Affordable 7-Day Relaxed Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip Vacation With Itinerary from Plovdiv to Sofia
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Description
Ease into an affordable 7-day relaxed road trip through Plovdiv, Sofia, Asenovgrad, and Bachkovo. Unwind behind the wheel as you travel across Bulgaria, where scenic views and tranquil moments await at every turn.
Explore Bulgaria for less and on your own terms. This customizable and cheap Bulgaria travel package promises an exhilarating 7-day adventure. We'll introduce you to many famous and affordable vacation spots in the country.
Stay comfortably at a top-rated budget hotel for 2 nights in Plovdiv and 4 nights in Sofia. Dine with locals at popular restaurants and bars across Bulgaria and get a taste of the people’s hospitality and authentic food. We'll help you have an unforgettable road trip experience in Bulgaria at the lowest price!
On arrival in Plovdiv, you'll pick up your rental vehicle. From there, you'll begin your journey to the best and cheapest places to travel to in Bulgaria. Bulgaria offers a wealth of world-class natural and scenic beauty you wouldn't want to miss!
During your journey, you'll have the pleasure of staying at top-rated budget accommodations, each selected for its exceptional value, comfort, and positive guest reviews. Choosing the handpicked recommendations gives you easy access to popular places of interest in Bulgaria, complementing your relaxed road trip experience.
Enjoy strolling through Bulgaria's shopping hotspots near your accommodation. Visit shops, discover the locals’ way of life, or try various specialties. Don't forget to bring home a piece of the country that will remind you of your relaxing vacation in Bulgaria.
This affordable holiday package includes everything you need for a fantastic 7-day vacation in Bulgaria. We'll offer you cheap flights and arrange your hotel reservations for 6 nights. We'll also provide you with the best budget rental car in Bulgaria with CDW insurance.
You can customize your Bulgaria travel plan for a more personalized holiday experience. Choose from popular and competitively-priced tours and tickets in Bulgaria and add your picks to your itinerary. For example, get cheap tour tickets to uncover the stories behind Bulgaria's famous sights. Or, try out some of the most fantastic excursions. There's no better way to add more culture and inspiration to your trip!
Booking this cheap holiday package in Bulgaria offers you many perks. You'll get 24/7 travel support. In addition, you'll have access to a step-by-step guide in our mobile app. Here, you'll find all your travel documents organized in one place.
So what are you waiting for? Enjoy a hassle-free vacation in Bulgaria with this cheap holiday deal! The best and most affordable tours in Bulgaria fill up fast, so book your adventure today!
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Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1 – Plovdiv - arrival day
- Plovdiv - Arrival day
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Your relaxed road trip through Bulgaria starts when you reach the incredible city of Plovdiv, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Plovdiv and begin your adventure in Bulgaria.
More than a city in Bulgaria, Plovdiv is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You’ll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.
Plovdiv is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Youth Hill or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Plovdiv has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.
Start your foodie adventure at Salt & Pepper, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Rahat Tepe, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss KFC, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!
Visit Rock Bar Download, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots. North Star serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Plovdiv. And if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the evening, our recommendation is Morado Bar & Dinner.
Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Bulgaria! Expect more to come as you continue this budget-friendly and laid-back road trip in Bulgaria!
Day 2 – Plovdiv and Sofia
- Plovdiv
- Sofia
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Drive 145 km, 2 hours 6 min
On day 2 of your cheap holiday travels in Bulgaria, you’ll tour 1 destination: Plovdiv. You'll stay in Sofia for 4 nights, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.
Today’s route brings a romantic, a gorgeous, a picture-perfect, a serene, a history-steeped, and a symbolic. The first attraction of today is Singing Fountain. This popular art installation is an enchanting place to see in Plovdiv. Continue your discovery at “tsar Simeon Garden” Park, an eye-catching park 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 Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis. This beloved archeological site offers a picture-perfect encounter with Plovdiv. Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis 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.
Sofia offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Bulgaria. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.
Going on cheap, budget vacations in Bulgaria shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Sofia is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.
Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to Restaurant Vodenitzata, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by Saffron Indian Restaurant - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, Island Restaurant promises to deliver a feast for the senses.
Grijn Bar is an excellent example of a great bar in Sofia offering drinks at reasonable prices. You can also hang out at Cairo Relax Bar, another of locals’ go-to bars in Sofia. But if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Sofia, Bar National is for you.
Cheers for a relaxing road trip vacation in Bulgaria! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Sofia!
Day 3 – Sofia and Rila
- Sofia
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Drive 241 km, 3 hours 48 min
- Rila Monastery
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On day 3 of your affordable vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll start and end your day in Sofia, but spend some time exploring destinations outside the city. With 3 nights left in Sofia, you'll have enough time to check out top-rated restaurants and try out unique activities that will enhance your road trip experience.
Start by visiting Holy Trinity Park, a prime spot to begin your journey. Next on your list is Cathedral Of Saint Nedelya, another must-visit landmark and up-and-coming church renowned for its heritage-rich features.
While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the ambiance of Sofia by sampling some local delicacies or having a drink. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Zaimov Park. This picturesque park is a remarkable attraction that offers a unique experience.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Sofia, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Rila may take around 1 hour 40 min. Upon your arrival in Rila, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Begin your journey at Rila Monastery and explore the UNESCO world heritage-listed features.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Sofia.
Make the most of your budget vacation in Bulgaria by treating yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Sofia that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.
Turkish Restaurant "Fidan" offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Hotel Forum. Or, try Turquoise Restaurant, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.
