7-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 1 night.

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.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

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.

As the sun sets on day 1 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.

Karamanlidika, a local-favorite in Athens, offers great food and ambiance. This well-loved restaurant in the town has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,838 customers.

Another top-rated restaurant worth trying in Athens is the popular Ατίταμος. An excellent dining option in the town, Ατίταμος enjoys an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,348 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the exciting selection of food and drinks at Couleur Locale. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,817 customers.

After your meal, continue your getaway at one of the hottest bars in the town, Couleur Locale. This bar has an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,817 customers.

Alternatively, you can grab a few shots of your favorite drink and have an amazing night at the famous 360 Cocktail bar. This incredible bar has a vibrant atmosphere and plays great music, worthy of its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 7,580 customers.

Upupa Epops - The bar cannot be missed with its wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. 5,915 bar lovers have given this place a seal of approval with their 4.6 out of 5 stars average rating.

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.

On day 2 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 Central Athens and Patras in Greece. In the evening, you’ll end up in Patras, where you will stay for 1 night.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Athens is the magnificent Temple of Olympian Zeus. Around 23,233 visitors have rated this excellent travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Acropolis Museum on this leg of your adventure in Greece. This attraction is a well-known museum that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 55,529 travelers. Given this incredible site's popularity, it’s easy to understand why more than 814,565 people visit it every year.

The remarkable Acropolis of Athens is known to be one of the best places to visit in Athens, and its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 108,369 traveler reviews is proof. Attracting more than 1,807,580 visitors in a single year, it's clear that the wonderful Acropolis of Athens is a perfect add-on to your itinerary.

Dive deeper into Athens by exploring the captivating Parthenon. With a stellar average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 65,860 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Athens exploration list!

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Patras. This drive usually takes around 2 hours and 33 minutes, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

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

Make the most of your vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Patras has in store for you.

There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your adventure in Greece. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

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.

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 Patras’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.

One of the best restaurants in the city of Patras is Carousello. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,922 customers.

Bodegas is another of the best restaurant options you can find in the city of Patras. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,710 customers.

After your meal, continue your getaway at one of the hottest bars in the city, Notos. This bar has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 708 customers.

Alternatively, you can grab a few shots of your favorite drink and have an amazing night at the famous Distinto Rio. This incredible bar has a vibrant atmosphere and plays great music, worthy of its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,864 customers.

Carousello cannot be missed with its wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. 1,922 bar lovers have given this place a seal of approval with their 4.5 out of 5 stars average rating.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your multi-country journey across Greece and Albania. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Achaea and Western Greece in Greece and Gjirokastra in Albania. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat for a restful slumber at one of the best hotels in Gjirokastra. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Something that makes Patras the perfect holiday destination is that the region offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding church, Holy Church of Saint Andrew. This local gem has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,048 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Patras and set your GPS to Gjirokastra, Albania. 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 3 hours and 37 minutes.

Prepare for a great time when you reach Achaea. While in Achaea, you’ll soak in Greece’s rich culture while exploring its wonderful attractions.

Fasten your seatbelt and journey to your next stop.

To double the fun and excitement on your vacation in Albania, 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 Gjirokastra's unique culture.

This fantastic excursion will show you around famous sights 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.

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.

At the top-rated restaurant Taverna Lani, you can enjoy a mouthwatering selection of food and drinks. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 410 customers.

If you feel like having something else, The Barrels-Te Fuçitë is another great option. This fantastic restaurant has an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars by 252 customers.

A third restaurant you could check out is Taverna Laberia. Taverna Laberia offers a menu of delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy your hunger. We’ll let its excellent rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 104 customers speak for itself.

Spend the night downing a few shots of your favorite cocktail at Hotel Bar Restaurant KODRA. This bar is among the most recommended in the city, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 261 customers.

This bar is known for its many choices of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that will electrify your senses.

Celebrate day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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 Gjirokastra 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 Xarrë, Saranda, and Gjirokastra in Albania.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Saranda. This drive usually takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

As you arrive in Xarrë, it’s yet again time for a break from the road for some sightseeing and exploring. In this one-of-a-kind city in Albania, you’ll find some of the area’s most outstanding sights.

Butrint National Archaeological Park is a travelers’ favorite in Xarrë, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 9,129 visitors. More than 55,000 people visit this extraordinary park and local gem every year to experience its uniqueness.

In Xarrë, don’t miss Venetian Castle - Archeological museum, a great museum and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 127 reviews.

Gjirokastra’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Xarrë behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour and 14 minutes.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Gjirokastra, its culture, and people.

So be sure to reserve your slot early so you won’t miss the chance to join this highly recommended activity in Gjirokastra.

