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

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Plovdiv, where you have 1 night left to stay.

Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis is perfect for a self-paced visit during the day. This instagrammable archeological site is sure to impress. Next on your list is “tsar Simeon Garden” Park, another must-visit landmark and notable park renowned for its eye-catching features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Plovdiv by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Singing Fountain. This enchanting art installation is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Plovdiv experience.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bachkovo. This car ride takes around 38 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno". Spend some time admiring the picture-perfect features of the monastery before you continue to your next stop.

After soaking in Bachkovo’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Asenovgrad. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 16 min. When you arrive in Asenovgrad, it's time to take a break from the road.

Asen's Fortress is an intriguing castle we recommend visiting today. Discover its inviting features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

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.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", a popular restaurant in Plovdiv. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Plovdiv at Sofra, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Central Park. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Plovdiv tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Qbar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Anyway Social Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Rila, Stob, and Bansko are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bansko, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Plovdiv 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 3 hours 17 min. Upon reaching Rila, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Rila Monastery. Spend some time admiring the historic features of the monastery before you continue to your next stop.

Stob’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Rila behind. This drive usually takes around 33 min. Stob welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the region's best attractions, visit Stob Earth Pyramids, a locally appreciated rock formation that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Bansko’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Stob behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 4 min. Bansko welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to House Museum Of Nikola Vaptsarov, an increasingly popular museum that everyone visiting Bansko should see.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bansko, 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 Bansko's best restaurants.

Make sure to reserve a table at Kasapinova Mehana, an iconic dining spot in Bansko. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Euphoria, a popular restaurant in Bansko. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of OSCAR Wine Bar & Gastro, a hidden gem nestled in Bansko. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Nova Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Penguins Bar & Dinner is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Amigo Pub is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

On day 4 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Kyustendil and Bansko. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Bansko, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

City Park makes a great addition to your morning plans. This underrated park is a visually striking place to see in Bansko.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Bansko.

Set your GPS to Kyustendil and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 28 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kyustendil beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to Pirin National Park, an underrated national park in Kyustendil. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Set your GPS to Kyustendil and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 28 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kyustendil beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Lake Muratovo, a locally appreciated lake known for its romantic features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Baikushev's Pine, a beloved tree.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Banderishka Meadow and uncover the details of this serene hiking area.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Kabatsite, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Tavern Matsurev Khan? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Ethno Restaurant as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bansko.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Lion's Pub. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Pirin 75, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Wine Bar 25 provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Bulgaria!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Veliko Tarnovo. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Arbanassi, where you'll spend 2 nights.

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

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Veliko Tarnovo may take around 4 hours 14 min. Upon your arrival in Veliko Tarnovo, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Marno Pole Park, an underrated park in Veliko Tarnovo. Explore its instagrammable features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Monument Of Mother Bulgaria. This often recommended monument is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Park "sveta Gora" is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most enchanting park in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the captivating Tsarevets Fortress and discover what makes this castle unique.

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

Arbanassi is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Arbanassi.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Bulgaria!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Kazanlak and Shipka. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Plovdiv, where will spend 1 night.

Set your GPS to Kazanlak and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 33 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kazanlak beckons with new experiences!

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Thracian Tomb Of Kazanlak, a frequently visited archeological site that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Historical Museum “iskra” and admire its history-steeped features.

When you’re ready, continue to Rose Museum, a frequently visited museum beloved by locals and tourists alike.

When you’ve had your share of Kazanlak, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Shipka. Your travel time is around 12 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Shipka Memorial Church, an increasingly popular church known for its stunning features.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Plovdiv. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Make sure to reserve a table at RESTAURANT Raia, an iconic dining spot in Plovdiv. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant Citizens Club, a popular restaurant in Plovdiv. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Restorant "Megdana", a hidden gem nestled in Plovdiv. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!