9-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia traveling north to Pleven

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
9 days & 8 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
8 nights included
Car rental
9 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 9-day road trip through Bulgaria.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Bulgaria. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 6 nights in Sofia and 2 nights in Pleven, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Bulgaria. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Sofia, Lukovit, and Pleven. We'll help you experience the best 9 days in Bulgaria you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Sofia, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria, including the stunning South Park and Borisova Gradina Park.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Bulgaria. From the magnificent St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to the breathtaking Park "Zaimov" and National Palace of Culture, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable North Park and learn more about the unique Sofia Zoo to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Sofia, Lukovit, and Pleven, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Bulgaria. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Bulgaria.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Bulgaria. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Bulgaria.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Bulgaria.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Bulgaria has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Bulgaria. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 8 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 8 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Bulgaria extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

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

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Included

Hotel, 8 nights
Rental car, 9 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Sofia - city in BulgariaSofia / 6 nights
Photo of Iskar Panega Geopark along the Gold Panega River ,Lukovit, Bulgaria.Lukovit
Монтана -  in BulgariaMontana
Враца -  in BulgariaVratsa
Photo of Ruins of Kaleto castle on the steep bank of the Iskar river in the city of Mezdra, Bulgaria.Mezdra
Плевен -  in BulgariaPleven / 2 nights

Map

Attractions

South Park
Borisova Gradina Park
St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Park "Zaimov"
Sofia Zoo, R-7276261, R-186382, R-4283101Sofia Zoo
Photo of sunset aerial view of the National Palace of Culture in Sofia, Bulgaria.National Palace of Culture
North Park
Park "Geo Milev
Ivan Vazov" National Theater
Photo of Eagles' bridge in Sofia, Bulgaria.Eagles' Bridge
Photo of Prohodna cave is also known as God's eyes near Karlukovo village, Bulgaria.Prohodna Cave
Druzhba Park
Holy Trinity Park
Knyazheska Garden
Russian Monument Square
Pleven Panorama
Muzeiko
Sveta Nedelya Church
Krushuna Falls, R-1739531, R-186382Krushuna Falls
Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker
Klisurski Monastery, Varshets, Montana, BulgariaKlisurski Monastery
photo of view of Cannon at Skobelev park in Pleven.,Pleven Bulgaria.Skobelev Park
Panega Eco Trail
photo of view of Cave "Ledenika" - Bulgaria.,Vratsa bulgaria.Ledenika Cave
Zlaten Park
Riverside Landscape Park "Panega
Pleven Water Cascades and Fountains
The Stone Houses
Cherepish Monastery, Mezdra, Vratsa, BulgariaCherepish Monastery
Park Montanezium
Archaeological complex "Citadel", Mezdra, Vratsa, BulgariaArchaeological complex "Citadel"
Kaylaka Park
Сините Езера

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Sofia - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Sofia - arrival day

  • Sofia - Arrival day
  • More
  • Holy Trinity Park
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 6 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Sofia has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Holy Trinity Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,720 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia, Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,010 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia is Restaurant Vodenitzata. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,223 customers.

Locals recommend Restaurant "Staria Chinar" as one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

Sofia also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Sofia is The School. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,988 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Sofia is Bar Friday. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

Locals also enjoy The Cocktail Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-day vacation in Bulgaria!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Sofia

Day 2

Day 2 – Sofia

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 19 km, 54 min

  • Muzeiko
  • Borisova Gradina Park
  • Park "Zaimov"
  • St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • Ivan Vazov" National Theater
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Sofia has to offer. Cherish the 5 nights you have left in Sofia by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Sofia. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Sofia, like the extraordinary Muzeiko. This attraction is a museum and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,583 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Sofia is the spectacular Borisova Gradina Park. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 27,212 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Park "Zaimov". This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,115 visitors.

