One-Week Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Plovdiv traveling west to Samokov and Sofia

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach Plovdiv and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Plovdiv for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Plovdiv is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Alyosha Monument or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Plovdiv. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Bulgaria. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Plovdiv. 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 lovely meal at Salt & Pepper, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Rahat Tepe is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at KFC. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Plovdiv tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Rock Bar Download, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, North Star offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Plovdiv. Morado Bar & Dinner is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

On day 2 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 Plovdiv. In the evening, you’ll end up in Samokov, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several a romantic, an enchanting, a photogenic, a scenic, a standout, and a symbolic. Whether you decide to explore Plovdiv on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Singing Fountain is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this eye-catching art installation before continuing your journey. “tsar Simeon Garden” Park is your next stop. This popular park is one of the best-rated sights in Plovdiv.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis. This historic archeological site is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Old Town Of Plovdiv and Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Khaĭduti, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Kalipso offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Velcheva Zavera is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Samokov.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Defected Bar & Café after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

Day 3 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Samokov for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Samokov, including a museum, a park, and an adventure park. Start your day with a visit to Samokov Museum Of History. This locally appreciated museum is a must-visit in the town. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to City Park By The River Iskar, which may be one of the most romantic places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Samokov on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Boroland Rope Town, one of the town’s most often recommended adventure park.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Bulgaria is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Samokov. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

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

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

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Sofia. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Plovdiv, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Sofia is home to plenty of attractions that offer a photogenic, a respected, a culturally significant, a symbolic, a beautiful, an enchanting, and a romantic! Start at Cathedral Of Saint Nedelya, an underrated church that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find North Park, enchanting visitors with its picturesque appeal. Continue your exploration at Holy Trinity Park. This park is one of the city’s most beloved spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Sofia at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Church Of St. Nicholas The Miraclemaker. After exploring the church, head to the worthwhile National Theater "ivan Vazov". This performing arts theater will wrap up today’s self-guided sightseeing tour in the city.

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 Plovdiv. Plovdiv 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.

As you explore more of Plovdiv, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Don’t miss out on dining at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", a top-rated dining destination in Plovdiv. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Sofra, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Central Park. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Qbar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Anyway Social Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!