9-Day Bulgaria Road Trip around Sofia to Kyustendil, Plovdiv, and Blagoevgrad

Photo of Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
9 days & 8 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
8 nights included
Car rental
9 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 9-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 5 nights in Sofia, 1 night in Kyustendil, 1 night in Plovdiv, and 1 night 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 Sofia, Kyustendil, Plovdiv, Blagoevgrad, and Pernik. We'll help you experience the best 9 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 Borisova Gradina Park and South Park.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We've 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 Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis and Rila Monastery, 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. As you hit the open road and drive through Sofia, Kyustendil, Plovdiv, Blagoevgrad, and Pernik, 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 8 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 8 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. All taxes are included in your vacation package price. 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, 8 nights
Rental car, 9 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Sofia - city in BulgariaSofia / 5 nights
Перник -  in BulgariaPernik
Photo of aerial view of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Plovdiv / 1 night
Трън -  in BulgariaTran
Кюстендил -  in BulgariaKyustendil / 1 night
Blagoevgrad - city in BulgariaBlagoevgrad / 1 night

Map

Attractions

South Park
Borisova Gradina Park
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
St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
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
Tsar Simeon Garden
Park "Zaimov"
Singing Fountains
Photo of Eagles' bridge in Sofia, Bulgaria.Eagles' Bridge
Vitosha
Ivan Vazov" National Theater
Park "Geo Milev
Druzhba Park
Holy Trinity Park
Knyazheska Garden
Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
Russian Monument Square
Sveta Nedelya Church
Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker
Muzeiko
Rila, R-1739530, R-186382Rila
Transko zhdrelo, Tran, Pernik, BulgariaTransko zhdrelo
Zemen Monastery "St. John the Apostle", Zemen, Pernik, BulgariaZemen Monastery "St John the Apostle"
Holy Paraskeva, Tran, Pernik, BulgariaHoly Paraskeva
Vrabcha Waterfall
Living Water Spring
Ecopath "Looking at nine mountains", Kovachevtsi, Pernik, BulgariaEcopath "Looking at nine mountains"
Tran Eco Trail II, Tran, Pernik, BulgariaTran Eco Trail II
Holy Trinity, Tran, Pernik, BulgariaHoly Trinity

Travel details

Travel dates
Jan 1 - Jan 9

Include flights?

Yes
No

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travelers

Rooms

1 traveler1 room
1 traveler1 room

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

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

  • Sofia - Arrival day
  • More
  • Holy Trinity Park
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 5 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Sofia has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Holy Trinity Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,629 visitors.

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.

Sofia also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-day vacation in Bulgaria!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Sofia

Day 2

Day 2 – Sofia

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 30 km, 1 hour 11 min

  • Druzhba Park
  • Park "Geo Milev
  • Sofia Zoo
  • Borisova Gradina Park
  • Ivan Vazov" National Theater
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Sofia has to offer. Cherish the 4 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 town 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 8,323 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Sofia is the spectacular Park "Geo Milev". This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,902 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Borisova Gradina Park. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,952 visitors.

Ivan Vazov National Theater is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This top-tier point of interest is a popular destination among visitors in Sofia. Rated at an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,201 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 Restaurant "Staria Chinar", 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 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 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

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 24 km, 1 hour 17 min

  • Sveta Nedelya Church
  • Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker
  • National Palace of Culture
  • South Park
  • More

Day 3 of your road trip across Bulgaria is another day in the magnificent Sofia. You now have 3 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 town of Sofia is the stunning St. Nedelya Church. This has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,189 visitors.

You could also spend some time visiting the spectacular Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker in the town of Sofia. This attraction is a church and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,714 visitors.

Another attraction you could visit in the town of Sofia is the incredible National Palace of Culture. This attraction is a convention center and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,776 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic South Park. This park and travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,055 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.

Toast to another amazing day in the city of Sofia!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Sofia

Day 4

Day 4 – Sofia

  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 18 km, 49 min

  • Park "Zaimov"
  • St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • Knyazheska Garden
  • Eagles' Bridge
  • Muzeiko
  • More

Day 4 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 town of Sofia is the stunning St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,076 visitors.

