9-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Plovdiv to Bansko, Melnik, and Sofia

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Photo of roman theatre of Philippopolis in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

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Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 9-day road trip in Bulgaria! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Plovdiv, Stob, Razlog, Bansko, Kh'rsovo, Melnik, Sofia, and Koprivshtitsa.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Bulgaria. You will spend 3 nights in Plovdiv, 2 nights in Bansko, 1 night in Melnik, and 2 nights in Sofia. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Bulgaria. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Plovdiv, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Bulgaria on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Bulgaria. South Park and Borisova Gradina Park are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Plovdiv, Stob, Razlog, Bansko, Kh'rsovo, Melnik, Sofia, and Koprivshtitsa, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Bulgaria. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Bulgaria.

Throughout your road trip in Bulgaria, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Bulgaria.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Bulgaria fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Bulgaria today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65

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Day 1

Plovdiv - Arrival day
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Tsar Simeon Garden
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Welcome to Plovdiv, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Bulgaria! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights discovering what to see in Plovdiv before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Plovdiv is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Plovdiv. 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.

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 Plovdiv, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Bulgaria!

Day 2

Plovdiv
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Drive 7 km, 1 hour 14 min

Nebet Tepe
Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv
Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
Monument of the Red Army "Alyosha"
Kapana Creative District
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You have 1 night left in Plovdiv. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

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.

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

Head back to your accommodation in Plovdiv and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Bulgaria.

Day 3

Plovdiv
Bansko
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Drive 377 km, 5 hours 4 min

Rila Monastery
Stob Earth Pyramids - Trail entry
Park "Razlog"
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On day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Rila, Stob, and Razlog are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bansko, where you will stay for 2 nights.

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.

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

Day 4

Bansko
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Drive 26 km, 1 hour 11 min

House Museum of Nikola Vaptsarov
Holy Trinity Church
Museum "Velyan house"
Banderishka meadow
Ски зона Банско
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You’ll stay in Bansko for 1 night.

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.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bansko. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

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

Day 5

Bansko
Melnik
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Drive 129 km, 2 hours 32 min

Villa Melnik
Rozhen Monastery
Kordopulov House
Музей на Виното
Melnik
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On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Kh'rsovo, Rozhen, and Melnik. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Melnik, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Melnik. Melnik offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Melnik's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

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

Day 6

Melnik
Sofia
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Drive 183 km, 2 hours 59 min

Boyana Church
National Museum of History
South Park
Sveta Nedelya Church
Ivan Vazov" National Theater
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Sofia. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Sofia, where will spend 2 nights.

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.

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.

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.

Day 7

Sofia
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Drive 22 km, 1 hour 34 min

Sofia Zoo
National Palace of Culture
Borisova Gradina Park
St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Park "Zaimov"
Tsar Ivan Shishman Street
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One of the most iconic spots you can visit today is Tsar Ivan Shishman Street. Allow yourself some time to explore this street and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

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.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Sofia's best restaurants.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 8

Sofia
Plovdiv
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Drive 195 km, 3 hours 39 min

Museum-House Dimcho Debelianov
Mausoleum-ossuary of Koprivshtitsa
Lutova House Museum
Statue of Georgi Benkovski
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Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Koprivshtitsa. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Plovdiv, where you'll spend 1 night.

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.

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

Day 9

Plovdiv - Departure day
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Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
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Day 9 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Browse through boutiques to find unique and stylish fashion pieces to take home.

Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Bulgaria!

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Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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