7-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Albania With Itinerary from Sofia to Skopje, Tirana, Bitola, and Kyustendil

On day 2 of your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Albania, 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 to see in Sofia in Bulgaria. In the evening, you’ll end up in Skopje, where you will stay for 1 night.

In Sofia, the extraordinary National Palace Of Culture awaits. This attraction is a valued convention center that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,569 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Sofia is the spectacular South Park. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,985 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. This local church and wonder has an overall review score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,088 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

National Theater "ivan Vazov" is another attraction you might want to add to your Sofia exploration itinerary. This performing arts theater is a popular stop among travelers in the area, as seen in its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 9,932 reviews.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Skopje’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of North Macedonia's delectable cuisine at one of Skopje'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.

Dine in style at Tribeca Restaurant & Bar, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Balilla boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Sidro. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Skopje.

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

Celebrate day 2 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your multi-country journey across Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Albania. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Tirana in Albania and Lubanishta in North Macedonia. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Bitola where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated public square and attraction in Tirana — Skanderbeg Square. About 8,676 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Tirana, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Set course for North Macedonia! Under favorable conditions, your drive to Lubanishta may take around 2 hours 33 min. Upon your arrival in Lubanishta, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Something that makes Lubanishta the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding monastery, Monastery Of Saint Naum. This local gem has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 8,399 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Lubanishta, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Ohrid. This drive usually takes around 48 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

In Ohrid, the extraordinary Church Of Saint John The Theologian awaits. This attraction is a valued church that boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 3,537 travelers' reviews.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Epinal Restaurant, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? GT Caffe offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Belvedere. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bitola.

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

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!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Albania. Today's main destinations are Skopje in North Macedonia, 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 Kyustendil. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Skopje, 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 Bitola to Skopje may take around 2 hours 30 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Skopje, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

A tour of Skopje is not complete without a visit to the famous Old Bazaar. This incredible market and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 20,113 travelers.

Make the most of your Skopje travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Stone Bridge In Skopje. This historical landmark and unique destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,177 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Macedonia Square for an experience worth remembering. This local public square and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,125 visitors.

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

After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Albania by rewarding yourself with a taste of Kyustendil’s local cuisine. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax or mingle with the locals and raise a toast to your exciting road trip adventure.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restaurant Friends, a top-rated dining spot in Kyustendil. If you're in the mood for something new, try Hotel Ramira, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Vintage bar and dinner. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Kyustendil.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Vogue. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks.

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 6 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Plovdiv in Bulgaria. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Sofia, your home for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Plovdiv. This car ride takes around 2 hours 47 min.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Plovdiv today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,893 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis. This incredible attraction and archeological site holds an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to 7,842 visitors.

According to travelers in Plovdiv, the extraordinary “tsar Simeon Garden” Park is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,537 visitors.

As the day moves along, don’t miss out the incredible art installation, Singing Fountain. Up to 12,640 visitors have rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

After soaking in Plovdiv’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Sofia. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 42 min. When you arrive in Sofia, it's time to take a break from the road.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Sofia of your choice.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Albania, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Sofia. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Make sure to reserve a table at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", 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 Forum, 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 Turquoise Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Sofia. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Kathrine Cocktail - Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, The Cocktail Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Urban Rebel. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Albania! Enjoy your evening in Sofia to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.