12-Day Road Trip in Albania, Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria from Tirana to Skopje, Sofia, Thessaloniki, Larissa, and Gjirokastra

On day 2 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Albania, Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Tirana in Albania. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Skopje, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Et'hem Bej Mosque. This outstanding mosque and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 1,584 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Et'hem Bej Mosque is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Bunk’art 2 is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This museum and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,602 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing square, Skanderbeg Square. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,676 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Tirana 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 4 hours 51 min. Upon reaching Skopje, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

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

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Skopje’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Albania, Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Tribeca Restaurant & Bar, a highly-rated dining destination in Skopje. If you're eager to try something different, consider Balilla, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Sidro. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Skopje this evening.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Mosh. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Café Capri, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Badu Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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 4 of your multi-country road trip across Albania, Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria, 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 Skopje in North Macedonia. In the evening, you’ll end up in Sofia, where you will stay for 3 nights.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated zoo and attraction in Skopje — Skopje Zoo. About 6,982 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

The popular Kuršumli An is another top sight in Skopje that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved caravanserai in the area, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 246 visitors.

Čifte Hammam is a spectacular hammam and highlight on travelers’ itineraries in Skopje, earning an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,881 enchanted visitors.

As the day moves along, be sure to make time to drop by the magnificent Old Bazaar. Because of its allure and charm, around 20,113 visitors have rated this attraction and čaršija an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Hotel Forum, an iconic dining spot in Sofia. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Hotel ZOO Sofia, a popular restaurant in Sofia. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Mamma Mia Ltd, a hidden gem nestled in Sofia. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Halbite Beer Hall, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Lime Cafe & Cocktails. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down.

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

On day 6, you will wake up in Sofia with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Sofia before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Albania, Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria.

Something that makes Sofia the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding convention center, National Palace Of Culture. This local gem has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,569 visitors.

The famous Borisova Gradina Park is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Sofia's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 27,635 travelers have rated this incredible park and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Sofia is also home to the extraordinary Zaimov Park, which boasts a 4.5 out of 5 star rating in 15,334 traveler reviews.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 20,088 reviews, a visit to this wonderful church and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

On this Sofia exploration, you'll also have the chance to admire the fantastic National Theater "ivan Vazov" up close. This fascinating point of interest and attraction is a must-visit, and its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,932 travelers is proof.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Sofia. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Bulgaria 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Ресторант VICTORIA България, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Park Hotel "MOSKVA" as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Sofia.

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!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Sofia in Bulgaria. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Thessaloniki, your home for 2 nights.

A tour of Sofia is not complete without a visit to the famous Prince's Garden. This incredible park and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,695 travelers.

Make the most of your Sofia travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Eagles' Bridge. This stone bridge and unique destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,319 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Sofia Zoo for an experience worth remembering. This local zoo and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 15,237 visitors.

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

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

Savor the flavors at Kitchen Bar, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, The Greek beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Phanós. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Thessaloniki tonight.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Beetle Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Vogatsikou 3, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Souel. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Take in the ambiance of Thessaloniki 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 10 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Albania, Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. Today's main destinations are Kastraki 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 Gjirokastra. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Kastraki. This car ride takes around 1 hour 19 min.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Kastraki is the fantastic Meteora. As an appreciated monastery and local gem in the area, Meteora has earned an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 37,365 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Kastraki, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Ioannina. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 40 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated castle and attraction in Ioannina — Ioannina Castle. About 11,630 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The popular Cave Of Perama is another top sight in Ioannina that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved show cave in the area, rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,901 visitors.

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

As the day slows down and turns into evening, we encourage you to indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Gjirokastra. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Make sure to reserve a table at Taverna Tradicionale KARDHASHI, an iconic dining spot in Gjirokastra. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Taverna Brahimi, a popular restaurant in Gjirokastra. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Restorant Tradicional Urat, a hidden gem nestled in Gjirokastra. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Bukowksi Bar Gjirokaster, known for its inviting atmosphere. Hangover Cocktail Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started.

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 11 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Albania, Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Gjirokastra in Albania. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Tirana, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

In Gjirokastra, the extraordinary Skenduli House In Gjirokastër awaits. This attraction is a valued historic site that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 409 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Gjirokastra is the spectacular Старый Город Гирокастры. This attraction is a sightseeing destination that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 291 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing Castle Of Gjirokastra. This local museum and wonder has an overall review score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,622 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

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

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center, a top-rated dining spot in Tirana. If you're in the mood for something new, try Artigiano, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Hotel Elysee, Tirana. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Tirana.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Kafe Flora, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Bufe Wine Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Whisky Bar Tirana offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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