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

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania. Today's main destinations are Kyustendil 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 4 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Petrich, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Kyustendil. Your travel time is around 27 min.

Something that makes Kyustendil the perfect holiday destination is that the town offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding park, Park "st. Vrach". This local gem has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,762 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Rila Monastery. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 40 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Rila Monastery is a travelers’ favorite in Rila Monastery, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 18,596 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Rila Monastery and set your GPS to Bistritsa. 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 3 min. Upon reaching Bistritsa, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Something that makes Bistritsa the perfect holiday destination is that the town offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding urban park, Rila. This local gem has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,975 visitors.

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

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Hotel Forum, 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 Mamma Mia Ltd. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Sofia.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Halbite Beer Hall stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Lime Cafe & Cocktails offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night.

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!

On day 5, you will wake up in Sofia with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 2 nights left in Sofia before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Sofia today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Druzhba Park. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,598 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Church Of St. Nicholas The Miraclemaker. This incredible attraction and church holds an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, thanks to 5,066 visitors.

According to travelers in Sofia, the extraordinary National Palace Of Culture is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and convention center is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,569 visitors.

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.

Dine in style at Ресторант VICTORIA България, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Park Hotel "MOSKVA". Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Sofia.

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!

Wake up and see what day 6 of your great European road trip in North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania has in store for you! You will be staying in Sofia for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Sofia is the magnificent Golden Bridges. Around 5,232 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing South Park on this leg of your adventure in Bulgaria. This attraction is a well-known park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 30,985 travelers.

The remarkable Sofia Zoo is known to be one of the best places to visit in Sofia, and its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 15,237 traveler reviews is proof.

Dive deeper into Sofia by exploring the captivating Zaimov Park. With a stellar average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,334 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Sofia exploration list!

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Albania, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Sofia. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Hotel Jasmin, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try J. J. Murphy's? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Hotel “Crystal Palace Boutique“ as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Sofia.

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 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 Sofia in Bulgaria. In the evening, you’ll end up in Plovdiv, where you will stay for 1 night.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Lions' Bridge. This outstanding footbridge and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 from 6,469 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Lions' Bridge is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Prince's Garden is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This park and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,695 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing stone bridge, Eagles' Bridge. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 10,319 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

Asenovgrad’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Sofia behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 55 min. Asenovgrad welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

After soaking in Sofia’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Asenovgrad. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 55 min. When you arrive in Asenovgrad, it's time to take a break from the road.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Asenovgrad is the fantastic Asen's Fortress. As an appreciated fortress and local gem in the area, Asen's Fortress has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,157 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Asenovgrad, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Bachkovo. Your travel time is around 16 min.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Bachkovo is the magnificent Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno". Around 13,211 visitors have rated this excellent place of worship and travel destination an average of 4.8 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, Plovdiv’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 Plovdiv. 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.

Dine in style at Salt & Pepper, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Rahat Tepe boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out KFC. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Rock Bar Download after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to North Star, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Morado Bar & Dinner also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 9 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 - Skopje in North Macedonia. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Bitola where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Skopje, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Kyustendil to Skopje may take around 2 hours 15 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Skopje, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

A tour of Skopje is not complete without a visit to the famous Old Bazaar. This incredible čaršija and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 20,113 travelers.

Make the most of your Skopje travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Čifte Hammam. This hammam and unique destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,881 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Skopje Zoo for an experience worth remembering. This local zoo and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,982 visitors.

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

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.

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

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Bar Carsija, known for its lively atmosphere. Porta Jazz is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Cafe Pajton 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!