Welcome to Athens!

Arrive in Athens, pick up your rental car and transfer to your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, spend the afternoon discovering the city centre, visiting a local market or enjoying a walk through the historic neighbourhoods. In the evening, sample Greek cuisine at a local restaurant and prepare for the road journey through mainland Greece.

Overnight stay in a well located hotel in Athens

Breakfast at hotel.

Spend the day discovering the historical heritage of Athens. Self drive and visit the Acropolis and its surrounding archaeological area, then explore the Acropolis Museum to learn more about the monuments and artefacts associated with ancient Athenian society. Depending on your interests, continue to the Ancient Agora or walk through the Plaka neighbourhood, known for its narrow streets, traditional buildings and small shops. Leave some time for a relaxed meal before returning to your accommodation.

Overnight stay in a well located hotel in Athens

Driving time:
Central Athens to Acropolis: Approx. 10–15 minutes
Acropolis to New Acropolis Museum: Approx. 5 minutes
Museum to Downtown Athens (walking): 5–10 minutes

Breakfast at hotel.

Self drive to northwest toward Delphi. The journey takes you from the capital into the mountainous landscape of central Greece. On arrival, explore the archaeological site of Delphi, once an important religious centre of the ancient Greek world. Walk through the remains of the sanctuary, including the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theatre. Visit the archaeological museum if opening hours and your schedule allow. Spend the evening in Delphi or a nearby village, enjoying the mountain scenery and a traditional Greek meal.

Overnight stay in a well located hotel in Delphi

Driving time:
Athens to Delphi: Approx. 2 hours and 35 minutes

Breakfast at hotel.

Self drive travel to northwest toward Ioannina in the Epirus region. This is a substantial driving day, so allow time for breaks and check your preferred route before departure. Once in Ioannina, settle into your accommodation and explore the lakeside setting. You may walk beside Lake Pamvotida, visit the historic castle district or enjoy the cafés and restaurants around the old town. Ioannina provides a convenient base for exploring the archaeological sites, traditional settlements and mountain landscapes of Epirus.

Overnight stay in a well located hotel in Ioannina

Driving time:
Delphi to Ioannina: Approx. 3.5–4.5 hours

Breakfast at hotel.

Self drive to the archaeological site of Dodoni, an important sanctuary in ancient Epirus. Explore the remains of the sanctuary and its theatre, which reflect the area’s religious and cultural importance in antiquity. Return to Ioannina and spend the afternoon discovering more of the city. Depending on your interests, visit its castle, explore the old streets or learn about the region’s history at a local museum. Enjoy an evening meal featuring regional dishes before continuing into the Zagori area the following day.

Overnight stay in a well located hotel in Ioannina

Driving time:
Short drives between villages if choosing the less strenuous option: 5–20 minutes per segment

Breakfast at hotel.

Leave Ioannina and self drive travel to Zagori, a mountainous region known for stone-built villages, historic bridges and traditional architecture. The journey offers opportunities to stop at viewpoints and explore settlements along the way. Visit selected villages such as Monodendri or Kipi, depending on your accommodation location and available time. Look out for arched stone bridges, old lanes and local squares that reflect the area’s building traditions. Keep the afternoon flexible for a short walk, a village café or a visit to a local producer if arrangements have been made in advance.

Overnight stay in a well located hotel in Zagori area

Driving time:
Zagori to workshop locations: Approx. 10–25 minutes

Breakfast at hotel.

Set aside today for an outdoor excursion in the Vikos-Aoos region. With a qualified local guide, explore a suitable walking route that showcases the area’s dramatic cliffs, forested slopes and river-carved landscape. The exact trail should be selected according to weather, fitness and trail conditions. Some routes in the region are steep or demanding, so confirm the distance, elevation changes and expected duration with your guide before setting out. Bring suitable walking shoes, water, sun protection and weather-appropriate clothing. After the excursion, return to your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening in the mountains.

Overnight stay in a well located hotel in Zagori area

Driving time:
Local driving to/from trailheads: 5–15 minutes

Breakfast at hotel.

Use today to discover more of Zagori’s cultural and rural heritage. Visit additional villages and historic bridges, taking time to appreciate the architecture and scenery rather than rushing between stops. If available, arrange a local food or nature-based workshop. Activities might include learning about regional herbs, gathering knowledge of edible plants or discovering traditional beekeeping practices. Book any guided activity in advance and follow the host’s advice on safe plant identification and responsible interaction with the natural environment. Enjoy a meal featuring local ingredients and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay in a well located hotel in Zagori area

Driving time:
Local driving to/from trailheads: 5–15 minutes

Breakfast at hotel.

Depart Zagori and self drive travel toward the Acheron River area in Epirus. Depending on the route and conditions, explore an accessible section of the river landscape, known for its clear water and natural surroundings. You may choose a short walk or a guided outdoor activity in an approved area. Water levels, temperatures and access restrictions can vary, so check local advice before entering the river or participating in water-based activities. Later, continue to the coastal area around Parga or another suitable nearby base. Spend the evening exploring the waterfront, enjoying a meal or relaxing after the day’s drive.

Overnight stay in a well located hotel in Parga area

Driving time:
Zagori to Acheron River Springs: Approx. 2–2.5 hours
Acheron River to Parga: Approx. 35-45 minutes one way

Breakfast at hotel.

Enjoy the morning around the Ionian coast. Depending on the season and weather, spend time at a nearby beach, take a walk along the waterfront or explore the old town of Parga. After lunch, begin the drive toward the Delphi region. This is a longer transfer day, so check the route and driving time carefully and plan breaks along the way. If the journey would be too tiring or your preferred route is lengthy, adjust the overnight stop to a convenient town along the route. Arrive at your accommodation and relax for the evening.

Overnight stay in a well located hotel in Delphi

Driving time:
Parga to Delphi: Approx. 4 hours 15 minutes–4 hours 45 minutes

Breakfast at hotel.

Drive back to Athens. Allow enough time for the journey, fuel stops and any rental-car return requirements. If you are departing internationally, leave a generous buffer before your flight. If your departure time is early, consider adding an overnight stay in Athens rather than relying on a same-day transfer from the Delphi region. Your journey concludes after exploring Greece’s ancient centres, Epirus’s mountain settlements and the natural landscapes of northern mainland Greece.

Driving time:
Delphi to Athens: Approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes