Bitola - Florina (Greece) - Metsovo (Greece) - Ioannina (Greece) - Parga (Greece) - Igoumenitsa (Greece) - Sarandë (Butrint, National Park “Blue Eye”, Ksamil, Himarë) - Meteora - Bitola

This multi-day private road trip offers an unforgettable journey through two countries, weaving together Greece’s mountain villages and seaside charm with Albania’s Riviera and ancient sites. Starting in Bitola, the route crosses into Greece with a morning coffee stop in Florina, a peaceful town known for its riverfront cafés and quiet rhythm. From there, the road climbs into the Pindus mountains to reach Metsovo, a picturesque alpine village famous for its stone houses, smoked cheese, and artisan woodwork. After a stroll through its narrow lanes, the tour continues to Ioannina, where the lakeshore promenade and old fortress reflect the city’s Ottoman past and vibrant present.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Parga, one of the most scenic bays on the Ionian coast. With its colorful hillside houses and castle-topped cliffs, Parga offers a perfect sunset setting before heading toward the port of Igoumenitsa for the overnight leg into Albania. The next day unfolds along the Riviera, with stops in Sarandë, where the Ionian Sea meets Albanian hospitality. You’ll visit the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with layers of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine history, followed by a swim or photo stop at the Blue Eye spring, a natural wonder of turquoise water bubbling up from deep underground.

Further south, Ksamil offers white beaches and clear water, while the drive through Himarë reveals quiet villages and sea views untouched by mass tourism. The journey then turns inland for a dramatic finish beneath the towering rock spires of Meteora, where cliff-perched monasteries seem to defy gravity and time.

Returning to Bitola, you’ll have crossed borders, climates, and centuries of history. This curated road trip is ideal for curious travelers who enjoy varied landscapes, local flavors, and the freedom of the open road, guided, comfortable, and entirely unique. Passport required.