9-Day Road Trip in Bulgaria, and Greece from Sofia to Thessaloniki, Trikala, Serres, and Samokov

Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Bulgaria, and Greece begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Sofia in Bulgaria. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Sofia for 2 nights.

Catch an early flight to Bulgaria to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Sofia before it’s time to hit the road and drive to your next destination. Discover the city’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and lively atmosphere with visits to the most popular attractions.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated park and attraction in Sofia — North Park. About 11,004 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Find your way to your hotel in Sofia. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Bulgaria. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Bulgaria's delectable cuisine at one of Sofia's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enhance your vacation experience by enjoying the local nightlife or unwinding with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Hotel Forum, a highly-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're eager to try something different, consider Hotel ZOO Sofia, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Mamma Mia Ltd. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Halbite Beer Hall, known for its inviting atmosphere. Lime Cafe & Cocktails is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started.

Your multi-country road trip in Bulgaria, and Greece has only just begun. Brace yourself for more exciting days to come as you cross country borders in the comfort of your rental car and discover the most unique attractions, activities, and foods of each destination.

Day 2 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Sofia. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 1 night more before hitting the road again.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Sofia is the magnificent Zaimov Park. Around 15,334 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky on this leg of your adventure in Bulgaria. This attraction is a well-known church that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 20,088 travelers.

The remarkable Cathedral of Saint Nedelya is known to be one of the best places to visit in Sofia, and its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5,691 traveler reviews is proof.

Dive deeper into Sofia by exploring the captivating Druzhba Park. With a stellar average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,598 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Sofia exploration list!

As the sun sets on day 2 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Sofia's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Bulgaria to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Sofia has them.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Divaka, a highly-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're eager to try something different, consider Face bar & dinner, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Art Club Museum. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Sofia in Bulgaria. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Thessaloniki, your home for 2 nights.

National Palace of Culture is a travelers’ favorite in Sofia, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,569 visitors.

In Sofia, don’t miss Borisova Gradina Park, a great park and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 27,635 reviews.

Check other top attractions in Sofia off your list when you visit the wonderful Eagles' Bridge. This popular sight is an outstanding stone bridge, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,319 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding National Theater "Ivan Vazov". This point of interest and place of interest has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,932 reviews.

Set your GPS to Thessaloniki, Greece and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 3 hours 40 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Thessaloniki beckons with new experiences!

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Thessaloniki’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Thessaloniki. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Greece in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.

Savor the flavors at Kitchen Bar, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, The Greek beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Phanós. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Thessaloniki tonight.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Beetle Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Vogatsikou 3 offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Souel is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!

Greet day 4 of your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria, and Greece with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Thessaloniki 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 Edessa in Greece.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Thessaloniki is the magnificent White Tower of Thessaloniki. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes over 290,192 travelers from across the world. Around 52,379 visitors have rated this excellent fortified tower and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing The Umbrellas Sculpture by Zogolopoulos on this leg of your adventure in Greece. This attraction is a well-known point of interest that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 13,884 travelers.

The remarkable Holy Church of Saint Demetrius, Patron Saint of Thessalonica is known to be one of the best places to visit in Thessaloniki, and its average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 6,316 traveler reviews is proof.

Set your GPS to Edessa and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 18 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Edessa beckons with new experiences!

Something that makes Edessa the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding urban park, Waterfalls Park, Edessa. This local gem has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 19,690 visitors.

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Thessaloniki. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria, and Greece.

Dine in style at Mamalouka, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Clochard boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Sofi's House Restaurant. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Thessaloniki.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Castra- All Day Terrace Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Barbaben - Μπαρ/Μπα/Μπεν. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Apallou, another top-rated place in the area.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your multi-country journey across Bulgaria, and Greece. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Thessaloniki in Greece. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Trikala where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Thessaloniki, including the outstanding Kapani. Having an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 11,747 reviews, this fascinating market and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Thessaloniki is also home to the captivating Aristotelous Square, a local square considered one of the highlights of the city. About 42,109 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.7 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary Agias Sofias Square is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Thessaloniki. This extraordinary square and tourist hot spot boasts a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,374 travelers.

