9-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Greece and Bulgaria With Itinerary from Athens to Larissa, Petrich, Sofia, Thessaloniki, and Trikala

Day 2 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Athens. Enjoy time off the road as you have 1 night left in the city.

Enjoy all that National Archaeological Museum Of Athens has to offer. This is an interesting museum you should not miss. Another must-see is Acropolis Museum, an extraordinary museum in Athens.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Odeon Of Herodes Atticus. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Acropolis Of Athens, another of the city’s world-famous attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Parthenon, a breathtaking place of interest in the city.

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

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Hytra, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Spondi, known for its delicious french cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in Athens is The Zillers, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious contemporary and greek menu.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Tiki Bar Athens. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Brettos, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Luxus Bar Bistro provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring 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!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your multi-country journey across Greece and Bulgaria. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in Athens in Greece. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Larissa where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Philopappos Hill leaves a lasting impression. This park is one of the most notable places to visit in Athens. Next, head to Ancient Agora Of Athens, a captivating archeological site, known for its instagrammable features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Temple Of Hephaestus. This historic archeological site is a highly recommended experience.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Thermopyles. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 8 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Memorial To Leonidas And 300 Spartans, an often recommended war memorial in Thermopyles. Explore its historic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Larissa 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 Larissa’s local cuisine.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Nonna Rossa, a top-rated dining destination in Larissa. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Vosporos | Restaurant • Bar, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at THE ALLEY. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Larissa this evening.

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

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

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Greece and Bulgaria. Today's main destinations are Neos Panteleimonas 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 Petrich. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Neos Panteleimonas’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Larissa behind. This drive usually takes around 44 min. Neos Panteleimonas welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Platamon Castle and explore the history-steeped features.

Katerini’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Neos Panteleimonas behind. This drive usually takes around 31 min. Katerini welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Katerini Municipal Park, a frequently visited park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Vergina’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Katerini behind. This drive usually takes around 53 min. Vergina welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Museum Of The Royal Tombs At Aigai (aegae), an up-and-coming museum in Vergina. Explore its heritage-rich features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

Before this 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, enjoy the local nightlife or unwind with a drink or two in the town’s most recommended bars.

Don’t miss out on dining at Restaurant "Provence", a top-rated dining destination in Petrich. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restorant „Rayski Kat ”, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restorantche , Zharavata". With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Petrich this evening.

Take in the ambiance of Petrich as this 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 multi-country road trip to look forward to!

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

Visiting South Park is always a good idea. This notable park is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the photogenic wonders of National Palace Of Culture, a must-see convention center in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Borisova Gradina Park. This well-known park offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky, where you can take in picture-perfect features.

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

As the day slows down and turns into evening, indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Thessaloniki. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Kitchen Bar, a popular restaurant in Thessaloniki. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Thessaloniki at The Greek, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Phanós. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Thessaloniki tonight.

Keep the evening going at Beetle Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Vogatsikou 3, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Souel, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe. The highlights of today include Thessaloniki in Greece. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Trikala, your home for 1 night.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the notable Aristotelous Square and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, White Tower Of Thessaloniki, a breathtaking monument that draws visitors from far and near.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Kastraki, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Thessaloniki to Kastraki may take around 2 hours 53 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Kastraki, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Meteora is a captivating monastery we recommend visiting today. Discover its inviting features before continuing your self-guided tour.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Trikala. 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.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Greece and Bulgaria, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Trikala.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at ALVEO, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Trikala Fortress offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Palia Istoria. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Trikala.

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

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!