6-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Sofia to Plovdiv and Smolyan

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Sofia for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

A top thing to do today is to explore Tsar Ivan Shishman Street, a must-see street in Sofia. It's the perfect starting point for exploring the top attractions in the area.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Sofia, including a park, a monument, a church, a convention center, a performing arts theater and much more! Start your day at Borisova Gradina Park. This masterful park is a captivating place to see in Sofia. Then, wander over to Eagles' Bridge. If symbolic sites excite you, this monument will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. This historic church is a favorite among visitors.

Sofia offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Boyana Church is an increasingly popular spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the church, don’t forget to check out the romantic South Park. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this well-known park in Sofia.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Bulgaria is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Sofia. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Hotel Forum offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Turquoise Restaurant. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Sofia.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Kathrine Cocktail - Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to The Cocktail Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Urban Rebel, another top-rated place in the area.

Head back to your accommodation in Sofia and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore Plovdiv, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Plovdiv. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Sofia. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await. Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis is the perfect place to start. This archeological site is one of the most interesting places to visit in Sofia. Next, head to Old Town Of Plovdiv, a frequently visited historical landmark, known for its enchanting features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv. This standout museum offers a unique experience that is highly recommended. Meanwhile, Alyosha Monument adds its own distinct charm to your journey. Finish your day with a visit to Singing Fountain, an enchanting art installation in Sofia.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Plovdiv. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Plovdiv. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Salt & Pepper, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Rahat Tepe offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss KFC. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Rock Bar Download. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, North Star offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Morado Bar & Dinner, another top-rated bar in the area.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Bulgaria.

On day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Asenovgrad, Bachkovo, Laki, and Smolyan. In the evening, you’ll end up in Smolyan, where you will stay for 1 night.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Plovdiv today. One of the most locally appreciated attractions included on the itinerary is Asen's Fortress. This romantic castle will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno" and learn what makes this historic monastery unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the often recommended Slivodolsko Padalo Waterfall. After exploring the waterfall, head to Smolyanski Ezera Hut. This locally appreciated lake is a highlight in Plovdiv. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the locally appreciated Smolyan Planetarium. Enjoy exploring this incredible planetarium at your own pace.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Smolyan, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Smolyan. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at restaurant ECO, a highly-rated dining destination in Smolyan. If you're eager to try something different, consider Mehana „Mecho ukho“, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Milano. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Smolyan this evening.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Venus Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Caffe The Clock, offering a different kind of charm.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Dupnitsa, Stob, and Rila. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Sofia, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Smolyan is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders! Start at Bistritsa Waterfall, a beloved waterfall that is worthwhile a visit in the region. Nearby, you’ll find Stob Earth Pyramids, enchanting visitors with its scenic appeal. Continue your exploration at “bohemia Falls” Ecotrail. This waterfall is one of the region’s most increasingly popular spots.

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

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Sofiyska Banitsa, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Hotel ZOO Sofia is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Bar & Dinner Relax. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Sofia tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at One More Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Teos Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Bsd 2 Ndk provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Bulgaria and look forward to more memorable moments to come!