6-Day Greece Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Athens to Kalambaka and Thessaloniki
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Description
Explore the best of Greece on a 6-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Athens, Arachova, Kastraki, Kalambaka, Thessaloniki, and Thermopyles. This road trip itinerary in Greece seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Greece takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 3 nights in Athens, 1 night in Kalambaka, and 1 night in Thessaloniki. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Greece. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Athens, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Greece on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Greece. Acropolis Of Athens and Parthenon are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable White Tower Of Thessaloniki, learn more about the unique Meteora, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of National Archaeological Museum Of Athens.
As you hit the open road and drive through Athens, Arachova, Kastraki, Kalambaka, Thessaloniki, and Thermopyles, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Greece. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Greece.
Throughout your road trip in Greece, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Greece.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Greece fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Greece today!
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Day 1
- Athens - Arrival day
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- Temple of Olympian Zeus
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Your road trip adventure in Greece begins as soon as you reach Athens and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Athens for 2 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
Athens is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Temple Of Olympian Zeus, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Athens. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Athens, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Don’t miss out on dining at Zampano, a top-rated dining destination in Athens. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Rosalia, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at NJV Athens Plaza. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Athens this evening.
If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Mayros Gatos offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Kuko's The Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Revolt Street Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.
Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Greece!
Day 2
- Athens
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Drive 6 km, 45 min
- National Archaeological Museum of Athens
- Monastiraki Square
- Acropolis of Athens
- Parthenon
- Plaka
- Monastiraki
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Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Athens has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Athens by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
Plaka is one of the highlights of today. Take your time exploring this iconic neighborhood in Athens, which offers a perfect blend of history and culture. Plus, it's close to many must-see landmarks in the city. Be sure to also visit Monastiraki, a neighborhood that showcases another side of Athens.
Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Athens, including a museum, a public square, and an archeological site. Start your day with a visit to National Archaeological Museum Of Athens. This notable museum is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Monastiraki Square 6, which may be one of the most eye-catching places you will experience today.
One of the best things about exploring Athens on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Acropolis Of Athens, a world-famous archeological site in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Parthenon.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Greece is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.
As you explore more of Athens, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Harvest Coffee & Wine, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, 42 Barstronomy Athens is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at O Babas. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Athens tonight.
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.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Greece!
Day 3
- Athens
- Meteora
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Drive 393 km, 5 hours
- Arachova Viewpoint
- Meteora
- Greek Education Museum
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Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Greece. Today you will explore Arachova, Kastraki, and Kalambaka, 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 Kalambaka. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Athens, including an observation deck, a monastery, and a museum. Start your adventure at Arachova Viewpoint. This frequently visited observation deck is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Meteora located in Athens for another exciting encounter.
Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Greek Education Museum. Its eye-catching features will captivate you.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Kalambaka. Kalambaka offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Kalambaka's best restaurants.
With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Kalambaka.
Say good night to Kalambaka and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Greece!
Day 4
- Meteora
- Thessaloniki
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Drive 237 km, 3 hours 17 min
- Main Observation Deck of Meteora
- The Great Meteoron Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour
- Monastery of Varlaam
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On day 4 of your road trip in Greece, 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 in Kastraki. In the evening, you’ll end up in Thessaloniki, where you will stay for 1 night.
Kalambaka is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include an observation deck and a monastery. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the curiosity-inducing Main Observation Deck Of Meteora and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Holy Monastery Of The Great Meteoron -transfiguration Of The Saviour, a stunning monastery that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Monastery Of Varlaam, one of the village’s most worthwhile spots that you shouldn’t miss.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Thessaloniki, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Thessaloniki. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Kitchen Bar, a highly-rated dining destination in Thessaloniki. If you're eager to try something different, consider The Greek, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Phanós. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Thessaloniki this evening.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Beetle Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Vogatsikou 3. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Souel, another top-rated place in the area.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Greece!
Day 5
- Thessaloniki
- Athens
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Drive 514 km, 6 hours 3 min
- The Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos
- Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
- White Tower of Thessaloniki
- Κέντρο Ενημέρωσης Θερμοπυλών / Information center for the battle of the Thermophylae
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Greece. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Thessaloniki and Thermopyles. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Athens. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Thessaloniki today. One of the most interesting attractions included on the itinerary is The Umbrellas Sculpture By Zogolopoulos. This awe-inspiring art installation will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Archaeological Museum Of Thessaloniki and learn what makes this photogenic museum unique.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the impressive White Tower Of Thessaloniki. After exploring the monument, head to Historical Information Center For Thermopylae. This intriguing visitor center is a highlight in Thessaloniki.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Athens. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Athens. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
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.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Kazu Cafe-bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Upupa Epops - The Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Gazarte provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Greece.
Day 6
- Athens - Departure day
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- Syntagma Square
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Day 6 of your road trip in Greece is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Athens before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Syntagma Square. This underrated public square is a popular place to see in the city.
Make the most of your final day in Greece by visiting Athens’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Monastiraki. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Greece.
Before you conclude your road trip in Greece, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Athens.
If you're eager to try something different, consider Oinomageireio Epirus (est.1898), another top spot with a tantalizing menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Athens. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Greece!
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