Self-Drive Trip: Bulgaria – Rhodope, Plovdiv & Sofia

Overview

Bulgaria is perhaps the most convenient destination for a road trip from Northern Greece: good highways, short distances, and low costs. In just a single day’s drive, you can go from the Rhodope Mountains to mountain villages, to the oldest inhabited city in Europe, and to a capital with Roman ruins right beneath its sidewalks.

Driving Route

From Thessaloniki, the crossing point is Promachonas (towards Sofia) or Exochi from Drama (towards Rhodope and Plovdiv). The A1 (Trakia) highway connects Sofia–Plovdiv–Burgas. An electronic vignette is required for Bulgarian highways, which can be purchased online or at the border. The mountain roads of Rhodope are scenic but slow — allow extra time.

History

Plovdiv has been continuously inhabited for over 6,000 years and is considered one of Europe’s oldest cities; it was once the Thracian Eumolpias, Macedonian Philippopolis, and Roman Trimontium. Sofia was built on top of Roman Serdica, the ruins of which are visible in the city center. The Rila Monastery (10th century) is a UNESCO monument and the country’s most important spiritual center.

Attractions

The Old Town of Plovdiv with its National Revival mansions and the Roman theatre, which is still in use; the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia; the Rila Monastery with its frescoes; the mountain villages of Rhodope, the Devil’s Bridge, and the caves near Asenovgrad; and Bansko for those traveling in winter.

Food

Bulgarian cuisine is close to Greek but with its own identity: shopska salad, banitsa (cheese pie), kavarma, yogurt, and grilled meats. The wines of Thrace and the Rose Valley have improved impressively. Restaurant prices are low, even in tourist spots.

Nightlife

Plovdiv has Kapana, a creative district full of bars, galleries, and small shops — one of the most vibrant spots in the Balkans. In Sofia, nightlife spreads around Vitosha and the city center. In the Rhodope Mountains, evenings are quiet, with taverns and fireplaces.

Useful Information

Currency: Lev (BGN). Time: same as Greece. Borders: Promachonas (Serres) or Exochi (Drama) — both within the Schengen Area from 2025, with fast crossing. A vignette is required for the highways. Best time to visit: May–October for sightseeing, December–March for ski resorts.

Prices & departures

Prices per person. Everything listed under “What’s included” is already in the price.

Price and availability last updated: 22 September 2026

Things to do there

Optional tours, tickets and activities you can book for your days there. We arrange the trip — these you choose yourself.

Food Walk: Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour in Plovdiv

from 50 €★ 5.0 (35)

Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup

from 83 €★ 5.0 (27)

E-Motorcycle Tour in Rhodope Mountains to a Beautiful Canyon View

from 100 €★ 5.0 (25)

Transfer Sofia Airport/city to Plovdiv with a sedan 3+1

from 125 €★ 5.0 (22)

Things to do in Plovdiv

Activities, experiences and local guides — book ahead and keep your days free of queues.

See options →

These activities are provided and sold by our partners. You complete the booking on their page, at exactly the same price.