11-Day Road Trip to Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia

On day 2 of your multi-country road trip across Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Tirana in Albania. In the evening, you’ll end up in Durrës, where you will stay for 1 night.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Tirana today.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Tirana today.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Durrës. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Durrës. 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 Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia.

Elevate your experience by savoring a meal in 4 Stinët, a distinguished dining establishment in Durrës. It has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews of 921 satisfied guests and a menu that’s committed to quality and flavor.

Another dining spot you shouldn't miss while in Durrës is Gusto di Mare & Sushi Time. This popular restaurant’s appealing menu has garnered a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews shared by 488 happy diners.

Te Peku Restorant stands out as a local favorite in Durrës. It offers a menu that promises to take you on a flavorful journey. Due to its reputation for delivering a good dining experience, it has earned a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 268 customers.

Quench your thirst after a long day of adventure at Sunset Bar, a prime hotspot for fun and relaxation seekers in the city. Sunset Bar boasts an impressive 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 279 customers.

Or, try the exciting drinks at Illyrian Garden, a vibrant place where locals and travelers converge for spirited toasts and amazing stories. Illyrian Garden has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 97 customers.

As the sun dips below the horizon, make a stop at another famous bar in the area, SEMA. This bar is a local favorite, with an impressive rating of 4.5 out of 5-star from 97 customers.

Take in the ambiance of Durrës as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 2 stops. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Gjirokastra in Albania and Ioannina in Greece. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Ioannina, your home for 1 night.

Something that makes Gjirokastra the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding historic site, Skenduli house in Gjirokastër. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 375 visitors.

The famous Старый город Гирокастры is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Gjirokastra's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 253 travelers have rated this incredible sightseeing destination and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Gjirokastra is also home to the extraordinary Castle of Gjirokastra, which boasts a 4.6 out of 5 star rating in 7,244 traveler reviews.

Ioannina’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Gjirokastra behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 29 min. Ioannina welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Ioannina. 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.

As the sun sets on day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Ioannina's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Greece to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Ioannina has them.

Book a table at ΨΗΣΤΑΡΙΑ ΤΑΒΕΡΝΑ "Ο ΣΑΚΗΣ", a famous dining establishment in Ioannina. This culinary hotspot and its appetizing cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation for food excellence is reflected in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 885 satisfied diners.

Another dining place you should visit in Ioannina is Balsamico, which boasts a variety of tasteful dishes that cater to different palates. It has earned a commendable 4.6 out of 5 stars, demonstrating the positive feedback from 5,077 satisfied customers.

Locals and visitors alike recommend Ioannina’s Φρόντζου Πολιτεία - Frontzu Politia Restaurant for the delightful dining experience it gives. The establishment has garnered positive reviews for its tasty dishes, holding an admirable score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,712 satisfied diners.

Spend the night with your favorite cocktail in hand at Spitaki με θέα. This bar is among the most recommended in the city, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,243 customers.

Embrace relaxation as you toast to a fantastic night at Παλιά Αγορά. This popular bar in Ioannina is a local favorite with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,278 customers.

If you want to check out another bar in the area, you’ll love Scala. This bar is known for its many choices of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Scala has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 909 reviews.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia! Enjoy your evening in Ioannina to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply just relaxing.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your multi-country journey across Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Ioannina in Greece. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Athens where you'll spend 2 nights of well-deserved relaxation.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable The Clock Tower of Ioannina. This outstanding point of interest and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 from 1,998 travelers, a visit to the remarkable The Clock Tower of Ioannina is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Μουσείο Ελληνικής Ιστορίας Παύλου Βρέλλη is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This museum and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 7,143 travelers.

After soaking in Ioannina’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Gefyra Isthmou. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 3 hours 18 min. When you arrive in Gefyra Isthmou, it's time to take a break from the road.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Gefyra Isthmou, including the outstanding Corinth Canal East Entrance. Having an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,790 reviews, this fascinating point of interest and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Gefyra Isthmou, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Athens. This drive usually takes around 57 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Ioannina today.

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

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

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Hytra. Holding an impressive 1 Michelin-star rating and a remarkable menu, Hytra consistently impresses both foreign and local guests, earning praise for its exceptional modern cuisine.

Another renowned restaurant is Spondi, one of the best Bib Gourmand 1-star Michelin fine dining venues in Athens. Take your pick from the french menu, where each dish is a masterpiece meticulously crafted to delight your senses.

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable dining experience at The Zillers in Athens. With its prestigious 1-Michelin star rating, the menu is crafted to delight your palate and take you on a culinary journey. This acclaimed restaurant serves contemporary and greek dishes that have garnered numerous reviews from satisfied guests.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Athens. At 360 Cocktail bar, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,580 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your adventure at Upupa Epops - The bar, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,915 reviews.

The Clumsies is also one of the best places in Athens where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,694 customers.

Celebrate day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 5, you will wake up in Athens with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Athens before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Athens. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Make sure to reserve a table at Maiandros restaurant, an iconic dining spot in Athens. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Its dedication to culinary innovation is evident in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 5,357 satisfied guests.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy culinary excellence at Ama Lachei while in Athens. This renowned dining destination showcases an exquisite menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, treasured by 4,018 previous guests.

