About this tour

Day 1: Journey from Tirana to Sofia (Arrival and Exploration)

Departure from Tirana: 6:00 AM

Travel time to Sofia: 7-8 hours (545 km)

Route: Tirana -> Skopje (North Macedonia) -> Sofia (Bulgaria).

Border Crossings: Albania -> North Macedonia -> Bulgaria (carry your passports and necessary documents for border checks).

Arrival in Sofia: 2:00 PM (with stops for fuel, food, and rest).

Afternoon: Explore Sofia

• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM)

One of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Take time to explore its interior, especially the iconostasis and mosaics.

• Saint George Rotunda (3:45 PM - 4:15 PM)

A 4th-century Roman church known for its medieval frescoes and Byzantine architecture.

• National Palace of Culture (NDK) (4:30 PM - 5:30 PM)

A cultural and architectural monument in Sofia that hosts various exhibitions and events. You can also take a walk in the nearby Borisova Garden.

Dinner in Sofia: 6:00 PM

Dine in the lively Vitosha Boulevard area, where there are many restaurants offering traditional Bulgarian and international cuisine. Try Hadjidraganov's Houses restaurant for authentic Bulgarian dishes like Kavarma or Banitsa.

Evening Walk: 7:30 PM

Take a stroll along Vitosha Boulevard, Sofia's main pedestrian street, and enjoy the evening atmosphere.

Overnight in Sofia

Day 2: Sofia to Plovdiv (History and Culture)

Departure for Plovdiv: 8:00 AM

Travel time: 1.5 hours (144 km)

Morning: Explore Plovdiv

• Ancient Roman Theater (9:30 AM - 10:30 AM)

A well-preserved Roman theater from the 1st century AD, still used for performances and concerts.

• Walk through Plovdiv's Old Town (10:45 AM - 12:00 PM)

Explore the colorful Old Town, famous for its cobblestone streets, Bulgarian Revival architecture, and historic houses. Visit the Ethnographic Museum and Hindliyan House for insights into 19th-century Bulgarian life.

Lunch in Kapana District: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Kapana District in Plovdiv is full of charming cafes and restaurants. Have lunch here and enjoy the artistic atmosphere.

Afternoon in Plovdiv

• Ancient Roman Stadium (1:45 PM - 2:30 PM)

A Roman stadium that could hold up to 30,000 spectators, partially visible beneath Plovdiv's main street.

• Nebet Tepe Hill (2:45 PM - 3:30 PM)

Visit this ancient Thracian settlement, which offers fantastic views over Plovdiv.

• Tsar Simeon Garden and Singing Fountains (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

Relax in this beautiful park and watch the evening light show at the Singing Fountains.

Dinner in Plovdiv: 6:30 PM

Dine in the Old Town or Kapana District. Try the Hebros restaurant for a mix of traditional and modern Bulgarian cuisine.

Evening Walk: 8:00 PM

Enjoy the charm of Plovdiv's Old Town in the evening with a peaceful stroll through its atmospheric streets.

Overnight in Plovdiv

Day 3: Day Trip to Rila Monastery and Return to Tirana

Departure for Rila Monastery: 7:00 AM

Travel time: 2.5 hours (191 km from Plovdiv via Sofia).

Arrival at Rila Monastery: 9:30 AM

Morning: Visit to Rila Monastery (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM)

Rila Monastery is Bulgaria's most famous spiritual and cultural site, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the beautiful frescoes, Hrelio's Tower, and the peaceful mountain surroundings.

Don't miss a visit to the Monastery Museum, which houses a rich collection of religious artifacts.

Lunch near Rila Monastery: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian meal at one of the nearby restaurants. The specialty dish is grilled trout from the local rivers.

Departure for Tirana: 1:30 PM

Travel time: 7-8 hours (510 km)

Route: Rila Monastery -> Sofia -> Skopje -> Tirana.

Arrival in Tirana: 9:30 PM

Summary of the 3-Day Road Trip to Bulgaria from Tirana:

• Day 1 (Sofia): Departure from Tirana, Exploration of Sofia: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint George Rotunda, National Palace of Culture, Dinner at Vitosha Boulevard
• Day 2 (Plovdiv): Trip to Plovdiv, Exploration of Plovdiv: Roman Theater, Old Town, Roman Stadium, Kapana District, Dinner in Plovdiv Old Town
• Day 3 (Rila Monastery): Day trip to Rila Monastery, Return to Tirana by car

Important Notes for the Trip:

• Ensure you have the necessary documents for border crossings.
• Check traffic and weather conditions, especially if traveling during winter months when roads may be icy.
• Currency: Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), so exchange some money in advance or use local ATMs.
• Fuel: Plan fuel stops as the journey from Tirana to Sofia is long, and availability may vary between North Macedonia and Bulgaria.

Locations

• Albania
• North Macedonia
• Bulgaria