7-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria With Itinerary from Skopje to Thessaloniki and Sofia
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Description
Explore North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria on an epic 7-day European road trip. Skopje, Thessaloniki, Sofia, and Stob await!
With this ultimate European tour package, you'll experience the essence of 3 incredible countries, each offering a tapestry of experiences that will leave you with lasting memories. You'll stay 3 nights in North Macedonia, 2 nights in Greece, and 1 night in Bulgaria.
In the first leg of your journey, you'll find yourself in the heart of North Macedonia, a land filled with treasures waiting to be discovered. You’ll collect your chosen rental car in the city of Skopje and begin your adventure from there. Explore Skopje, where picturesque vistas and cultural gems await your exploration.
Next, prepare to be mesmerized by the diverse and vibrant landscapes of Greece. Immerse yourself in the allure of Thessaloniki, where every street tells a story.
Continuing your journey, you'll step into the captivating realm of Bulgaria. This country's charm is boundless, and you'll be impressed by the wonders of Sofia and Stob.
Your multi-country road trip brings you close to some of Europe’s most iconic attractions and landmarks, such as Thessaloniki’s White Tower Of Thessaloniki. 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 North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria 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 7-day self-drive adventure in North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria. 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 North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria.
Choose your travel dates today and start planning your unforgettable multi-country road trip with Guide to Europe!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Skopje - Arrival day
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- Old Bazaar
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Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Skopje in North Macedonia. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Skopje for 2 nights.
Catch an early flight to North Macedonia to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Skopje 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.
In Skopje, the extraordinary Old Bazaar awaits. This attraction is a valued market that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 20,113 travelers' reviews.
Find your way to your hotel in Skopje. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in North Macedonia. Settle in and make plans for the evening.
As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Skopje. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in North Macedonia 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 wonderful meal at Tribeca Restaurant & Bar, a top-rated dining spot in Skopje. If you're in the mood for something new, try Balilla, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Sidro. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Skopje.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Mosh, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Café Capri is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Badu Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Your multi-country road trip in North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria 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
- Skopje
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Drive 15 km, 4 hours 19 min
- Skopje City Park
- Skopje Zoo
- Stone Bridge
- Square „Macedonia“
- Millennium Cross
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Day 2 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Skopje. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 1 night more before hitting the road again.
One place travelers keep coming back to in Skopje is the magnificent City park. Around 4,127 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
We also recommend you explore the amazing Skopje Zoo on this leg of your adventure in North Macedonia. This attraction is a well-known zoo that has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from around 6,982 travelers.
The remarkable Stone Bridge In Skopje is known to be one of the best places to visit in Skopje, and its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,177 traveler reviews is proof.
Dive deeper into Skopje by exploring the captivating Macedonia Square. With a stellar average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,125 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Skopje exploration list!
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 Skopje'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 Vodenica Mulino, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Gallery 7 boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Fast Food 7 - Aerodrom. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Skopje.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Heart Bar Skopje stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Chillin' Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Casa is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Take in the ambiance of Skopje 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!
Day 3
- Skopje
- Thessaloniki
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Drive 239 km, 3 hours 15 min
- Church of St Demetrios
- Kapani
- Aristotelous Square
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On day 3 of your multi-country road trip across North Macedonia, Greece, and 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 to see in Thessaloniki in Greece. In the evening, you’ll end up in Thessaloniki, where you will stay for 2 nights.
Set your GPS to Thessaloniki, Greece and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 46 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Thessaloniki beckons with new experiences!
Something that makes Thessaloniki the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding church, Holy Church Of Saint Demetrius, Patron Saint Of Thessalonica. This local gem has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 6,316 visitors.
The famous Kapani is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Thessaloniki's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 11,747 travelers have rated this incredible market and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in reviews.
Thessaloniki is also home to the extraordinary Aristotelous Square, which boasts a 4.7 out of 5 star rating in 42,109 traveler reviews.
Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Thessaloniki. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.
