Self Drive from Athens to Thessaloniki
Scenic Northern Greece Road Trip
Trip code: 732
8 days / 7 nights Tour starts Athens Tour ends Thessaloniki
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Overview
A beautifully balanced journey combining classical landmarks, dramatic natural landscapes, and vibrant northern Greek culture. This self-drive itinerary allows flexibility while showcasing some of mainland Greece’s most impressive highlights.
Perfect for
Self-Drive FansCouplesHistory BuffsPhotography LoversNature LoversFood ExplorersRoad Trippers
Itinerary
What you’ll do each day, with your included hotel — or upgrade any stay.
Days 1–3
Arrive at Athens International Airport, collect your rental car and drive to your hotel in the city centre. In the evening, explore the charming Plaka neighbourhood with its cobbled lanes, traditional tavernas and neoclassical houses. As night falls, admire the illuminated Acropolis rising above the city. The following day is dedicated to Greece’s historic capital. Visit the Acropolis and Parthenon, continue to the Acropolis Museum, and stroll through Monastiraki Square, Syntagma Square and Ermou Street. In the evening, enjoy Athens’ vibrant atmosphere and rooftop dining with views of the Parthenon.
Make this trip yours
Stay longer or shorter in Athens
Your stay in Athens
2 nights8 days total
Your itinerary and price update when you change your stay.
Days 1–3 IncludedPlaka Hotel
Athens
Recommended nights Fully flexible
Adjust the number of nights at this hotel — your itinerary days and price update automatically.
More Hotel Options
IncludedPlaka Hotel
Selected
Elliot Neapoli Athens
L'Avventura Athens
My Greek Vacations City Apartments
Okupa
Elvita Apartments 4
Flowers Of Athens Boutique Aparthotel
Absolute Athens Apartments
Academias Hotel Autograph Collection
The Dolli At Acropolis A Hotel To Live
Rental car
Athens 8 days
Toyota Aygo or Similar
IncludedMini · Budget
Automatic 4 1 Bags A/C Unlimited miliage
Choose your car
Why You'll Love This Trip
- One clear route from Athens to Thessaloniki — no backtracking
- Drive at your own pace with built-in flexible days
- Meteora's sky-high monasteries are unlike anywhere else
- From the Acropolis to Byzantine Thessaloniki — centuries of history in one trip
- Two of Greece's most unforgettable sunsets included
- Rooftop Athens dining, mountain tavernas, and Thessaloniki's famous food scene
- Three very different destinations, all on mainland Greece
What's Included
- 7 nights accommodation in selected hotel category
- (2 nights Athens, 3 nights Meteora area, 2 nights Thessaloniki)
- Daily breakfast (unless otherwise specified by hotel)
- Rental car from Day 1 (Athens Airport) to Day 8 (Thessaloniki Airport)
- Self-drive program with detailed itinerary
- Scenic route suggestions and recommended stops
- Local taxes (except overnight city tax, payable locally)
- 24/7 emergency assistance contact
What's Excluded
- International or domestic flights
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums
- Optional guided tours or private guides
- Meals other than breakfast
- Personal expenses, tips and drinks
- Travel insurance
- Climate Resilience Fee, payable directly to the hotel
- Fuel, tolls, parking charges and traffic fines
Please review these practical details before confirming your self-drive holiday.
One-way rental
The car is collected at Athens Airport and returned at Thessaloniki Airport. Any applicable one-way fee is included in the selected rental offer.
Rental-car requirements
The main driver must present a valid driving licence, passport or ID, and a credit card in the main driver’s name. Supplier age and deposit conditions apply.
Driving, fuel and tolls
Fuel, motorway tolls, parking charges and traffic fines are not included. Greece drives on the right-hand side of the road.
City parking
Central Athens and Thessaloniki have restricted and limited parking. Choose accommodation with parking or use a secure public garage.
Meteora monasteries
Opening days and hours vary, and some monasteries close on particular weekdays. Modest dress is required; shoulders and knees must be covered.
Climate Resilience Fee
Greece’s mandatory Climate Resilience Fee is paid directly to each hotel. The amount depends on hotel category and season and may change by law.
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