7-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia traveling south to Plovdiv and Kyustendil

Photo of Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
6 nights included
Car rental
7 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 7-day road trip through Bulgaria.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Bulgaria. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Sofia, 2 nights in Plovdiv, and 2 nights in Kyustendil, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Bulgaria. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Kyustendil. We'll help you experience the best 7 days in Bulgaria you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Sofia, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria, including the stunning National Palace of Culture and South Park.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We've handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Bulgaria. From the magnificent Borisova Gradina Park to the breathtaking St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Sofia, Plovdiv, and Kyustendil, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Bulgaria. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Bulgaria.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Bulgaria. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Bulgaria.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Bulgaria.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Bulgaria has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Bulgaria. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 6 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 6 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. All taxes are included in your vacation package price. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Bulgaria extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Bulgaria fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Bulgaria today!

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Included

Hotel, 6 nights
Rental car, 7 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Sofia - city in BulgariaSofia / 2 nights
Photo of aerial view of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Plovdiv / 2 nights
Трън -  in BulgariaTran
Кюстендил -  in BulgariaKyustendil / 2 nights

Map

Attractions

South Park
Borisova Gradina Park
St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
Sofia Zoo, R-7276261, R-186382, R-4283101Sofia Zoo
Photo of sunset aerial view of the National Palace of Culture in Sofia, Bulgaria.National Palace of Culture
Tsar Simeon Garden
Park "Zaimov"
Singing Fountains
Photo of Eagles' bridge in Sofia, Bulgaria.Eagles' Bridge
Ivan Vazov" National Theater
Park "Geo Milev
Holy Trinity Park
Knyazheska Garden
Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
Transko zhdrelo, Tran, Pernik, BulgariaTransko zhdrelo
Zemen Monastery "St. John the Apostle", Zemen, Pernik, BulgariaZemen Monastery "St John the Apostle"
Holy Paraskeva, Tran, Pernik, BulgariaHoly Paraskeva
Vrabcha Waterfall
Ecopath "Looking at nine mountains", Kovachevtsi, Pernik, BulgariaEcopath "Looking at nine mountains"
Tran Eco Trail II, Tran, Pernik, BulgariaTran Eco Trail II
Holy Trinity, Tran, Pernik, BulgariaHoly Trinity

Travel details

Travel dates
Jan 1 - Jan 7

Include flights?

Yes
No

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travelers

Rooms

1 traveler1 room
1 traveler1 room

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Sofia - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Sofia - arrival day

  • Sofia - Arrival day
  • More
  • Park "Zaimov"
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Sofia has many popular destinations you can explore.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

Sofia also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 7-day vacation in Bulgaria!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Sofia and Plovdiv

Day 2

Day 2 – Sofia and Plovdiv

  • Sofia
  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 174 km, 2 hours 53 min

  • National Palace of Culture
  • South Park
  • Sofia Zoo
  • Park "Geo Milev
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip through Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Sofia and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Plovdiv. You will stay in Plovdiv for 2 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Sofia is the amazing National Palace of Culture. This attraction is a convention center that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,776 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, South Park. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,055 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Sofia is the outstanding Park "Geo Milev". This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,902 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Sofia by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Bulgaria. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Plovdiv, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,229 customers.

Locals also recommend Pavaj as one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. Pavaj is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is Rahat Tepe. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

After dinner, visit Club Fargo, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Sofia and Plovdiv

Day 3

Day 3 – Sofia and Plovdiv

  • Sofia
  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 300 km, 3 hours 38 min

  • Borisova Gradina Park
  • Knyazheska Garden
  • Eagles' Bridge
  • St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • Ivan Vazov" National Theater
  • More

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Plovdiv, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Plovdiv.

Today you'll explore the city of Sofia. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Borisova Gradina Park. This incredible attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,952 visitors.

Knyazheska Garden is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Sofia. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,458 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Sofia is Eagles' Bridge. This amazing attraction is a stone bridge and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,677 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This church and place of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,076 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Ivan Vazov National Theater. This top-tier point of interest is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,201 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Bulgaria to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Plovdiv.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv, like Hemingway Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 customers.

R-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik" is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 customers.

Locals enjoy PASA Restaurant, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv, Rock Bar Download. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Bar The Post. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Plovdiv and Kyustendil

Day 4

Day 4 – Plovdiv and Kyustendil

  • Plovdiv
  • Kyustendil
  • More

Drive 269 km, 3 hours 37 min

  • Singing Fountains
  • Tsar Simeon Garden
  • Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
  • Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 4 of your epic road trip in Bulgaria, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Sofia. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Kyustendil. You’ll stay in Kyustendil for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Sofia’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Sofia, start your day with a visit to the amazing Singing Fountains. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,815 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. This best-rated sightseeing destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,228 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,047 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Sofia has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Kyustendil. Kyustendil offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Restaurant Friends. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,791 reviews.

The remarkable Pizza Royal Kyustendil is another top restaurant in Kyustendil we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 673 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Hotel Ramira is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 593 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Kyustendil, the fantastic Vintage bar and dinner. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 201 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Pernik and Kyustendil

Day 5

Day 5 – Pernik and Kyustendil

  • Tran
  • Kyustendil
  • More

Drive 231 km, 4 hours 2 min

  • Transko zhdrelo
  • Holy Paraskeva
  • Holy Trinity
  • Tran Eco Trail II
  • More

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Kyustendil, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Kyustendil.

Today you'll explore the city of Sofia. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Hisarlaka Fortress. This incredible attraction is an architectural structure and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,745 visitors.

Church - "Sveti Mina" is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Sofia. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 349 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Sofia is Church "Saint George". This amazing attraction is a church and is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 188 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Bulgaria to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Kyustendil.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Kyustendil, like Restaurant "Pizza West". This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 267 customers.

Vintage bar and dinner is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Kyustendil. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 201 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Pernik and Sofia

Day 6

Day 6 – Pernik and Sofia

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 186 km, 3 hours 37 min

  • Zemen Monastery "St John the Apostle"
  • Ecopath "Looking at nine mountains"
  • Vrabcha Waterfall
  • More

Rise and shine on day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Kyustendil and embark on a scenic drive to Sofia, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Kyustendil and Pernik before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Kyustendil. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Hisarlaka Fortress. This attraction is an architectural structure that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,745 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Church - "Sveti Mina". This attraction, a beloved church, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 349 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Kyustendil is the stunning Church "Saint George". This church and travel destination has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 188 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Zemen Monastery "St. John the Apostle". This attraction is a place of worship that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,529 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Ecopath "Looking at nine mountains". This best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 393 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Vrabcha waterfall. This waterfall and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 409 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Pernik, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Sofia. When you arrive in Sofia you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Restaurant "Staria Chinar". This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,717 customers.

This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Bulgaria, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 7 – Sofia - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 – Sofia - departure day

  • Sofia - Departure day
  • More
  • Holy Trinity Park
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Sofia before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Holy Trinity Park is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Sofia. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,629 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Sofia and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Bulgaria.

You’ll then say farewell to Sofia. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Bulgaria!

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Experiences

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