7-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bankya traveling west to Blagoevgrad
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Description
Explore the best of Bulgaria on a 7-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Bankya, Sofia, Pernik, Bogoyna, Leskovets, Zemen, Blagoevgrad, Melnik, Kyustendil, Stob, and Nevestino. This road trip itinerary in Bulgaria seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Bulgaria takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 4 nights in Bankya and 2 nights in Blagoevgrad. 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 Bankya, 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.
As you hit the open road and drive through Bankya, Sofia, Pernik, Bogoyna, Leskovets, Zemen, Blagoevgrad, Melnik, Kyustendil, Stob, and Nevestino, 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
- Bankya - Arrival day
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Say hello to Bankya! 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 town. You will stay in Bankya for 3 nights before you continue your adventure!
Bankya is a beautiful town with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Find your way to your hotel in Bankya. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Bulgaria. Settle in and make plans for the evening.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bankya. 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 Friends restaurant, a highly-rated dining destination in Bankya.
Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Bulgaria!
Day 2
- Bankya
- Sofia
- More
Drive 75 km, 1 hour 57 min
- Druzhba Park
- Park "Geo Milev
- Borisova Gradina Park
- Sofia Zoo
- South Park
- More
Greet day 2 of your road trip in Bulgaria with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Bankya for your remaining 2 nights in the town later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Sofia and Reduta.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Reduta. This drive usually takes around 12 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
Begin your journey at Druzhba Park and explore the visually striking features. Next, make your way to Borisova Gradina Park, another highlight in the city. When you’re done exploring the park, continue to Sofia Zoo, an eye-catching zoo. Nearby, you will also find South Park. This captivating park is a top place to see in the area.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Sofia and set your GPS to Reduta. 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 12 min. Upon reaching Reduta, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Geo Milev Park is a well-known park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its idyllic features before continuing your self-guided tour.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Bankya and your accommodation.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Bankya's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Head back to your accommodation in Bankya and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Bulgaria!
Day 3
- Bankya
- Sofia
- More
Drive 41 km, 1 hour 20 min
Day 3 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Bankya for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Sofia today.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. Bulgaria is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Bankya's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Bulgaria!
Day 4
- Bankya
- Pernik
- Bogoyna
- Leskovets
- Blagoevgrad
- More
Drive 272 km, 4 hours 22 min
- Централен парк
- Transko zhdrelo
- Alis Petting Zoo
- More
On day 4 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 Pernik, Bogoyna, Leskovets, and Zemen. In the evening, you’ll end up in Blagoevgrad, where you will stay for 2 nights.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Pernik. This car ride takes around 34 min.
Tsentralen Park is an underrated park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its peaceful features before continuing your self-guided tour.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Bogoyna, 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 Pernik to Bogoyna may take around 54 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bogoyna, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Erma River Gorge, Tran is an up-and-coming canyon we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its mesmerizing features before continuing your self-guided tour.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Leskovets. This car ride takes around 53 min.
Make your way to Alis Petting Zoo, an intriguing petting zoo that draws attention for its visually striking features.
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 Blagoevgrad. Blagoevgrad 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 day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Blagoevgrad's best restaurants.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Tchsasovnika, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Bar All Stars offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Verde is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Blagoevgrad.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Befree. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Swing, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Najs Plejs provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Say good night to Blagoevgrad and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Bulgaria!
Day 5
- Blagoevgrad
- Melnik
- Sandanski
- More
Drive 186 km, 3 hours 27 min
- Rozhen Monastery
- Kordopulov House
- Еpiscopal Basilica
- Park "St Vrach
- More
On day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you’ll start and end your day in Blagoevgrad, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Blagoevgrad for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Rozhen, Melnik, and Kyustendil to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!
Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Rozhen allows for both.
When you’ve had your share of Blagoevgrad, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Rozhen. Your travel time is around 1 hour 21 min.
Make your way to Rozhen Monastery, an up-and-coming monastery that draws attention for its stunning features.
After soaking in Rozhen’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Melnik. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 18 min. When you arrive in Melnik, it's time to take a break from the road.
Take your self-guided tour to Kordopulov House, a curiosity-inducing museum that everyone visiting Melnik should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Melnik, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Kyustendil. This drive usually takes around 33 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Еpiscopal Basilica is a beloved archeological site we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its monumental features before continuing your self-guided tour to Park "st. Vrach", an eye-catching park that’s well-regarded in the area.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Blagoevgrad.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Blagoevgrad's best restaurants.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Shery, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Naomi Bar & Patisserie offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Hotel Cardinal is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Blagoevgrad.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Bulgaria!
Day 6
- Blagoevgrad
- Stob
- Kyustendil
- Bankya
- More
Drive 233 km, 3 hours 43 min
- Stob Earth Pyramids - Trail entry
- Rila Monastery
- Hisarlaka Fortress
- More
Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 4 stops and experience some of the highlights of Stob, Rila, Kyustendil, and Nevestino. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bankya, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Stob. This drive usually takes around 20 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
Make your way to Stob Earth Pyramids, an increasingly popular rock formation that draws attention for its scenic features.
Set your GPS to Rila and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 33 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Rila beckons with new experiences!
Take your self-guided tour to Rila Monastery, a popular monastery that everyone visiting Rila should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Set your GPS to Kyustendil and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 27 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kyustendil beckons with new experiences!
Take your self-guided tour to Hisarlaka Fortress, a frequently visited castle that everyone visiting Kyustendil should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Bankya, 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 Bankya's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Bulgaria.
Day 7
- Bankya - Departure day
- More
Day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Bankya before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
On your last day in Bulgaria, take time to indulge in shopping at Bankya’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.
Today's adventure in Bankya promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences!
Before you conclude your road trip in Bulgaria, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Bankya.
You’ll then say farewell to Bankya. 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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