7-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece With Itinerary from Bucharest to Veliko Tarnovo, Komotini, Stara Zagora, and Ruse
Description
Included
Description
Get ready for an exhilarating 7-day European road trip. This trip will take you through Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece and immerse you in the diverse tapestry of European culture.
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 2 nights in Romania, 3 nights in Bulgaria, and 1 night in Greece.
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, 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 Veliko Tarnovo, Kardzhali, Airovo, Stara Zagora, and Ruse, where every street tells a story.
Continuing your journey, you'll step into the captivating realm of Greece. This country's charm is boundless, and you'll be impressed by the wonders of Komotini and Xanthi.
Your multi-country road trip brings you close to some of Europe’s most iconic attractions and landmarks, such as Veliko Tarnovo’s Monument Of Mother Bulgaria. 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, Bulgaria, and Greece 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 Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece. 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, Bulgaria, and Greece.
Choose your travel dates today and start planning your unforgettable multi-country road trip with Guide to Europe!
Itinerary summary
See a summary of the itinerary that you can fully customize
Personalize your itinerary
Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1
- Bucharest - Arrival day
- More
- Romanian Athenaeum
- More
Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece 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.
You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Bucharest, including the outstanding Romanian Athenaeum. Having an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 14,475 reviews, this fascinating concert hall and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.
Find your way to your hotel in Bucharest. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Romania. Settle in and make plans for the evening.
As the sun sets on day 1 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Bucharest's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Romania 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, Bucharest has them.
Dine in style at Coftale Specialty Coffee Shop, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, PAPILA boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Complex Herăstrău. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bucharest.
Continue your lively evening at The Vintage Pub, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Newton Cocktail Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Qp Pub ensures a night out tailored to your taste.
Your multi-country road trip in Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece 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
- Veliko Tarnovo
- More
Drive 198 km, 3 hours 50 min
- King Mihai I Park (Herăstrău) CA
- Cișmigiu Gardens
- Tineretului Park
- Constitution Square
- "Carol I" Park
- More
On day 2 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece, 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 Veliko Tarnovo, 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 Cișmigiu Gardens is another top sight in Bucharest that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved park in the area, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 37,510 visitors.
Tineretului Park is a spectacular park and highlight on travelers’ itineraries in Bucharest, earning an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 37,528 enchanted visitors.
As the day moves along, be sure to make time to drop by the magnificent Constitution Square. Because of its allure and charm, around 19,690 visitors have rated this attraction and public square an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Discover the allure of Carol Park. Echoing its popularity, 16,604 travelers have awarded this famous park and sightseeing spot an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Veliko Tarnovo. 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 Bulgaria's delectable cuisine at one of Veliko Tarnovo'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 Restaurant "Ethno", a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Tavern "Petleto" offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, The Bell is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Veliko Tarnovo.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Famous Bar 2 stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Bar Grill Kolata offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Bar Melodie / Melody Bar / is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Celebrate day 2 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 3
- Veliko Tarnovo
- K'rdzhali
- Komotini
- More
Drive 291 km, 4 hours 25 min
- Monument of Mother Bulgaria
- Regional Museum of History Kardzhali
- Храм „Успение Богородично“
- More
Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your multi-country journey across Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Komotini where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.
One place travelers keep coming back to in Veliko Tarnovo is the magnificent Monument Of Mother Bulgaria. Around 2,801 visitors have rated this excellent monument and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Veliko Tarnovo and set your GPS to Kardzhali. 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 3 hours 12 min. Upon reaching Kardzhali, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Something that makes Kardzhali the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding museum, Regional Museum Of History Kardzhali. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,323 visitors.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Airovo, 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 Kardzhali to Airovo may take around 10 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Airovo, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Airovo today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Hram „uspenie Bogorodichno“. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 160 visitors.
After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Komotini. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.
In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Komotini’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, Bulgaria, and Greece.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Τα Αδέρφια, a top-rated dining spot in Komotini.
Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!
Day 4
- Komotini
- Xanthi
- Stara Zagora
- More
Drive 289 km, 4 hours 11 min
- Dimokratias Square
- The House of Shadow
- More
Dive into day 4 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece. Today's main destinations are Xanthi in Greece, 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 Stara Zagora. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Xanthi. This drive usually takes around 39 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
A tour of Xanthi is not complete without a visit to the famous Republic Square. This incredible public square and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,650 travelers.
Make the most of your Xanthi travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful The House Of Shadow. This art installation and unique destination is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 916 travelers.
After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Stara Zagora. 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.
If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Stara Zagora. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at The Fat Chef, a popular restaurant in Stara Zagora. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Stara Zagora at At The Admiral, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Restaurant Uniqato. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Stara Zagora tonight.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Beer Kolobars Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Brothers' Cafe is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Hello Cafe is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
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 5
- Stara Zagora
- Ruse
- More
Drive 222 km, 3 hours 47 min
- Artilereeski Park
- Зоологическа градина
- Park “Ayazmo“
- Bedechka Park
- More
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 Stara Zagora in Bulgaria. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Ruse, your home for 1 night.
In Stara Zagora, the extraordinary Artileriyski Park awaits. This attraction is a valued park that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,637 travelers' reviews.
Another of the best travel destinations in Stara Zagora is the spectacular Stara Zagora Zoo. This attraction is a zoo that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,506 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.
You could then travel to the amazing Park “ayazmo“. This local park and wonder has an overall review score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,330 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.
“bedechka” Park is another attraction you might want to add to your Stara Zagora 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 6,259 reviews.
After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Ruse 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 Ruse. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.
Savor the flavors at Restaurant "Pontoon", a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Bistro "Lake" beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider The Godfather. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Ruse tonight.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Black & White, known for its lively atmosphere. Bar Frame is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Bowling offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.
Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece! 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 6
- Ruse
- Bucharest
- More
Drive 97 km, 2 hours 26 min
- Monument of Liberty
- Regional Historical Museum
- EcoMuseum
- Pantheon of National Revival Heroes
- Lipnik
- More
On day 6 of your multi-country road trip across Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece, 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 Ruse in Bulgaria. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bucharest, where you will stay for 1 night.
A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Ruse is the fantastic Monument Of Liberty. As an appreciated monument and local gem in the area, Monument Of Liberty has earned an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 2,688 reviews.
Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary Regional Historical Museum. This attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,521 visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself!
Join countless others in discovering the allure of Ecomuseum, a standout museum and attraction that's captivated the hearts of many. It has a stellar rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,205 reviewers.
Experience the magic that has drawn so many to the doorstep of the outstanding Pantheon Of National Revival Heroes. This monument is a highly recommended attraction in the city boasting an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,080 visitor reviews.
Just around the corner lies the magnificent Lipnik Forest Park, a popular park and attraction many visitors enjoy. More than 2,416 people have rated this attraction an average of 4.5 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, Bucharest’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.
By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Bucharest. 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 Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece.
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 your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Control Club, known for its inviting atmosphere. Wicked Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Manasia Hub provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
As the night falls in Bucharest, 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 7
- Bucharest - Departure day
- More
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park (I O R )
- More
On day 7 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, Bulgaria, and Greece. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.
Maximize your last day in Romania and go on a shopping spree in Bucharest’s shopping center, the lively AFI Cotroceni. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Romania.
A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Bucharest is the fantastic "alexandru Ioan Cuza" Park. As an appreciated park and local gem in the area, "alexandru Ioan Cuza" Park has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 33,714 reviews.
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, Bulgaria, and Greece.
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 7-day European road trip in Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece with fond memories. Safe travels!
Similar travel packages
Discover other popular vacations in Romania
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.