9-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania With Itinerary from Sofia to Plovdiv, Thessaloniki, and Bucharest

Wake up and see what day 2 of your great European road trip in Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania has in store for you! You will be staying in Sofia for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

Whatever your travel style is, Boyana Church is an essential stop in Sofia. This often recommended church provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover South Park, an idyllic park, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Borisova Gradina Park, a well-known park. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the notable Eagles' Bridge. Not far away from the monument, you will find the heritage-rich Regional History Museum Of Sofia, perfect for a quick visit. Round off your day at Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky, another gem in Sofia with picture-perfect features to discover.

As the sun sets, 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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", a top-rated dining spot in Sofia. If you're in the mood for something new, try Hotel Forum, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Turquoise Restaurant. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Sofia.

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.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania. Today's main destinations are 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 Thessaloniki. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Thessaloniki, Greece. This car ride takes around 5 hours 1 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering White Tower Of Thessaloniki, a famous monument known for its breathtaking features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Arch Of Galerius And Rotunda, an interesting monument.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Agias Sofias Square and uncover the details of this heritage-rich public square. Make sure to also explore Aristotelous Square, a notable public square.

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.

Before this day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Greece's delectable cuisine at one of Thessaloniki's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enjoy the local nightlife or unwind with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

Make sure to reserve a table at Kitchen Bar, an iconic dining spot in Thessaloniki. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of The Greek, a popular restaurant in Thessaloniki. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Phanós, a hidden gem nestled in Thessaloniki. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Beetle Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Vogatsikou 3 offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Souel is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

On day 5 of your European tour in Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania, you’ll start and end your day in Kastraki, but spend most of the time exploring beyond the village, including Kastraki in Greece. Thessaloniki remains your base for 1 night more.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Kastraki, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Thessaloniki to Kastraki may take around 2 hours 53 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Kastraki, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Holy Monastery Of The Great Meteoron -transfiguration Of The Saviour, an underrated monastery in Kastraki. Explore its awe-inspiring features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Monastery Of Varlaam. This curiosity-inducing monastery is a top recommendation in the area.

As the sun sets, 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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Mamalouka, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Clochard is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Sofi's House Restaurant. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Thessaloniki tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Castra- All Day Terrace Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Barbaben - Bar/ba/ben is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Apallou is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your multi-country journey across Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in Bucharest in Romania and Plovdiv in Bulgaria. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Plovdiv where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the interesting Arcul De Triumf Bucharest and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Romanian Athenaeum, a romantic concert hall that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. This car ride takes around 5 hours 29 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to “tsar Simeon Garden” Park, a well-known park in Plovdiv. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Plovdiv’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

Get ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy a lively evening in Plovdiv. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Sofra offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Central Park is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Plovdiv.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Qbar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Anyway Social Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania! Enjoy your evening in Plovdiv to the fullest!

On day 8 of your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania, you'll get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Plovdiv in Bulgaria. In the evening, you’ll end up in Sofia, where you will stay for 1 night.

Make a stop at Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv. This underrated museum is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Gate "hisar Kapia", Plovdiv located in Plovdiv for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Old Town Of Plovdiv. Its romantic features will captivate you. After the historical landmark, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Nebet Tepe. Visitors usually appreciate the standout features of this archeological site.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Bachkovo, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Plovdiv to Bachkovo may take around 41 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bachkovo, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Bachkovo Monastery "uspenie Bogorodichno" is a captivating monastery we recommend visiting today. Discover its instagrammable features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’ve had your share of Bachkovo, 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 16 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Asen's Fortress, an often recommended castle in Asenovgrad. Explore its visually striking features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Sofia. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Sofia.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Sofiyska Banitsa, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Hotel ZOO Sofia offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Bar & Dinner Relax. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Sofia.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, One More Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Teos Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Bsd 2 Ndk is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!