7-Day Scenic and Cultural Road Trip Through Bulgaria from Sofia

Day 1: Explore Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fabrika Daga

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring Bulgarian specialties and excellent coffee to start your day in Sofia.
BGN15, 1h0m

9:30am

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Visit the stunning and iconic Orthodox cathedral, a must-see symbol of Sofia with beautiful mosaics and architecture.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

National History Museum

Discover Bulgaria's rich history through fascinating artifacts in this well-curated museum located near Vitosha Boulevard.
BGN10, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Made in Home

Savor fresh, locally sourced Bulgarian dishes in a cozy and artsy environment perfect for a midday meal.
BGN20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk around Vitosha Boulevard

Stroll and shop along Sofia’s main pedestrian street, lined with boutiques, cafes, and street performers.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Boyana Church

Drive just outside Sofia to visit this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exceptional medieval frescoes.
BGN10, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Moma Bulgarian Food & Wine

Experience traditional Bulgarian cuisine paired with excellent local wine in a charming, rustic atmosphere.
BGN25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historic Plovdiv

Plovdiv, Bulgaria on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Rainbow Factory

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee at this popular local bakery in Plovdiv.
BGN10, 0h45m

9:00am

Old Town Plovdiv

Explore the cobblestone streets, colorful 19th-century houses, and Roman theater of one of Europe’s oldest cities.
BGN12, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Puldin

Enjoy traditional Bulgarian dishes in a historic setting in the heart of Plovdiv old town.
BGN18, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Regional Ethnographic Museum

Discover cultural artifacts and customs reflecting the Rhodope region’s heritage housed in an old Revival-period house.
BGN8, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk around Kapana District

Experience the vibrant arts and crafts district filled with galleries, cafes, and artisans.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hemingway Restaurant

Dine on international and Bulgarian fusion dishes with a lovely atmosphere in Plovdiv center.
BGN30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Medieval Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel restaurant

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your accommodation before exploring Veliko Tarnovo.
Included, 0h45m

9:30am

Tsarevets Fortress

Explore the impressive medieval fortress and learn about Bulgarian history with panoramic views of the city.
BGN12, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shtastlivetsa

Taste traditional Bulgarian food with a view of Yantra river and old town ambiance.
BGN20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Samovodska Charshiya Market

Wander through this lively artisan market, perfect for souvenir shopping and cultural immersion.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Asen’s Monument

Visit this historic site honoring Bulgarian freedom fighters with remarkable city views.
Free, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Panorama

Enjoy dinner with a beautiful nighttime panorama of Veliko Tarnovo’s illuminated fortress.
BGN25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Rose Valley & Kazanlak

Kazanlak, Bulgaria on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Grab an early breakfast before heading to the Rose Valley region.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Kazanlak Rose Museum

Learn about the history and importance of rose oil production in Bulgaria.
BGN5, 1h0m

10:30am

Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its remarkable ancient frescoes.
BGN8, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Etara

Savor local dishes inspired by the rich culture of the Rose Valley region.
BGN18, 1h0m

2:00pm

Rose fields drive

Drive through blooming rose fields (best seen late May-June), and stop to enjoy the scenery and local flora.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Transfer to Bansko

Drive southwest to Bansko, a beautiful mountain town known for its alpine scenery.
Free, 2h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at The Old House Bansko

Enjoy hearty traditional Balkan cuisine in a cozy, rustic setting to end the day.
BGN25, 1h30m
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Day 5: Bansko Mountains

Bansko, Bulgaria on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Luka Bansko

Start your day with a fresh breakfast featuring local ingredients and great coffee.
BGN12, 0h45m

9:30am

Hike in Pirin National Park

Enjoy an accessible trail that showcases stunning mountain views and native flora around Bansko.
Free, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Vodenitzata Restaurant

Refuel with traditional Bulgarian mountain cuisine near the park entrance.
BGN20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax at the Banya thermal springs

Unwind in natural thermal pools famed for their healing properties, located just outside Bansko.
BGN15, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Megdana Restaurant

Try gourmet interpretations of traditional dishes accompanied by live Bulgarian folk music.
BGN30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Rila Monastery Visit

Rila Monastery, Bulgaria on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before the trip to Rila Monastery.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Rila Monastery

Scenic 1.5-2 hour drive to Bulgaria’s largest and most famous monastery nestled in the Rila Mountains.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Rila Monastery Tour

Explore the UNESCO-listed monastery, its beautiful frescos, historic church, and peaceful grounds.
BGN5, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at the monastery’s traditional restaurant

Relish Bulgarian home-style dishes in the monastery’s rustic dining area.
BGN15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hike to Stob Pyramids

On the way back, take a short stop to see fascinating natural rock formations known as the Stob Pyramids.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Sofia

Drive back to Sofia for your last night in Bulgaria’s capital.
Free, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Cosmos

Enjoy modern Bulgarian cuisine in an elegant restaurant to celebrate your trip’s final evening.
BGN35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Departure Day

Sofia, Bulgaria on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rainbow Factory

Grab a final delicious pastry and coffee in Sofia before heading to the airport.
BGN10, 0h45m

9:30am

Drive to Sofia Airport

Return your rental car and prepare for departure.
Free, 1h0m
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