11-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Greece and Albania With Itinerary from Athens to Kalambaka, Gjirokastra, Saranda, Vlore, and Ioannina

Day 2 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Athens. Enjoy time off the road as you have 1 night left in the city.

A top thing to do today is to explore Ermou Street, a must-see street in Athens. It's the perfect starting point for touring the top attractions in the area. You can also visit Plaka, an ideal neighborhood for continued sightseeing.

National Archaeological Museum Of Athens leaves a lasting impression. This museum is one of the most interesting places to visit in Athens. Next, head to Acropolis Of Athens, a timeless archeological site, known for its historic features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Parthenon. This historic archeological site is a highly recommended experience.

For an unforgettable shopping experience, visit Kolonaki, the top shopping destination in Athens. Browse local boutique shops and stores, each offering delightful surprises. Find unique souvenirs or items to take home. After shopping, explore what Kolonaki has to offer, including attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Harvest Coffee & Wine, a top-rated dining spot in Athens. If you're in the mood for something new, try 42 Barstronomy Athens, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at O Babas. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Athens.

Continue your lively evening at Tiki Bar Athens, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Brettos is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Luxus Bar Bistro ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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 to day 4 of your extraordinary road trip through Greece and Albania. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Kastraki in Greece. With 1 night left in Kalambaka, seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!

As you explore Kastraki’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the village.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Kastraki. This car ride takes around 15 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Holy Monastery Of The Great Meteoron -transfiguration Of The Saviour, a locally appreciated monastery that everyone visiting Kastraki should see. Next, head to Monastery Of Varlaam. This historic monastery is one of the most often recommended attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Main Observation Deck Of Meteora, a romantic observation deck popular among locals as well as travelers.

Get ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy a lively evening in Kalambaka. 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.

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!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe. The highlights of today include Mandio in Greece and Gjirokastra in Albania. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Gjirokastra, your home for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Mandio, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Kalambaka to Mandio may take around 1 hour 39 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Mandio, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Archaeological Site Of Dodoni, a beloved archeological site that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Ioannina, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Mandio to Ioannina may take around 26 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Ioannina, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Museum "arslan Pasha", a beloved point of interest that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Set course for Albania! Under favorable conditions, your drive to Gjirokastra may take around 1 hour 30 min. Upon your arrival in Gjirokastra, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Castle Of Gjirokastra, an increasingly popular castle that everyone visiting Gjirokastra should see. Next, head to Staryj Gorod Girokastry. This romantic historical landmark is one of the most locally appreciated attractions in the region.

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

Get ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy a lively evening in 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Taverna Tradicionale KARDHASHI, a highly-rated dining destination in Gjirokastra. If you're eager to try something different, consider Taverna Brahimi, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restorant Tradicional Urat. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Gjirokastra this evening.

Keep the evening going at Bukowksi Bar Gjirokaster, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Hangover Cocktail Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks.

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 European tour in Greece and Albania, you’ll start and end your day in Krongj, but spend most of the time exploring beyond the village, including Krongj in Albania. Saranda remains your base for 1 night more.

Krongj’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Saranda behind. This drive usually takes around 42 min. Krongj welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you're ready for some sights, head to The Blue Eye, a frequently visited park in Krongj. This intriguing karst spring is a top recommendation in the area.

Set your GPS to Vrinë and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 48 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Vrinë beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to Venetian Castle, an underrated castle in Vrinë. Explore its instagrammable features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Butrint National Park. This up-and-coming archeological site is a top recommendation in the area.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Saranda’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.

Don’t miss out on dining at MARINI, a top-rated dining destination in Saranda. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Bagaron Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Taverna Fish Land. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Saranda this evening.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Jericho Cocktail Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink.

Take in the ambiance of Saranda as this 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 multi-country road trip to look forward to!

On day 9 of your multi-country road trip across Greece and Albania, you'll get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Ioannina in Greece. In the evening, you’ll end up in Ioannina, where you will stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive towards Greece, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Ioannina. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 6 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Silversmithing Museum Of Ioannina. Spend some time admiring the photogenic features of the museum before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Byzantine Museum Of Ioannina. This locally appreciated museum is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Ic Kale Acropolis Of Ioannina. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the archeological site. Next, take your journey to Ioannina Castle, a locally renowned castle.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at To Dodeka Cafe Bar, a top-rated dining spot in Ioannina. If you're in the mood for something new, try Mustagogia, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Accademia Del Panino. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Ioannina.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. ⚜ V E D E M A ⚜ is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Hogwarts Tales And Spirits, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Chevalier. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Take in the ambiance of Ioannina as this 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 multi-country road trip to look forward to!

On day 10 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Greece and Albania, you’ll soak in the magnificence Ioannina in Greece. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Athens, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

To truly experience Ioannina, make sure to drop by The Clock Tower Of Ioannina. This frequently visited monument is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Litharitsia Park, one of the city’s best highlights.

Neo Bizani’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Ioannina behind. This drive usually takes around 22 min. Neo Bizani welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Moyseio Ellinikis Istorias Payloy Vrelli, an up-and-coming museum that everyone visiting Neo Bizani should see.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Thermopyles. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 55 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Memorial To Leonidas And 300 Spartans, an up-and-coming war memorial known for its detailed features.

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

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during 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 Athens.

Make sure to reserve a table at Cookoovaya, an iconic dining spot in Athens. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Karamanlidika, a popular restaurant in Athens. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Estiatorio Auli, a hidden gem nestled in Athens. 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 Kazu Cafe-bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Upupa Epops - The Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Gazarte provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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!