Northern & Central Greece: 10-Day Self-Drive Tour
A broad circuit from Thessaloniki connects ancient Macedonia with the lakes, mountain villages and cultural landscapes of mainland Greece. Travel through Pella, Vergina and Edessa to Prespa and Kastoria, continue into Zagori and Ioannina, then turn east through Metsovo and Meteora towards Pelion and Mount Olympus. Nine nights with breakfast, a ten-day rental car and liability insurance are included, creating one continuous self-drive journey from arrival to departure.
Everything you need.
Nothing you don't.
A broad circuit from Thessaloniki connects ancient Macedonia with the lakes, mountain villages and cultural landscapes of mainland Greece. Travel through Pella, Vergina and Edessa to Prespa and Kastoria, continue into Zagori and Ioannina, then turn east through Metsovo and Meteora towards Pelion and Mount Olympus. Nine nights with breakfast, a ten-day rental car and liability insurance are included, creating one continuous self-drive journey from arrival to departure.
Tour Highlights
Why book with us
Clear arrangements and practical support from planning through to travel.
Enough structure to make the trip easy, with room to experience it your way.
Thoughtful hotels, experiences and routes chosen to create a better journey.
Itinerary
Arrive in Thessaloniki
Collect the rental vehicle and settle into Thessaloniki. Depending on arrival time, explore the waterfront, White Tower, Ano Poli or Byzantine monuments independently.
Pella, Aigai and Edessa
Drive west to Ancient Pella and Aigai at Vergina, selecting visits according to opening hours. Continue to Edessa for its rivers and waterfalls before the overnight.
Nymfaio, Prespa and Kastoria
Travel through western Macedonia, with optional stops in Nymfaio, the ARCTUROS conservation centre and the Prespa Lakes. Continue to the confirmed Kastoria-area hotel without overloading the day.
Kastoria to Zagori
Drive into Epirus and the Zagori region, reaching Aristi or the confirmed village base. Narrow mountain roads reward unhurried driving and careful planning.
Zagori at leisure
Spend a full day among selected Zagori villages, stone bridges and viewpoints over the Vikos landscape. Choose routes suited to weather, road conditions and walking ability.
Ioannina and Metsovo to Meteora
Continue via Ioannina and the mountain town of Metsovo to Kalambaka. Museums, the lake island and tastings are independent choices and should be fitted around the drive.
Meteora and Lake Plastira to Pelion
Visit one or more open Meteora monasteries independently, observing the dress requirements. Continue via Lake Plastira towards Portaria on the Pelion peninsula.
Pelion villages
Explore selected Pelion villages such as Portaria, Makrinitsa or Milies. Leave room for short walks, local food and the slower roads of the peninsula.
Volos and Mount Olympus
Travel north via Volos towards Litochoro at the foot of Mount Olympus. Explore the village or take a suitable short walk according to conditions and available time.
Departure from Thessaloniki
Drive to Thessaloniki Airport and return the rental vehicle. Ancient Dion can be considered only if the flight time, opening hours and confirmed car-return schedule allow.
Clarity before you travel.
Accommodation
Nine nights with breakfast are included: Thessaloniki, Edessa, Kastoria area, two nights in Zagori, Kalambaka, two nights in Portaria and Litochoro. Named hotels and guesthouses are examples only. Mountain locations, parking access and winter/shoulder-season road conditions must be checked.
Transport
Transport and getting around
This is a ten-day independent self-drive from Thessaloniki Airport, with the rental vehicle covering the full itinerary from arrival to departure. The final booking record should state the confirmed vehicle category and the applicable insurance, excess, deposit, mileage, fuel and additional-driver conditions.
Important Information
Before you book
- The rental car is included for all ten days of the itinerary; collection and return follow the confirmed Bókun booking details.
- Archaeological admissions, museums, boat trips, conservation-centre visits and tastings are not included unless added separately.
- Mountain roads and weather can materially affect driving time in Prespa, Zagori, Pelion and Olympus.
- Meteora monasteries have individual opening days and dress requirements.
- The climate-resilience levy is locally payable at the hotel at the rate in force when travelling.
Included & Not Included
Included
- 9 hotel or guesthouse nights in the confirmed properties or similar
- Breakfast each morning
- 10 days' rental car in the confirmed category
- Liability insurance as described by the supplier
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