One-Week Self-Drive Road Trip in Greece and Bulgaria With Itinerary from Athens to Volos, Petrich, Thessaloniki, and Trikala

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Greece and Bulgaria. 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 Volos. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Athens is the magnificent Parthenon. Around 74,124 visitors have rated this excellent archeological site and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Acropolis Of Athens on this leg of your adventure in Greece. This attraction is a well-known archeological site that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 123,792 travelers. Given this incredible site's popularity, it’s easy to understand why more than 1,807,580 people visit it every year.

The remarkable Acropolis Museum is known to be one of the best places to visit in Athens, and its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 65,819 traveler reviews is proof. Attracting more than 814,565 visitors in a single year, it's clear that the wonderful Acropolis Museum is a perfect add-on to your itinerary.

Dive deeper into Athens by exploring the captivating Temple Of Olympian Zeus. With a stellar average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 26,652 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Athens exploration list!

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

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Volos’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Greece and Bulgaria.

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

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Pleasures Seaside Cafe + More after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Gala for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Grappa Vino & Aperitivo is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

As the night falls in Volos, 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 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Portaria in Greece. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Petrich, your home for 2 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Portaria, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Makrinitsa. Your travel time is around 11 min.

In Portaria, the extraordinary Centaurs' Path awaits. This attraction is a valued hiking area that boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,780 travelers' reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Makrinitsa. This car ride takes around 11 min.

In Makrinitsa, the extraordinary Makrinitsa awaits. This attraction is a valued public square that boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,335 travelers' reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Makrinitsa and set your GPS to Neos Panteleimonas. 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 1 hour 33 min. Upon reaching Neos Panteleimonas, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Neos Panteleimonas, including the outstanding Platamon Castle. Having an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,418 reviews, this fascinating castle and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the village.

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

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 Bulgaria by rewarding yourself with a taste of Petrich’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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Restaurant "Provence", a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restorant „Rayski Kat ” offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Restorantche , Zharavata" is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Petrich.

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 Bulgaria. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Kyustendil in Bulgaria. With 1 night left in Petrich, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!

Kyustendil’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Petrich behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 2 min. Kyustendil welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Something that makes Kyustendil the perfect holiday destination is that the region offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding national park, Pirin National Park. This local gem has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,557 visitors.

In Popina l'ka, the extraordinary Popina Laka Waterfall awaits. This attraction is a valued waterfall that boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,107 travelers' reviews.

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

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated park and attraction in Kyustendil — Park "st. Vrach". About 6,762 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

The popular Sandanski Archaeological Museum is another top sight in Kyustendil that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved museum in the area, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 574 visitors.

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

Dine in style at Restorant "Mirazh" gr. Petrich, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Koktejl bar Ray boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Restaurant "Ichkata". Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Petrich.

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!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your multi-country journey across Greece and Bulgaria. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Rozhen in Bulgaria. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Thessaloniki where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Rozhen, 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 Petrich to Rozhen may take around 40 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Rozhen, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Rozhen today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Rozhen Monastery. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,506 visitors.

Melnik’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Rozhen behind. This drive usually takes around 12 min. Melnik welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Melnik is a travelers’ favorite in Melnik, 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 1,060 visitors.

In Melnik, don’t miss Muzej Na Vinoto, a great museum and place to see in the hamlet. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 697 reviews.

Check other top attractions in Melnik off your list when you visit the wonderful Kordopulov House. This popular sight is an outstanding museum, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,374 travelers.

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

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 Thessaloniki'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 Kitchen Bar, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, The Greek is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Phanós. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Thessaloniki tonight.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Beetle Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Vogatsikou 3 offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Souel. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

On day 6 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Greece and Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Thessaloniki in Greece. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Trikala, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Something that makes Thessaloniki the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding public square, Aristotelous Square. This local gem has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 42,109 visitors.

The famous White Tower Of Thessaloniki is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area, with up to 290,192 people visiting it every year. As one of Thessaloniki's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 52,379 travelers have rated this incredible monument and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Thessaloniki is also home to the extraordinary The Umbrellas Sculpture By Zogolopoulos, which boasts a 4.7 out of 5 star rating in 13,884 traveler reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Thessaloniki, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Kastraki. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 56 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Kastraki today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Meteora. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 37,365 visitors.

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

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

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

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Soyita Art Cafe, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Factory Café. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at The Love Shake, another top-rated place in the area.

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 7 of your multi-country road trip across Greece and Bulgaria, 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 Palaio Faliro in Greece. In the evening, you’ll end up in Athens, where you will stay for 1 night.

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.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Athens. This drive usually takes around 16 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Kallithea is the fantastic Water Square. As an appreciated park and local gem in the area, Water Square has earned an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,266 reviews.

Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. This attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 53,996 visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself!

Join countless others in discovering the allure of Stavros Niarchos Park, a standout park and attraction that's captivated the hearts of many. It has a stellar rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 37,443 reviewers.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Kallithea, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Athens. This drive usually takes around 16 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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 Athens. 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 Athens boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Greece.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Athens by securing a table at Hytra. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional modern menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Spondi, famous for its scrumptious french dishes. This 1-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover The Zillers, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite contemporary and greek cuisine in Athens. Located in the heart of the city, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for contemporary and greek cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Tiki Bar Athens, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Brettos, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Luxus Bar Bistro likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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!