6-Day Road Trip in Bulgaria and Greece from Sofia to Thessaloniki and Blagoevgrad

Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Bulgaria and Greece begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Sofia in Bulgaria. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Sofia for 1 night.

Catch an early flight to Bulgaria to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Sofia 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.

Borisova Gradina Park is a travelers’ favorite in Sofia, 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 27,212 visitors.

Find your way to your hotel in Sofia. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Bulgaria. 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 Sofia's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Bulgaria 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, Sofia has them.

Elevate your experience by savoring a meal in Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant, a distinguished dining establishment in Sofia. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews of 4,010 satisfied guests and a menu that’s committed to quality and flavor.

Another dining spot you shouldn't miss while in Sofia is Restaurant Vodenitzata. This popular restaurant’s appealing menu has garnered a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews shared by 3,223 happy diners.

Restaurant "Staria Chinar" stands out as a local favorite in Sofia. It offers a menu that promises to take you on a flavorful journey. Due to its reputation for delivering a good dining experience, it has earned a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 2,717 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Sofia. At The School, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,988 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your adventure at Bar Friday, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 3,410 reviews.

The Cocktail Bar is also one of the best places in Sofia where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,814 customers.

Your multi-country road trip in 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.

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Greece. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Sofia in Bulgaria and Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Sofia, including the outstanding St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,337 reviews, this fascinating church and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Sofia is also home to the captivating National Palace of Culture, a local convention center considered one of the highlights of the city. About 14,244 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.5 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary South Park is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Sofia. This extraordinary park and tourist hot spot boasts a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,616 travelers.

A trip to the wonderful Ivan Vazov National Theater will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing point of interest and attraction an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 9,666 reviews.

After soaking in Sofia’s unique atmosphere, jump back into your car with a full heart, and drive in the direction of your next destination: Thessaloniki, Greece. Expect your car journey to last a minimum of 3 hours 40 min.

When you're ready for a new adventure, get into the car and drive to your next destination. Upon reaching Sofia, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Sofia today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,337 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular National Palace of Culture. This incredible attraction and convention center holds an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to 14,244 visitors.

According to travelers in Sofia, the extraordinary South Park is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,616 visitors.

As the day moves along, don’t miss out the incredible point of interest, Ivan Vazov National Theater. Up to 9,666 visitors have rated it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Sofia by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Sofia.

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

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 Bulgaria and Greece.

Make sure to book a table at Kanoula, a popular restaurant in Thessaloniki. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of food lovers. Its commitment to culinary excellence is evident in its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 2,335 satisfied guests.

Do not miss the opportunity to dine at rOOTS during your stay in Thessaloniki. This popular dining spot boasts a tantalizing menu, earning a remarkable rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, esteemed by 2,104 satisfied guests.

Savor the flavors of Opsopoion Maganeiai, a renowned dining destination in Thessaloniki. Offering a menu that's sure to please, it has a gained 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 1,640 satisfied guests.

Spend the night with your favorite cocktail in hand at Pulp. This bar is among the most recommended in the city, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,573 customers.

Embrace relaxation as you toast to a fantastic night at Makedonia Palace Hotel. This popular bar in Thessaloniki is a local favorite with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,530 customers.

If you want to check out another bar in the area, you’ll love Kitchen Bar. This bar is known for its many choices of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Kitchen Bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 9,067 reviews.

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!

Wake up and see what day 3 of your great European road trip in Bulgaria and Greece has in store for you! You will be staying in Thessaloniki for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Thessaloniki today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding White Tower of Thessaloniki. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 50,663 visitors and attracts around 290,192 curious travelers annually.

Next, discover the charms of the popular The Umbrellas Sculpture by Zogolopoulos. This incredible attraction and point of interest holds an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to 13,531 visitors.

While in Thessaloniki, take the chance to join a popular tour to experience something one-of-a-kind during your getaway in Bulgaria. Check out all the tours Thessaloniki offers, and personalize your vacation package to your preferences for an amazing day in the city.

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 Bulgaria and Greece by rewarding yourself with a taste of Thessaloniki’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 a reservation at Giok Balik, a popular dining spot in Thessaloniki. Its reputation for being a popular dining spot shines through its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 4,336 satisfied diners.

Make a reservation at Loupino Restaurant while indulging in the charm of Thessaloniki. This restaurant offers a delicious menu reflected with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, cherished by 3,657 discerning connoisseurs.

Indulge in the flavors of Sebriko, a treasured establishment in Thessaloniki. Its diverse menu promises to tantalize your palate and elevate your dining experience. Known for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 2,978 satisfied guests.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Δέντρο στο Bar, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,446 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Wall by Wall. It is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,128 customers.

SKYLINE - OTE Tower is a place where you can easily spend an hour or two of fun or relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,534 customers.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Bulgaria and Greece! Enjoy your evening in Thessaloniki to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply just relaxing.