Kathrine Cocktail - Bar offers many snacks and liquors at different price points. But if you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Sofia, check out The Cocktail Bar. You can also ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination at Urban Rebel.
Cheers for a relaxing road trip vacation in Bulgaria! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Sofia!
Day 4 – Sofia
- Sofia
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Drive 19 km, 1 hour 15 min
- Eagles' Bridge
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Day 4 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories on your cheap holiday in Bulgaria. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Sofia and its top sights! Conclude your day with a lovely dinner.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Sofia, featuring a beautiful, an awe-inspiring, a visually striking, a respected, a culturally significant, a majestic, a romantic, and a noteworthy. Start at North Park, a popular park in the city. Then, head to Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky and soak in the ambiance of this stunning church.
There are many interesting places to see in Sofia and when you are ready for more, go to Prince's Garden. This is one of the city’s most up-and-coming spots. After exploring the park, visit the locally renowned Eagles' Bridge. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the notable Borisova Gradina Park, a notable park in the city.
Visiting the most popular travel destinations in Bulgaria sometimes leaves you longing for more. Fortunately, there are plenty of unique and cheap tours to try out in Bulgaria. Bulgaria has something for everyone, and you can easily pick an activity you can add to your affordable vacation package. Check out all of the budget-friendly tours in Bulgaria that will fill you with new inspiration.
As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Sofia offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Bulgaria.
Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to Sofiyska Banitsa, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by Hotel ZOO Sofia - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, Bar & Dinner Relax promises to deliver a feast for the senses.
One More Bar is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. Alternatively, Teos Bar is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. You might also want to cap the night off at Bsd 2 Ndk, a fascinating bar that offers a unique ambiance and a wide selection of cocktails.
Seize the night and embrace the freedom of your leisurely road trip escapade through Bulgaria!
Day 5 – Sofia
- Sofia
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Drive 15 km, 1 hour 5 min
- Sofia Zoo
- National Palace of Culture
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Day 5’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Sofia, proving that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can be extraordinary. You have 1 night left in Sofia. So make the most of today by going to the best places to visit, eat, and drink in the city.
Set out on a day brimming with a picture-perfect, a charming, a majestic, an enchanting, and a historically significant. Start at the locally renowned Sofia Zoo, a visually striking zoo in Sofia. Next, go to South Park.
After visiting Sofia Zoo and South Park, take time to explore Sofia's streets and absorb its charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to National Palace Of Culture. This instagrammable convention center offers a unique experience. National Theater "ivan Vazov" is another noteworthy stop.
Bulgaria is a wonderful destination with so much to show and so many stories to tell. To have the most extraordinary time on your low-cost holiday in Bulgaria, consider adding tours to your affordable tour package to Bulgaria. Choose from many thrilling to laid back and budget-friendly excursions in Bulgaria that will add color and uniqueness to your adventure.
A cheap, budget vacation in Sofia should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Sofia, try some of our top recommendations.
Mamma Mia Ltd stands out as a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking exceptional flavors. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options. For those craving a casual dining experience, Esterhasi Restaurant offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Da Massimo, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.
The Corner is an excellent example of a great bar in Sofia offering drinks at reasonable prices. You can also hang out at Gaba, another of locals’ go-to bars in Sofia. But if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Sofia, K. E. B. A. Is for you.
Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, budget-friendly adventure across Bulgaria.
Day 6 – Sofia, Reduta, Asenovgrad, Bachkovo, and Plovdiv
- Sofia
- Asenovgrad
- Plovdiv
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Drive 217 km, 3 hours 42 min
- Asen's Fortress
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Day 6 of your self-drive vacation in Bulgaria will take you to the city of Plovdiv, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Plovdiv, you'll explore 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in Bulgaria, including Sofia, Reduta, Asenovgrad, and Bachkovo.
Sofia is home to plenty of attractions that offer an instagrammable, a standout, a grand, a majestic, and an awe-inspiring! Start at Russian Monument Square, a worthwhile public square that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Druzhba Park, enchanting visitors with its visually striking appeal.
Head to Geo Milev Park, a locally renowned park in Reduta. Explore its visually striking features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Sofia and set your GPS to Asenovgrad. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 54 min. Upon reaching Asenovgrad, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Savor the rest of your day by heading to Asen's Fortress, a frequently visited castle that draws visitors from near and far.
While exploring Bulgaria is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Plovdiv has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Plovdiv on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.
A cheap, budget vacation in Plovdiv should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Plovdiv, try some of our top recommendations.
Start your foodie adventure at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Sofra, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Central Park, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!
Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop and try some of its cocktails and snacks. Qbar is another great place to hang out and unwind. If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Anyway Social Bar, offering the perfect setting to unwind and savor the evening.
Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, budget-friendly adventure across Bulgaria.
Day 7 – Plovdiv - departure day
- Plovdiv - Departure day
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It’s soon time to say goodbye to Bulgaria as your leisurely vacation is about to end. Day 7 is your departure day and your last chance to make the most of your affordable travels in Plovdiv.
On your last day in Bulgaria, take time to indulge in shopping at Plovdiv’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.
One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Plovdiv is the remarkable Old Town Of Plovdiv. This historical landmark and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,450 visitors.
Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Plovdiv or just grab something light to keep you going.
If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Plovdiv, consider a top-rated restaurant like RESTAURANT Raia, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Restaurant Citizens Club is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Restorant "Megdana", which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Plovdiv.
You’ll then say farewell to Plovdiv and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable slow-paced adventures in Bulgaria!
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