6-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Romania and Bulgaria With Itinerary from Bucharest to Brasov and Ruse
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Description
Embark on an unforgettable 6-day multi-country road trip across Romania and Bulgaria! If traveling through picturesque landscapes and immersing yourself in the captivating cultures of destinations like Bucharest, Brasov, Bran, Ruse, and Veliko Tarnovo sounds like your idea of a great vacation, this iconic European tour is for you.
With this ultimate European tour package, you'll experience the essence of 2 incredible countries, each offering a tapestry of experiences that will leave you with lasting memories. You'll stay 3 nights in Romania and 2 nights in Bulgaria.
In the first leg of your journey, you'll find yourself in the heart of Romania, a land filled with treasures waiting to be discovered. You’ll collect your chosen rental car in the city of Bucharest and begin your adventure from there. Explore Bucharest, Brasov, Bran, and Sinaia, where picturesque vistas and cultural gems await your exploration.
Next, prepare to be mesmerized by the diverse and vibrant landscapes of Bulgaria. Immerse yourself in the allure of Ruse and Veliko Tarnovo, where every street tells a story.
Your multi-country road trip brings you close to some of Europe’s most iconic attractions and landmarks, such as Ruse’s Monument Of Liberty. 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 Romania 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 6-day self-drive adventure in Romania 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 Romania 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
- Bucharest - Arrival day
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- Cișmigiu Gardens
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Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Romania and Bulgaria begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Bucharest in Romania. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Bucharest for 1 night.
Catch an early flight to Romania to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Bucharest 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.
A tour of Bucharest is not complete without a visit to the famous Cișmigiu Gardens. This incredible park and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 37,510 travelers.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Bucharest. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
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 Bucharest. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.
Don’t miss out on dining at Coftale Specialty Coffee Shop, a top-rated dining destination in Bucharest. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider PAPILA, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Complex Herăstrău. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bucharest this evening.
Keep the evening going at The Vintage Pub, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Newton Cocktail Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Qp Pub, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Your multi-country road trip in Romania 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
- Bucharest
- Brasov
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Drive 203 km, 3 hours 25 min
- King Mihai I Park (Herăstrău) CA
- “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History
- "Carol I" Park
- Tineretului Park
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park (I O R )
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On day 2 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Romania and Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Bucharest in Romania. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Brasov, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated park and attraction in Bucharest — King Mihai I Park. About 60,835 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
The popular Grigore Antipa Natural History Museum is another top sight in Bucharest that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved museum in the area, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,249 visitors.
Carol Park is a spectacular park and highlight on travelers’ itineraries in Bucharest, earning an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 16,604 enchanted visitors.
As the day moves along, be sure to make time to drop by the magnificent Tineretului Park. Because of its allure and charm, around 37,528 visitors have rated this attraction and park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Discover the allure of "alexandru Ioan Cuza" Park. Echoing its popularity, 33,714 travelers have awarded this famous park and sightseeing spot an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Brasov. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.
In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Brasov’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 Romania and Bulgaria.
Don’t miss out on dining at Cucinino Pasta Bar, a top-rated dining destination in Brasov. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Am Rosenanger, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at La Birou Bistro. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Brasov this evening.
Continue your lively evening at Musik Cafe, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Michele Pub is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Juno Wine Garden ensures a night out tailored to your taste.
As the night falls in Brasov, 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 3
- Brasov
- Bran
- Sinaia
- Ruse
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Drive 304 km, 4 hours 58 min
- Bran Castle
- Dimitrie Ghica Park
- Peleș Castle
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Dive into day 3 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Romania and Bulgaria. Today's main destinations are Bran in Romania, 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 Ruse. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.
Bran’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Brasov behind. This drive usually takes around 35 min. Bran welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Bran is the fantastic Bran Castle. As an appreciated castle and local gem in the area, Bran Castle has earned an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 93,196 reviews.
Sinaia’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Bran behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour. Sinaia welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
One place travelers keep coming back to in Sinaia is the magnificent Dimitrie Ghica Park. Around 15,720 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 Peleș Castle on this leg of your adventure in Romania. This attraction is a well-known castle that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 62,721 travelers.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Ruse, Bulgaria. This car ride takes around 3 hours 13 min.
