7-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia traveling west to Blagoevgrad

Photo of Saint George is a Medieval Bulgarian Church in the town of Kyustendil, Bulgaria. There's a wonderful medieval murals of the 11-12 century.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
6 nights included
Car rental
7 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 7-day road trip through Bulgaria.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Bulgaria. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 4 nights in Bankya and 2 nights in Blagoevgrad, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Bulgaria. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Bankya and Blagoevgrad. We'll help you experience the best 7 days in Bulgaria you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Sofia, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria, including the stunning South Park and Borisova Gradina Park.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Bulgaria. From the magnificent St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to the breathtaking National Palace of Culture and Park "Geo Milev", your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Sofia Zoo and learn more about the unique Rila Monastery to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Bankya and Blagoevgrad, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Bulgaria. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Bulgaria.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Bulgaria. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Bulgaria.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Bulgaria.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Bulgaria has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Bulgaria. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 6 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 6 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Bulgaria extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Bulgaria fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Bulgaria today!

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Included

Hotel, 6 nights
Rental car, 7 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Photo of aerial view of Bankya that is a small town located on the outskirts of Sofia in western Bulgaria.Bankya / 4 nights
Photo of Saint George is a Medieval Bulgarian Church in the town of Kyustendil, Bulgaria.Sandanski
Кюстендил -  in BulgariaKyustendil
Перник -  in BulgariaPernik
Blagoevgrad - city in BulgariaBlagoevgrad / 2 nights

Map

Attractions

South Park
Borisova Gradina Park
St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Photo of Beautiful view of the Orthodox Rila Monastery, a famous tourist attraction and cultural heritage monument in the Rila Nature Park mountains in Bulgaria.Rila Monastery
Sofia Zoo, R-7276261, R-186382, R-4283101Sofia Zoo
Photo of sunset aerial view of the National Palace of Culture in Sofia, Bulgaria.National Palace of Culture
Park "Geo Milev
Photo of Eagles' bridge in Sofia, Bulgaria.Eagles' Bridge
Druzhba Park
Holy Trinity Park
Knyazheska Garden
Park "St. Vrach", Sandanski, Blagoevgrad, BulgariaPark "St Vrach
Photo of the Medieval Orthodox Rozhen Monastery near Melnik, Bulgaria.Rozhen Monastery
photo of  view of View of ruined defence walls and tower of Hisarlaka fortress with big broken jars in Kyustendil, Bulgaria,Kyustendil bulgaria.Hisarlaka Fortress
Kordopulov House, Sandanski, Blagoevgrad, BulgariaKordopulov House
photo of view of Path along the Stob Pyramids Rock Formations in Bulgaria.,Stob Bulgaria.Stob Earth Pyramids
Transko zhdrelo, Tran, Pernik, BulgariaTransko zhdrelo
Alis Petting Zoo, Pernik, BulgariaAlis Petting Zoo
Централен парк
Zemen Monastery "St. John the Apostle", Zemen, Pernik, BulgariaZemen Monastery "St John the Apostle"
Kadin Bridge
Еpiscopal Basilica, Sandanski, Blagoevgrad, BulgariaЕpiscopal Basilica

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Sofia - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Sofia - arrival day

  • Bankya - Arrival day
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 4 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Sofia has many popular destinations you can explore.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia, Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,010 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia is Restaurant Vodenitzata. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,223 customers.

Locals recommend Restaurant "Staria Chinar" as one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

Sofia also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Sofia is The School. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,988 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Sofia is Bar Friday. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

Locals also enjoy The Cocktail Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 7-day vacation in Bulgaria!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Sofia and Reduta

Day 2

Day 2 – Sofia and Reduta

  • Bankya
  • More

Drive 75 km, 1 hour 57 min

  • Druzhba Park
  • Park "Geo Milev
  • Borisova Gradina Park
  • Sofia Zoo
  • South Park
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Sofia has to offer. Cherish the 3 nights you have left in Sofia by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Sofia. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Sofia, like the extraordinary Druzhba Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,441 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Sofia is the spectacular Borisova Gradina Park. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 27,212 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Sofia Zoo. This zoo has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,742 visitors.

South Park is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This park is a popular destination among visitors in Sofia. Rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,616 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Sofia does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Sofia on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria, be sure to eat at Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,625 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Sofia is the popular Art Club Museum. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,570 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Sofia is Merak. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,328 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, One More Bar is one of the best bars in the city of Sofia for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers.

Halbite Beer Hall is another of the most popular bars in the city of Sofia. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Sofia is The Corner. The Corner has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,874 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Sofia!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Sofia

Day 3

Day 3 – Sofia

  • Bankya
  • More

Drive 41 km, 1 hour 20 min

  • Holy Trinity Park
  • St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • Eagles' Bridge
  • Knyazheska Garden
  • National Palace of Culture
  • More

Day 3 of your road trip across Bulgaria is another day in the magnificent Sofia. You now have 2 nights left in Sofia. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Sofia offers plenty for you to see and do, and your hotel will be conveniently located near several of the area's best attractions.

