Travel packages in Bulgaria

Road trips in Bulgaria

Relaxed 9-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Plovdiv to Sofia

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Photo of roman theatre of Philippopolis in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

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Embark on this 9-day relaxed road trip in Bulgaria, as Plovdiv, Asenovgrad, Bachkovo, Samokov, Bistritsa, and Sofia welcome you with stunning sights, fun activities, and the freedom of a laid-back self-drive holiday!

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Bulgaria, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 4 nights in Plovdiv and 4 nights in Sofia, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Bulgaria.

Your journey starts in Plovdiv, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 9-day relaxed road trip in Bulgaria to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in Bulgaria already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning South Park and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent Borisova Gradina Park.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this Bulgaria road trip itinerary for 9 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in Bulgaria.

If you want to make your 9-day relaxed self-drive tour in Bulgaria even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in Bulgaria includes 8 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 9 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 9-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Bulgaria today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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Day 1

Plovdiv - Arrival day
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Youth Hill
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Your relaxed road trip through Bulgaria starts when you reach the incredible city of Plovdiv, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Plovdiv and begin your adventure in Bulgaria.

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.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Plovdiv. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Bulgaria. We recommend staying at a central location for easy access to key areas in the city.

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.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Plovdiv and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in Bulgaria. Enjoy your first taste of Plovdiv as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2

Plovdiv
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Drive 3 km, 42 min

Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
Tsar Simeon Garden
Singing Fountains
Kapana Creative District
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Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Bulgaria more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Bulgaria, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Plovdiv.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

Day 3

Plovdiv
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Drive 64 km, 1 hour 53 min

Nebet Tepe
Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv
Asen's Fortress
Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno
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On day 3 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria, you’ll explore the area around Plovdiv, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Plovdiv will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Bulgaria.

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

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Plovdiv has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Bulgaria!

Day 4

Plovdiv
Sofia
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Drive 256 km, 3 hours 54 min

Great fountain
Zahari Zograf
City Park by the river Iskar
Boroland Rope Town
Rila
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On day 4 of your laid-back road trip adventure in Bulgaria, you can visit several remarkable places. With the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, you decide how much time to spend in each, making the most of these memorable destinations.

You'll be staying in Sofia on this laid-back road trip through Bulgaria. You'll stay here for 4 nights.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Bulgaria. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Sofia, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Sofia.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

Day 5

Sofia
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Drive 111 km, 2 hours 25 min

Vitosha
Holy Trinity Park
Lions' Bridge
Sveta Nedelya Church
Ivan Vazov" National Theater
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On day 5 of your relaxed road trip in Bulgaria, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Sofia and visit amazing attractions in Pernik and Sofia, just outside the city. You still have 3 nights left in Sofia, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

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

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Sofia.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

Day 6

Sofia
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Drive 18 km, 1 hour 17 min

National Palace of Culture
St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Park "Zaimov"
North Park
Tsar Ivan Shishman Street
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Bulgaria makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Bulgaria also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring the food culture in Sofia offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Bulgaria.

Day 7

Sofia
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Drive 68 km, 2 hours 8 min

Golden Bridges
South Park
Sofia Zoo
Park "Geo Milev
Druzhba Park
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Your relaxed road trip in Bulgaria continues on day 7 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know Bulgaria better by exploring the top attractions of Sofia and beyond. With 1 night left in Sofia, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

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

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Sofia and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

Day 8

Sofia
Plovdiv
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Drive 153 km, 2 hours 39 min

Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker
Knyazheska Garden
Eagles' Bridge
Borisova Gradina Park
Muzeiko
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Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in Bulgaria will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Bulgaria, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

Continue your laid-back road trip in Bulgaria as you make your way to Plovdiv. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Plovdiv’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Bulgaria.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

Day 9

Plovdiv - Departure day
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Monument of the Red Army "Alyosha"
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Day 9 of your relaxed road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 9 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 9-day relaxed road trip in Bulgaria is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

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.

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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