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This church is a popular destination among visitors in Sofia. Rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,337 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Ivan Vazov National Theater. Ivan Vazov National Theater is a best-rated sightseeing destination and popular attraction in Sofia. More than 9,666 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Sofia does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Sofia on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria, be sure to eat at Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,625 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Sofia is the popular Art Club Museum. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,570 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Sofia is Merak. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,328 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, One More Bar is one of the best bars in the city of Sofia for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers.

Halbite Beer Hall is another of the most popular bars in the city of Sofia. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Sofia is The Corner. The Corner has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,874 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Sofia!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Sofia

Day 3

Day 3 – Sofia

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 24 km, 1 hour 17 min

  • North Park
  • Sveta Nedelya Church
  • Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker
  • National Palace of Culture
  • South Park
  • More

Day 3 of your road trip across Bulgaria is another day in the magnificent Sofia. You now have 4 nights left in Sofia. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Sofia offers plenty for you to see and do, and your hotel will be conveniently located near several of the area's best attractions.

One of the best travel destinations you can travel to in the city of Sofia is the stunning North Park. This has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,772 visitors.

You could also spend some time visiting the spectacular St. Nedelya Church in the city of Sofia. This attraction is a church and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,501 visitors.

Another attraction you could visit in the city of Sofia is the incredible Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker. This attraction is a church and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,964 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic National Palace of Culture. This convention center and travel destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,244 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the outstanding South Park. This park is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,616 visitors.

Today you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a popular tour. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for top-rated tours and activities in Sofia you could sign up for on this day of your vacation. Choose among the best tours before or after booking.

When it’s time to eat, the city of Sofia has restaurants and bars to fit all budgets.

We recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia, Garden restaurant Yoli. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,745 customers.

Alternatively, if you’re hungry to try a top restaurant in the city of Sofia that locals enjoy, eat at Hasienda Restaurant. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,469 customers.

Another of the best restaurant options in the city of Sofia is Taj Mahal Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,423 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Sofia, Bar & Dinner Relax. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,554 customers.

For one of the best bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Sofia, we recommend the cocktails at The Wrong Bar. This bar has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,293 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Sofia is Face bar & dinner. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,437 customers.

Toast to another amazing day in the city of Sofia!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Reduta and Sofia

Day 4

Day 4 – Reduta and Sofia

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 29 km, 1 hour 6 min

  • Druzhba Park
  • Park "Geo Milev
  • Knyazheska Garden
  • Eagles' Bridge
  • Sofia Zoo
  • More

Day 4 of your road trip across Bulgaria is another day in the magnificent Reduta. You now have 3 nights left in Reduta. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the hamlet.

Reduta offers plenty for you to see and do, and your hotel will be conveniently located near several of the area's best attractions.

One of the best travel destinations you can travel to is the stunning Park "Geo Milev". This has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,260 visitors.

Today you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a popular tour. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for top-rated tours and activities in Reduta you could sign up for on this day of your vacation. Choose among the best tours before or after booking.

When it’s time to eat, the city of Reduta has restaurants and bars to fit all budgets.

We recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Reduta, Mamma Mia Ltd. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,252 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Reduta, Lime Cafe & Cocktails. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,223 customers.

For one of the best bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Reduta, we recommend the cocktails at 5 Corners Pub. This bar has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,463 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Reduta is Luciano. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,291 customers.

Toast to another amazing day in the city of Reduta!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Tsvetkova Bara, Montana, and Sofia

Day 5

Day 5 – Tsvetkova Bara, Montana, and Sofia

  • Montana
  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 232 km, 4 hours 14 min

  • Klisurski Monastery
  • Park Montanezium
  • Сините Езера
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip across Bulgaria is another day in the magnificent Tsvetkova Bara. You now have 2 nights left in Tsvetkova Bara. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Tsvetkova Bara offers plenty for you to see and do, and your hotel will be conveniently located near several of the area's best attractions.

One of the best travel destinations you can travel to in the village of Tsvetkova Bara is the stunning Klisurski Monastery. This has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,592 visitors.

