For those seeking an immersive cultural experience during their time in Rhodes, the Symi Island Tour offers a captivating full-day excursion. Priced at an affordable $76.12 per person, the tour provides round-trip transportation and ferry tickets, allowing visitors to explore the picturesque capital, Gialos, known for its neoclassical architecture. But the real draw of this tour lies in the opportunity to delve deeper into the island’s rich history and local traditions, with a visit to the historic Panormitis Monastery serving as a highlight.
Key Points
- Full-day excursion to Symi Island from Rhodes, priced from $76.12 per person, including round-trip transportation and ferry tickets.
- Itinerary features a 3.83-hour exploration of Symi’s capital, Gialos, and a 1-hour visit to the Panormitis Monastery.
- Tour available in multiple languages (English, Russian, Estonian) with flexible pickup and drop-off locations across Rhodes.
- Visitors can experience Symi’s neoclassical architecture, learn about the island’s history, and sample local delicacies like Symi shrimps.
- Tour offers a seamless transportation experience via bus/coach and ferry, with positive customer reviews highlighting smooth organization and culture.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This Rhodes to Symi Island tour offers a full-day excursion to the picturesque Greek island. Priced from $76.12 per person, the 8-hour experience includes round-trip transportation and ferry tickets.
Pickup is available from 8 locations across Rhodes, and the tour is available in English, Russian, and Estonian. Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without paying today.
The tour promises an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the neoclassical architecture of Symi’s capital, Gialos, and visit the historic Panormitis Monastery, known for its Byzantine church and cultural significance.
Itinerary and Transportation
The tour includes pickup from 8 locations across Rhodes, including Ialysos, Afantou, Kolymbia, Rhodes, Kremasti, Kallithea, Faliraki, and Ixia. Guests are transported by bus/coach and ferry, with the ferry ride taking 65 minutes each way. The itinerary allows 3.83 hours to explore Gialos, Symi’s capital, and 1 hour to visit the Panormitis Monastery. Drop-off is at the same 8 locations post-tour.
| Transportation | Duration |
|---|---|
| Bus/Coach | – |
| Ferry | 65 minutes each way |
| Stops | Duration |
|---|---|
| Gialos, Symi’s capital | 3.83 hours |
| Panormitis Monastery | 1 hour |
Experience and Highlights
Visitors to Symi Island can explore Gialos, the island’s capital, known for its neoclassical architecture. This 3.83-hour visit provides an opportunity to learn about Symi’s history, including its shipbuilding and sponge diving industries.
Travelers can also visit the Panormitis Monastery, an important Orthodox site featuring a Byzantine church from the 18th century. The monastery’s two museums – ethnographic and church – offer insight into the significance of the Icon of Archangel Michael and the monastery’s history.
Plus, visitors may have the chance to taste local delicacies, such as the renowned Symi shrimps, during their exploration of the island.
Monastery and Cultural Insights
At the Panormitis Monastery, an important Orthodox site, visitors can explore a Byzantine church from the 18th century.
The monastery features two museums – an ethnographic museum and a church museum – that provide insight into the significance of the Icon of Archangel Michael and the monastery’s rich history.
Travelers will learn about the monastery’s role in the local community and its importance as a place of pilgrimage.
The cultural experience at Panormitis Monastery offers a deeper appreciation of Symi’s religious heritage and the island’s enduring traditions.
Preparation and Recommendations
Travelers should pack comfortable shoes, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and water for their Symi Island tour. Infants must sit with parents on the bus, as there are no separate seats available. The tour offers great flexibility, with eight pickup and drop-off locations across Rhodes. To make the most of the experience, visitors are encouraged to bring cash for any local delicacies or souvenirs they wish to purchase.
| What to Bring | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Comfortable Shoes | ✓ |
| Swimwear | ✓ |
| Towel | ✓ |
| Sunscreen | ✓ |
| Water | ✓ |
| Cash | ✓ |
Pickup Locations
The tour offers pickup from eight convenient locations across Rhodes: Ialysos, Afantou, Kolympia, Rhodes, Kremasti, Kallithea, Faliraki, and Ixia.
This ensures easy access for travelers from various parts of the island. The pickup service is included in the tour package, allowing guests to seamlessly start their Symi Island adventure.
The transportation will be provided by a bus or coach, which will then take travelers to the ferry terminal for the 65-minute journey across the Aegean Sea to Symi.
After exploring the island, the same drop-off locations are available for a hassle-free return.
Transportation Details
The tour provides transportation via a bus or coach from the eight pickup locations to the ferry terminal, where travelers will then embark on a 65-minute ferry ride across the Aegean Sea to Symi Island.
The return trip follows the same route, with drop-offs at the same eight locations. This convenient transportation ensures a seamless experience, allowing visitors to focus on exploring the charming island of Symi without the hassle of arranging their own transportation.
The tour’s combination of bus/coach and ferry provides an efficient and scenic way to reach the island and experience its rich history and cultural heritage.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews of the Symi Island Tour highlight the overall organization and execution of the experience.
Travelers praise the tour’s efficiency, noting the smooth pickup and drop-off process. The stunning views of Symi’s neoclassical architecture and the Panormitis Monastery are also frequently mentioned as tour highlights.
Reviewers appreciate the informative guidance provided by the tour staff, which enhances the culture. The opportunity to sample local delicacies, such as the renowned Symi shrimps, is another aspect that guests thoroughly enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Limited Mobility?
The tour may not be suitable for people with limited mobility as it includes walking and exploring Gialos, visiting the Panormitis Monastery, and using bus and ferry transportation. Those with accessibility needs should check with the tour operator before booking.
Can We Extend the Tour to Explore More of Symi Island?
The tour itinerary focuses on Gialos and Panormitis Monastery. While it doesn’t include extended exploration of Symi Island, customers can request a customized tour to see more of the island’s sites and attractions.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?
The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for children or seniors. However, infants can join the tour and sit with their parents on the bus, though they don’t have separate seats.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Ferry?
Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the ferry. The tour operator encourages bringing snacks and beverages to enjoy during the 65-minute ferry ride between Rhodes and Symi Island.
Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Mentioned in the Overview?
Based on the provided tour overview, there don’t appear to be any additional costs or fees not mentioned. The price includes round-trip transportation, ferry tickets, and access to the Panormitis Monastery. Travelers should plan for any optional on-site purchases.
Recap
The Rhodes: Symi Island Tour offers a comprehensive day excursion, providing round-trip transportation, ferry tickets, and the opportunity to explore the picturesque capital, Gialos, and visit the historic Panormitis Monastery. With convenient pickup locations and a seamless transportation experience, this tour allows travelers to enjoy the island’s rich culture and savor local delicacies, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to discover the charm of Symi Island.