This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.
After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Ruse of your choice.
As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Ruse. 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.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Restaurant "Pontoon", a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Bistro "Lake" is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at The Godfather. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Ruse tonight.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Black & White, known for its inviting atmosphere. Bar Frame is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Bowling 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 Romania and Bulgaria! Enjoy your evening in Ruse to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.
Day 4
- Ruse
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Drive 118 km, 2 hours 19 min
- Orlova Chuka Cave
- Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
- Monument of Liberty
- Regional Historical Museum
- Lipnik
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On day 4 of your European tour in Romania and Bulgaria, you’ll start and end your day in Dve Mogili, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the region. Since you will return to Ruse for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Dve Mogili in Bulgaria to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!
One place travelers keep coming back to in Ruse is the magnificent Monument Of Liberty. Around 2,688 visitors have rated this excellent monument and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
We also recommend you explore the amazing Regional Historical Museum on this leg of your adventure in Bulgaria. This attraction is a well-known museum that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 1,521 travelers.
The remarkable Lipnik Forest Park is known to be one of the best places to visit in Ruse, and its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,416 traveler reviews is proof.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Dve Mogili. This car ride takes around 38 min.
You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Dve Mogili, including the outstanding Orlova Chuka Cave. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,014 reviews, this fascinating cave and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the region.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Ivanovo. This drive usually takes around 20 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Ivanovo, including the outstanding Rock-hewn Churches Of Ivanovo. Having an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,047 reviews, this fascinating church and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the region.
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 Romania and Bulgaria by rewarding yourself with a taste of Ruse’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.
Make sure to reserve a table at Chinese fast food "Undying Fire", an iconic dining spot in Ruse. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Imperial Restaurant (cafe-ristorante Imperial), a popular restaurant in Ruse. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Kapana, a hidden gem nestled in Ruse. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Za Razbirachi Craft Beer Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Hype is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, P. R. Cocktail Bar (piar) offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.
As the night falls in Ruse, 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 5
- Ruse
- Veliko Tarnovo
- Bucharest
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Drive 286 km, 4 hours 36 min
- Waterfall Kartala
- Ethnographic Complex "Samovodska Charshiya"
- Monument of Mother Bulgaria
- Monkey House
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bucharest, your home for 1 night.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Veliko Tarnovo. This car ride takes around 1 hour 30 min.
One place travelers keep coming back to in Veliko Tarnovo is the magnificent Waterfall Kartala. Around 211 visitors have rated this excellent waterfall and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
We also recommend you explore the amazing Ethnographic Complex "samovodska Charshiya" on this leg of your adventure in Bulgaria. This attraction is a well-known market that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 169 travelers.
The remarkable Monument Of Mother Bulgaria is known to be one of the best places to visit in Veliko Tarnovo, and its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,801 traveler reviews is proof.
Dive deeper into Veliko Tarnovo by exploring the captivating Monkey House. With a stellar average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 343 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Veliko Tarnovo exploration list!
Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Bucharest.
Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Romania's delectable cuisine at one of Bucharest'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.
Make sure to reserve a table at Bruno Wine Bar & Bistro, an iconic dining spot in Bucharest. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Hanu' Berarilor Casa Oprea Soare, a popular restaurant in Bucharest. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Vatra Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Bucharest. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Control Club, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Wicked Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Manasia Hub provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Take in the ambiance of Bucharest 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 6
- Bucharest - Departure day
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- Constitution Square
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On day 6 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Bucharest 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 Romania 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 Romania by visiting Bucharest’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Băneasa Shopping City. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Romania.
Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated public square and attraction in Bucharest — Constitution Square. About 19,690 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Get a last taste of Romania’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Bucharest 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 Romania and Bulgaria.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Restaurant Bucătărașul, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Aubergine Restaurant is another top choice with a popular menu.
The time has come to say farewell to Bucharest for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 6-day European road trip in Romania and Bulgaria with fond memories. Safe travels!
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