Today you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a popular tour. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for top-rated tours and activities in Tsvetkova Bara you could sign up for on this day of your vacation. Choose among the best tours before or after booking.

When it’s time to eat, the city of Tsvetkova Bara has restaurants and bars to fit all budgets.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Tsvetkova Bara, Caché Bar & Cafe. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,296 customers.

For one of the best bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Tsvetkova Bara, we recommend the cocktails at K. E. B. A. This bar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,055 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Tsvetkova Bara is By the Way. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 909 customers.

Toast to another amazing day in the city of Tsvetkova Bara!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Karlukovo, Lukovit, and Pleven

Day 6

Day 6 – Karlukovo, Lukovit, and Pleven

  • Lukovit
  • Pleven
  • More

Drive 186 km, 2 hours 52 min

  • Prohodna Cave
  • The Stone Houses
  • Panega Eco Trail
  • Riverside Landscape Park "Panega
  • Zlaten Park
  • More

Day 6 of your road trip through Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Karlukovo and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Pleven. You will stay in Pleven for 2 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Karlukovo is the amazing Prohodna. This attraction is a cave that is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 8,620 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Karlukovo by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Bulgaria. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Pleven, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Dezha Vyu Pitsa & Restorant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Pleven. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,699 customers.

Locals also recommend Canape Food # STRIP Club as one of the best restaurants in the city of Pleven. Canape Food # STRIP Club is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,419 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Pleven is Pizza Napoli. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,235 customers.

After dinner, visit Life Restaurant & sushi, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Pleven. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,799 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Revue - Coffee and Food. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 851 customers.

Alternatively, Momento bar & pizza is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Pleven. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 547 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

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Experiences

Day 7 – Pleven

Day 7

Day 7 – Pleven

  • Pleven
  • More

Drive 106 km, 2 hours 9 min

  • Krushuna Falls
  • Pleven Water Cascades and Fountains
  • Kaylaka Park
  • Skobelev Park
  • Pleven Panorama
  • More

On day 7 of your road trip across Bulgaria, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Pleven. You’ll stay in Pleven for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

This apartment has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 120 guests.

The hotel is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 926 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Pleven, like the outstanding Pleven Water Cascades and Fountains. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,269 visitors.

Kaylaka Park is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Pleven. This incredible attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,442 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Pleven is the extraordinary Skobelev Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,542 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Pleven Panorama. Around 6,032 visitors have given this museum an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Come to Pleven prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Pleven.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Pleven.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like DORI cafe, food & games, after your day of exploring the city of Pleven. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,091 customers.

Pizzeria Cantonata is another of the best restaurants in the city of Pleven. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 984 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Pleven is Shchipka Lyubov/Pinch of Love. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 473 customers.

Locals recommend Kafe-Bar Borago, one of the best bars in the city of Pleven, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 537 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Pleven, Snack Bar "Ledenika". This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 683 customers.

Restorant "Khari" is also one of the best bars in the city of Pleven. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 319 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Bulgaria.

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Experiences

Day 8 – Vratsa, Lyutibrod, Mezdra, and Sofia

Day 8

Day 8 – Vratsa, Lyutibrod, Mezdra, and Sofia

  • Vratsa
  • Mezdra
  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 267 km, 4 hours 26 min

  • Ledenika Cave
  • Archaeological complex "Citadel"
  • Cherepish Monastery
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 8 of your epic road trip in Bulgaria, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Vratsa. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Vratsa’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Vratsa, start your day with a visit to the amazing Ledenika. This much-appreciated cave and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,059 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Vratsa has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Sofia. Sofia offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

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Experiences

Day 9 – Sofia - departure day

Day 9

Day 9 – Sofia - departure day

  • Sofia - Departure day
  • More
  • Russian Monument Square
  • More

Day 9 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Sofia before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Russian Monument Square is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Sofia. This must-see tourist destination and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,544 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Sofia and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Bulgaria.

You’ll then say farewell to Sofia. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Bulgaria!

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Experiences

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