One-Week Greece Road Trip from Thessaloniki traveling south to Trikala, Ioannina, Patras, and Chalkida
Description
Summary
Description
Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 8-day road trip through Greece.
This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Greece. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Thessaloniki, 1 night in Trikala, 1 night in Ioannina, 1 night in Patras, 1 night in Chalkida, and 1 night in Larissa, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Greece. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Thessaloniki, Trikala, Ioannina, Patras, Chalkida, Larissa, and Dion-Olympos. We'll help you experience the best 8 days in Greece you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.
Upon arriving in Thessaloniki, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Greece, including the stunning White Tower of Thessaloniki and Aristotelous Square.
You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.
Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Greece. From the magnificent The Umbrellas Sculpture by Zogolopoulos to the breathtaking Arch of Galerius and Rotunda and Meteora, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and learn more about the unique Stavros Niarchos Park to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Thessaloniki, Trikala, Ioannina, Patras, Chalkida, Larissa, and Dion-Olympos, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Greece. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Greece.
Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Greece. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Greece.
Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Greece.
You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Greece has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.
You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.
Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Greece. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 7 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 7 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.
You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Greece extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.
The best services in Greece fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Greece today!
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Day 1 – Thessaloniki - arrival day
Day 1 – Thessaloniki - arrival day
- Thessaloniki - Arrival day
- More
- Aristotelous Square
- More
Your road trip adventure in Greece begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Thessaloniki. You’ll stay in Thessaloniki for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.
Thessaloniki has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Aristotelous Square. This attraction is a square and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 42,179 visitors.
When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.
When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Thessaloniki, Kanoula. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,335 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Thessaloniki is rOOTS. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,104 customers.
Locals recommend Opsopoion Maganeiai as one of the best restaurants in the city of Thessaloniki. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,640 customers.
Thessaloniki also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Thessaloniki is Pulp. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,573 customers.
Another of the best bars in the city of Thessaloniki is Makedonia Palace Hotel. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,530 customers.
Locals also enjoy Kitchen Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 9,067 customers.
Enjoy toasting the start of your 8-day vacation in Greece!
Experiences
Day 2 – Thessaloniki and Trikala
Day 2 – Thessaloniki and Trikala
- Thessaloniki
- Trikala
- More
Drive 222 km, 3 hours 24 min
- Heptapyrgion of Thessalonica
- Kapani
- Agias Sofias Square
- Arch of Galerius and Rotunda
- White Tower of Thessaloniki
- More
As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in Greece, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Thessaloniki. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Trikala. You’ll stay in Trikala for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Thessaloniki’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Thessaloniki, start your day with a visit to the amazing Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki. This much-appreciated top-tier point of interest and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,550 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Kapani. This market and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,510 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Agias Sofias Square to make the most of your road trip across Greece. The spectacular Agias Sofias Square is a square that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,128 visitors.
The lovely Arch of Galerius and Rotunda is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 11,979 visitors have left this tetrapylon average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular White Tower of Thessaloniki. This attraction is a fortified tower rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 50,663 reviews. Around 290,192 people come to see this attraction every year.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Thessaloniki has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Trikala. Trikala offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Ouzo Vasilis. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 972 reviews.
The remarkable To Chani is another top restaurant in Trikala we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,894 customers.
If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Palia Istoria is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,654 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Trikala, the fantastic Krypti Mpar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 620 customers.
To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Bonjour Cafe Trikala. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,081 customers.
Another bar with a great atmosphere is Ivy. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 766 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Greece!
Experiences
Day 3 – Trikala, Kastraki, and Ioannina
Day 3 – Trikala, Kastraki, and Ioannina
- Trikala
- Ioannina
- Meteora
- More
Drive 137 km, 3 hours 18 min
- Trikala City Center Square
- Central Bridge
- Matsopoulos Park
- The Great Meteoron Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour
- Meteora
- More
Rise and shine on day 3 of your road trip in Greece. Today, you'll wake up in Trikala and embark on a scenic drive to Ioannina, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Trikala before you reach your end destination for the day.
It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Trikala. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Trikala City Center Square. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,935 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible Central Bridge. This attraction, a beloved must-see tourist destination, has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,951 visitors.
If you have time, another site you could explore in Trikala is the stunning Matsopoulos Park. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,871 visitors.
One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable The Great Meteoron Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour. This attraction is a place of worship that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 8,462 visitors.
If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Meteora. This monastery and attraction has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 35,413 reviews.
We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like PsISTARIA TAVERNA "O SAKIS". This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 885 customers.
Locals also recommend Balsamico, another of the best restaurants in Ioannina. Balsamico is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,077 customers.
If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Frontzoy Politeia - Frontzu Politia Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,712 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.
After dinner, visit Spitaki me thea to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Ioannina, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,243 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Palia Agora. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Palia Agora has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,278 customers.
Scala is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 909 customers.
End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Greece, and look forward to more great days to come!
Experiences
Day 4 – Ioannina and Patras
Day 4 – Ioannina and Patras
- Patras
- Ioannina
- More
Drive 240 km, 3 hours 10 min
- Cave of Perama
- Ioannina Castle
- Vrellis Greek History Museum (Wax Museum)
- Rion-Antirion Bridge
- Church of Agios Andreas
- More
Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the city of Ioannina and the city of Patras. You’ll stay in Patras for 1 night.
One of the best places to explore in the city of Ioannina today is Cave of Perama. This excellent attraction is a show cave that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,636 visitors.