One of the best travel destinations you can travel to in the city of Sofia is the stunning Holy Trinity Park. This has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,720 visitors.

You could also spend some time visiting the spectacular St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in the city of Sofia. This attraction is a church and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,337 visitors.

Another attraction you could visit in the city of Sofia is the incredible Eagles' Bridge. This attraction is a stone bridge and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,102 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Knyazheska Garden. This park and travel destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,658 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the outstanding National Palace of Culture. This convention center is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,244 visitors.

Today you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a popular tour. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for top-rated tours and activities in Sofia you could sign up for on this day of your vacation. Choose among the best tours before or after booking.

When it’s time to eat, the city of Sofia has restaurants and bars to fit all budgets.

We recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia, Garden restaurant Yoli. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,745 customers.

Alternatively, if you’re hungry to try a top restaurant in the city of Sofia that locals enjoy, eat at Hasienda Restaurant. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,469 customers.

Another of the best restaurant options in the city of Sofia is Taj Mahal Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,423 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Sofia, Bar & Dinner Relax. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,554 customers.

For one of the best bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Sofia, we recommend the cocktails at The Wrong Bar. This bar has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,293 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Sofia is Face bar & dinner. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,437 customers.

Toast to another amazing day in the city of Sofia!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Bogoyna, Leskovets, Zemen, and Blagoevgrad

Day 4

Day 4 – Bogoyna, Leskovets, Zemen, and Blagoevgrad

  • Pernik
  • Blagoevgrad
  • More

Drive 272 km, 4 hours 22 min

  • Централен парк
  • Transko zhdrelo
  • Alis Petting Zoo
  • Zemen Monastery "St John the Apostle"
  • More

Day 4 of your road trip through Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Bogoyna and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Blagoevgrad. You will stay in Blagoevgrad for 2 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Bogoyna is the amazing Erma River Gorge, Tran. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,041 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Bogoyna by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Bulgaria. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Blagoevgrad, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Trezor, one of the best restaurants in the city of Blagoevgrad. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 563 customers.

Locals also recommend Bar Diva I as one of the best restaurants in the city of Blagoevgrad. Bar Diva I is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,536 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Blagoevgrad is Tsarski klub Varosha. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 764 customers.

After dinner, visit BeFree, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Blagoevgrad. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 851 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like khotel "OMON". This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 491 customers.

Alternatively, Nays pleys is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Blagoevgrad. This bar is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 657 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Kyustendil, Rozhen, Melnik, and Blagoevgrad

Day 5

Day 5 – Kyustendil, Rozhen, Melnik, and Blagoevgrad

  • Sandanski
  • Blagoevgrad
  • More

Drive 186 km, 3 hours 27 min

  • Rozhen Monastery
  • Kordopulov House
  • Еpiscopal Basilica
  • Park "St Vrach
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Kyustendil has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Kyustendil by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Kyustendil. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the town of Kyustendil, like the extraordinary Rozhen Monastery. This attraction is a monastery and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,322 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Kyustendil is the spectacular Kordopulov House. This attraction is a building and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,267 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Episcopal Basilica. This landmark has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 491 visitors.

Park "St. Vrach" is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This park is a popular destination among visitors in Kyustendil. Rated at an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,589 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Kyustendil does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Kyustendil on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria, be sure to eat at Verde, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Blagoevgrad. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 717 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Blagoevgrad is the popular Largo's View. This restaurant is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 665 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Blagoevgrad is Ray. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 493 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Flavor Bar & Restaurant is one of the best bars in the city of Blagoevgrad for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 288 customers.

Swing is another of the most popular bars in the city of Blagoevgrad. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 144 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Blagoevgrad is Naomi Bar & Patisserie. Naomi Bar & Patisserie has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 264 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Blagoevgrad!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Rila Monastery, Kyustendil, Nevestino, and Sofia

Day 6

Day 6 – Rila Monastery, Kyustendil, Nevestino, and Sofia

  • Kyustendil
  • Bankya
  • More

Drive 233 km, 3 hours 43 min

  • Stob Earth Pyramids
  • Rila Monastery
  • Hisarlaka Fortress
  • Kadin Bridge
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 6 of your epic road trip in Bulgaria, you'll awaken to the bustling hamlet of Rila Monastery. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Rila Monastery’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Rila Monastery, start your day with a visit to the amazing Rila Monastery. This much-appreciated monastery and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 17,913 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Rila Monastery has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Sofia. Sofia offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Mamma Mia Ltd. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,252 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Sofia, the fantastic Lime Cafe & Cocktails. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,223 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful 5 Corners Pub. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,463 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Luciano. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,291 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

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Experiences

Day 7 – Sofia - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 – Sofia - departure day

  • Bankya - Departure day
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Sofia before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Sofia and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Bulgaria.

You’ll then say farewell to Sofia. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Bulgaria!

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Experiences

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