A trip to the wonderful Arch of Galerius and Rotunda will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing tetrapylon and attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 12,542 reviews.

Soak in Thessaloniki's rich culture at the fantastic Atatürk Museum. Further proving its status as one of the best places to visit in Thessaloniki is its overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,010 visitor reviews.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Trikala. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Trikala. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria, and Greece.

Make sure to book a table at ALVEO, a popular restaurant in Trikala. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Trikala at Trikala Fortress, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Palia Istoria. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Trikala tonight.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Σουίτα Art Cafe after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Factory Café, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, The Love Shake also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Take in the ambiance of Trikala as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!

On day 6 of your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria, and Greece, 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 to see in Trikala in Greece. In the evening, you’ll end up in Serres, where you will stay for 1 night.

In Trikala, the extraordinary Matsopoulos Park awaits. This attraction is a valued park that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,917 travelers' reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Kastraki. This drive usually takes around 37 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Kastraki is the magnificent Holy Monastery of the Great Meteoron -Transfiguration of the Saviour. Around 8,630 visitors have rated this excellent place of worship and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Meteora on this leg of your adventure in Greece. This attraction is a well-known monastery that has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from around 37,365 travelers.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Serres. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

As the day slows down and turns into evening, we encourage you to indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Serres. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Ουζάδικον Το Μπακάλικον, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, KENTRIKON Ouzomezedopoleio is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Sousouráda. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Serres tonight.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Αβησσυνία Καφέ, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, ΡΕΣΑΛΤΟ PUB offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out 1800 Cafe Bar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Bulgaria, and Greece! Enjoy your evening in Serres to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply just relaxing.

On day 7 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, and Greece, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Kyustendil in Bulgaria. When you’re not exploring the town and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Samokov, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Serres, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Kyustendil, Bulgaria. Witness the landscapes transform as you cross the border to Bulgaria. This drive usually takes around 59 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

A tour of Kyustendil is not complete without a visit to the famous Sandanski Archaeological Museum. This incredible museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 574 travelers.

Make the most of your Kyustendil travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Park "St. Vrach". This park and unique destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,762 travelers.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Rila Monastery, 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 Kyustendil to Rila Monastery may take around 1 hour 40 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Rila Monastery, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Something that makes Rila Monastery the perfect holiday destination is that the town offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding monastery, Rila Monastery. This local gem has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 18,596 visitors.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Samokov. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

As the sun sets on day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Samokov's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Bulgaria to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the town’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Samokov has them.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Khaĭduti, a highly-rated dining destination in Samokov. If you're eager to try something different, consider Kalipso, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Velcheva Zavera. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Samokov this evening.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Defected Bar & Café, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Bulgaria, and Greece. Today's main destinations are Plovdiv in Bulgaria, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Sofia. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Plovdiv’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Samokov behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 49 min. Plovdiv welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Plovdiv is the magnificent Singing Fountain. Around 12,640 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park on this leg of your adventure in Bulgaria. This attraction is a well-known park that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 15,537 travelers.

The remarkable Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis is known to be one of the best places to visit in Plovdiv, and its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,842 traveler reviews is proof.

Dive deeper into Plovdiv by exploring the captivating Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. With a stellar average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,893 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Plovdiv exploration list!

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Sofia of your choice.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Sofia’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Bulgaria, and Greece.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Ресторант VICTORIA България, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Park Hotel "MOSKVA". With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Sofia.

As the night falls in Sofia, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lay back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

On day 9 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Sofia before it’s time to leave.

Depending on how much time you have before your departure, you may want to engage in some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Get some unique items to remind you of your great European road trip across Bulgaria, and Greece. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

Something that makes Sofia the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding park, South Park. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,985 visitors.

Get a last taste of Bulgaria’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Sofia and enjoy what may be your last vacation meal of this trip. Look forward to recreating these distinct culinary experiences in your own kitchen later to remind you of your unforgettable road trip across Bulgaria, and Greece.

The time has come to say farewell to Sofia for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 9-day European road trip in Bulgaria, and Greece with fond memories. Safe travels!