We also recommend you visit the amazing Ioannina Castle, an outstanding castle, in the city of Ioannina. Around 11,412 travelers rated this attraction with 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Ioannina is Moyseio Ellinikis Istorias Payloy Vrelli. This amazing attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,022 visitors.
To experience the local culture, see more of Greece, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Greece. You also get to admire popular places of interest.
You could then travel to Rion-Antirion Bridge for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Patras. This popular attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,277 visitors.
This outstanding church has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,631 travelers.
You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Patras.
After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Patras, Carousello. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,922 customers.
Locals recommend Bodegas as one of the best restaurants in the city of Patras. Bodegas is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,710 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Patras is Salumeria. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,481 customers.
After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Patras, Notos. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 708 customers.
You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Kafeteria "Theatraki" | Patra. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,539 customers.
Distinto Rio is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Patras. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,864 customers.
Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Greece with a toast!
Experiences
Day 5 – Kallithea, Palaio Faliro, and Chalkida
Day 5 – Kallithea, Palaio Faliro, and Chalkida
- Palaio Faliro
- Kallithea
- Chalkida
- More
Drive 304 km, 3 hours 38 min
- Water Square
- Palaio Faliro
- Stavros Niarchos Park
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
- More
Day 5 of your road trip through Greece gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Kallithea and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Chalkida. You will stay in Chalkida for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!
One of the best places to visit today in Kallithea is the amazing Water Square. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,874 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible park, Stavros Niarchos Park. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 36,525 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.
Another unforgettable travel destination in the Kallithea is the outstanding Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. This popular cultural center and travel destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 52,943 visitors.
You can make the most of your new day in Kallithea by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Greece. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.
At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Chalkida, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.
After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try To Spitiko Mezedopoleio - Oyzeri, one of the best restaurants in the city of Chalkida. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,217 customers.
Locals also recommend Asteria Plage as one of the best restaurants in the city of Chalkida. Asteria Plage is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,861 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Chalkida is ouzo Nicholas. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,579 customers.
After dinner, visit Galatiko Chorio, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Chalkida. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,186 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Ippokampos Beach Bar Alykes Chalkida. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,763 customers.
Alternatively, Zefiros - Cafe | Restaurant | Events is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Chalkida. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,336 customers.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Greece!
Experiences
Day 6 – Thermopyles and Larissa
Day 6 – Thermopyles and Larissa
- Chalkida
- Thessaly and Central Greece
- More
Drive 301 km, 3 hours 40 min
- Chalcis
- Waterfront of Chalkida
- Karababa Castle
- Memorial of Leonidas and 300 Spartans
- More
As you rise to greet the dawn on day 6 of your epic road trip in Greece, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Chalkida. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Larissa. You’ll stay in Larissa for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Chalkida’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Chalkida, start your day with a visit to the amazing Chalcis. This much-appreciated best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 895 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Chalkida Waterfront. This best-rated sightseeing destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,463 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Karababa Castle to make the most of your road trip across Greece. The spectacular Karababa Castle is a must-see tourist destination that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,415 visitors.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Chalkida has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Larissa. Larissa offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Las Ramblas Coffeebar. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,338 reviews.
The remarkable Mpakalógatos is another top restaurant in Larissa we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,836 customers.
If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Akamatra - Akamatra is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,383 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Larissa, the fantastic Nonna Rossa. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,797 customers.
To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Gossip Downtown. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,557 customers.
Another bar with a great atmosphere is Klímax. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,734 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Greece!
Experiences
Day 7 – Katerini, Neos Panteleimonas, Litochoro, Dion, and Thessaloniki
Day 7 – Katerini, Neos Panteleimonas, Litochoro, Dion, and Thessaloniki
- Katerini
- Thessaloniki
- More
Drive 202 km, 3 hours 27 min
- Platamon Castle
- Monastery of St Dionysios in Olympus
- Mount Olympus National Park
- Archaeological Park of Dion
- Katerini Municipal Park
- More
Rise and shine on day 7 of your road trip in Greece. Today, you'll wake up in Larissa and embark on a scenic drive to Thessaloniki, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Larissa and Neos Panteleimonas before you reach your end destination for the day.
It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Larissa. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Katerini Municipal Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,501 visitors.
Wave goodbye to Katerini and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Neos Panteleimonas has to offer.
One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Platamon Castle. This attraction is a castle that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,319 visitors.
When you're done with your sightseeing in Neos Panteleimonas, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Thessaloniki. When you arrive in Thessaloniki you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.
We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Giok Balik. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,336 customers.
Locals also recommend Loupino Restaurant, another of the best restaurants in Thessaloniki. Loupino Restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,657 customers.
If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Sebriko. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,978 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.
After dinner, visit Dentro sto Bar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Thessaloniki, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,446 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Wall by Wall. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Wall by Wall has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,128 customers.
SKYLINE - OTE Tower is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,534 customers.
End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Greece, and look forward to more great days to come!
Experiences
Day 8 – Thessaloniki - departure day
Day 8 – Thessaloniki - departure day
- Thessaloniki - Departure day
- More
- The Umbrellas by Zongolopoulos
- More
Day 8 of your road trip in Greece is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Thessaloniki before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.
The Umbrellas Sculpture by Zogolopoulos is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Thessaloniki. This best-rated sightseeing destination and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,531 visitors.
Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Thessaloniki and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Greece.
You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Thessaloniki at Charoupi before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,912 customers.
Alternatively, we also recommend The Rouga for your last chance at a meal in the city of Thessaloniki. The The Rouga restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,900 customers.
If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try The Greek. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,117 customers.
You’ll then say farewell to Thessaloniki. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Greece!
Experiences
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