9-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Bulgaria and Romania With Itinerary from Sofia to Plovdiv and Bucharest

On day 2 of your European tour in Bulgaria and Romania, you’ll start and end your day in Sofia, but spend most of the time exploring beyond the city, including Sofia in Bulgaria. Sofia remains your base for 1 night more.

Visiting Regional History Museum Of Sofia is always a good idea. This up-and-coming museum is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the stunning wonders of Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky, a must-see church in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Boyana Church. This increasingly popular church offers an enriching experience.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Pernik may take around 47 min. Upon your arrival in Pernik, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Savor the day by heading to Vitosha Nature Park, an underrated nature reserve that draws visitors from near and far.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Hotel Forum offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Turquoise Restaurant is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Sofia.

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

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

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Romania. 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 Plovdiv. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

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 34 min. Upon reaching Plovdiv, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Plovdiv Regional History Museum is an increasingly popular museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour to Alyosha Monument, a historic monument that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by Singing Fountain, a gorgeous art installation. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit “tsar Simeon Garden” Park, an idyllic and truly unique park. End your sightseeing at Roman Forum Of Philippopolis, a frequently visited archeological site that’s highly recommended by travelers passing through the city.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Plovdiv. 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 day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that Plovdiv boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of the region.

Savor the flavors at Salt & Pepper, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Rahat Tepe beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider KFC. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Plovdiv tonight.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Rock Bar Download, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, North Star offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Morado Bar & Dinner provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Take in the ambiance of Plovdiv as this 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 multi-country road trip to look forward to!

Greet day 4 of your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Romania with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. On today's agenda, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Bachkovo in Bulgaria. You will return to Plovdiv for your remaining 1 night in the city later today.

At the top of the list of things to do today is to explore Kapana Creative District, a neighborhood that captures the true essence of Bachkovo. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.

Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis leaves a lasting impression. This archeological site is one of the most well-known places to visit in Plovdiv. Next, head to Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv, a frequently visited museum, known for its heritage-rich features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Old Town Of Plovdiv. This history-steeped historical landmark is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Nebet Tepe Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Bachkovo. This drive usually takes around 38 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno", a well-known monastery in Bachkovo. Explore its breathtaking features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

As the sun sets, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Plovdiv. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Bulgaria in a new light.

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.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Qbar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Anyway Social Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Celebrate day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Wake up to day 7 of your extraordinary road trip through Bulgaria and Romania. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Bran in Romania. With 1 night left in Bucharest, seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Bran, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Bucharest to Bran may take around 2 hours 41 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bran, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Bran Castle. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the castle before you continue to your next stop.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Brasov. This drive usually takes around 30 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Brașov City Hall, an interesting public square known for its instagrammable features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Black Church (romania), an often recommended church.

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 Rope Street and uncover the details of this romantic street.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Bucharest’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 Romania.

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

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Origo, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, The Pub Bucharest offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Bucharest. Coppa Coffee & Wine Bar Dorobanti is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Take in the ambiance of Bucharest as this 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 multi-country road trip to look forward to!

On day 8 of your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Romania, you'll get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Ruse in Bulgaria. In the evening, you’ll end up in Sofia, where you will stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Ruse, Bulgaria and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 27 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Ruse beckons with new experiences!

Savor the day by heading to Pantheon Of National Revival Heroes, a curiosity-inducing monument that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Monument Of Liberty, where you can soak in the breathtaking surroundings.

Next, explore Fountain At Freedom Square, yet another worthwhile place to see in the area. After the public square, make time to go to Regional Historical Museum. This heritage-rich museum is well worth the visit.

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

As the sun sets, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Sofia. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Bulgaria in a new light.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Sofiyska Banitsa, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Hotel ZOO Sofia offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Bar & Dinner Relax is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight 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.

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!