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.

After a day of exploring, we recommend you try Restaurant Tradicional Odaja, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city of Gjirokastra. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 328 customers.

Locals also recommend Hotel Bar Restaurant KODRA as one of the best restaurants in the city of Gjirokastra. Hotel Bar Restaurant KODRA is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 261 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Gjirokastra is Edua Gjirokaster. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 128 customers.

This amazing place never disappoints with its variety of drinks and fantastic ambiance.

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

On day 5 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Greece and Albania, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Gjirokastër County and Krongj in Albania and Ioannina in Greece. When you’re not exploring the town and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Ioannina, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated museum and attraction in Gjirokastra — Skënduli House. About 350 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

The popular Zekate House is another top sight in Gjirokastra that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 303 visitors.

Castle of Gjirokastra is a highlight on travelers’ itineraries in Gjirokastra, earning an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,763 enchanted visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and journey to your next stop in Greece. Turn on the radio and notice the scenic views transition from Albania’s Gjirokastra to the enchanting landscapes of Ioannina. Keep in mind that your travel time may take around 2 hours and 23 minutes without traffic disruptions.

Take a well-deserved pause from the road when you arrive in Gjirokastër County. This is your chance to tour the region’s most remarkable sights and top-rated attractions, showcasing the area’s distinct charm.

Fasten your seatbelt and journey to your next stop.

While in Ioannina, take the chance to join a popular tour to experience something one-of-a-kind during your getaway in Greece. Check out all the tours Ioannina offers, and personalize your vacation package to your preferences for an amazing day in the region.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Ioannina’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

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 Ioannina. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

We recommend you go to one of the best restaurants in the town of Ioannina, Metsovitiki Folia. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,924 customers.

ΣΕΙΡΙΟΣ is another of the best restaurant options you can find in the town of Ioannina. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,410 customers.

Fysa Roufa, one of the most popular restaurants in the town of Ioannina, is a place locals enjoy. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,585 customers.

Order some of the best-tasting cocktails and celebrate the night away at Παλιά Αγορά. This famous bar in Ioannina has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,278 customers.

You can also check out an equally popular bar in the area, Scala. This amazing place never disappoints with its variety of drinks and fantastic ambiance. Scala has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 909 customers.

If you want to visit another bar, we recommend Omilos. 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 4.5 out of 5 stars from 900 customers.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 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.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Ioannina is the fantastic Castle of Ioannina. As an appreciated local gem in the area, Castle of Ioannina has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 9,554 reviews.

Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary Μουσείο Ελληνικής Ιστορίας Παύλου Βρέλλη. This attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,871 visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself!

Athens’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Ioannina behind. This drive usually takes around 4 hours and 16 minutes.

As you arrive in Ioannina, it’s yet again time for a break from the road for some sightseeing and exploring. In this one-of-a-kind town in Greece, you’ll find some of the area’s most outstanding sights.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Ioannina is the fantastic Castle of Ioannina. As an appreciated local gem in the area, Castle of Ioannina has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 9,554 reviews.

Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary Μουσείο Ελληνικής Ιστορίας Παύλου Βρέλλη. This attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,871 visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself!

We recommend checking out all the tours and activities you can add to your package. Embarking on a tour is an excellent way of learning something new in Athens, Greece.

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

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Athens. 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.

Enjoy a much-needed break at Maiandros restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Athens. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,357 customers.

Ama Lachei is yet another of the top places to eat in the town. Ama Lachei is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,018 diners.

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

Quench your thirst after a long day of adventure at The Clumsies, a prime hotspot for fun and relaxation seekers in the town. The Clumsies boasts an impressive 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 5,694 customers.

Or, try the exciting drinks at Kuko's The Bar, a vibrant place where locals and travelers converge for spirited toasts and amazing stories. Kuko's The Bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,785 customers.

As the sun dips below the horizon, make a stop at another famous bar in the area, Juan Rodriguez Bar •Compañia de Bebida. This bar is a local favorite, with an impressive rating of 4.6 out of 5-star from 3,785 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 7 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.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Athens, including the outstanding Syntagma Square. Having an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,163 reviews, this fascinating park and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the town.

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.

At the top-rated restaurant Tavern Klimataria (est.1927), you can enjoy a mouthwatering selection of food and drinks. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,650 customers.

If you feel like having something else, Rosalia is another great option. This fantastic restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,226 customers.

A third restaurant you could check out is Kuzina. Kuzina offers a menu of delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy your hunger. We’ll let its excellent rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,585 customers speak for itself.

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 7-day European road trip in Greece and Albania with fond memories. Safe travels!