Luxury 11-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia traveling south to Gabrovo, Plovdiv, Pazardzhik, and Bansko

Your luxury holiday in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the city of Sofia. There, you’ll pick up the luxury rental vehicle of your choice and hit the roads!

The first destination of your luxury vacation in Bulgaria is Sofia - a city with many fantastic attractions to explore. Catch an early flight to enjoy as much time as possible discovering Sofia.

Start your sightseeing in the city with a visit to the fantastic Russian Monument Square. This best-rated sightseeing destination is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Sofia, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,544 visitors.

Tonight you will be treated to a stay at one of best luxury hotels in Sofia. We have picked out three of the most exclusive luxury lodging and hotel options for you to choose from.

Exploring new places can make you hungry. When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend trying one of the finest restaurants in Sofia.

For a culinary experience you will remember, have a look at the menu at Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,010 customers, it’s truly one of the best restaurants in the whole of Sofia.

If you feel like having something slightly different, check out Restaurant "Staria Chinar". This is one of the most recommended restaurants in the city. Considering its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers, it’s one that most guests enjoy.

As your day in Sofia is coming to an end retreat to a bar where you can celebrate the start of your exciting luxury holiday in Bulgaria.

Make your way to Bar Friday. This bar promises a great atmosphere for your celebrations and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

Or, why not continue your evening at The Cocktail Bar, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars among 2,814 guests.

Raise a toast to the start of your 11-day luxury vacation in Bulgaria and look forward to more fantastic days to come!

On day 2 of your exciting luxury holiday across Bulgaria you will continue exploring the city of Sofia. You still have 3 nights left in the city. Enjoy your break from the road and spend this day sightseeing and eating at some of the best restaurants in Sofia. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions in the city.

Start your sightseeing of the day with a visit to the fantastic South Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,616 visitors.

Next up on your agenda, you’ll find the extraordinary National Palace of Culture. This attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,244 visitors.

If you, like many others, have been feeling curious about the spectacular Holy Trinity Park park, then you should definitely take the opportunity to visit this attraction today.

The outstanding North Park is another stop you can visit today in Sofia. This park is a highly recommended attraction in the city. Rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,772 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy of a visit.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily Sofia has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences you’ll appreciate after a long day of sightseeing.

If you’re curious about the best restaurant in Sofia, make sure to check out Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,625 customers.

Alternatively, another top-rated restaurant in the city is Art Club Museum. This one-of-a-kind restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,570 customers.

If you’re not yet ready to head back to your hotel, check out some of the bars in the area and experience the local nightlife.

One More Bar is one of the best bars in Sofia and the perfect place for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers.

You may also want to check out Halbite Beer Hall. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your celebrations. Halbite Beer Hall is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

Reminisce about your day, look through photos, and prepare for another great day to come! Your luxury holiday in Bulgaria has plenty more in store for you.

Day 3 of your luxury road trip Bulgaria offers you another day to explore the magnificent city of Sofia. Today you will continue your luxury holiday in the best possible way - by discovering the best sights, most exciting activities, and finest restaurants in the city.

One of the best travel destinations you can visit in Sofia today is the stunning Muzeiko. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,583 reviews.

Next up, make your way to the spectacular Druzhba Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,441 visitors.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to the incredible Park "Zaimov". This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,115 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This church and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,337 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the outstanding Ivan Vazov National Theater. This top-tier point of interest is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,666 visitors.

You will be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for luxury tours and bespoke activities in Sofia. Add the best tours to your luxury vacation package before or after booking.

After a long day of discovering the unique quirks of Sofia, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely meal. 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.

According to reviews, Taj Mahal Restaurant is one of the absolute best places to eat in Sofia. At this restaurant, you’ll enjoy a great atmosphere and a fantastic food and drinks menu. Taj Mahal Restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,423 customers.

This restaurant is a top recommendation often mentioned by both travelers and locals.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Sofia and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife.

To get a drink at one of the best bars in the city, go to The Wrong Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,293 customers.

Raise a toast to another amazing day of your luxury holiday in Sofia, Bulgaria and seize the opportunity to celebrate.

On day 4 of your luxury road trip holiday in Bulgaria you will have the opportunity to experience two destinations in one day, the city of Sofia and the city of Gabrovo. You’ll stay in Gabrovo for 1 night.

Your day starts in Sofia. Give yourself time to see some of the city’s very best attractions before it's time to hit the road.

Make the amazing St. Nedelya Church your first stop of the day. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,501 visitors gives you an idea of what to expect from this church and attraction before you head there.

Next up, make a stop at the incredible Knyazheska Garden. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,658 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this park and attraction.

