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Experience the lesser-explored regions of central and north-western Greece on this self-drive holiday from Athens. Highlights include the lakeside town of Ioannina, the mountain villages of Zagori, the alpine charm of Karpenissi, and the dramatic monasteries of Meteora. Journey via historic Delphi and enjoy stunning scenery, combining ancient sites, traditional villages and unspoilt countryside for a rewarding exploration of mainland Greece.
Activity code: GRFDEP01
Duration: 9 Days/8 nights
This self-drive holiday reveals some of the most rewarding, yet lesser-visited, parts of central and north-west mainland Greece, with a particular focus on the beautiful and unspoilt region of Epirus. Along the way, you’ll take in some of the country’s most iconic landmarks — including Delphi and Meteora — set among landscapes of striking natural beauty.
Begin in Athens, where ancient history and modern life sit side by side, before heading north to Delphi, the fabled sanctuary of Apollo. Continue to the dramatic pinnacles of Meteora, crowned with centuries-old monasteries and surrounded by sweeping plains. Crossing into Epirus, stay in Ioannina, a lively lakeside town with Ottoman echoes and fine local cuisine, then explore the mountain villages of Zagori, where stone houses, graceful bridges and clear rivers create a timeless scene. As you head back south stop off in Karpenissi which offers a refreshing contrast — a mountain town surrounded by forests, waterfalls and quiet walking trails.
This well-balanced route allows you to enjoy Greece’s countryside and culture at your own pace. You can follow it as outlined or adapt it to suit your preferences — adding extra nights, side trips or simply more time to relax. If you would like something slightly different, we will be pleased to design a personalised itinerary based on your travel dates, preferred hotel standard and particular interests. Your holiday can be as active or as restful as you wish.
To round off your travels, you might like to spend a few days on one of Greece’s beautiful islands — we’ll be happy to suggest the perfect options.
Not included: the new "Climate TAX" for overnights in hotels. This is to be paid directly to the hotel, prior to check-out . The price depends on the hotel category.
Itinerary
Collect your rental car upon arrival and drive to your hotel in Athens. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this vibrant city.
* if you don't fancy driving from the airport we could arrange a private transfer and have the car delivered to your hotel the following morning.
Leave the city behind and drive via the charming mountain village of Arachova to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delphi, once considered the centre of the Ancient World. The site sits in a glorious location on the slopes of Mount Parnassus.
Your journey today will take you through small villages on your way to stunning Meteora and its monasteries.
These hermitages form one of the truly breathtaking sights on earth. Sitting on top of huge granite rocks they offered security and solitude to the faithful during times of persecution, particularly at the end of the Byzantine period and the start of Ottoman rule over Greece. Of the original 24 monasteries only a handful are still open.
A beautiful drive up into the mountains to visit Metsovo, one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Greece. Tradition is kept alive in its artisan crafts: distinctive woodcarvings, hand woven fabrics and folk art as well as cheese making (the smoked cheese is particularly tasty) and a robust red wine.
Above Metsovo is the magnificent 'Politses' plateau with Alpine scenery, forests of beech, fir and pine and man-made Lake Aoos.
A morning drive down to Ioannina, capital of Epirus, built on the shores of Lake Pamvoti.
Continue on to Zagorochoria, 46 traditional settlements which form a distinct geographical and cultural region, one of the country's richest in animal and plant life.
We will recommend several villages to visit in the area, depending on whether or not you would like to go walking.
Spend the day enjoying the scenery in the Vikos Gorge National Park, the deepest and longest canyon in Europe. You might like to go for a dip in the Voidomatis River or walk to the beautiful Spiliotissa Monastery. If time permits take a detour up to the village of Konitsa, just 12 km from the border with Albania.
Leaving this magical area behind drive down through spectacular scenery to Karpenissi, built on the foothills of Mount Timfristos. This town is an ideal starting point for excursions to nearby traditional villages like Korischades, with its excellently preserved stone houses, Mikro and Megalo Horio, Proussos, Domnitsa and Agrafa (its surroundings offer many secluded paths for walking).
Free time in Athens until your flight departs.
Drive to Athens Airport and drop off your rental car *
* or you could drop off the car the previous evening and have a private transfer back to the airport.
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