11-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Greece and Albania With Itinerary from Athens to Trikala, Gjirokastra, and Patras

On day 2, you will wake up in Athens with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 3 nights left in Athens before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Greece and Albania.

A tour of Athens is not complete without a visit to the famous Philopappos Hill. This incredible park and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 18,588 travelers.

Make the most of your Athens travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Roman Agora. This archeological site and unique destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,101 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Monastiraki Square 6 for an experience worth remembering. This local public square and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 17,322 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Temple Of Hephaestus. This amazing site is a wonderful archeological site with more than 8,335 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

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

Start your culinary exploration in Athens by securing a reservation at Hytra. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Spondi, celebrated for its delectable french menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover The Zillers, a top local spot known for its tantalizing contemporary and greek menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Tiki Bar Athens, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Brettos offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Luxus Bar Bistro provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

As the night falls in Athens, 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.

Day 3 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Athens. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 2 nights more before hitting the road again.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Athens is the fantastic Parthenon. As an appreciated archeological site and local gem in the area, Parthenon has earned an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 74,124 reviews.

Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary Acropolis Of Athens, which is an archeological site that gets around 1,807,580 visits every year. This attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 123,792 visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself!

Join countless others in discovering the allure of Odeon Of Herodes Atticus, a standout archeological site and attraction that's captivated the hearts of many. It has a stellar rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 15,092 reviewers.

Experience the magic that has drawn so many to the doorstep of the outstanding Acropolis Museum. This museum is a highly recommended attraction in the city, attracting more than 814,565 visitors per year and boasting an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 65,819 visitor reviews.

Just around the corner lies the magnificent National Archaeological Museum Of Athens, a popular museum and attraction many visitors enjoy. More than 29,596 people have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Immerse yourself in its charm and join the 594,219 annual explorers who can't resist what Athens has to offer.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city 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 lovely meal at Cookoovaya, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Karamanlidika is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Estiatorio Auli. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Athens tonight.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Kazu Cafe-bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Upupa Epops - The Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Gazarte offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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!

Greet day 4 of your multi-country road trip across Greece and Albania with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Athens for your remaining 1 night in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Kallithea in Greece.

Kallithea’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Athens behind. This drive usually takes around 13 min. Kallithea welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

A tour of Kallithea 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 37,443 travelers.

Make the most of your Kallithea travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. This cultural center and unique destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 53,996 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Water Square for an experience worth remembering. This local park and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,266 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Kallithea, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Palaio Faliro may take around 4 min. Upon your arrival in Palaio Faliro, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Something that makes Palaio Faliro the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding park, Palaio Faliro. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,212 visitors.

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 Greece and Albania by rewarding yourself with a taste of Athens’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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Beer Tales, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Oinomageireio Epirus (est.1898) offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss To Kafeneio. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Athens.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Ipitou The Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Lot 51 is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Klōstḗrion provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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 5 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 Trikala in Greece. In the evening, you’ll end up in Trikala, where you will stay for 1 night.

After soaking in Athens’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Trikala. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 3 hours 20 min. When you arrive in Trikala, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Matsopoulos Mill. This outstanding museum and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 from 928 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Matsopoulos Mill is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Matsopoulos Park is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This park and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,917 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing public square, Central Bridge. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,997 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

The top-rated Trikala City Center Square, an outstanding museum, is one place you should visit while in Trikala considering its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,007 travelers.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Trikala. This car ride takes around 3 hours 20 min.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

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

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

Savor the flavors at ALVEO, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Trikala Fortress beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Palia Istoria. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Trikala tonight.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Soyita Art Cafe, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Factory Café, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, The Love Shake provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Take in the ambiance of Trikala 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 6 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Greece and Albania, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Kastraki in Greece. When you’re not exploring the town and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Gjirokastra, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Kastraki, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Upon arrival in Kastraki, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

In Kastraki, the extraordinary Meteora awaits. This attraction is a valued monastery that boasts an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 37,365 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Kastraki is the spectacular Holy Monastery Of The Great Meteoron -transfiguration Of The Saviour. This attraction is a monastery that is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 8,630 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing Monastery Of Varlaam. This local monastery and wonder has an overall review score of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,965 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

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

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Albania's delectable cuisine at one of Gjirokastra'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.

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

Continue your lively evening at Bukowksi Bar Gjirokaster, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Hangover Cocktail Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood.

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

One place travelers keep coming back to in Gjirokastra is the magnificent Staryj Gorod Girokastry. Around 291 visitors have rated this excellent historical landmark and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Castle Of Gjirokastra on this leg of your adventure in Albania. This attraction is a well-known castle that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 7,622 travelers.

The remarkable Ali Pasha Bridge is known to be one of the best places to visit in Gjirokastra, and its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 203 traveler reviews is proof.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Gjirokastra. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Albania 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 delicious dinner at The Black Rose Pub, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Taverna Laberia offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restaurant Tradicional Odaja. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Gjirokastra.

Celebrate day 8 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 9 of your multi-country journey across Greece and Albania. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Perama in Greece. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Patras where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Perama and set your GPS to Ioannina. 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 10 min. Upon reaching Ioannina, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Perama is the magnificent Cave Of Perama. Around 6,901 visitors have rated this excellent cave and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

When you’ve had your share of Perama, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Ioannina. Your travel time is around 10 min.

Ioannina Castle is a travelers’ favorite in Ioannina, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,630 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Ioannina and set your GPS to Neo Bizani. 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 23 min. Upon reaching Neo Bizani, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

A tour of Neo Bizani is not complete without a visit to the famous Moyseio Ellinikis Istorias Payloy Vrelli. This incredible museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 7,288 travelers.

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

As the sun sets on day 9 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Patras'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, Patras has them.

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

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Sofita. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Charama Therino offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Notos, another top-rated bar in the area.

As the night falls in Patras, 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.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 10 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Patras in Greece. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Athens, your home for 1 night.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Patras is the fantastic King George I Square (patras). As an appreciated public square and local gem in the area, King George I Square (patras) has earned an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 3,038 reviews.

Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary Holy Church Of Saint Andrew. This attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,818 visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself!

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Antirio, 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 Patras to Antirio may take around 18 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Antirio, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Something that makes Antirio the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding monument, Charilaos Trikoupis Rio - Antirrio Bridge. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,442 visitors.

After soaking in Antirio’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 1 hour 26 min. When you arrive in Gefyra Isthmou, it's time to take a break from the road.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Gefyra Isthmou today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Corinth Canal East Entrance. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,514 visitors.

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

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at ELLYZ Cafe Athens, a top-rated dining spot in Athens. If you're in the mood for something new, try Ama Lachei, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Ella Greek Cooking. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Athens.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, G Cafe Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Jarmusch (bar) is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Barronegro Athens is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Celebrate day 10 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!