On day 4 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Bulgaria and Greece, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Thessaloniki in Greece and Blagoevgrad in Bulgaria. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Blagoevgrad, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Kapani. This outstanding market and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 from 11,510 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Kapani is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Aristotelous Square is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This square and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 42,179 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing square, Agias Sofias Square. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,128 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

The top-rated Arch of Galerius and Rotunda, an outstanding market, is one place you should visit while in Thessaloniki considering its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,979 travelers.

Explore the magnificent Atatürk Museum and discover what makes this local house museum and wonder one of the best attractions in Thessaloniki. This popular sightseeing destination enjoys a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 7,420 travelers.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Thessaloniki, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your European road trip adventure. Set course for Bulgaria! Under favorable conditions, your drive to Blagoevgrad may take around 2 hours 30 min.

Set your GPS to Thessaloniki and hit the road. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring a new destination. Thessaloniki beckons with new experiences!

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Kapani. This outstanding market and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 from 11,510 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Kapani is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Aristotelous Square is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This square and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 42,179 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing square, Agias Sofias Square. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,128 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

The top-rated Arch of Galerius and Rotunda, an outstanding market, is one place you should visit while in Thessaloniki considering its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,979 travelers.

Explore the magnificent Atatürk Museum and discover what makes this local house museum and wonder one of the best attractions in Thessaloniki. This popular sightseeing destination enjoys a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 7,420 travelers.

Your destination has so much to offer to all kinds of travelers. Discover more about this place and add more excitement to your vacation in Thessaloniki in Bulgaria by embarking on popular tours and excursions. Joining tours will give you a deeper understanding of Blagoevgrad’s history and culture while meeting other adventurers like you.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Blagoevgrad. 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.

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

For a memorable dining experience, be sure to visit Trezor. Known for its excellent cuisine and commitment to quality dishes, this restaurant in Blagoevgrad has received a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from around 563 happy diners.

When seeking local-favorite dining spots, Bar Diva I should be on your list. Situated in the heart of Blagoevgrad, it has become a beloved food venue for its delicious menu. It boasts a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,536 satisfied diners, a testament to its favored status.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Book a table at Царски клуб Вароша. This highly regarded restaurant in Blagoevgrad has earned a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, thanks to its flavorful dishes and positive reviews from 764 satisfied guests.

Order some of the best-tasting cocktails and celebrate the night away at BeFree. This famous bar in Blagoevgrad has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 851 customers.

You can also check out an equally popular bar in the area, хотел "ОМОН". This amazing place never disappoints with its variety of drinks and fantastic ambiance. Хотел "ОМОН" has received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 491 customers.

If you want to visit another bar, we recommend Найс плейс. This bar offers guests many choices of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to pair with a great night, helping it earn an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 657 customers.

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!

On day 5 of your multi-country road trip across 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 Plovdiv in Bulgaria. In the evening, you’ll end up in Sofia, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Blagoevgrad, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Sofia. This drive usually takes around 4 hours 26 min.

Jump into the car and set your direction on Plovdiv. Once you arrive, make time to explore the city’s most popular attractions and learn something new today.

In Plovdiv, the extraordinary Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis awaits. This attraction is a valued sightseeing destination that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,478 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Plovdiv is the spectacular “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,208 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing Singing Fountains. This local park and wonder has an overall review score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,192 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

Youth Hill is another attraction you might want to add to your Plovdiv exploration itinerary. This park is a popular stop among travelers in the area, as seen in its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,980 reviews.

We recommend checking out all the tours and activities you can add to your package. Embarking on a tour is an excellent way of learning something new in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

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

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Bulgaria and Greece, 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.

Don't miss out on experiencing Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant, a renowned dining spot in Sofia. This restaurant's rich flavors have left a lasting impression on diners. Its dedication to culinary perfection is evident in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 2,625 satisfied guests.

Make a reservation at Art Club Museum while immersing yourself in Sofia. This distinguished restaurant offers imaginative dishes, with a remarkable rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,570 guests.

Discover the culinary treasures of Merak, a beloved dining establishment within Sofia. Its exquisite menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to culinary bliss. Renowned for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 2,328 satisfied customers.

Quench your thirst after a long day of adventure at One More Bar, a prime hotspot for fun and relaxation seekers in the city. One More Bar boasts an impressive 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 2,228 customers.

Or, try the exciting drinks at Halbite Beer Hall, a vibrant place where locals and travelers converge for spirited toasts and amazing stories. Halbite Beer Hall has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,280 customers.

As the sun dips below the horizon, make a stop at another famous bar in the area, The Corner. This bar is a local favorite, with an impressive rating of 4.4 out of 5-star from 2,280 customers.

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 6 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Sofia 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 Bulgaria and Greece. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.

On your last day in Bulgaria, take time to indulge in shopping at Sofia’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Bulgaria. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated park and attraction in Sofia — Park "Zaimov". About 15,115 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Get a last taste of Bulgaria’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Sofia 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 Bulgaria and Greece.

The time has come to say farewell to Sofia 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 Bulgaria and Greece with fond memories. Safe travels!