Cheap 9-Day Bulgaria Road Trip Vacation from Bankya traveling west to Samokov and Blagoevgrad

Your exciting road trip through Bulgaria starts when you reach the incredible city of Sofia, where you'll stay for 6 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Sofia and begin your adventure in Bulgaria.

Sofia is a popular cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria with something to offer every traveler.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Sofia.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria!

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Sofia, proving that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This attraction is a church that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 18,076 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Knyazheska Garden. This popular place of interest is a stunning park that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,458 visitors.

To make your trip to Sofia more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Eagles' Bridge. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 9,677 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Eagles' Bridge is often mentioned in Bulgaria road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Borisova Gradina Park is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This park and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 26,952 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Park "Geo Milev". More than 9,902 visitors have rated this park and tourist destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Sofia does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Sofia on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Bulgaria.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Bulgaria, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture.

Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Sofia for an after-dinner drink.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Sofia!

Day 3 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria, Sofia. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Sofia!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Holy Trinity Park. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in over 7,629 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable park is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular Russian Monument Square. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,387 travelers.

Another place you’ll also want to make time for today is the incredible St. Nedelya Church. This popular church in Sofia has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5,189 travelers.

You also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker. This church and travel hotspot is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,714 visitors.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Sofia? Then make your way to the outstanding convention center, National Palace of Culture. This local attraction enjoys an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 13,776 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Sofia. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Sofia offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Bulgaria worth remembering for a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Sofia has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday goers!

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Sofia as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Sofia, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

This bar is popular in Sofia for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere.

A road trip vacation in Sofia can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria!

Day 4 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria, Sofia. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Sofia!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Golden Bridges. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in over 4,985 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable park is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular South Park. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,055 travelers.

Another place you’ll also want to make time for today is the incredible Kambanite (The Bells) Park. This popular park in Sofia has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,205 travelers.

You also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Druzhba Park. This park and travel hotspot is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,323 visitors.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Sofia?

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Sofia. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Sofia offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Bulgaria worth remembering for a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Sofia has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday goers!

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Sofia as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Sofia, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

This bar is popular in Sofia for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere.

A road trip vacation in Sofia can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria!

Today's agenda is to explore Sofia and discover what this fabulous and cheap holiday destination offers. Expect amazing attractions, a great dining experience, and a wonderful time discovering the daily lives of locals with 2 nights left in Sofia.

You’ll begin this day’s adventure with a visit to the top-rated Erma River Gorge, Tran. This incredible attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 1,980 visitors.

Another highlight of this cheap holiday package is a trip to the fascinating Holy Paraskeva. This spectacular church and tourist destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 420 reviews.

It’s hard to pass up the chance to see the famous Vrabcha waterfall during a vacation in Sofia. Ranking high up on many travelers’ bucket lists, the amazing Vrabcha waterfall has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 409 reviews.

This day of your road trip in Bulgaria is also the perfect opportunity to see the outstanding Alis Petting Zoo. This popular place of interest in Sofia is a valued top-tier point of interest that has a rating of 4.5 out of a 5-star rating from 1,872 visitors.

You’ll be making the most of your time in Sofia when you include the fantastic Tsentralen park to your road trip itinerary. This local attraction is a captivating top-tier point of interest with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,834 travelers.

Keen to do something new and one-of-a-kind today? There are many experiences you can add to your cheap vacation package to make your road trip in Bulgaria more special. Check out all the budget-friendly activities and tours below and bag a cheap holiday deal.

After taking in the best of Sofia, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Sofia for a well-deserved rest. When you’re ready to eat, indulge yourself to a nice meal at one of the top-rated restaurants in the city.

Here you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices.

After a lovely dinner at one of the best places to eat in Sofia, visit one of the most popular drinking spots in the city. Relax, grab a drink or two, chat with friendly locals, and enjoy the rest of your evening in Sofia.

Raise your glass and savor every moment of your cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria!

On day 6 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Bulgaria, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Sofia and end your day in the city of Samokov, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Sofia is the amazing Mining museum of Pernik. This travel destination is a mining museum that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,143 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Ecopath "Looking at nine mountains". Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 393 travelers, a visit to this well-known must-see tourist destination and sightseeing spot in Sofia is likely to make your vacation in Bulgaria even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Sofia is the outstanding Zemen Monastery "St. John the Apostle". This place of worship has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,529 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria, drop by the popular Living Water Spring. This attraction, an amazing best-rated sightseeing destination, has been rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 375 travelers.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Bulgaria. To have the best affordable travel experience in Bulgaria, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Bulgaria unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Bulgaria.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Samokov. Samokov is another cheap travel destination in Bulgaria where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Bulgaria can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Samokov that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Samokov is The Old House Restaurant. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,207 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Samokov, Kaymakanova house is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 829 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Pri Sote Traditional Restaurant. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Samokov enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,699 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Samokov’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Bulgaria. For example, you can visit Delight bar & dinner. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 382 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Defected Bar & Café. This popular bar in Samokov has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 146 bar-goers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria!

Day 7 of your road trip across Bulgaria offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Sofia and the enchanting Sandanski, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Sofia and end the day in Sandanski, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 7 of your affordable vacation in Bulgaria will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Sofia is the magnificent City Park by the river Iskar. Around 2,123 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Tsarska Bistritsa on this leg of your self-drive tour in Bulgaria. This attraction is a well-known palace that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 2,090 travelers.

The remarkable Tsari Mali Grad is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Bulgaria. This attraction, an amazing fortress, is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,546 travelers.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Sofia, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Sandanski.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Park "St. Vrach". This popular site is a valued park in Sandanski and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,409 visitors.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Bulgaria. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Bulgaria. Make your cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Blagoevgrad offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Bulgaria. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Blagoevgrad offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Bulgaria.

Trezor is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 563 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Blagoevgrad is Bar Diva I, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,536 customers.

Joshua Bar & Kitchen offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Blagoevgrad. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 397 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Blagoevgrad’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

BeFree is an excellent example of a great bar in Blagoevgrad offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 851 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at STAGE Bar, another of locals’ go-to bars in Blagoevgrad. STAGE Bar is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 145 customers having rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Bulgaria with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Bulgaria!

On day 8 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Bulgaria, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Sofia and end your day in the city of Sofia, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Sofia is the amazing Stob Earth Pyramids. This travel destination is a rock formation that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,105 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Rila Monastery. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 17,257 travelers, a visit to this well-known monastery and sightseeing spot in Sofia is likely to make your vacation in Bulgaria even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Sofia is the outstanding Hisarlaka Fortress. This architectural structure has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,745 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria, drop by the popular Kadin Bridge. This attraction, an amazing best-rated sightseeing destination, has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,371 travelers.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Bulgaria. To have the best affordable travel experience in Bulgaria, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Bulgaria unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Bulgaria.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Sofia. Sofia is another cheap travel destination in Bulgaria where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Bulgaria can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Sofia that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Sofia enjoy dining at this restaurant.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Sofia’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Bulgaria.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria!

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Bulgaria as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 9 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Sofia.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

You’ll then say farewell to Sofia and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Bulgaria!