7-Day Road Trip in Bulgaria and Greece from Sofia to Thessaloniki and Komotini

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 2 nights.

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.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Sofia is the magnificent Borisova Gradina Park. Around 27,212 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Sofia’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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant while you’re in Sofia. Famous for its lovely menu and delectable dishes, it has captivated around 4,010 diners, earning it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another favorite dining locale in Sofia is Restaurant Vodenitzata. Have a satisfying meal from the menu that has charmed its way to the hearts of around 3,223 happy customers, who gave it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

While in Sofia, enjoy Restaurant "Staria Chinar"’s delectable dishes. This dining establishment has earned a positive reputation and a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, thanks to the endorsements and reviews of around 2,717 satisfied guests.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend The School, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,988 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Bar Friday. It is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

The Cocktail Bar is a place where you can easily spend an hour or two of fun or relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 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.

On day 2, you will wake up in Sofia with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Sofia before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Bulgaria and Greece.

Sofia Zoo 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 4.3 out of 5 stars from 14,742 visitors.

In Sofia, don’t miss South Park, a great park and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,616 reviews.

Check other top attractions in Sofia off your list when you visit the wonderful National Palace of Culture. This popular sight is an outstanding convention center, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,244 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding Park "Zaimov". This park and place of interest has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,115 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, the fantastic North Park awaits. This park is a tourist hot spot, garnering an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,772 visitors.

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 Sofia in Bulgaria by embarking on popular tours and excursions. Joining tours will give you a deeper understanding of Sofia’s history and culture while meeting other adventurers like you.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Sofia. 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.

Have a delightful culinary experience when you dine at Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant. Favored by many foreign travelers and locals, this restaurant in Sofia boasts a carefully curated and enticing menu. Its delectable dishes have earned it an impressive rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from around 2,625 visitors.

Another dining spot you shouldn’t miss while in Sofia is Art Club Museum. It has garnered a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,570 diners thanks to its impeccable menu options and flavors.

Experience a celebration of flavors when you dine in at Merak, in Sofia. Its delightful menu and flavorful dishes have earned it a stellar rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,328 satisfied customers.

After your meal, continue your getaway at one of the hottest bars in the city, One More Bar. This bar has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers.

Alternatively, you can grab a few shots of your favorite drink and have an amazing night at the famous Halbite Beer Hall. This incredible bar has a vibrant atmosphere and plays great music, worthy of its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,280 customers.

The Corner cannot be missed with its wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Around 1,874 bar lovers have given this place a seal of approval with their 4.4 out of 5 stars average rating.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

On day 3 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 Sofia in Bulgaria and Thessaloniki in Greece. In the evening, you’ll end up in Thessaloniki, where you will stay for 2 nights.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Sofia is the magnificent Eagles' Bridge. Around 10,102 visitors have rated this excellent stone bridge and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral on this leg of your adventure in Bulgaria. This attraction is a well-known church that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 19,337 travelers.

The remarkable Ivan Vazov National Theater is known to be one of the best places to visit in Sofia, and its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,666 traveler reviews is proof.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Sofia, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Thessaloniki in Greece. Witness the landscapes transform as you cross the border to Greece. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 40 min.

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

Something that makes Sofia the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding stone bridge, Eagles' Bridge. This local gem has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 10,102 visitors.

The famous St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Sofia's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 19,337 travelers have rated this incredible church and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Sofia is also home to the extraordinary Ivan Vazov National Theater, which boasts a 4.8 out of 5 star rating in 9,666 traveler reviews.

Hit the road and make your way to the next destination. Reduta, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. We highly recommend checking out its most popular attractions.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Reduta is the magnificent Park "Geo Milev". Around 10,260 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Elevate your experience in Sofia by engaging in exhilarating activities and joining tours that uncover the hidden wonders of this beautiful city.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to include a unique blend of top-rated experiences to your travel diary. Browse all of your options below and reserve your slot before it's too late.

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 dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Thessaloniki. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Greece 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.

Elevate your experience by savoring a meal in Kanoula, a distinguished dining establishment in Thessaloniki. It has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews of 2,335 satisfied guests and a menu that’s committed to quality and flavor.

Another dining spot you shouldn't miss while in Thessaloniki is rOOTS. This popular restaurant’s appealing menu has garnered a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews shared by 2,104 happy diners.

Opsopoion Maganeiai stands out as a local favorite in Thessaloniki. 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 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 1,640 customers.

Order some of the best-tasting cocktails and celebrate the night away at Pulp. This famous bar in Thessaloniki has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,573 customers.

You can also check out an equally popular bar in the area, Makedonia Palace Hotel. This amazing place never disappoints with its variety of drinks and fantastic ambiance. Makedonia Palace Hotel has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,530 customers.

If you want to visit another bar, we recommend Kitchen Bar. 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 4.3 out of 5 stars from 9,067 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!

Wake up and see what day 4 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.

In Thessaloniki, the extraordinary Kapani awaits. This attraction is a valued market that boasts an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,510 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Thessaloniki is the spectacular Agias Sofias Square. This attraction is a square that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,128 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing Holy Church of Hagia Sophia. This local church and wonder has an overall review score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,520 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

Arch of Galerius and Rotunda is another attraction you might want to add to your Thessaloniki exploration itinerary. This tetrapylon is a popular stop among travelers in the area, as seen in its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,979 reviews.