Another unforgettable travel destination you can visit on this day of your luxury holiday is the outstanding Eagles' Bridge. This stone bridge has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,102 visitors.

When you’re finished at the park, the perfect next stop is the popular Borisova Gradina Park. This spectacular park and attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 27,212 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Park "Geo Milev". This park is a remarkable attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,260 visitors.

Make the most of your day in Sofia by joining exclusive tours and activities that take your luxury holiday in Bulgaria to the next level. This is only one of many experiences you can include in your luxury travel package in Bulgaria. So make sure to check out the other options too, to find the best way to spend your time in Sofia today.

By the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Gabrovo, where you will choose among some of the best luxury hotels.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try PIZZA TEMPO - Gabrovo, one of the best restaurants in Gabrovo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,151 customers.

If you feel like having something else, locals also recommend Strannopriemnitsa as one of their top choices in the city. Strannopriemnitsa is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,192 customers.

Another restaurant you could try in Gabrovo is Rest. This lovely restaurant has a fantastic menu and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,047 customers.

If you’re not yet ready to head back to your hotel, we recommend you check out the nightlife of the city.

Kafe-club Alfrida is one of the best bars you can visit in Gabrovo tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 589 customers.

You can also enjoy a glass or two at a popular place like restaurant Edelweiss. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 223 customers.

Alternatively, try Cafe Music Bar and Dinner "Fashion". Cafe Music Bar and Dinner "Fashion" is the perfect place to get to know some locals in the city. This top-recommended bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 209 customers.

Raise a glass in celebration of your fantastic luxury holiday in Bulgaria! Head back to your hotel for some much-needed rest in preparation for tomorrow’s adventures.

Get ready for day 5 of your luxury vacation in Bulgaria. On this day of your exciting road trip holiday, you will have the most wonderful time discovering Gabrovo and Kazanlak. You’ll stay in Plovdiv for 2 nights. Enjoy a flexible travel itinerary and choose how much time you want to spend at each destination.

Start your day with one of travelers’ favorite attractions in Gabrovo, the incredible Dryanovo monastery "St. Archangel Michael". This popular attraction is a place of worship that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,865 visitors.

Today we also recommend you visit the amazing Ethno village Etar, an outstanding museum in Gabrovo. Around 13,999 travelers have rated this attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

To experience the local culture, see the best attractions, and meet new people at the same time, add a tour or activity to your luxury holiday package in Bulgaria. As a luxury traveler, you will choose among only the best experiences available to you on this day of your exclusive road trip vacation in Gabrovo.

It’s now time to get back on the road and continue to the next destination of your day, the city of Kazanlak.

Make your way to the incredible Monument of Freedom, Saint Nicholas peak for some unforgettable sightseeing in Kazanlak. This popular attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 6,717 visitors.

Next up, steer your step in the direction of Shipka Memorial Church. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,254 travelers and is one of the most fantastic places to visit in Kazanlak.

Today you’ll check in at one of the most exclusive hotels in the city of Plovdiv. Luxury hotels in Plovdiv offer fantastic facilities and wonderful rooms. In combination with staff that is generous with both their time and recommendations, you’re guaranteed a pleasant

Stay in Plovdiv.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv, Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant. This restaurant offers a fantastic menu and impeccable service, deserving of its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,229 reviews.

Locals also recommend Happy Bar & Grill Novotel as one of the best restaurants to have dinner at in Plovdiv. The Happy Bar & Grill Novotel is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,350 customers, including locals as well as travelers.

For a slightly different culinary experience, book a table at Pavaj. This popular restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

Depending on your plans for tomorrow, you might want to head back to your hotel for some relaxation. If not, this is your chance to take the temperature of Plovdiv's nightlife.

If you’re not quite ready for bed yet, head off to a popular bar like Torro Grande / Torro Grande. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,651 customers.

Another place you could go for some drinks is the top-rated Rahat Tepe. Often recommended by locals, this bar is an excellent place to check out tonight. Rahat Tepe has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

Alternatively, go to Club Fargo. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,132 reviews, it’s one worth checking out if you’re in the party mood.

Celebrate another great day of your luxury holiday in Bulgaria with a toast! Enjoy a good night’s sleep at your lovely hotel and get ready for another fun day to come.

On day 6 of your luxury holiday in Bulgaria, you will explore the surroundings of Asenovgrad. Asenovgrad is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria, and there are plenty of unique attractions for you to visit in the area. You have 1 night left in Plovdiv, meaning there's still time to explore the city.

Start your sightseeing of the day with a visit to the fantastic Arapovo Monastery. This attraction is a monastery and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,856 visitors.

Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary Metokha. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 139 visitors.

If you like many others have been feeling curious about the spectacular Asen's Fortress, then you should definitely take the opportunity to visit this attraction today. Asen's Fortress is a fortress with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,988 visitors.

The outstanding Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno" is another stop you can visit on this day of your luxury holiday. This place of worship is a highly recommended attraction in the city. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 12,913 visitors, it’s one that many travelers find worthy of a visit.

This activity is one of many you can add to your luxury travel plan to make your road trip in Bulgaria truly memorable.

When you’ve completed everything you want to see and do, you will drive back to your luxury accommodation in Plovdiv.

After a long day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely 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.

According to reviews, Restaurant SOUTH breeze is one of the absolute best places to eat in the city of Plovdiv. At this restaurant, you’ll enjoy a great atmosphere and a fantastic food and drinks menu. Restaurant SOUTH breeze is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,322 customers.

Alternatively, if you’re curious to try one of Plovdiv-locals’ favorites, check out Hemingway Restaurant. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 customers and guarantees you a nice dining experience to end your day.

When your taste buds call for something different, you may want to pay r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik" a visit instead. This restaurant is a top recommendation often mentioned by both travelers as well as locals. R-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik" has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 customers.

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

Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar is one of the best bars in Asenovgrad and the perfect place for a celebratory drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

You may also want to check out Rock Bar Download. Equally popular, this bar offers great drinks and a fantastic atmosphere. Rock Bar Download is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

A third bar where you could have a great time tonight is No sens klub. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 984 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your luxury holiday in Bulgaria!

On day 7 of your luxury road trip holiday in Bulgaria you will have the opportunity to experience two destinations in one day, the city of Plovdiv and the city of Pazardzhik. You’ll stay in Pazardzhik for 1 night.

Your day starts in Plovdiv. Give yourself time to see some of the city’s very best attractions before it's time to hit the road.

Make the amazing Singing Fountains your first stop of the day. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,192 visitors gives you an idea of what to expect from this park and attraction before you head there.

Next up, make a stop at the incredible “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,208 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this park and attraction.

Another unforgettable travel destination you can visit on this day of your luxury holiday is the outstanding Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This best-rated sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,478 visitors.

When you’re finished at the park, the perfect next stop is the popular Old Town of Plovdiv. This spectacular park and attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 4,234 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Youth Hill. This park is a remarkable attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,980 visitors.

Make the most of your day in Plovdiv by joining exclusive tours and activities that take your luxury holiday in Bulgaria to the next level. This is only one of many experiences you can include in your luxury travel package in Bulgaria. So make sure to check out the other options too, to find the best way to spend your time in Plovdiv today.

By the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Pazardzhik, where you will choose among some of the best luxury hotels.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restaurant “Avangard”, one of the best restaurants in Pazardzhik. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,425 customers.

If you feel like having something else, locals also recommend Piccante as one of their top choices in the city. Piccante is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,440 customers.

If you’re not yet ready to head back to your hotel, we recommend you check out the nightlife of the city.

Paradise Bar is one of the best bars you can visit in Pazardzhik tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 532 customers.

You can also enjoy a glass or two at a popular place like Coffee "Corleone". This bar has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 424 customers.

Raise a glass in celebration of your fantastic luxury holiday in Bulgaria! Head back to your hotel for some much-needed rest in preparation for tomorrow’s adventures.

On day 8 of your luxury road trip holiday in Bulgaria you will have the opportunity to experience two destinations in one day, Pazardzhik and the city of Bansko. You’ll stay in Bansko for 1 night.

Your day starts in Pazardzhik.

Make the amazing "Svoboda" Park Island your first stop of the day. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,517 visitors gives you an idea of what to expect from this park and attraction before you head there.

Next up, make a stop at the incredible CAR MUSEUM OF SOCIALISM. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,977 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this museum and attraction.

Another unforgettable travel destination you can visit on this day of your luxury holiday is the outstanding Cave Snejanka. This top-tier point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,131 visitors.

Make the most of your day in Pazardzhik by joining exclusive tours and activities that take your luxury holiday in Bulgaria to the next level. This is only one of many experiences you can include in your luxury travel package in Bulgaria. So make sure to check out the other options too, to find the best way to spend your time in Pazardzhik today.

By the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Bansko, where you will choose among some of the best luxury hotels.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try "Five M" Restaurant & Good Bar, one of the best restaurants in Bansko. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 657 customers.

If you feel like having something else, locals also recommend Restaurant Victoria Bansko as one of their top choices in the city. Restaurant Victoria Bansko is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,271 customers.

