One-Week Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia traveling east to Plovdiv, and Samokov

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Sofia for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Make Borisova Gradina Park one of your first sightseeing stops in Sofia. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 27,635 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Eagles' Bridge is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This stone bridge is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 10,319 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Prince's Garden. This park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,695 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. A trip to this popular church is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.7 out of 5-star rating as given by 20,088 previous visitors.

Another top place to visit is National Theater "ivan Vazov". This point of interest enjoys an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,932 local and international travelers.

You can learn more about Sofia today by going on a tour. Sofia offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Divaka, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Face bar & dinner? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Art Club Museum as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Sofia.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Sofia, and Reduta. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Plovdiv, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Journey into the unknown at National Palace Of Culture, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable convention center has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,569 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, South Park is a recommended place to visit. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 30,985 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Sofia is Sofia Zoo. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 15,237 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Sofia offers an experience you will remember.

Druzhba Park is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Sofia. This park promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,598 reviews.

When you arrive in Reduta, it's time to take a break from the road.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Geo Milev Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,414 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Plovdiv, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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 and reflect on the day's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Salt & Pepper, a top-rated dining destination in Plovdiv. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Rahat Tepe, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at KFC. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Rock Bar Download, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, North Star is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Morado Bar & Dinner also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Greet day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Plovdiv for your remaining 1 night in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, and Plovdiv.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Youth Hill. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,086 visitors.

Alyosha Monument is another popular attraction you could visit today. This monument has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,510 visitors.

Museum Of Natural Sciences is also highly recommended by travelers. This museum has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,598 visitors.

Bachkovo’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Plovdiv behind. This drive usually takes around 38 min. Bachkovo welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Take the opportunity to see Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno". This attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 13,211 visitors.

Set your GPS to Asenovgrad and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 16 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Asenovgrad beckons with new experiences!

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Asen's Fortress. This fortress is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,157 reviews.

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

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.

Dine in style at Ресторант "Старият Пловдив", a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Sofra boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Central Park. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Qbar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Anyway Social Bar 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!

Day 6 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Samokov has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Samokov by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the town.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Samokov Museum Of History. Previous visitors have rated this museum an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 592 reviews.

City Park By The River Iskar is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,268 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Boroland Rope Town. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 740 reviews.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Samokov. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Derbi, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Target is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Kaymakanova house. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Samokov tonight.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road 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 3 vibrant destinations - Bistritsa, Rila Monastery, and Rila. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Sofia. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Bistritsa, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Samokov to Bistritsa may take around 47 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bistritsa, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready to see some sights, Rila is a great place to start. This urban park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,975 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bistritsa and set your GPS to Rila Monastery. 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 2 min. Upon reaching Rila Monastery, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Rila Monastery. This extraordinary monastery is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 18,596 visitors.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Ресторант VICTORIA България, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Park Hotel "MOSKVA" is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Sofia.

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