10-Day Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Sofia traveling east to Plovdiv, Smolyan, and Bansko

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night.

South Park leaves a lasting impression. This park is one of the most locally renowned places to visit in Sofia. Next, head to National Palace Of Culture, a popular convention center, known for its picture-perfect features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Borisova Gradina Park. This romantic park is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky and National Theater "ivan Vazov" Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Bulgaria. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

For an unforgettable shopping experience, visit Vitosha Boulevard, the top shopping destination in Sofia. Browse local shops and stores, each offering delightful surprises. Find unique souvenirs or items to take home. After shopping, explore what Vitosha Boulevard has to offer, including restaurants, attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Sofia. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", a top-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Hotel Forum, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Turquoise Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Kathrine Cocktail - Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, The Cocktail Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Urban Rebel also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Bulgaria!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Plovdiv. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Plovdiv, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Plovdiv, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Sofia to Plovdiv may take around 1 hour 48 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Plovdiv, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Youth Hill. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the park before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis. This locally appreciated archeological site is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to “tsar Simeon Garden” Park. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the park. Next, take your journey to Singing Fountain, a popular art installation.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Plovdiv, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Plovdiv. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Salt & Pepper, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Rahat Tepe is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at KFC. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Plovdiv tonight.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Rock Bar Download, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of North Star, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Morado Bar & Dinner likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Say good night to Plovdiv and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

Day 4 of your road trip across Bulgaria promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Plovdiv. You have 1 night left in Plovdiv. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Alyosha Monument is must-visit monument and a great option for a daytime tour of the area. Continue your journey to Museum Of Natural Sciences, an intriguing museum, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis, a picture-perfect archeological site, also available for your discovery today.

Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Plovdiv. When you're ready, let your sightseeing route take you to the often recommended Old Town Of Plovdiv. If you’re looking for more, Nebet Tepe is also an often recommended attraction that is worthwhile a visit.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Bulgaria. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Plovdiv. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Sofra is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Central Park. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Plovdiv tonight.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Qbar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Anyway Social Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Bulgaria!

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria includes 5 stops and features some of the highlights of Zlatovrah, Asenovgrad, Bachkovo, Chepelare, and Smolyan. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Smolyan, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Set your GPS to Zlatovrah and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 38 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Zlatovrah beckons with new experiences!

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Arapovo Monastery, a worthwhile monastery that everyone visiting Zlatovrah should see.

When you’ve had your share of Zlatovrah, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Asenovgrad. Your travel time is around 25 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Asenovgrad is Asen's Fortress, a curiosity-inducing castle that draws attention for its romantic features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Asenovgrad, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bachkovo. This drive usually takes around 16 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno". Spend some time admiring the stunning features of the monastery before you continue to your next stop.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Smolyan. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

Smolyan is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Smolyan.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at restaurant ECO, a popular restaurant in Smolyan. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Smolyan at Mehana „Mecho ukho“, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Milano. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Smolyan tonight.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Venus Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Caffe The Clock. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Bulgaria!

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Smolyan, where you have 1 night left to stay.

Iagodina’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Smolyan behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 30 min. Iagodina welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Jeep To Eagle Eye, a curiosity-inducing off-road park that everyone visiting Iagodina should see. Next, head to Eagle's Eye. This mesmerizing observation deck is one of the most curiosity-inducing attractions in the region.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Borino, home to many well-known sights in the region. Upon arrival in Borino, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Borino is Yagodinska Cave, a worthwhile cave that draws attention for its instagrammable features.

Set your GPS to Trigrad and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 21 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Trigrad beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Devil's Throat Cave, an increasingly popular cave known for its eye-catching features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Trigrad Gorge, an intriguing canyon.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Smolyan.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Smolyan. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Dine in style at Vertu Bar&dinner, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Hotel-restorant „Balgarche“ boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Radost Restaurant. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Smolyan.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Bulgaria!

On day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Razlog and Bansko are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bansko, where you will stay for 2 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Smolyan, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Razlog. Your travel time is around 3 hours 44 min.

Park "razlog" is an intriguing park we recommend visiting today. Discover its enchanting features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Set your GPS to Bansko and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 15 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bansko beckons with new experiences!

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Holy Trinity Church and explore the culturally significant features. Next, make your way to House Museum Of Nikola Vaptsarov, another highlight in Bansko. When you’re done exploring the museum, continue to City Park, a picturesque park.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Bansko. Bansko offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bansko. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Kasapinova Mehana, a highly-rated dining destination in Bansko. If you're eager to try something different, consider Euphoria, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at OSCAR Wine Bar & Gastro. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bansko this evening.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Nova Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Penguins Bar & Dinner, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Amigo Pub provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

On day 8 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Bansko, Kresna, and Kyustendil. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Bansko, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Kyustendil and set your GPS to Bansko. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 28 min. Upon reaching Bansko, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Banderishka Meadow. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the hiking area before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Baikushev's Pine. This frequently visited tree is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Lake Muratovo. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the lake.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bansko. This car ride takes around 28 min.

Savor the day by heading to Pirin National Park, an intriguing national park that draws visitors from near and far.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Bansko and your accommodation.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Bansko, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Kabatsite, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Tavern Matsurev Khan? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Ethno Restaurant as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bansko.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Lion's Pub, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Pirin 75, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Wine Bar 25 provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 9 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Stob, Rila, and Dupnitsa. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Sofia, where will spend 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bansko and set your GPS to Stob. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 4 min. Upon reaching Stob, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Stob Earth Pyramids and explore the visually striking features.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Rila may take around 33 min. Upon your arrival in Rila, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Rila Monastery. Spend some time admiring the picture-perfect features of the monastery before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Malyovitsa. This beloved mountain range is a traveler-favorite in the village.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Kirilova Polyana Meadow. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the hiking area.

Dupnitsa’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Rila behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 45 min. Dupnitsa welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Spend your afternoon discovering Bistritsa Waterfall, an up-and-coming waterfall known for its romantic features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Sofia, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Sofia's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Don’t miss out on dining at Sofiyska Banitsa, a top-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Hotel ZOO Sofia, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bar & Dinner Relax. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at One More Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Teos Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Bsd 2 Ndk. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Bulgaria.