12-Day Road Trip in North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania from Skopje to Sofia, Plovdiv, Kyustendil, Bitola, and Tirana

On day 3 of your European tour in North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania, you’ll start and end your day in Sofia, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Sofia for 2 nights more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Sofia in Bulgaria to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

In Sofia, the extraordinary National Palace Of Culture awaits. This attraction is a valued convention center that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,569 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Sofia is the spectacular South Park. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,985 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing Sofia Zoo. This local zoo and wonder has an overall review score of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 15,237 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

Druzhba Park is another attraction you might want to add to your Sofia exploration itinerary. This park is a popular stop among travelers in the area, as seen in its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,598 reviews.

After soaking in Sofia’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Reduta. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 12 min. When you arrive in Reduta, it's time to take a break from the road.

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.

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Divaka, 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 Face bar & dinner, 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 Art Club Museum, a hidden gem nestled in Sofia. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Take in the ambiance of Sofia 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!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your multi-country journey across North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Sofia in Bulgaria. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Plovdiv where you'll spend 2 nights of well-deserved relaxation.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Sofia, including the outstanding Cathedral Of Saint Nedelya. Having an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 5,691 reviews, this fascinating church and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Sofia is also home to the captivating Zaimov Park, a local park considered one of the highlights of the city. About 15,334 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.5 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary Eagles' Bridge is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Sofia. This extraordinary stone bridge and tourist hot spot boasts a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 10,319 travelers.

A trip to the wonderful Borisova Gradina Park will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing park and attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 27,635 reviews.

Soak in Sofia's rich culture at the fantastic Prince's Garden. Further proving its status as one of the best places to visit in Sofia is its overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,695 visitor reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Sofia, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Plovdiv. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 37 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

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

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Plovdiv. 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.

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 satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Rock Bar Download is an excellent place to start. You could also check out North Star, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Morado Bar & Dinner. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

On day 7 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 Asenovgrad in Bulgaria. In the evening, you’ll end up in Kyustendil, where you will stay for 1 night.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Plovdiv, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Asenovgrad. This drive usually takes around 29 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Asen's Fortress is a travelers’ favorite in Asenovgrad, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,157 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bachkovo. This car ride takes around 16 min.

A tour of Bachkovo is not complete without a visit to the famous Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno". This incredible place of worship and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 13,211 travelers.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Nevestino. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 6 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Kadin Bridge. This outstanding sightseeing destination and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 from 1,488 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Kadin Bridge is worth pages in your travel diary.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Kyustendil. 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 Kyustendil boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Bulgaria.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Restaurant Friends, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Hotel Ramira is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Vintage bar and dinner. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Kyustendil tonight.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Vogue after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city.

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 Kyustendil to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 8 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 Bitola, your home for 1 night.

After soaking in Kyustendil’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Skopje, North Macedonia. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 15 min. When you arrive in Skopje, it's time to take a break from the road.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated čaršija and attraction in Skopje — Old Bazaar. About 20,113 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The popular Čifte Hammam is another top sight in Skopje that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved hammam in the area, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,881 visitors.

Skopje Zoo is a spectacular zoo and highlight on travelers’ itineraries in Skopje, earning an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,982 enchanted visitors.

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

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of North Macedonia's delectable cuisine at one of Bitola'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.

Dine in style at Epinal Restaurant, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, GT Caffe boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Belvedere. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bitola.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Bar Carsija, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Porta Jazz, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Cafe Pajton likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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!