11-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania With Itinerary from Skopje to Sofia, Plovdiv, Kyustendil, Bitola, and Tirana

On day 2 of your multi-country road trip across North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania, 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 Skopje in North Macedonia. In the evening, you’ll end up in Sofia, where you will stay for 3 nights.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Mother Theresa Memorial House. This outstanding museum and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 from 2,661 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Mother Theresa Memorial House is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Church Of St. Clement Of Ohrid is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This church and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,691 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing park, City park. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,127 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Sofia. 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.

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

Savor the flavors at Restaurant Vodenitzata, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Saffron Indian Restaurant beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Island Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Sofia tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Grijn Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Cairo Relax Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Bar National is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!

Day 3 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Sofia. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 2 nights more before hitting the road again.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated park and attraction in Sofia — Borisova Gradina Park. About 27,635 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

The popular Eagles' Bridge is another top sight in Sofia that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved monument in the area, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,319 visitors.

Prince's Garden is a spectacular park and highlight on travelers’ itineraries in Sofia, earning an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,695 enchanted visitors.

As the day moves along, be sure to make time to drop by the magnificent Sofia Zoo. Because of its allure and charm, around 15,237 visitors have rated this attraction and zoo an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Discover the allure of South Park. Echoing its popularity, 30,985 travelers have awarded this famous park and sightseeing spot an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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

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.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Kathrine Cocktail - Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to The Cocktail Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Urban Rebel provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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!

On day 4, you will wake up in Sofia with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Sofia before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania.

Something that makes Sofia the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding park, North Park. This local gem has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,004 visitors.

The famous Holy Trinity Park is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Sofia's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 7,845 travelers have rated this incredible park and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Sofia is also home to the extraordinary Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky, which boasts a 4.7 out of 5 star rating in 20,088 traveler reviews.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Zaimov Park. With an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from a total of 15,334 reviews, a visit to this wonderful park and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

On this Sofia exploration, you'll also have the chance to admire the fantastic National Theater "ivan Vazov" up close. This fascinating performing arts theater and attraction is a must-visit, and its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,932 travelers is proof.

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 North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania.

Don’t miss out on dining at Sofiyska Banitsa, a top-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Hotel ZOO Sofia, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bar & Dinner Relax. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at One More Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Teos Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Bsd 2 Ndk provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania! 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 5 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Sofia in Bulgaria. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Plovdiv, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Sofia is the fantastic National Palace Of Culture. As an appreciated convention center and local gem in the area, National Palace Of Culture has earned an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 14,569 reviews.

Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary Druzhba Park. This attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,598 visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself!

Reduta welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Geo Milev Park. This outstanding park and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 10,414 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Geo Milev Park is worth pages in your travel diary.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Sofia and set your GPS to Asenovgrad. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 54 min. Upon reaching Asenovgrad, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

In Asenovgrad, the extraordinary Asen's Fortress awaits. This attraction is a valued castle that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,157 travelers' reviews.

Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Plovdiv.

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 North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Salt & Pepper, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Rahat Tepe? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at KFC as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Plovdiv.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Rock Bar Download, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, North Star provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Morado Bar & Dinner offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Celebrate day 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Plovdiv in Bulgaria. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Kyustendil, your home for 1 night.

A tour of Plovdiv is not complete without a visit to the famous Singing Fountain. This incredible art installation and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,640 travelers.

Make the most of your Plovdiv travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful “tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This park and unique destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,537 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis for an experience worth remembering. This local archeological site and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,842 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis. This amazing site is a wonderful archeological site with more than 17,893 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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

As the sun sets on day 6 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Kyustendil's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Bulgaria to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Kyustendil has them.

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

Round off your dining experience by visiting Vogue, a prime location for a drink.

As the night falls in Kyustendil, 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 8 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania. Today's main destinations are Ohrid in North Macedonia, 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 Tirana. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bitola, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Ohrid may take around 1 hour 12 min. Upon your arrival in Ohrid, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Ohrid, including the outstanding Chinar Tree. Having an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,411 reviews, this fascinating historical landmark and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Ohrid is also home to the captivating Ancient Macedonian Theatre Of Ohrid, a local archeological site considered one of the highlights of the city. About 3,848 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.5 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary Old City Park is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Ohrid. This extraordinary park and tourist hot spot boasts a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,731 travelers.

A trip to the wonderful Church Of Saint John The Theologian will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing church and attraction an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 3,537 reviews.

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

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Tirana. 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 North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania.

Don’t miss out on dining at Delicatezze di mare da Aldo - Ristorante di pesce a Tirana, a top-rated dining destination in Tirana. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Hotel Boutique Kotoni, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at il Gusto Ristorante. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Tirana this evening.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Observator Wine And Piano Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Radio Bar Tirana is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Colonial Cocktails Academy Tirana provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

Wake up and see what day 9 of your great European road trip in North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania has in store for you! You will be staying in Tirana for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

Tanners' Bridge is a travelers’ favorite in Tirana, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 869 visitors.

In Tirana, don’t miss Fortress Of Justinian, a great castle and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,904 reviews.

Check other top attractions in Tirana off your list when you visit the wonderful Bunk’art 2. This popular sight is an outstanding museum, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,602 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding Et'hem Bej Mosque. This mosque and place of interest has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,584 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, the fantastic Skanderbeg Square awaits. This public square is a tourist hot spot, garnering an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,676 visitors.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Tirana’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 North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania.

Savor the flavors at Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Artigiano beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Hotel Elysee, Tirana. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Tirana tonight.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Kafe Flora, known for its lively atmosphere. Bufe Wine Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Whisky Bar Tirana offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

As the night falls in Tirana, 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.