Luxury 9-Day Relaxed Greece Road Trip Vacation from Thessaloniki to Ioannina

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Greece begins when you reach Thessaloniki, where you’ll stay for a total of 5 nights.

Thessaloniki is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration.

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. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Thessaloniki offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Kanoula. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,335 customers.

ROOTS serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Thessaloniki has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,104 reviews.

Kitchen Bar is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 9,067 customers, Kitchen Bar is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Thessaloniki looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Pulp, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,573 reviews.

Wall by Wall offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Thessaloniki. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,128 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Loupino Restaurant. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,657 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Greece! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Greece!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Greece, you'll explore the best attractions in Thessaloniki at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Thessaloniki, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 4 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Aristotelous Square. This incredible square has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 42,159 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Greece by seeing another popular site in Thessaloniki, the wonderful White Tower of Thessaloniki. This fortified tower is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 42,159 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. This archaeological museum has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,009 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable The Umbrellas Sculpture by Zogolopoulos. This best-rated sightseeing destination is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13,676 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Thessaloniki Waterfront. This amazing site is a wonderful top-tier point of interest with more than 2,005 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Greece. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Thessaloniki itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Greece extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Thessaloniki. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Giok Balik. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,336 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Sebriko, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Sebriko is rated 4.6 stars out of 5 by 2,978 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Charoupi. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,912 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Thessaloniki and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Tribeca. This vibrant bar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,262 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Castra- All Day Terrace Bar. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,882 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is The Blue Cup | Creative bar. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. The Blue Cup | Creative bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,254 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Greece, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Greece gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Thessaloniki and visit more of its attractions.

Thessaloniki has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Greece. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Kapani, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Kapani has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,618 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Agias Sofias Square. This city feature got an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from its 10,231 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Thessaloniki is the notable Holy Church of Hagia Sophia. The popular Holy Church of Hagia Sophia is a highlight of many travel packages in Thessaloniki. As a matter of fact, this remarkable church has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 5,652 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Thessaloniki, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Ancient Agora Square. Take your time exploring this wonderful top-tier point of interest and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 1,584 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to the outstanding Roman Forum of Thessaloniki. With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,271 travelers, a trip to the spectacular Roman Forum of Thessaloniki is something to look forward to in Thessaloniki.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Thessaloniki by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Thessaloniki.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Thessaloniki, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

The Rouga is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Thessaloniki-based food place has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,900 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, The Greek is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. The Greek proved an excellent choice for around 3,117 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another local favorite in Thessaloniki is Palati Thessaloniki, which has an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 2,775 individuals’ reviews.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Thessaloniki, Menta. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.6 over 5 stars given by 2,241 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Apallou. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.4 over 5 stars by 2,504 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Kafodeio Greek may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 2,095 customers have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Thessaloniki and end day 3 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Greece on a great note!

Day 4 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Greece gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Thessaloniki and visit more of its attractions.

Thessaloniki has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Greece. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Acropolis of Thessaloniki, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Acropolis of Thessaloniki has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,172 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki. This city feature got an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from its 5,638 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Thessaloniki is the notable Atatürk Museum. The popular Atatürk Museum is a highlight of many travel packages in Thessaloniki. As a matter of fact, this remarkable house museum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 7,650 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Thessaloniki, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Arch of Galerius and Rotunda. Take your time exploring this wonderful tetrapylon and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 12,215 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to the outstanding Holy Church of Saint Demetrius, Patron Saint of Thessalonica. With a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 5,909 travelers, a trip to the spectacular Holy Church of Saint Demetrius, Patron Saint of Thessalonica is something to look forward to in Thessaloniki.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Thessaloniki by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Thessaloniki.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Thessaloniki, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Extravaganza is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Thessaloniki-based food place has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,903 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, LOCAL Thessaloniki is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. LOCAL Thessaloniki proved an excellent choice for around 2,056 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Thessaloniki, Pantheon Bar. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.5 over 5 stars given by 1,765 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is ARC | espresso • wine bar. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.4 over 5 stars by 1,816 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Enoches Bar may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 1,608 customers have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Thessaloniki and end day 4 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Greece on a great note!

