9-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Sofia traveling east to Bansko, Plovdiv, and Veliko Tarnovo

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you'll explore 4 destinations, including Sofia, Rila, Dobarsko, and Razlog. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Bansko, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the locally renowned Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Rila Monastery, a historic monastery that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Church "st. St. Theodore Tyron And Theodore Stratilat ", one of the city’s most frequently visited spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the increasingly popular Park "razlog".

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.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Kasapinova Mehana, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Euphoria is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at OSCAR Wine Bar & Gastro. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Bansko tonight.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Nova Bar, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Penguins Bar & Dinner, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Amigo Pub likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria!

On day 3 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Bansko. You’ll stay in Bansko for 1 night.

Let House Museum Of Nikola Vaptsarov set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this heritage-rich museum before continuing your journey. Museum "velyan House" is your next stop. This locally appreciated museum is one of the best-rated sights in Bansko.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Holy Trinity Church. This culturally significant church is a sight to behold.

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.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Kabatsite, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Tavern Matsurev Khan offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Ethno Restaurant is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Bansko.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Lion's Pub stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Pirin 75 offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Wine Bar 25 is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Bulgaria!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Perushtitsa and Plovdiv. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Plovdiv, where will spend 3 nights.

Red Church is an ideal stop early in the day. This frequently visited archeological site is a must-visit in the town. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis, which may be one of the most culturally significant places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Bansko on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to The Statue Of Milyo, an often recommended point of interest in the town.

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

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Salt & Pepper, a top-rated dining destination in Plovdiv. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Rahat Tepe, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at KFC. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Rock Bar Download, known for its lively atmosphere. North Star is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Morado Bar & Dinner offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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 5 of your road trip across Bulgaria promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Plovdiv. You have 2 nights left in Plovdiv. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Visiting Alyosha Monument is always a good idea. This up-and-coming monument is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring wonders of Singing Fountain, a must-see art installation 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 “tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This interesting park offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis, where you can take in breathtaking features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Old Town Of Plovdiv and Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

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 Plovdiv. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Savor the flavors at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Sofra beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Central Park. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Plovdiv tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Qbar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Anyway Social Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Plovdiv, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, Izvor, and Plovdiv.

No visit to Plovdiv is complete without Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno". This notable monastery is one of the top attractions in the village. Proceed to Asen's Fortress, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Plovdiv, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Momina Skala Viewpoint. This frequently visited observation deck is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Youth Hill, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

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

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.

Dine in style at RESTAURANT Raia, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Restaurant Citizens Club boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Restorant "Megdana". Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Kriloto Cocktail Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Cocktail Bar Noris offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Bar Fabrik is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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.

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Veliko Tarnovo. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Check out the underrated archeological site, Trapezitsa Fortress. Afterward, continue to Tsarevets Fortress, a castle every traveler should visit. As you explore Plovdiv’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Next, make your way to Patriarchal Cathedral Of The Holy Ascension. This worthwhile church is an essential stop. Following that, head to Ethnographic Complex "samovodska Charshiya", another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by Monument Of Mother Bulgaria, a frequently visited monument in the city.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Veliko Tarnovo, 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 Veliko Tarnovo. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restaurant "Ethno", an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Tavern "Petleto" offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss The Bell. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Veliko Tarnovo.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Famous Bar 2, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Bar Grill Kolata is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Bar Melodie / Melody Bar / also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

On day 8 of your road trip in Bulgaria, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Troyan, Dolni Varpishta, and Gabrovo are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Sofia, where you will stay for 1 night.

To truly experience Veliko Tarnovo, make sure to drop by Troyan Monastery. This well-known monastery is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Dryanovo Monastery "st. Archangel Michael", one of the region’s best highlights.

Next, check out Muzej Na Humora I Satirata, Gabrovo, one of the most intriguing places to see in Veliko Tarnovo. This museum is a favorite among locals and travelers alike.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Sofia. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

Sofia 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 Sofia.

Dine in style at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Hotel Forum boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Turquoise Restaurant. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Sofia.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Kathrine Cocktail - Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out The Cocktail Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Urban Rebel. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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