Plan A Bulgaria Road Trip Itinerary With Your Loved Ones

Everybody who visits Bulgaria falls in love. You won’t be bored by the throngs of tourists, but there is plenty to eat, wine, hospitality, folklore, and much more.

However, it is not an easy task to explore Bulgaria. It can be difficult to experience all there is to do in Bulgaria. A road trip through Bulgaria is a great way to experience all of the country’s facets and have fun while on vacation. Generate roman names using a roman name generator.

The perfect road trip to Bulgaria

If you are able to plan your road trip to Bulgaria, you can experience a lot of things. The itinerary below will help you do that. The itinerary should be completed in at least three days, but you can spend more time in each location. You should be aware that hurrying from one place to the next can make you feel tired and even stressed. So, take enough time to rest and enjoy Bulgaria’s delicious food and warm hospitality. In order to generate group names use a band name generator to generate names.

This itinerary can be used in summer or winter. You can choose to drive through lush forests and experience the coolness of summer, or drive through a winter wonderland.

Start in Sofia, Europe’s oldest city and capital of Bulgaria, and continue to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s cultural capital, with its iconic atmosphere of Roman and Greek influences.

• Rila Monastery

You will travel through beautiful landscapes that offer breathtaking views of green hills and rolling hills. Monasteries and historic places will be on display, highlighting the country’s nearly 1,300-year-long history. Your road trip will combine lush, virgin landscapes with historic cities of outstanding architecture. It will be full of adventure, history, and all the uniqueness that makes Bulgaria so special.

Where is Bulgaria located?

It lies in the middle of the Balkans with its eastern part being part of the Black Sea coast.

Bulgaria shares borders with five countries: Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey.

You have many options to reach Bulgaria and Sofia, its capital.

You can fly to Sofia from anywhere in the world. Many airlines fly direct to Sofia Airport, including Bulgaria Airlines. The cost of a flight to Bulgaria will vary depending on the point from which you depart. A flight from Athens, Greece to Sofia takes approximately one hour.

Travel by bus

You can choose to travel by bus. There are many itineraries that take you from all the bordering countries of Bulgaria to get to Sofia. There are coaches that run from London to Bulgaria, which will take you all over Europe and get you to Sofia. Keep in mind that coaches will change from one city to the next during your trip so be prepared. The trip will take approximately two days.

You can also travel to Bulgaria by car using one of the many European highways that lead there. Once you reach Bulgaria’s borders, be ready to pay a Vignette (a road tax). The distance you travel depends on where you are starting from. It could take anywhere from 10 to 4 hours to reach Bulgaria’s bordering country.

International train lines connect Sofia and Bulgaria. You can find many trains from all Balkan countries, but there are also others from Europe. It takes 48 hours to travel from London to Sofia.

You can also take the ferry from Bulgaria if you’re in one of the countries on the Black Sea coasts, such as Georgia, Ukraine, or Romania. The time it takes to travel from one country to another can vary depending on whether or not you cross the Black Sea.

• Sofia (1 – 2 nights)

Sofia is one of the oldest European cities, boasting a staggering 6,000-year history of continuous habitation. From Roman times to Byzantine, it has been a strategic and political hub. It was taken by the Bulgarians in the 9th century AD and has remained under their control through harsh Ottoman times.

Sofia’s architecture is a unique blend of Austrian, French, and German architecture. It dates back to the parliamentary monarchy era. The architecture also features austere soviet styles during its time behind the Iron Curtain, until 1989. Modern and postmodern styles were added as Sofia joined the EU family.

You can enjoy this unique mix of history in Sofia by taking one of the many walking tours. These will take you to all of Sofia’s famous landmarks and places, including iconic parks and museums, churches, synagogues, and synagogues. Even if you do not choose to take this tour, these are the must-see spots:

• St. Alexander Nevsky

St. George Rotunda, and St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. These churches take you back in time from the beginning of Sofia to modern times. St. George Rotunda, the oldest building in Sofia was built in 300 AD and features stunning frescos from the early medieval period. 