Make more amazing memories during your vacation in Bulgaria by adding tours and activities to your travel itinerary. Tours are another exciting way to experience the best of Thessaloniki, immersing yourself in local customs and meeting new friends.

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.

Don't miss out on experiencing Giok Balik, a renowned dining spot in Thessaloniki. 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 4,336 satisfied guests.

Make a reservation at Loupino Restaurant while immersing yourself in Thessaloniki. This distinguished restaurant offers imaginative dishes, with a remarkable rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,657 guests.

Discover the culinary treasures of Sebriko, a beloved dining establishment within Thessaloniki. Its exquisite menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to culinary bliss. Renowned for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 2,978 satisfied customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Thessaloniki. At Δέντρο στο Bar, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,446 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your adventure at Wall by Wall, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,128 reviews.

SKYLINE - OTE Tower is also one of the best places in Thessaloniki where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,534 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!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Greece. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to 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 Komotini. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Thessaloniki today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Aristotelous Square. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 42,179 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular White Tower of Thessaloniki. This incredible attraction and fortified tower holds an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to 50,663 visitors. Up to 290,192 people visit this fantastic attraction every year.

According to travelers in Thessaloniki, the extraordinary Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and archaeological museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,924 visitors.

As the day moves along, don’t miss out the incredible sightseeing destination, The Umbrellas Sculpture by Zogolopoulos. Up to 13,531 visitors have rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Feel the freedom as you navigate your way from Thessaloniki to Komotini. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 42 min without stops.

When you're ready to continue your journey, get into the car. As you arrive in Thessaloniki, slow down and say goodbye to the road for a while. Thessaloniki welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences. Stretch your arms and legs and head out into the city.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Thessaloniki is the fantastic Aristotelous Square. As an appreciated square and local gem in the area, Aristotelous Square has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 42,179 reviews.

Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary White Tower of Thessaloniki, which is a fortified tower that gets around 290,192 visits every year. This attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 50,663 visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself!

Join countless others in discovering the allure of Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, a standout archaeological museum and attraction that's captivated the hearts of many. It has a stellar rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,924 reviewers.

Experience the magic that has drawn so many to the doorstep of the outstanding The Umbrellas Sculpture by Zogolopoulos. This sightseeing destination is a highly recommended attraction in the city boasting an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,531 visitor reviews.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki.

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.

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Greece's delectable cuisine at one of Komotini'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 delightful culinary experience when you dine at Καψούλι. Favored by many foreign travelers and locals, this restaurant in Komotini boasts a carefully curated and enticing menu. Its delectable dishes have earned it an impressive rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 1,722 visitors.

Another dining spot you shouldn’t miss while in Komotini is Παντοπωλείο στο Ρολόι. It has garnered a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,049 diners thanks to its impeccable menu options and flavors.

Experience a celebration of flavors when you dine in at Tavern "Port", in Komotini. Its delightful menu and flavorful dishes have earned it a stellar rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 883 satisfied customers.

Wrap up your evening by visiting the renowned Μαρμελάδα Wine Bar, a must-visit hotspot in the city of Komotini. This bar has garnered an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, backed by 1,008 delighted customers.

Alternatively, quench your thirst at the popular Kaffeine, consistently rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Or, for an authentic local recommendation, head over to Komotinaion Club, one of the top-rated bars in Komotini, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,022 satisfied customers.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 3 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this European tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Asenovgrad in Bulgaria. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Sofia. Sofia will be your home for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive towards Bulgaria, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Plovdiv. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 53 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you start to long for the next destination, jump into the car and continue your journey. When you reach Asenovgrad, that’s your cue to take a breather from the road. Check out some of the top attractions in the town.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Asenovgrad today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Asen's Fortress. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,988 visitors.

Sofia’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Asenovgrad behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 7 min.

When you start to long for the next destination, jump into the car and continue your journey. When you reach Plovdiv, that’s your cue to take a breather from the road. Check out some of the top attractions in the city.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Plovdiv, including the outstanding Singing Fountains. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,192 reviews, this fascinating park and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the town.

Plovdiv is also home to the captivating “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park, a local park considered one of the highlights of the town. About 15,208 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.8 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Plovdiv. This extraordinary point of interest and tourist hot spot boasts a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,478 travelers.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Asenovgrad, its culture, and people.

So be sure to reserve your slot early so you won’t miss the chance to join this highly recommended activity in Asenovgrad.

Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Sofia.

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.

Reserve a table at Garden restaurant Yoli, a renowned restaurant in Sofia. This culinary gem and its delectable cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 1,745 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Hasienda Restaurant while in Sofia. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 1,469 discerning diners.

Many previous guests have raved about this restaurant.

Experience a taste of Sofia at Taj Mahal Restaurant, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 1,423 customers.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Bar & Dinner Relax, one of the top bars in the city. An excellent place to unwind and enjoy a refreshing evening drink, Bar & Dinner Relax has earned an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,554 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals and other travelers at The Wrong Bar, a crowd-favorite. Around 1,293 customers have rated their experience at The Wrong Bar an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Face bar & dinner belongs to the list of the best bars in Sofia, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,437 bar-goers.

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 7 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.

As your final day in Bulgaria unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Sofia’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Bulgaria.

A tour of Sofia is not complete without a visit to the famous Holy Trinity Park. This incredible park and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,720 travelers.

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 7-day European road trip in Bulgaria and Greece with fond memories. Safe travels!