You could also spend some time visiting the spectacular Knyazheska Garden in the town of Sofia. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,458 visitors.

Another attraction you could visit in the town 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 9,677 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, Taj Mahal Restaurant. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,423 customers.

Toast to another amazing day in the city of Sofia!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Pernik and Kyustendil

Day 5

Day 5 – Pernik and Kyustendil

  • Kyustendil
  • More

Drive 215 km, 4 hours 4 min

  • Vrabcha Waterfall
  • Tran Eco Trail II
  • Ecopath "Looking at nine mountains"
  • Zemen Monastery "St John the Apostle"
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip through Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Kyustendil for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Pernik is the amazing Vrabcha waterfall. This attraction is a waterfall that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 409 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Yablanitsa River Gorge. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 342 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Pernik is the outstanding Ecopath "Looking at nine mountains". This popular top-tier point of interest and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 393 visitors.

The spectacular Zemen Monastery "St. John the Apostle" is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating place of worship and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,529 visitors.

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 Kyustendil, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restaurant Friends, one of the best restaurants in the city of Kyustendil. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,791 customers.

Locals also recommend Pizza Royal Kyustendil as one of the best restaurants in the city of Kyustendil. Pizza Royal Kyustendil is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 673 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Kyustendil is Hotel Ramira. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 593 customers.

After dinner, visit Vintage bar and dinner, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Kyustendil. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 201 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 6 – Pernik and Plovdiv

Day 6

Day 6 – Pernik and Plovdiv

  • Tran
  • Plovdiv
  • More

Drive 324 km, 4 hours 37 min

  • Transko zhdrelo
  • Holy Trinity
  • Holy Paraskeva
  • More

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Plovdiv. You’ll stay in Plovdiv for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Pernik’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Pernik, start your day with a visit to the amazing Erma River Gorge, Tran. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,980 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Holy Trinity. This church and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 183 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Holy Paraskeva to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Holy Paraskeva is a church that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 420 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Pernik has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Plovdiv. Plovdiv 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 Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,229 reviews.

The remarkable Pavaj is another top restaurant in Plovdiv we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Rahat Tepe is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Plovdiv, the fantastic Club Fargo. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

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Experiences

Day 7 – Plovdiv and Blagoevgrad

Day 7

Day 7 – Plovdiv and Blagoevgrad

  • Plovdiv
  • Blagoevgrad
  • More

Drive 268 km, 3 hours 18 min

  • Singing Fountains
  • Tsar Simeon Garden
  • Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
  • Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
  • More

Day 7 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 Plovdiv and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Blagoevgrad. You will stay in Blagoevgrad for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Plovdiv is the amazing Singing Fountains. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,815 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible must-see tourist destination, Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,228 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Plovdiv is the outstanding Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This popular best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,047 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Plovdiv 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 Joshua Bar & Kitchen. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 397 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 STAGE Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 145 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 8 – Kyustendil, Pernik, and Sofia

Day 8

Day 8 – Kyustendil, Pernik, and Sofia

  • Pernik
  • Sofia
  • More

Drive 216 km, 4 hours 18 min

  • Rila Monastery
  • Rila
  • Vitosha
  • Living Water Spring
  • More

You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore today is Rila Monastery. This excellent attraction is a monastery that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 17,257 visitors.

Around 2,931 travelers rated this attraction with 4.7 out of 5 stars.

To experience the local culture, see more of Bulgaria, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Bulgaria. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Vitosha Nature Park for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Pernik. This popular attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,355 visitors.

This outstanding must-see tourist destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 375 travelers.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Sofia.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria with a toast!

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Experiences

Day 9 – Sofia - departure day

Day 9

Day 9 – Sofia - departure day

  • Sofia - Departure day
  • More
  • Russian Monument Square
  • More

Day 9 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.

Russian Monument Square is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Sofia. This best-rated sightseeing destination and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,387 visitors.

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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