St. Alexander Nevsky, one of the most modern and beautiful places of worship, was built in the late 19th-century after Bulgaria gained independence from Ottoman Turkey.

• St. George Rotunda

St. George Rotunda, a small Late Antique church, is St. Alexander Nevsky, a huge Neo-Byzantine cathedral that can hold 10,000 people and has stunning interiors including its crypt.

Borisova Gradina and Vitosha Boulevard: This street is Sofia’s most glamorous and cosmopolitan. You will find a variety of high-end shops, and houses, as well as great places to enjoy your coffee, stunning views of Vitosha mountain, and elegant Art Nouveau tones. Borisova Gradina, Sofia’s oldest park and most picturesque, is also its most famous. It is a fine example of the Bulgarian Revival architectural movement and artistic movement.

Sofia’s Museums: Sofia has many museums worth visiting, including the National Institute of Archaeology (NIA) and the National Historical Museum (NHM).

• Known for its delicious cuisine

Sofia has many great areas to stay in, including the downtown (Centrum), Vitosha (National Palace of Culture), and Studentski Grad. You can choose a hostel in Studentski Grad that is affordable and flexible, or a hotel in Vitosha, Lozenets, depending on your vacation style.

You will only be there for a few nights so you may want to indulge in great service and a stunning view at the Hyatt Regency Sofia hotel. It is centrally located at Vasil Levski Square and within walking distance of all major sights. It offers a stunning view of the city and is very affordable considering its 5-star rating.

Bulgaria is also known for its delicious cuisine. Sofia is the best place in Sofia to try it. Shtastliveca Viosha Sofia is a place to find timeless European cuisines. The restaurant also offers a turn-of-the-century atmosphere and an authentic time capsule.

Moma Restaurant offers a variety of Bulgarian dishes with more local flavors. Modernity and traditional dishes blend seamlessly with folklore, while the interior is true to traditional Bulgarian imagery.

• Rila Monastery, Bulgaria Road Trip

You will leave Sofia and drive to Bansko, stopping at Rila Monastery. This part of the road trip will allow you to experience both Bulgarian histories as well as cosmopolitan flair.

Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most significant examples of the Bulgarian Revival. Monastery of St. Ivan of Rila is its full name. It was established in the 10th Century AD, but there have been many additions since then. It is considered one of Bulgaria’s most sacred jewels by the Bulgarians.

Rila Monastery is an architectural, cultural, and historical monument. It comprises the monastery’s museum, the residential wards, and the church. Beautiful frescoes dating back to different centuries are found in the Rila, as well as stunning domes decorated with intricate designs. The tower can be climbed to enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

Many pilgrims visit the Rila to experience spiritual experiences. You can stay longer than one day if you wish. The facilities at Rila Monastery have sufficient amenities, but they aren’t meant to be a hotel. They are only there to serve pilgrims.

• Bansko – Bulgaria itinerary

You will continue your journey to Bansko, passing Rila Monastery. The beautiful Pirin Mountains loom over Bansko, providing shade and a challenge for visitors. Bansko offers adventure for all seasons, and if you’re not looking for adventure, there is plenty of beauty and folklore to enjoy.

Bansko is a top Bulgarian ski resort with 16 runs of varying difficulty. If you’re a beginner or have kids that are interested in skiing, there is a ski school that can help you get started. There’s also a network of ski lifts that can take you to the slopes. There are many restaurants and a ski station that offers gear.

• Bansko

Bansko is a great place to go mountain biking or hiking in the summer. There are stunning views and beautiful nature around you. If you’re interested in rock climbing, there are many options.

Bansko is the place to go if you’re not feeling adventurous. Visit Velyanova House with its murals and the Neofit Rilski Museum, for a time travel back in the Bulgarian Revival era. You can explore the town with its beautiful church and then stop by Pirin Street for great coffee and delicious food.

Mehana Vodenicata in Bansko’s center is a great Mehana. It has a beautiful garden, live music, and serves traditional Bansko food. The interior is warm and inviting, with lots of stone and wood.