If you’re not yet ready to head back to your hotel, we recommend you check out the nightlife of the city.

Amigo Pub is one of the best bars you can visit in Bansko tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,227 customers.

You can also enjoy a glass or two at a popular place like Pirin 75. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 746 customers.

Alternatively, try Cafe Eliz. Cafe Eliz is the perfect place to get to know some locals in the city. This top-recommended bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 663 customers.

Raise a glass in celebration of your fantastic luxury holiday in Bulgaria! Head back to your hotel for some much-needed rest in preparation for tomorrow’s adventures.

On day 9 of your luxury road trip holiday in Bulgaria you will have the opportunity to experience two destinations in one day, Blagoevgrad and the city of Petrich. You’ll stay in Petrich for 1 night.

Your day starts in Blagoevgrad.

Make the amazing Banderishka meadow your first stop of the day. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,781 visitors gives you an idea of what to expect from this top-tier point of interest and attraction before you head there.

Next up, make a stop at the incredible Park "Razlog". With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,768 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this park and attraction.

Another unforgettable travel destination you can visit on this day of your luxury holiday is the outstanding Park "Bachinovo". This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,871 visitors.

When you’re finished at the museum, the perfect next stop is the popular Baba Vanga House Museum in Rupite. This spectacular museum and attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 7,766 reviews.

Make the most of your day in Blagoevgrad by joining exclusive tours and activities that take your luxury holiday in Bulgaria to the next level. This is only one of many experiences you can include in your luxury travel package in Bulgaria. So make sure to check out the other options too, to find the best way to spend your time in Blagoevgrad today.

By the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Petrich, where you will choose among some of the best luxury hotels.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restaurant "Provence", one of the best restaurants in Petrich. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,080 customers.

If you feel like having something else, locals also recommend Restorant "Mirazh" gr. Petrich as one of their top choices in the city. Restorant "Mirazh" gr. Petrich is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 197 customers.

Another restaurant you could try in Petrich is The Pearl. This lovely restaurant has a fantastic menu and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 217 customers.

If you’re not yet ready to head back to your hotel, we recommend you check out the nightlife of the city.

Kokteyl bar Ray is one of the best bars you can visit in Petrich tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 279 customers.

Raise a glass in celebration of your fantastic luxury holiday in Bulgaria! Head back to your hotel for some much-needed rest in preparation for tomorrow’s adventures.

On day 10 of your luxury road trip holiday in Bulgaria you will have the opportunity to experience two destinations in one day, the city of Kyustendil and the city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night.

Your day starts in Kyustendil. Give yourself time to see some of the city’s very best attractions before it's time to hit the road.

Make the amazing Kordopulov House your first stop of the day. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,267 visitors gives you an idea of what to expect from this building and attraction before you head there.

Next up, make a stop at the incredible Rozhen Monastery. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,322 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this monastery and attraction.

Another unforgettable travel destination you can visit on this day of your luxury holiday is the outstanding Park "St. Vrach". This park has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,589 visitors.

Make the most of your day in Kyustendil by joining exclusive tours and activities that take your luxury holiday in Bulgaria to the next level. This is only one of many experiences you can include in your luxury travel package in Bulgaria. So make sure to check out the other options too, to find the best way to spend your time in Kyustendil today.

By the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Sofia, where you will choose among some of the best luxury hotels.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Mamma Mia Ltd, one of the best restaurants in Sofia. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,252 customers.

If you’re not yet ready to head back to your hotel, we recommend you check out the nightlife of the city.

Lime Cafe & Cocktails is one of the best bars you can visit in Sofia tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,223 customers.

You can also enjoy a glass or two at a popular place like 5 Corners Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,463 customers.

Alternatively, try Luciano. Luciano is the perfect place to get to know some locals in the city. This top-recommended bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,291 customers.

Raise a glass in celebration of your fantastic luxury holiday in Bulgaria! Head back to your hotel for some much-needed rest in preparation for tomorrow’s adventures.

Today is the last day of your 11-day luxury holiday in Bulgaria and it’s soon time to start your journey home. This is your chance to get one last glimpse of Sofia before saying goodbye.

Catch a later flight to enjoy some extra time for exploring. If you have a late departure, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Make the most of what’s left of your luxury vacation in Bulgaria by heading out to the stunning Lions' Bridge. This extraordinary footbridge and attraction is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 6,233 reviews, and is an excellent choice for your last sightseeing in Sofia.

Don’t end your vacation hungry.

You will then say farewell to Sofia and begin your journey home. We wish you safe travels and a warm welcome home, with unforgettable memories and incredible photos from your luxury holiday in Bulgaria in your luggage!