As the sun sets on day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Thessaloniki's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Greece 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, Thessaloniki has them.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Kitchen Bar, a top-rated dining spot in Thessaloniki. If you're in the mood for something new, try The Greek, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Phanós. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Thessaloniki.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Beetle Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Vogatsikou 3, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Souel. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
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 4
- Thessaloniki
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Drive 7 km, 51 min
- Atatürk Museum
- Arch of Galerius
- Agias Sofias Square
- White Tower of Thessaloniki
- The Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos
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On day 4, you will wake up in Thessaloniki with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Thessaloniki before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria.
Atatürk Museum is a travelers’ favorite in Thessaloniki, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,010 visitors.
In Thessaloniki, don’t miss Arch Of Galerius And Rotunda, a great monument and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,542 reviews.
Check other top attractions in Thessaloniki off your list when you visit the wonderful Agias Sofias Square. This popular sight is an outstanding public square, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,374 travelers.
Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding White Tower Of Thessaloniki. This monument and place of interest has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 52,379 reviews. It’s estimated that around 290,192 people come to admire it every year.
If you’re keen to explore even more, the fantastic The Umbrellas Sculpture By Zogolopoulos awaits. This art installation is a tourist hot spot, garnering an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13,884 visitors.
In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Thessaloniki’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, Greece, and Bulgaria.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Mamalouka, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Clochard is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Sofi's House Restaurant. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Thessaloniki tonight.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Castra- All Day Terrace Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Barbaben - Bar/ba/ben offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Thessaloniki. Apallou is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.
Celebrate day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 5
- Thessaloniki
- Sofia
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Drive 301 km, 4 hours 29 min
- National Palace of Culture
- Borisova Gradina Park
- Park "Zaimov"
- St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
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Dive into day 5 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria. Today's main destinations are Sofia 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 1 night.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Sofia, 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 Thessaloniki to Sofia may take around 3 hours 25 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Sofia, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Sofia today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding National Palace Of Culture. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,569 visitors.
Next, discover the charms of the popular Borisova Gradina Park. This incredible attraction and park holds an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, thanks to 27,635 visitors.
According to travelers in Sofia, the extraordinary Zaimov Park is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,334 visitors.
As the day moves along, don’t miss out the incredible church, Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. Up to 20,088 visitors have rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Sofia.
If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria, 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 delicious dinner at Restaurant Vodenitzata, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Saffron Indian Restaurant offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Island Restaurant. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Sofia.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Grijn Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Cairo Relax Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Bar National offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.
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 6
- Sofia
- Stob
- Skopje
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Drive 366 km, 5 hours 31 min
- Stob Earth Pyramids - Trail entry
- Rila Monastery
- Kirilova Polyana Meadow
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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 Stob in Bulgaria. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Skopje, your home for 1 night.
After soaking in Sofia’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Stob. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 18 min. When you arrive in Stob, it's time to take a break from the road.
One place travelers keep coming back to in Stob is the magnificent Stob Earth Pyramids. Around 2,279 visitors have rated this excellent rock formation and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Rila. This drive usually takes around 33 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Rila, including the outstanding Rila Monastery. Having an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 18,596 reviews, this fascinating monastery and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the village.
Rila is also home to the captivating Kirilova Polyana Meadow, a local hiking area considered one of the highlights of the village. About 502 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.7 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.
After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Skopje of your choice.
In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Skopje’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, Greece, and Bulgaria.
Don’t miss out on dining at Balkanika Rustikana, a top-rated dining destination in Skopje. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Pelister, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Skopski Merak. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Skopje this evening.
Round off your dining experience by visiting Nano, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Konak, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Piazza Liberta likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for 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!
Day 7
- Skopje - Departure day
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On day 7 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Skopje 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 North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria. 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 North Macedonia by visiting Skopje’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing City Mall GTC. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in North Macedonia.
Get a last taste of North Macedonia’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Skopje 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 North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria.
Dine in style at Restaurant „Lyra“, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Meze boasts a menu that's sure to impress.
The time has come to say farewell to Skopje for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 7-day European road trip in North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria with fond memories. Safe travels!
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