5-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Bulgaria and Romania With Itinerary from Sofia to Bucharest
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Description
Explore Bulgaria and Romania on an epic 5-day European road trip. Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, and Bucharest await!
With this ultimate European tour package, you'll experience the essence of 2 incredible countries, each offering a tapestry of experiences that will leave you with lasting memories. You'll stay 3 nights in Bulgaria and 1 night in Romania.
In the first leg of your journey, you'll find yourself in the heart of Bulgaria, a land filled with treasures waiting to be discovered. You’ll collect your chosen rental car in the city of Sofia and begin your adventure from there. Explore Sofia and Veliko Tarnovo, where picturesque vistas and cultural gems await your exploration.
Next, prepare to be mesmerized by the diverse and vibrant landscapes of Romania. Immerse yourself in the allure of Bucharest, where every street tells a story.
Your multi-country road trip brings you close to some of Europe’s most iconic attractions and landmarks, such as Bucharest’s Constitution Square. From must-see attractions to breathtaking viewpoints, this meticulously crafted itinerary promises you a glimpse into the unique features of this region in Europe.
Throughout your tour, you’ll stay at some of the best accommodations along your route. Our recommendations always include options with varying levels of comfort, ranging from 3 to 5-star hotels that cater to various preferences and budgets.
Your ultimate multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Romania will not be complete without indulging in some retail therapy! Embark on a quest for a rare souvenir in each destination. Beyond the thrill of buying unique goods, it’s also an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in local customs and interact with friendly locals at every stop.
By booking this holiday package, you can save yourself from the tedious task of researching and planning your road trip in Europe. We'll handle all the travel arrangements for your 5-day self-drive adventure in Bulgaria and Romania. With our expertise, you can enjoy a hassle-free experience and focus on immersing yourself in incredible destinations without the stress of organizing every detail. This holiday deal also comes with 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide accessible via our mobile app to assist you throughout your journey.
Discover breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and iconic landmarks in multiple European countries on one epic road trip! Travel across borders and experience the freedom of the open road as you create lifelong memories in Bulgaria and Romania.
Choose your travel dates today and start planning your unforgettable multi-country road trip with Guide to Europe!
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Day 1
- Sofia - Arrival day
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- National Palace of Culture
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Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Bulgaria and Romania begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Sofia in Bulgaria. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Sofia for 2 nights.
Catch an early flight to Bulgaria to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Sofia before it’s time to hit the road and drive to your next destination. Discover the city’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and lively atmosphere with visits to the most popular attractions.
Sofia 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 National Palace Of Culture, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Find your way to your hotel in Sofia. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Bulgaria. Settle in and make plans for the evening.
By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Sofia. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Romania.
Dine in style at Restaurant Vodenitzata, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Saffron Indian Restaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Island Restaurant. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Sofia.
Continue your lively evening at Grijn Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Cairo Relax Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Bar National ensures a night out tailored to your taste.
Your multi-country road trip in Bulgaria and Romania has only just begun. Brace yourself for more exciting days to come as you cross country borders in the comfort of your rental car and discover the most unique attractions, activities, and foods of each destination.
Day 2
- Sofia
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Drive 242 km, 4 hours 7 min
- Borisova Gradina Park
- Eagles' Bridge
- St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Sveta Nedelya Church
- Rila Monastery
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Greet day 2 of your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Romania with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Sofia for your remaining 1 night in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Sofia in Bulgaria.
Today’s route brings fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. The first attraction of today is Borisova Gradina Park. This well-known park is a romantic place to see in Sofia. Continue your discovery at Eagles' Bridge, a heritage-rich monument with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Sofia, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. This well-known church offers a breathtaking encounter with Sofia. Next, make your way to Cathedral Of Saint Nedelya to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Rila Monastery, a well-known monastery that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Sofia.
As the day slows down and turns into evening, we encourage you to indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Sofia. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.
Make sure to reserve a table at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", an iconic dining spot in Sofia. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Hotel Forum, a popular restaurant in Sofia. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Turquoise Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Sofia. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Kathrine Cocktail - Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out The Cocktail Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Urban Rebel provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Bulgaria and Romania! 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.
Day 3
- Sofia
- Bucharest
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Drive 405 km, 5 hours 48 min
- Tsarevets Fortress
- Constitution Square
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 2 stops. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria and Bucharest in Romania. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bucharest, your home for 1 night.
Get ready for an exciting day in Sofia. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a castle and a public square. Begin your adventure at Tsarevets Fortress. This is a locally renowned castle you should not miss. Another must-see is Constitution Square, a notable public square in Sofia.
After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Bucharest. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.
As the day slows down and turns into evening, we encourage you to indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Bucharest. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Coftale Specialty Coffee Shop, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, PAPILA is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Complex Herăstrău. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Bucharest tonight.
Continue your lively evening at The Vintage Pub, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Newton Cocktail Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Qp Pub ensures a night out tailored to your taste.
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!
Day 4
- Bucharest
- Sofia
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Drive 386 km, 5 hours 24 min
- Palace of the Parliament
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Dive into day 4 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Romania. Today's main destinations are Bucharest in Romania, 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 1 night.
Prepare for a day full of fun adventures, scenic views, and picturesque spots. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Palace Of The Parliament. This often recommended palace is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience.
Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Sofia.
As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Sofia. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Bulgaria 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.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Sofiyska Banitsa, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Hotel ZOO Sofia offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Bar & Dinner Relax. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Sofia.
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.
As the night falls in Sofia, 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.
Day 5
- Sofia - Departure day
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- South Park
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On day 5 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Sofia before it’s time to leave.
Depending on how much time you have before your departure, you may want to engage in some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Get some unique items to remind you of your great European road trip across Bulgaria and Romania. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.
Make the most of your final day in Bulgaria by visiting Sofia’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Vitosha Boulevard. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Bulgaria.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting South Park, an eye-catching park before you head out.
Get a last taste of Bulgaria’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Sofia and enjoy what may be your last vacation meal of this trip. Look forward to recreating these distinct culinary experiences in your own kitchen later to remind you of your unforgettable road trip across Bulgaria and Romania.
Savor the flavors at Mamma Mia Ltd, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Esterhasi Restaurant beckons with its unique menu offerings.
The time has come to say farewell to Sofia for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 5-day European road trip in Bulgaria and Romania with fond memories. Safe travels!
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