9-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Plovdiv to Sofia, Gabrovo, Shumen, and Burgas and surrounding area

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore Plovdiv, 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 3 nights.

Today’s route brings a romantic, a beautiful, a mesmerizing, an instagrammable, a respected, a culturally significant, and a detailed. The first attraction of today is “tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This interesting park is an awe-inspiring place to see in Plovdiv. Continue your discovery at Singing Fountain, a romantic art installation with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Plovdiv, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Alyosha Monument. This frequently visited monument offers a picture-perfect encounter with Plovdiv. Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis is the last of our recommendations for today. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Plovdiv.

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

Dine in style at Restaurant Vodenitzata, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Saffron Indian Restaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Island Restaurant. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Sofia.

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

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

Greet day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Sofia for your remaining 2 nights 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 Rila and Sofia.

Set out on a day brimming with an eye-catching, a history-steeped, a culturally significant, and a picturesque. Next, go to Russian Monument Square.

After visiting Holy Trinity Park and Russian Monument Square, take time to explore Sofia's streets and absorb its charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Zaimov Park. This majestic park offers a unique experience.

When you’ve had your share of Sofia, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Rila. Your travel time is around 1 hour 40 min.

Make your way to Rila Monastery, a well-known monastery that draws attention for its breathtaking features.

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

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

Make sure to book a table at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", a popular restaurant in Sofia. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Sofia at Hotel Forum, 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 Turquoise Restaurant. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Sofia tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Kathrine Cocktail - Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, The Cocktail Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Sofia. Urban Rebel is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

On day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you’ll start and end your day in Sofia, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Sofia for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Sofia and Reduta to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Sofia allows for both. Start by heading to Druzhba Park. This worthwhile park provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Sofia Zoo, an instagrammable zoo, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to National Palace Of Culture, a popular convention center. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the frequently visited National Theater "ivan Vazov".

Reduta’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Sofia behind. This drive usually takes around 12 min. Reduta welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Geo Milev Park is a well-known park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its picturesque features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Sofia.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Sofia. 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Sofiyska Banitsa, a top-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Hotel ZOO Sofia, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bar & Dinner Relax. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at One More Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Teos Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Bsd 2 Ndk, another top-rated place in the area.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Sofia. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Gabrovo, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Sofia, including a monument, a park, and a church. Start your day at Eagles' Bridge. This photogenic monument is a well-known place to see in Sofia. Then, wander over to Borisova Gradina Park. If mesmerizing sites excite you, this park will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Prince's Garden. This picturesque park is a favorite among visitors.

Sofia offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, South Park is a locally renowned spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the park, don’t forget to check out the picture-perfect Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this popular church in Sofia.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Gabrovo. Gabrovo offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Soprano Restaurant & Live Music Club, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Strannopriemnitsa? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Vanilla coffee&food as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Gabrovo.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Moda Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Zahir - Bar & Dinner, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Cafe Music Bar And Dinner "fashion" provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria!

On day 8 of your road trip in Bulgaria, 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 in Burgas and Stara Zagora. In the evening, you’ll end up in Plovdiv, where you will stay for 1 night.

Immerse yourself in Burgas’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at The Sea Garden. This eye-catching park is sure to ignite your curiosity.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Stara Zagora. This car ride takes around 1 hour 48 min.

“bedechka” Park is a worthwhile park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its stunning features before continuing your self-guided tour to Stara Zagora Zoo, a picture-perfect zoo that’s well-regarded in the area. Next, stop by Park “ayazmo“, a peaceful park.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Plovdiv. Plovdiv offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Plovdiv's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Sofra offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Central Park. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, known for its lively atmosphere. Qbar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Anyway Social Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Bulgaria!