Samos, a picturesque Greek island in the Aegean Sea, beckons travelers with its rich history and natural beauty. The full-day guided island bus tour promises an immersive experience, taking visitors on a journey through the island’s ancient ruins, medieval monasteries, and charming villages. From the iconic Temple of Hera to the serene Monastery of Megali Panagia, the tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into Samos’ cultural heritage. With included wine tasting and a local lunch, this excursion caters to both the history buff and the gastronome, leaving one curious to uncover more of this enchanting island.
Key Points
- The full-day guided tour explores the ancient Greek Temple of Hera, the 15th-century Monastery of Megali Panagia, and the traditional mountain village of Pyrgos.
- The tour includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned coach, entrance to the Temple of Hera, and a wine tasting experience (except on Sundays).
- Highlights of the tour include a visit to the Valley of Nightingales, a lunch stop in Karlovassi, and a dedicated guide at the Temple of Hera.
- The tour is suitable for adults, children aged 2-12, and infants under 1, with comfortable clothing and shoes recommended for short walks.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on customer feedback, with positive comments on the variety of sites visited and the informative guide.
Tour Overview and Details
The Samos Island Bus Tour offers a comprehensive full-day guided experience, exploring the rich history and natural beauty of this Greek island.
Priced at €70.00 per person, the 8-hour tour is conducted in English and includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned coach, as well as entrance to the ancient Temple of Hera.
Pickup is provided from hotel lobbies or nearby locations in Samos. The tour is suitable for adults, children aged 2-12, and infants under 1.
Key highlights include visiting a 15th-century monastery, tasting Samian wines, and exploring the picturesque fishing village of Kokkari.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Itinerary Highlights
The Samos Island Bus Tour whisks visitors through a captivating itinerary, beginning with a visit to the ancient Greek Temple of Hera.
Travelers then explore the 15th-century Monastery of Megali Panagia, seeing the island’s rich history.
The tour progresses to the traditional mountain village of Pyrgos, where visitors can savor the local wines at a traditional winery.
Lunch awaits in Karlovassi, renowned for its neoclassical mansions.
The journey continues along the scenic north coast to the Valley of Nightingales, where guests enjoy a coffee break and short walk.
The tour culminates in the picturesque fishing village of Kokkari, providing a well-rounded exploration of Samos.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This guided tour of Samos Island includes a tour guide, round-trip transportation by air-conditioned coach, and the entrance ticket to the Temple of Hera. Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a dedicated guide at the Temple of Hera, are also provided. However, the tour excludes food, drinks, and tips. While wine tasting is available on-site for an additional fee, it’s important to note that it’s unavailable on Sundays.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Tour guide | Food and drinks |
| Round-trip transportation | Tips (optional) |
| Entrance to Temple of Hera | Wine tasting (additional fee) |
Important Information
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended for this tour, as there will be some short walking involved.
Children under 2 years old can join the tour free of charge.
Guests are required to cover their knees and shoulders when visiting the Monastery of Megali Panagia, as it’s an important religious site.
The wine tasting activity is unavailable on Sundays, so visitors should plan accordingly if this is something they wish to experience.
Customer Feedback
Travelers have generally provided positive feedback on the Samos Island Bus Tour, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews. Passengers have noted the tour’s variety of sites visited and informative commentary from the guide. However, some have commented that the limited lunch options were a downside, despite the overall good value of the tour.
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.5/5 |
| Sites Visited | Positive |
| Guide Commentary | Informative |
| Lunch Options | Limited |
| Value | Good |
Temple of Hera
The ancient Greek Temple of Hera stands as a testament to the renowned architecture and rich cultural heritage of Samos Island.
This iconic structure, dating back to the 6th century BC, is considered one of the largest and most significant temples of its time. Visitors can explore the impressive ruins, which include the temple’s foundation, columns, and remnants of its grand pediment.
The temple’s design showcases the sophisticated craftsmanship and artistic prowess of ancient Greek builders. During the guided island tour, travelers will have the opportunity to learn about the temple’s fascinating history and the ancient Samian civilization that once thrived on this picturesque island.
Monastery of Megali Panagia
One of the highlights of the Samos Island bus tour is the exploration of the 15th-century Monastery of Megali Panagia.
The monastery is nestled in the island’s mountainous interior, offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich religious heritage. Guests will wander through the monastery’s serene courtyards and marvel at the intricate Byzantine architecture.
Inside, they’ll discover an impressive collection of religious artifacts, including ancient icons and manuscripts. The tour guide provides insightful commentary, sharing the monastery’s history and significance.
Visitors can also admire the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the monastery’s vantage point.
Winery and Lunch Stop
After exploring the historic Monastery of Megali Panagia, the tour then takes guests to a local winery for a sampling of the renowned Samian wines.
Here, visitors can experience the island’s winemaking traditions firsthand. The tour includes a stop in the town of Karlovassi, known for its well-preserved neoclassical mansions.
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a lunch break in this charming town, sampling local cuisine and taking in the picturesque surroundings.
This winery and lunch stop allows participants to not only learn about Samos’s history and culture but also indulge in its gastronomic delights, providing a truly immersive experience on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour includes round-trip transportation and entrance to the Temple of Hera, but doesn’t provide food or drinks. Participants can bring their own snacks and beverages to consume during the tour.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour company doesn’t offer an option to extend the 8-hour tour duration. However, travelers can explore the island further on their own after the scheduled tour ends, if they wish to spend more time sightseeing.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment (E.G., Camera, Sunscreen)?
The tour doesn’t require any special equipment, but participants should bring a camera to capture the scenic sights and wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Sunscreen is also recommended, as there’s some outdoor walking involved during the tour.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?
There are no specific group discounts mentioned in the provided information. However, travelers booking the Full-Day Guided Island Bus Tour of Samos in a group may be able to negotiate a better rate with the tour operator directly.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?
The tour itinerary can’t be customized, but guests can request additional stops if time permits. Customization options may be limited as this is a group tour with a set schedule.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
Recap
This full-day guided bus tour of Samos offers an enriching experience for visitors. Exploring the island’s ancient sites, charming villages, and local cuisine provides a well-rounded glimpse into Samos’ captivating history and culture. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guidance, and breathtaking landscapes, this tour is an excellent way to discover the beauty and heritage of this Greek island.