10-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria With Itinerary from Athens to Thessaloniki, Skopje, Sofia, and Plovdiv

Day 2 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Athens. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 1 night more before hitting the road again.

One of the most iconic places you can visit today in Athens is Plaka. Allow yourself some time to explore this neighborhood and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby. You can also explore Monastiraki, a neighborhood that offers a glimpse into local life and culture.

Today’s agenda in Athens includes a museum, a public square, and an archeological site. National Archaeological Museum Of Athens is must-visit museum and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Monastiraki Square 6, a popular public square, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Acropolis Of Athens, a historic archeological site, also available for your discovery today.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Athens boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Greece.

Make sure to reserve a table at Harvest Coffee & Wine, an iconic dining spot in Athens. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of 42 Barstronomy Athens, a popular restaurant in Athens. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of O Babas, a hidden gem nestled in Athens. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Tiki Bar Athens, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Brettos offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Luxus Bar Bistro provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Take in the ambiance of Athens as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Skopje in North Macedonia. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Skopje, your home for 1 night.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Thessaloniki. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Skopje Zoo is the perfect place to start. This zoo is one of the most locally appreciated places to visit in Thessaloniki. Next, head to Old Bazaar, an interesting market, known for its instagrammable 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 Stone Bridge In Skopje. This romantic historical landmark is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Macedonia Square and Mother Theresa Memorial House. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Skopje’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Skopje. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in North Macedonia in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Tribeca Restaurant & Bar, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Balilla offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Sidro is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Skopje.

Keep the evening going at Mosh, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Café Capri, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Badu Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

As the night falls in Skopje, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lie back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. Today's main destinations are Sofia in Bulgaria, 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 Sofia. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Today’s route brings fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and history-rich sites. The first attraction of today is Boyana Church. This beloved church is a photogenic place to see in Skopje. Continue your discovery at National Palace Of Culture, an eye-catching convention center with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Skopje, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Borisova Gradina Park. This well-known park offers a romantic encounter with Skopje. Next, make your way to Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky to add another highlight to your day. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Skopje.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Sofia. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Sofia’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Vodenitzata, a highly-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're eager to try something different, consider Saffron Indian Restaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Island Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Grijn Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Cairo Relax Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Bar National is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria! Enjoy your evening in Sofia to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.

On day 7 of your multi-country road trip across Greece, North Macedonia, and 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 to see in Plovdiv in Bulgaria. In the evening, you’ll end up in Plovdiv, where you will stay for 1 night.

Today’s agenda in Sofia includes an archeological site, a historical landmark, a museum, a monument, a park and much more! Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis is must-visit archeological site and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Old Town Of Plovdiv, a frequently visited historical landmark, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv, a respected museum, also available for your discovery today.

Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Sofia. When you're ready, let your sightseeing route take you to the often recommended Alyosha Monument. If you’re looking for more, “tsar Simeon Garden” Park is also a well-known attraction that is worthwhile a visit.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Plovdiv. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria by rewarding yourself with a taste of Plovdiv’s local cuisine. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax or mingle with the locals and raise a toast to your exciting road trip adventure.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Salt & Pepper, a top-rated dining destination in Plovdiv. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Rahat Tepe, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at KFC. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Rock Bar Download, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out North Star, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Morado Bar & Dinner provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Take in the ambiance of Plovdiv as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!

On day 8 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Thessaloniki in Greece. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Thessaloniki, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Plovdiv, featuring family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots. Start at White Tower Of Thessaloniki, an astonishing monument in the city. Then, head to The Umbrellas Sculpture By Zogolopoulos and soak in the ambiance of this enchanting art installation.

There are many interesting places to see in Plovdiv, and when you are ready for more, go to Arch Of Galerius And Rotunda. This is one of the city’s most well-known photogenic spots of interest. After exploring the monument, visit the popular Agias Sofias Square. Not far away, you'll also find Athonos Square. This public square is a picture-perfect highlight in Plovdiv.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Thessaloniki. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Thessaloniki boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Greece.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Mamalouka, a top-rated dining spot in Thessaloniki. If you're in the mood for something new, try Clochard, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Sofi's House Restaurant. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Thessaloniki.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Castra- All Day Terrace Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Barbaben - Bar/ba/ben provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Apallou offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Celebrate day 8 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 9 of your multi-country journey across Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Kastraki in Greece. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Athens where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Thessaloniki is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots! Start at Holy Monastery Of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas At Meteora, a worthwhile monastery that is worthwhile a visit in the village. Continue your exploration at Greek Education Museum. This museum is one of the village’s most worthwhile spots.

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Athens of your choice.

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Greece's delectable cuisine at one of Athens's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enhance your vacation experience by enjoying the local nightlife or unwinding with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

Don’t miss out on dining at Cookoovaya, a top-rated dining destination in Athens. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Karamanlidika, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Estiatorio Auli. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Athens this evening.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Kazu Cafe-bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Upupa Epops - The Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Gazarte offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!