Delight in the culinary creations of Efcharis restaurant, a favorite in Athens. Its innovative menu offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a reputation for excellence, it has earned a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 3,655 discerning guests.

Quench your thirst after a long day of adventure at Kuko's The Bar, a prime hotspot for fun and relaxation seekers in the city. Kuko's The Bar boasts an impressive 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 3,785 customers.

Or, try the exciting drinks at Juan Rodriguez Bar •Compañia de Bebida, a vibrant place where locals and travelers converge for spirited toasts and amazing stories. Juan Rodriguez Bar •Compañia de Bebida has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,926 customers.

As the sun dips below the horizon, make a stop at another famous bar in the area, ELLYZ Cafe Athens. This bar is a local favorite, with an impressive rating of 4.3 out of 5-star from 2,926 customers.

Take in the ambiance of Athens as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia. Today's main destinations are Athens 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 Volos. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Volos. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Volos boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Greece.

Don't forget to book a table at Staphylos, a well-known eatery in Volos. This popular restaurant and its sumptuous cuisine have won the hearts of food lovers. Its commitment to a delicious menu is evident in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 1,498 satisfied guests.

Ensure you visit Valentin - Curious Bierkneipe while exploring Volos. This popular restaurant offers a delicious menu, distinguished with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 652 discerning guests.

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Red Nose Bar, a popular restaurant in Volos. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 577 discerning diners.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend PLEASURES seaside cafe + more, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,264 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Joy. It is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,177 customers.

Grooove is a place where you can easily spend an hour or two of fun or relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

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!

On day 7 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Portaria in Greece. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Thessaloniki, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated port and attraction in Volos — Volos Port. About 1,829 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The popular Παραλία Βόλου is another top sight in Volos that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved sightseeing destination in the area, rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,044 visitors.

Saint Konstantinos Park is a spectacular park and highlight on travelers’ itineraries in Volos, earning an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,156 enchanted visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Thessaloniki, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Volos to Thessaloniki may take around 2 hours 30 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Thessaloniki.

After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia by rewarding yourself with a taste of Thessaloniki’s local cuisine. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax or mingle with the locals and raise a toast to your exciting road trip adventure.

Plan ahead and secure a table at Kanoula, an acclaimed dining establishment in Thessaloniki. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 2,335 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of rOOTS while experiencing the best of Thessaloniki. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 2,104 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Kitchen Bar, an elegant culinary destination in Thessaloniki. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 9,067 previous guests.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Pulp, one of the top bars in the city. An excellent place to unwind and enjoy a refreshing evening drink, Pulp has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,573 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals and other travelers at Wall by Wall, a crowd-favorite. Around 4,128 customers have rated their experience at Wall by Wall an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Loupino Restaurant belongs to the list of the best bars in Thessaloniki, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,657 bar-goers.

Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!

On day 8 of your multi-country road trip across Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Thessaloniki in Greece and Skopje in North Macedonia. In the evening, you’ll end up in Skopje, where you will stay for 2 nights.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Thessaloniki is the magnificent Arch of Galerius and Rotunda. Around 12,215 visitors have rated this excellent tetrapylon and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Agias Sofias Square on this leg of your adventure in Greece. This attraction is a well-known square that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 10,231 travelers.

The remarkable Aristotelous Square is known to be one of the best places to visit in Thessaloniki, and its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 42,159 traveler reviews is proof.

Dive deeper into Thessaloniki by exploring the captivating White Tower of Thessaloniki, which draws the attention of nearly 290,192 visitors annually. With a stellar average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 51,335 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Thessaloniki exploration list!

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Thessaloniki and set your GPS to Skopje, North Macedonia. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 2 hours 53 min. Upon reaching Skopje, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Skopje of your choice.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Skopje. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in North Macedonia in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.

Reserve a table at Restaurant Skopski Merak, a renowned restaurant in Skopje. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 3,862 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Pelister while in Skopje. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 2,679 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of Skopje at St. Patrick, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 2,104 customers.

Order some of the best-tasting cocktails and celebrate the night away at Amigos. This famous bar in Skopje has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,337 customers.

You can also check out an equally popular bar in the area, The Gallery Café. This amazing place never disappoints with its variety of drinks and fantastic ambiance. The Gallery Café has received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,212 customers.

If you want to visit another bar, we recommend Temov brewery. This bar offers guests many choices of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to pair with a great night, helping it earn an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 878 customers.

As the night falls in Skopje, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lay back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

Day 9 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Skopje. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 1 night more before hitting the road again.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Skopje boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of North Macedonia.

Reserve a table at Restaurant „Gino“, a renowned restaurant in Skopje. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,901 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Old City House while in Skopje. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 1,632 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of Skopje at Restaurant Baba Cana, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,357 customers.

Spend the night with your favorite cocktail in hand at Центар Бар. This bar is among the most recommended in the city, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 875 customers.

Embrace relaxation as you toast to a fantastic night at Café Capri. This popular bar in Skopje is a local favorite with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 646 customers.

If you want to check out another bar in the area, you’ll love Van Gogh Bar. This bar is known for its many choices of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Van Gogh Bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 550 reviews.

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