One-Week Road Trip in Greece, and Albania 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 1 night left in Athens before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Greece, and Albania.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Parthenon. This outstanding ancient greek temple and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 from 74,124 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Parthenon is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Acropolis Of Athens is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This acropolis and tourist destination welcomes approximately 1,807,580 visitors every year and boasts an average review score of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 123,792 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing odeon, Odeon Of Herodes Atticus. With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 15,092 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

The top-rated Acropolis Museum, an outstanding ancient greek temple, is one place you should visit while in Athens considering its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 65,819 travelers. Acropolis Museum receives around 814,565 visitors in a single year, and today is the perfect opportunity to see it up close.

Explore the magnificent National Archaeological Museum Of Athens and discover what makes this local national museum and wonder one of the best attractions in Athens. This popular sightseeing destination receives over 594,219 visitors each year and enjoys a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 29,596 travelers.

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 Athens. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Hytra in Athens by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Hytra delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Spondi, acclaimed for its delectable french specialties. This local 1-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at The Zillers, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for contemporary, and greek cuisine in the city.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Brettos, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Upupa Epops - The Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Lot 51 likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Greece, and Albania. Today's main destinations are Athens 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 Trikala. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

In Athens, the extraordinary National Garden Of Athens awaits. This attraction is a valued park that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 36,683 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Athens is the spectacular Roman Agora. This attraction is a square that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,101 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing Ancient Agora Of Athens. This local archaeological site and wonder has an overall review score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 32,962 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

Temple Of Hephaestus is another attraction you might want to add to your Athens exploration itinerary. This ancient greek temple is a popular stop among travelers in the area, as seen in its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 8,335 reviews.

When you arrive in Athens, it's time to take a break from the road.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

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

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 Trikala'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 city’s most recommended bars.

Enjoy a lovely meal at ALVEO, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Trikala Fortress is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Palia Istoria. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Trikala tonight.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Σουίτα Art Cafe after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Factory Café, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, The Love Shake also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Celebrate day 3 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 4 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 - Kastraki in Greece. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Gjirokastra where you'll spend 2 nights of well-deserved relaxation.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Kastraki.

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 place of worship 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 church and wonder has an overall review score of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,965 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

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

As the sun sets on day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Gjirokastra's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Albania 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, Gjirokastra has them.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Taverna Tradicionale KARDHASHI, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Taverna Brahimi offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Restorant Tradicional Urat is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Gjirokastra.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Bukowksi Bar Gjirokaster, known for its inviting atmosphere. Hangover Cocktail Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started.

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 6 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 Ioannina in Greece. In the evening, you’ll end up in Patras, where you will stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Patras. This car ride takes around 2 hours 14 min.

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

We also recommend you explore the amazing Ioannina Castle on this leg of your adventure in Greece. This attraction is a well-known castle that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 11,630 travelers.

The remarkable Μουσείο Ελληνικής Ιστορίας Παύλου Βρέλλη is known to be one of the best places to visit in Ioannina, and its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 7,288 traveler reviews is proof.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Carousello, 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 Fork, 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 Marogia, a hidden gem nestled in Patras. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Χάραμα Θερινό, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Notos offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Patras. Minimal is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 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.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated church and attraction in Patras — Holy Church Of Saint Andrew. About 4,818 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

The popular Charilaos Trikoupis Rio - Antirrio Bridge is another top sight in Patras that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved point of interest in the area, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,442 visitors.

After soaking in Patras’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Palaio Faliro. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 19 min. When you arrive in Palaio Faliro, it's time to take a break from the road.

In Palaio Faliro, the extraordinary Palaio Faliro awaits. This attraction is a valued city that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,212 travelers' reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Palaio Faliro, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Kallithea. This drive usually takes around 9 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Kallithea is the magnificent Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. Around 53,996 visitors have rated this excellent cultural center and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Stavros Niarchos Park on this leg of your adventure in Greece. This attraction is a well-known park that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 37,443 travelers.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Athens. 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 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.

Make sure to book a table at Kuzina, a popular restaurant in Athens. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Athens at Tavern Klimataria (est.1927), a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Efcharis restaurant. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Athens tonight.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting 360 Cocktail Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Bolivar Beach Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Juan Rodriguez Bar •compañia De Bebida also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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