Day 5 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Greece gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Kastraki. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Ioannina, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 3 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Main Observation Deck of Meteora is waiting for you. This top-tier point of interest has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,716 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is The Great Meteoron Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour. This unique place of worship is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 8,527 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Meteora. With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 36,135 visitors, this monastery is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Kastraki has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Greece. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Ioannina. In Ioannina, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Greece.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 885 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing PsISTARIA TAVERNA "O SAKIS".

Locals also recommend Balsamico as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Balsamico as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,077 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Frontzoy Politeia - Frontzu Politia Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,712 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Spitaki me thea. Spitaki me thea is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,243 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Palia Agora. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,278 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Scala. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Scala is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 909 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Greece!

Day 6 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Greece serves as your introduction to Ioannina. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Greece and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Ioannina, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 849 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Grand Serai Congress & Spa. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,641 guests, Grand Serai Congress & Spa is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Its Kale Boutique Hotel offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Its Kale Boutique Hotel is a top-rated budget hotel in Ioannina with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 688 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Ioannina. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Ioannina, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Litharitsia park. This top-tier point of interest and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Ioannina. The fascinating Litharitsia park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,148 travelers.

Ioannina is also home to the captivating Archaeological Museum of Ioannina, a local archaeological museum and another popular attraction in the city. About 567 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Ioannina Castle is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Greece. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,505 travelers, Ioannina Castle proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Cave of Perama. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing show cave and attraction an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 6,774 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic Iera Moni Ntoyrachanis. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating place of worship and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 461 visitors have rated the famous Iera Moni Ntoyrachanis an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Ioannina, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Greece.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Greece. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Ioannina, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Ioannina is Motley Coffeesweet. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,564 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Metsovitiki Folia for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Ioannina. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,924 customers.

Another alternative is Frontzu Politia - Hotel. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,241 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Ioannina. At Equus, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 990 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Omilos, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 900 reviews.

Chevalier is also one of the best places in Ioannina where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 739 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Greece!

On day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Greece, you'll explore the best attractions in Ioannina at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Ioannina, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Museum "Arslan Pasha". This incredible top-tier point of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,202 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Greece by seeing another popular site in Ioannina, the wonderful Ich Kale Acropolis of Ioannina. This top-tier point of interest is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,202 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Fethiye Mosque. This mosque has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 346 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Silversmithing museum of Ioannina. This museum is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,521 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Moyseio Ellinikis Istorias Payloy Vrelli. This amazing site is a wonderful museum with more than 7,143 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 7 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Greece. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Ioannina itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Greece extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Ioannina. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, SEIRIOS. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,410 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Bite Bite, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Bite Bite is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 1,985 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Mystagogia. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,763 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Ioannina and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular To Dodeka Cafe Bar. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 809 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular OPEN BAR. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 770 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Route 66 Bar. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Route 66 Bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 449 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Greece, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 8 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Greece gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Metsovo. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Thessaloniki, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Metsovo square is waiting for you. This best-rated sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,592 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Averofeios Kipos. This unique top-tier point of interest is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 571 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Metsovo Folk Art Museum (Tossizza Mansion). With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 748 visitors, this museum is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Metsovo has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Greece. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Thessaloniki. In Thessaloniki, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Greece.

After a long day of driving and exploring along your relaxed road trip route, sitting down for a well-cooked restaurant meal in Mandio is an excellent idea.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Vogatsikou 3. Vogatsikou 3 is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,211 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations.

This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Greece!

Day 9 of your relaxed road trip in Greece is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Thessaloniki.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Thessaloniki once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Greece on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Unwind and look back at the past 9 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Thessaloniki or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Thessaloniki and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 9-day relaxed road trip in Greece is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.