One-Week Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Plovdiv to Bansko and Arbanassi and surrounding area

On day 2 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you’ll start and end your day in Plovdiv, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Plovdiv for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, and Plovdiv to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Get ready for an exciting day in Plovdiv. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a monastery, a castle, an archeological site, a park, an art installation and much more! Begin your adventure at Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno". This is an interesting monastery you should not miss. Another must-see is Asen's Fortress, an underrated castle in Plovdiv.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis. From there, take a leisurely stroll to “tsar Simeon Garden” Park, another of the village’s popular attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Singing Fountain, a visually striking place of interest in the village.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Plovdiv and your accommodation.

As you explore more of Plovdiv, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Dine in style at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Sofra boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Central Park. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

Keep the evening going at Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Qbar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Anyway Social Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore Rila, Stob, and Bansko, 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 Bansko. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Plovdiv is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a monastery, a rock formation, and a museum. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the well-known Rila Monastery and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Stob Earth Pyramids, a peaceful rock formation that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to House Museum Of Nikola Vaptsarov, one of the region’s most worthwhile spots that you shouldn’t miss.

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

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

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

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

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Bulgaria.

Greet day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Bansko for your remaining 1 night in the town 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 Kyustendil and Bansko.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Whether you decide to explore Bansko on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Pirin National Park is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this mesmerizing national park before continuing your journey. Lake Muratovo is your next stop. This up-and-coming lake is one of the best-rated sights in Bansko.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Baikushev's Pine. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Banderishka Meadow and City Park.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Bansko.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Kabatsite, an iconic dining spot in Bansko. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Tavern Matsurev Khan, a popular restaurant in Bansko. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Ethno Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Bansko. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Lion's Pub. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Pirin 75, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Wine Bar 25 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!

On day 5 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 Veliko Tarnovo. In the evening, you’ll end up in Arbanassi, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Bansko. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Marno Pole Park is the perfect place to start. This park is one of the most locally appreciated places to visit in Bansko. Next, head to Monument Of Mother Bulgaria, an often recommended monument, known for its historic 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 Park "sveta Gora". This stunning park is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Tsarevets Fortress. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Arbanassi's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

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

Day 6 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Gorna Oryahovitsa has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Arbanassi by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the town.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, budget-friendly activities, and photo-friendly spots. Whether you decide to explore Arbanassi on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Park „nikolaj Panayotov“ is the first of them. Park "children's Playground" is your next stop. This increasingly popular playground is one of the best-rated sights in Arbanassi.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit St. Nikolay The Miracleworker. This photogenic church is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Lyaskovets Monastery "sv. Sv. Peter And Paul".

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 Arbanassi. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Say good night to Arbanassi and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Kazanlak and Shipka. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Plovdiv, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Today’s itinerary in Arbanassi covers several incredible sights, including an archeological site, a museum, and a church. Start your adventure at Thracian Tomb Of Kazanlak. This beloved archeological site is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the instagrammable wonders of Historical Museum “iskra”, a must-see museum in the town.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Rose Museum. This often recommended museum offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Shipka Memorial Church, where you can take in stunning features. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Plovdiv, 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 Plovdiv. 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.

Dine in style at RESTAURANT Raia, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Restaurant Citizens Club boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Restorant "Megdana". Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

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

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria!