10-Day Road Trip to Greece and Albania from Athens to Patras, Gjirokastra, and Ioannina

Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Greece and Albania begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring town of Athens in Greece. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Athens for 3 nights.

Catch an early flight to Greece to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Athens before it’s time to hit the road and drive to your next destination. Discover the town’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and lively atmosphere with visits to the most popular attractions.

After a long journey to Athens, we're here to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable start to your road trip adventure. Your first accommodation will be located in central Athens, making sightseeing in the town effortless.

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

Featuring delightful food options and contemporary and greek offering, The Zillers has garnered acclaim from numerous satisfied diners.

For local recommendations, look no further than CTC. Featuring exquisite modern cuisine, CTC restaurant, stands out as a favorite among local and international customers.

In the mood for something different? Consider reserving a table at Hytra. Countless patrons that sing its praises and its 1 Michelin star rating add to this restaurant’s prestige.

Order some of the best-tasting cocktails and celebrate the night away at Couleur Locale. This famous bar in Athens has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,817 customers.

You can also check out an equally popular bar in the area, 360 Cocktail bar. This amazing place never disappoints with its variety of drinks and fantastic ambiance. 360 Cocktail bar has received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 7,580 customers.

If you want to visit another bar, we recommend Upupa Epops - The bar. 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 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,915 customers.

Your multi-country road trip in Greece and Albania has only just begun. Brace yourself for more exciting days to come as you cross country borders in the comfort of your rental car and discover the most unique attractions, activities, and foods of each destination.

Day 2 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Central Athens. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the town for 2 nights more before hitting the road again.

In Athens, the extraordinary National Archaeological Museum awaits. This attraction is a valued museum that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 24,923 travelers' reviews. Hosting around 594,219 visitors every year, the amazing National Archaeological Museum is undoubtedly one of the top sights of the area.

Another of the best travel destinations in Athens, which gets around 814,565 annual visits, is the spectacular Acropolis Museum. This attraction is a museum that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 55,529 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This local wonder has an overall review score of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 12,453 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

Acropolis of Athens is another attraction you might want to add to your Athens exploration itinerary. This is a popular stop among travelers in the area, as seen in its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 108,369 reviews and annual visitor count of approximately 1,807,580 people.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, consider dropping by a well-loved spot among locals — Parthenon. More than a popular landmark and attraction, Parthenon offers visitors an immersive journey of the rich cultural tapestry of Athens. Parthenon boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 65,860 traveler reviews.

Elevate your experience in Athens by engaging in exhilarating activities and joining tours that uncover the hidden wonders of this beautiful region.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to include a unique blend of top-rated experiences to your travel diary. Browse all of your options below and reserve your slot before it's too late.

As the sun sets on day 2 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Athens's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Greece to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the town’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Athens has them.

One awesome place that offers a variety of good food for every budget is Maiandros restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,357 diners.

When you want to eat at a place locals enjoy, head to Ama Lachei and check out their diverse menu. More than 4,018 customers have rated this restaurant an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

If you’re in the mood for something else, try eating at Efcharis restaurant and discover what makes people return to this restaurant. Efcharis restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,655 customers.

Wrap up your evening by visiting the renowned The Clumsies, a must-visit hotspot in the town of Athens. This bar has garnered an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, backed by 5,694 delighted customers.

Alternatively, quench your thirst at the popular Kuko's The Bar, consistently rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Or, for an authentic local recommendation, head over to Juan Rodriguez Bar •Compañia de Bebida, one of the top-rated bars in Athens, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,926 satisfied customers.

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 3, you will wake up in Central 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 Greece and Albania.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated museum and attraction in Athens — Technopolis City of Athens. About 13,962 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

The popular Temple of Hephaestus is another top sight in Athens that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,298 visitors.

Ancient Agora of Athens is a spectacular museum and highlight on travelers’ itineraries in Athens, earning an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 28,637 enchanted visitors.

As the day moves along, be sure to make time to drop by the magnificent Philopappos Hill. Because of its allure and charm, around 16,693 visitors have rated this attraction and park an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Discover the allure of Athens National Garden. Echoing its popularity, 33,049 travelers have awarded this famous park and sightseeing spot an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Your destination has so much to offer to all kinds of travelers. Discover more about this place and add more excitement to your vacation in Athens in Greece by embarking on popular tours and excursions. Joining tours will give you a deeper understanding of Athens’s history and culture while meeting other adventurers like you.

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

Enjoy a much-needed break at Tavern Klimataria (est.1927), one of the best restaurants in Athens. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,650 customers.

Rosalia is yet another of the top places to eat in the town. Rosalia is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,226 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Kuzina, another well-loved restaurant in Athens.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Brettos, one of the top bars in the town. An excellent place to unwind and enjoy a refreshing evening drink, Brettos has earned an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,481 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals and other travelers at Ippopotamos, a crowd-favorite. Around 2,396 customers have rated their experience at Ippopotamos an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Μαύρος Γάτος belongs to the list of the best bars in Athens, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,357 bar-goers.

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!

On day 4 of your multi-country road trip across Greece and Albania, 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 South Athens, Argolis, and Patras in Greece. In the evening, you’ll end up in Patras, where you will stay for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Athens and set your GPS to Patras. 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 and 4 minutes.

South Athens is where memories are made! Take time to explore the region’s most popular attractions and learn something new today.

A tour of South Athens is not complete without a visit to the famous Stavros Niarchos Park. This incredible park and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 32,266 travelers.

Make the most of your South Athens travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. This destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 47,710 travelers.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station.

Elevate your experience in Patras by engaging in exhilarating activities and joining tours that uncover the hidden wonders of this beautiful region.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to include a unique blend of top-rated experiences to your travel diary. Browse all of your options below and reserve your slot before it's too late.

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

If you've been looking forward to all the culinary delights you’ll get the opportunity to try along your multi-country road trip in Greece and Albania, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Patras. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Locals enjoy dining at Carousello, one of the most popular restaurants in Patras. This restaurant serves good quality food and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,922 customers.

Alternatively, if you have an appetite for something different, eat at Bodegas. Around 1,710 customers have given this fantastic restaurant an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Notos, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 708 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Distinto Rio, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,864 customers.

Carousello 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 1,922 customers.

Take in the ambiance of Patras 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!

On day 5 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Greece and Albania, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Achaea and Western Greece in Greece and Gjirokastra in Albania. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Gjirokastra, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Holy Church of Saint Andrew. This outstanding church and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 from 4,048 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Holy Church of Saint Andrew is worth pages in your travel diary.

Fasten your seatbelt and journey to your next stop in Albania. Turn on the radio and notice the scenic views transition from Greece’s Patras to the enchanting landscapes of Gjirokastra. Keep in mind that your travel time may take around 3 hours and 37 minutes without traffic disruptions.

When you reach Achaea, that’s your cue to take a breather from the road and indulge in some sightseeing and adventure. Check out some of the top attractions in the region.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Gjirokastra by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your itinerary. Explore more of the region’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Gjirokastra.

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

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Gjirokastra’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 Greece and Albania.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Hotel Bar Restaurant KODRA, one of the top bars in the city. An excellent place to unwind and enjoy a refreshing evening drink, Hotel Bar Restaurant KODRA has earned an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 261 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!

Wake up and see what day 6 of your great European road trip in Greece and Albania has in store for you! You will be staying in Gjirokastra for 2 nights before continuing your journey to the next destination.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on your trip in Albania. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Gjirokastra itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful town.

Add this highly recommended tour to your package now and make this refreshing day in Albania extra special!

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.

At the top-rated restaurant Taverna Laberia, you can enjoy a mouthwatering selection of food and drinks. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 104 customers.

If you feel like having something else, Restaurant Tradicional Odaja is another great option. This fantastic restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 328 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!

Day 7 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Gjirokastër County. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 1 night more before hitting the road again.

A tour of Gjirokastra is not complete without a visit to the famous Castle of Gjirokastra. This incredible attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,763 travelers.

Make the most of your Gjirokastra travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Zekate House. This destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 303 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Skënduli House for an experience worth remembering. This local museum and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 350 visitors.

Make more amazing memories during your vacation in Albania by adding tours and activities to your travel itinerary. Tours are another exciting way to experience the best of Gjirokastra, immersing in local customs and meeting new friends.

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

You can enjoy a mouthwatering selection of food and drinks at Hotel Bar Restaurant KODRA. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 261 customers.

If you feel like having something else, Edua Gjirokaster is another great option. This fantastic restaurant serves delectable and comforting food, deserving of its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 128 customer reviews.

As the night falls in Gjirokastra, 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.

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Greece and Albania. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Vlorë County and Xarrë in Albania and Ioannina 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 Ioannina. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Gjirokastra, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your European road trip adventure. Set course for Greece! Under favorable conditions, your drive to Ioannina may take around 3 hours and 30 minutes.

On your break from the road, you will have a blast exploring Vlorë County’s lovely eateries, captivating attractions, and engaging tour options.

In Vlorë County, the extraordinary Plazhi Ksamilit awaits. This attraction is a valued natural feature that boasts an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 3,514 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Vlorë County is the spectacular Lori Beach. This attraction is a natural feature that is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,289 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing Venetian Castle - Archeological museum. This local museum and wonder has an overall review score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 127 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

Butrint National Archaeological Park is another attraction you might want to add to your Vlorë County exploration itinerary. This park is a popular stop among travelers in the area, as seen in its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 9,129 reviews and annual visitor count of approximately 55,000 people.

To make your day special, check out all the available tours and tickets in the region!

Ioannina has something for every interest and travel budget.

It’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Ioannina. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

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

This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,924 customers.

If you’re keen on trying something else, locals also recommend ΣΕΙΡΙΟΣ as one of the top restaurants in the town. ΣΕΙΡΙΟΣ is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,410 customers.

Another of the most recommended restaurants in Ioannina is Fysa Roufa. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,585 customers.

Quench your thirst after a long day of adventure at Παλιά Αγορά, a prime hotspot for fun and relaxation seekers in the town. Παλιά Αγορά boasts an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 1,278 customers.

Or, try the exciting drinks at Scala, a vibrant place where locals and travelers converge for spirited toasts and amazing stories. Scala has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 909 customers.

As the sun dips below the horizon, make a stop at another famous bar in the area, Omilos. This bar is a local favorite, with an impressive rating of 4.5 out of 5-star from 909 customers.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 9 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 3 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this European tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Ioannina, Corinthia, and Athens in Greece. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Athens. Athens will be your home for 1 night.

In Ioannina, the extraordinary Castle of Ioannina awaits. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,554 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Ioannina is the spectacular Μουσείο Ελληνικής Ιστορίας Παύλου Βρέλλη. This attraction is a museum that is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,871 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

Feel the freedom as you navigate your way from Ioannina to Athens. Expect a journey of approximately 4 hours and 16 minutes without stops.

Upon reaching Ioannina, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated attraction in Ioannina — Castle of Ioannina. About 9,554 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The popular Μουσείο Ελληνικής Ιστορίας Παύλου Βρέλλη is another top sight in Ioannina that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved museum in the area, rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,871 visitors.

To double the fun and excitement on your vacation in Greece, we also recommend adding tours to your travel itinerary. Tours are a great way to engage in immersive activities, meet other vacationers like you, and experience Athens's unique culture.

This fantastic excursion will show you around famous sights in Athens.

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

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 town’s most recommended bars.

An excellent option is LIONDI Traditional Greek Restaurant, which is a popular restaurant with an exciting menu. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,159 customers.

Another top-rated restaurant to consider is Arcadia Restaurant. This restaurant is popular with locals as well as travelers and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,812 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Athens. At Tiki Bar Athens, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,829 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your adventure at Zampano, another popular bar in the town. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,675 reviews.

Buena Vista Social Bar 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 1,552 customers.

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

On day 10 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Athens before it’s time to leave.

Depending on how much time you have before your departure, you may want to engage in some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Get some unique items to remind you of your great European road trip across Greece and Albania. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Athens is the fantastic Roman Forum of Athens (Roman Agora). As an appreciated local gem in the area, Roman Forum of Athens (Roman Agora) has earned an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 11,758 reviews.

Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Athens and enjoy what may be your last vacation meal of this trip. Look forward to recreating these distinct culinary experiences in your own kitchen later to remind you of your unforgettable road trip across Greece and Albania.

This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,675 customers.

This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,552 customers.

The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,676 customers.

The time has come to say farewell to Athens for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 10-day European road trip in Greece and Albania with fond memories. Safe travels!