One-Week Bulgaria Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Plovdiv to Bansko and Veliko Tarnovo

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

Make a stop at Nebet Tepe. This curiosity-inducing archeological site is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Old Town Of Plovdiv located in Plovdiv for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv. Its photogenic features will captivate you. After the museum, continue your tour of the city with a visit to “tsar Simeon Garden” Park. Visitors usually appreciate the eye-catching features of this park. Next up is Singing Fountain, a highly recommended art installation. For a change of pace, head to Alyosha Monument. As one of the most underrated attractions in Plovdiv, this monument is the perfect place to end your self-guided sightseeing tour.

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.

Bring home unique finds from Plovdiv's bustling shopping hub, Kapana District. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of unique boutiques and stores where locals shop. Don’t forget to browse souvenirs, including artisan crafts and local specialties that make perfect gifts for your loved ones. Beyond shopping, Kapana District offers plenty of options, including primary services, unique landmarks, and community events.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Plovdiv's best restaurants.

Dine in style at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Sofra boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Central Park. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Qbar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Anyway Social Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Plovdiv and set your GPS to Rila. 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 3 hours 17 min. Upon reaching Rila, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Our first attraction recommendation in Rila is Rila Monastery, a well-known monastery that draws attention for its breathtaking features.

After soaking in Rila’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Stob. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 33 min. When you arrive in Stob, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Stob Earth Pyramids, an intriguing rock formation in Stob. Explore its visually striking features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Stob 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 1 hour 3 min. Upon reaching Bansko, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

City Park is an intriguing park we recommend visiting today. Discover its visually striking features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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.

Dine in style at Kasapinova Mehana, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Euphoria boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out OSCAR Wine Bar & Gastro. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bansko.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Nova Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Penguins Bar & Dinner is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Amigo Pub offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Greet day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Bansko, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Bansko and Kresna.

Bansko is brimming with adventures.

Neofit Rilski" House-museum is must-visit museum and a great option for a daytime tour of the area. Continue your journey to Holy Trinity Church, an up-and-coming church, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to House Museum Of Nikola Vaptsarov, an eye-catching museum, also available for your discovery today.

Kresna’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Bansko behind. This drive usually takes around 1 min. Kresna 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 Lake Muratovo, a beloved lake that everyone visiting Bansko should see. Next, head to Baikushev's Pine.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Kabatsite, a highly-rated dining destination in Bansko. If you're eager to try something different, consider Tavern Matsurev Khan, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ethno Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bansko this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Lion's Pub, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Pirin 75 provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Wine Bar 25 offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Veliko Tarnovo. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Veliko Tarnovo’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Bansko behind. This drive usually takes around 4 hours 19 min. Veliko Tarnovo 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 Trapezitsa Fortress, a locally appreciated archeological site that everyone visiting Veliko Tarnovo should see. Next, head to Tsarevets Fortress. This history-steeped castle is one of the most notable attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Monument To The Assen Dynasty, a historic monument popular among locals as well as travelers. Marno Pole Park is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this increasingly popular park before you continue your journey.

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

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Veliko Tarnovo's best restaurants.

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

Round off your dining experience by visiting Famous Bar 2, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Bar Grill Kolata, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Bar Melodie / Melody Bar / likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Veliko Tarnovo, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Gorna Oryahovitsa, Arbanassi, and Lyaskovets.

When you’ve had your share of Veliko Tarnovo, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Gorna Oryahovitsa. Your travel time is around 13 min.

Park "children's Playground" is a frequently visited playground we recommend visiting today.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Arbanassi, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Gorna Oryahovitsa to Arbanassi may take around 7 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Arbanassi, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit St. Nikolay The Miracleworker, a worthwhile church that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lyaskovets. This car ride takes around 8 min.

Lyaskovets Monastery "sv. Sv. Peter And Paul" is a frequently visited monastery we recommend visiting today. Discover its picture-perfect features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Burger and Sweets "Asenevtsi", highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bianko? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at EGO pizza & grill The Old Town as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Veliko Tarnovo.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Ristretto after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to The Gallery, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Tequila Bar Funky Monkey also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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. Kazanlak and Shipka are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Plovdiv, where you will stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Kazanlak. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 24 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Thracian Tomb Of Kazanlak, an increasingly popular archeological site in Kazanlak. Explore its UNESCO world heritage-designated features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Historical Museum “iskra”. This worthwhile museum is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Rose Museum is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most instagrammable museum in the region.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Kazanlak, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Veliko Tarnovo to Kazanlak may take around 1 hour 24 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Kazanlak, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Monument Of Freedom, Saint Nicholas Peak is an increasingly popular monument we recommend visiting today. Discover its culturally significant features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Shipka. This car ride takes around 24 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Shipka Memorial Church, a curiosity-inducing church that everyone visiting Shipka should see.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at RESTAURANT Raia, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Restaurant Citizens Club offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restorant "Megdana". Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Kriloto Cocktail Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Cocktail Bar Noris, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Bar Fabrik also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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