowned monument in Sofia.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Zaimov Park, another of the region’s captivating attractions.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Sofia, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Pernik. This drive usually takes around 55 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Vitosha Nature Park and explore the serene features.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that Sofia boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of the region.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Hotel Forum offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Turquoise Restaurant is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Sofia.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Kathrine Cocktail - Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out The Cocktail Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Urban Rebel provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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!

Greet day 3 of your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Greece with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. On today's agenda, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Rila in Bulgaria. You will return to Sofia for your remaining 1 night in the city later today.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Sofia and set your GPS to Rila. 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 1 hour 40 min. Upon reaching Rila, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Rila Monastery is a notable monastery we recommend visiting today. Discover its stunning features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Rila, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Sofia to Rila may take around 1 hour 40 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Rila, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Spend your afternoon discovering “bohemia Falls” Ecotrail, a beloved waterfall known for its romantic features.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Stob may take around 11 min. Upon your arrival in Stob, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Stob Earth Pyramids, a locally appreciated rock formation in Stob. Explore its picturesque features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Bulgaria and Greece, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Sofia.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Sofiyska Banitsa, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Hotel ZOO Sofia is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Bar & Dinner Relax. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Sofia tonight.

Round off your dining experience by visiting One More Bar, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Teos Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Bsd 2 Ndk likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

As the night falls in Sofia, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lie back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe. The highlights of today include Thessaloniki in Greece. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Thessaloniki, your home for 2 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Thessaloniki, Greece. This car ride takes around 3 hours 33 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to White Tower Of Thessaloniki, a widely recognized monument in Thessaloniki. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Archaeological Museum Of Thessaloniki. This worthwhile museum is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, The Umbrellas Sculpture By Zogolopoulos is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most awe-inspiring art installation in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the popular Aristotelous Square and discover what makes this public square unique.

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.

As the day slows down and turns into evening, indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Thessaloniki. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Dine in style at Kitchen Bar, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, The Greek boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Phanós. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Thessaloniki.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Beetle Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Vogatsikou 3 offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Souel, another top-rated bar in the area.

Take in the ambiance of Thessaloniki as this 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 multi-country road trip to look forward to!

Wake up to day 5 of your extraordinary road trip through Bulgaria and Greece. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Kastraki in Greece. With 1 night left in Thessaloniki, seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Kastraki is brimming with adventures.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Kastraki, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Thessaloniki to Kastraki may take around 2 hours 53 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Kastraki, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Holy Monastery Of The Great Meteoron -transfiguration Of The Saviour, a beloved monastery known for its awe-inspiring features.

Set your GPS to Kalambaka and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 9 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kalambaka beckons with new experiences!

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Monastery Of The Holy Trinity At Meteora, a worthwhile monastery that everyone visiting Kalambaka should see. Next, head to Greek Education Museum. This historic museum is one of the most often recommended attractions in the region.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Mamalouka, a highly-rated dining destination in Thessaloniki. If you're eager to try something different, consider Clochard, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Sofi's House Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent 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 - Bar/ba/ben 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.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your multi-country journey across Bulgaria and Greece. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in Kh'rsovo 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’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Thessaloniki, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Kh'rsovo, Bulgaria. Witness the landscapes transform as you cross the border to Bulgaria. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 44 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Villa Melnik and explore the visually striking features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Kh'rsovo and set your GPS to Melnik. 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 15 min. Upon reaching Melnik, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Kordopulov House is a curiosity-inducing museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its respected features before continuing your self-guided tour to Muzej Na Vinoto, a romantic museum that’s well-regarded in the area.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Rozhen may take around 13 min. Upon your arrival in Rozhen, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Rozhen Monastery, a frequently visited monastery that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Sofia. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

As the sun sets on day 6 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey at Sofia's top restaurants and eateries. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Mamma Mia Ltd, a top-rated dining spot in Sofia. If you're in the mood for something new, try Esterhasi Restaurant, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Da Massimo. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Sofia.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Corner offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Gaba is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. K.e.b.a. 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!