Travel packages in Bulgaria

Road trips in Bulgaria

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

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Photo of Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria.

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Set out on this 9-day relaxed road trip in Bulgaria, where Sofia, Plovdiv, Ovchartsi, Dupnitsa, and Bistritsa offer rich culture, beautiful views, and memorable experiences at every stop!

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Bulgaria, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 4 nights in Sofia and 4 nights in Plovdiv, 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 Sofia, 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

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

Sofia 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.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Sofia. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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 is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Sofia. The bars in Sofia make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

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

Day 2

Sofia
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Drive 6 km, 46 min

Borisova Gradina Park
Eagles' Bridge
Knyazheska Garden
St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Ivan Vazov" National Theater
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Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Bulgaria by joining a traveler-approved tour in Sofia. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Sofia that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Bulgaria more memorable.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Bulgaria.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Bulgaria. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Bulgaria tomorrow with new energy.

Day 3

Sofia
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Drive 32 km, 1 hour 23 min

South Park
Sofia Zoo
Park "Geo Milev
Park "Zaimov"
North Park
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On day 3 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria, you’ll explore the area around Sofia, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Sofia 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 Sofia.

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

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

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Bulgaria.

Day 4

Sofia
Plovdiv
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Drive 155 km, 2 hours 38 min

Sveta Nedelya Church
Russian Monument Square
National Palace of Culture
Muzeiko
Druzhba Park
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Day 4 of your easy, relaxed road trip through Bulgaria lets you travel at your own pace and visit multiple places in a single day. By evening, drive toward the Plovdiv, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 4 nights.

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

Exploring the food culture in Plovdiv 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.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Plovdiv. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Bulgaria. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Bulgaria tomorrow with new energy.

Day 5

Plovdiv
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Drive 14 km, 1 hour 17 min

Youth Hill
Roman Forum of Philippopolis
Tsar Simeon Garden
Singing Fountains
Monument of the Red Army "Alyosha"
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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.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Plovdiv, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Plovdiv and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Bulgaria!

Day 6

Plovdiv
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Drive 3 km, 36 min

Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv
Gate "Hisar Kapia", Plovdiv
Old Town Of Plovdiv - Architectural Reserve
Nebet Tepe
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Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Bulgaria. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Bulgaria and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

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

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Bulgaria!

Day 7

Plovdiv
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Drive 3 km, 28 min

Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
Museum of Natural Sciences
Monument of Unification
Regional Archaeological Museum, Plovdiv
Kapana Creative District
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One of the most iconic spots you can visit today is Kapana Creative District. Allow yourself some time to explore this neighborhood and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Bulgaria more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

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 Plovdiv, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Bulgaria!

Day 8

Plovdiv
Sofia
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Drive 258 km, 3 hours 56 min

Ovchartsi Waterfall
Goritsa Ecotrail
Fountain on Freedom Square - Dupnitsa
Rila
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Day 8 of your self-drive tour in Bulgaria offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in Bulgaria.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Sofia. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Bulgaria.

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 Sofia.

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.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Bulgaria.

Day 9

Sofia - Departure day
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Holy Trinity Park
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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.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation.

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

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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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