One-Week Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Plovdiv to Bansko and Arbanassi and surrounding area

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Photo of roman theatre of Philippopolis in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
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Description

Explore the best of Bulgaria on a remarkable 8-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Plovdiv, Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, Stob, Bansko, Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanassi, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Lyaskovets, Kazanlak, and Shipka.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Bulgaria. You will spend 3 nights in Plovdiv, 2 nights in Bansko, and 2 nights in Arbanassi. 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 you covered.

Upon arriving in Plovdiv, 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. Rila Monastery and Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Plovdiv, Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, Stob, Bansko, Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanassi, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Lyaskovets, Kazanlak, and Shipka, 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, accommodations, 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!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Plovdiv - Arrival day
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  • Kapana Creative District
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Welcome to Plovdiv, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Bulgaria! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights discovering what to see in Plovdiv before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Plovdiv is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Plovdiv. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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 Plovdiv, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Bulgaria!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 62 km, 1 hour 46 min

  • Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno
  • Asen's Fortress
  • Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
  • Tsar Simeon Garden
  • Singing Fountains
  • More

On day 2 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, and Plovdiv. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Plovdiv, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Plovdiv.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Plovdiv's best restaurants.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Bulgaria.

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Plovdiv
  • Bansko
  • More

Drive 375 km, 5 hours 3 min

  • Rila Monastery
  • Stob Earth Pyramids - Trail entry
  • House Museum of Nikola Vaptsarov
  • More

Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Rila, Stob, and Bansko. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bansko, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bansko. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Bansko's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Say good night to Bansko and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Bansko
  • More

Drive 38 km, 1 hour 59 min

  • Pirin National Park
  • Lake Muratovo
  • Baikushev's pine
  • Banderishka meadow
  • City Park
  • More

On day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you’ll start and end your day in Bansko, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Bansko, there’s no need to rush. Experience Kyustendil and Bansko to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Bansko and your accommodation.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Bansko's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Head back to your accommodation in Bansko and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Bulgaria.

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Bansko
  • Arbanassi
  • More

Drive 388 km, 4 hours 57 min

  • Marno Pole Park
  • Monument of Mother Bulgaria
  • Park "Sveta Gora
  • Tsarevets Fortress
  • More

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 1 place, which are Veliko Tarnovo. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Arbanassi, where will spend 2 nights.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Arbanassi, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Arbanassi's best restaurants.

Head back to your accommodation in Arbanassi and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Bulgaria.

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Arbanassi
  • More

Drive 21 km, 49 min

  • парк „Николай Панайотов“
  • Park "Children's Playground"
  • St Nikolay the Miracleworker
  • Lyaskovets Monastery "Sv. Sv. Peter and Paul"
  • More

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Bulgaria. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Arbanassi's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Head back to your accommodation in Arbanassi and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Bulgaria.

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Arbanassi
  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 220 km, 3 hours 43 min

  • Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
  • History Museum
  • Rose Museum
  • Shipka Memorial Church
  • More

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Kazanlak and Shipka. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Plovdiv, where you'll spend 1 night.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Plovdiv. Plovdiv offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Plovdiv - Departure day
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  • Youth Hill
  • More

Day 8 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

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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How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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