One-Week Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Sofia to Plovdiv, Smolyan, Pastra, and Bansko

Day 2 of your road trip across Bulgaria promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Sofia. You have 1 night left in Sofia. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

At the top of the list of things to do today is to explore Tsar Ivan Shishman Street, a street that captures the true essence of Sofia. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.

Boyana Church is an ideal stop early in the day. This intriguing church is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Borisova Gradina Park, which may be one of the most culturally significant places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Sofia 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 Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky, a locally renowned church in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Regional History Museum Of Sofia and South Park.

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.

Sofia 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 Sofia.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Hotel Forum is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Turquoise Restaurant. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Sofia tonight.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Kathrine Cocktail - Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to The Cocktail Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Urban Rebel is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Bulgaria.

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Plovdiv. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Plovdiv, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Sofia and set your GPS to Plovdiv. 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 1 hour 37 min. Upon reaching Plovdiv, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis, a notable archeological site in Plovdiv. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv. This worthwhile museum is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Old Town Of Plovdiv is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most visually striking historical landmark in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the beloved Alyosha Monument and discover what makes this monument unique. If you’re up for one more stop in the city, head to “tsar Simeon Garden” Park, a standout park many travelers find the visit worthwhile.

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.

Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv.

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 consistently gains 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.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Asenovgrad, Bachkovo, and Smolyan. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Smolyan, where will spend 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Asenovgrad, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Plovdiv to Asenovgrad may take around 29 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Asenovgrad, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the day by heading to Asen's Fortress, a frequently visited castle that draws visitors from near and far.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bachkovo. This car ride takes around 16 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno", a notable monastery known for its stunning features.

Set your GPS to Smolyan and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 24 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Smolyan beckons with new experiences!

Smolyanski Ezera Hut is a locally appreciated lake we recommend visiting today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Next, stop by Church Of Saint Vissarion Of Smolyan, a photogenic church. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Smolyan Waterfall, a mesmerizing and truly unique waterfall.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Smolyan. Smolyan 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 Smolyan. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Dine in style at restaurant ECO, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Mehana „Mecho ukho“ boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Milano. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Smolyan.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Venus Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Caffe The Clock provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Bulgaria.

On day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Samokov, Stob, and Rila are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Pastra, where you will stay for 1 night.

After soaking in Smolyan’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Samokov. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 3 hours 39 min. When you arrive in Samokov, it's time to take a break from the road.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Belyova Church and explore the photogenic features.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Stob may take around 1 hour 8 min. Upon your arrival in Stob, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Stob Earth Pyramids and explore the enchanting features.

After soaking in Stob’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Rila. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 33 min. When you arrive in Rila, it's time to take a break from the road.

Our first attraction recommendation in Rila is Rila Monastery, a well-known monastery that draws attention for its breathtaking features.

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

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

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

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Bansko. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Bansko, where you'll spend 1 night.

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.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bansko may take around 1 hour 36 min. Upon your arrival in Bansko, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Banderishka Meadow, an up-and-coming hiking area known for its eye-catching features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Baikushev's Pine, an intriguing tree.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Pastra, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bansko. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 36 min.

Museum "velyan House" is an often recommended museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its historic features before continuing your self-guided tour to Monument Paisius Of Hilendar, a noteworthy monument that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by Holy Trinity Church, a culturally significant church.

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.

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 Kasapinova Mehana, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Euphoria? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at OSCAR Wine Bar & Gastro as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bansko.

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.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Bulgaria.

Your itinerary for day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Samokov. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Sofia, where you'll spend 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Samokov. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 59 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Beli Iskar Eco Trail is an increasingly popular hiking area we recommend visiting today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Samokov. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 59 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to City Park By The River Iskar, a beloved park in Samokov. Explore its stunning features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Great Fountain. This curiosity-inducing monument is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Samokov Museum Of History is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most visually striking museum in the region.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Sofia. Sofia offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go 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 Sofia, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Sofiyska Banitsa, a top-rated dining spot in Sofia. If you're in the mood for something new, try Hotel ZOO Sofia, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Bar & Dinner Relax. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Sofia.

Continue your lively evening at One More Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Teos Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Bsd 2 Ndk ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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