Rhodes: Symi Island & Panormitis Monastery Day Trip by Boat

Rhodes, the jewel of the Dodecanese islands, beckons travelers to explore its picturesque landscapes. The Symi Island and Panormitis Monastery day trip by boat promises an immersive cultural experience, allowing visitors to discover the island’s charming villages, historic sites, and scenic coastlines. With a duration of 9 hours and a reasonable price tag of $50.04 per person, this excursion offers a compelling blend of adventure, relaxation, and culture. The itinerary includes a scenic ferry ride, free time to explore Symi village, and a picturesque cruise along the west coast. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a day of exploration, this Rhodes adventure has something special in store.

Key Points

• This full-day excursion from Rhodes takes visitors to the picturesque Symi Island and the historic Panormitis Monastery, priced from $50.04 per person.

• The tour includes a 75-minute ferry ride to Panormitis Monastery, a 1-hour scenic cruise around Symi’s west coast, and 3.5 hours of free time to explore Symi village.

• Transportation is provided from multiple locations across Rhodes, and the ferry features wheelchair accessibility, a snack bar, and restroom facilities.

• Photography is prohibited inside the Panormitis Monastery, but the scenic surroundings offer ample opportunities for capturing the architectural beauty and local culture.

• The tour has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 1,479 reviews, with positive feedback highlighting the stunning scenery and charming village exploration.

Overview and Pricing

Offering a full-day excursion from Rhodes, the "Rhodes: Symi Island & Panormitis Monastery Day Trip by Boat" tour is priced from $50.04 per person.

The tour lasts 9 hours and allows travelers to explore the picturesque island of Symi and visit the Panormitis Monastery. Customers have the flexibility to reserve now and pay later.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind for travelers.

With a ferry capacity of 420 passengers across 3 decks, including a snack bar and bathroom, the tour is also wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.

Itinerary and Experience

The tour begins with a 75-minute ferry ride to the Panormitis Monastery, where visitors spend an hour exploring the historic site.

After the monastery visit, the boat embarks on a scenic 1-hour cruise around Symi’s west coast, providing stunning views of the island’s neo-classical mansions and harbor.

The final destination is Symi village, where travelers enjoy 3.5 hours of free time to wander the charming streets, browse local shops and cafes, and soak up the lively harbor atmosphere.

On Saturdays during the peak season, the tour also includes a 20-minute swimming stop at the picturesque Nymporio Bay.

Transportation and Accessibility

The tour provides convenient pickup locations from 43 points across Ixia, Ialyssos, Faliraki, Kalithea, and Rhodes Town, catering to guests’ accommodation needs.

The ferry has a capacity of 420 passengers and spans three decks, offering a snack bar and bathroom facilities. The transportation is wheelchair accessible, ensuring an inclusive experience for all travelers.

The scenic cruise around Symi’s west coast and the 20-minute swim stop at Nymporio Bay (on Saturdays during the summer season) add to the overall enjoyment of the day trip.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The day trip includes roundtrip boat tickets, a map of Symi, and free time to explore Panormitis Monastery and Symi village.

Guests can enjoy a swimming stop at Nymporio Bay, weather permitting. However, meals, beverages, travel insurance, and optional gratuities aren’t included.

Photography inside the monastery isn’t allowed.

Meeting Point and What to Bring

At the Mandraki Port, travelers will find a red sign bearing the Manos Going logo, which serves as the designated meeting point for this excursion.

Participants are advised to bring a sun hat and sunscreen to protect themselves from the Mediterranean sun. Staying hydrated is also important, so travelers should bring along a water bottle.

It’s important to note that photography isn’t allowed inside the Panormitis Monastery, so visitors should be mindful of this during the tour.

Photography Restrictions

Photographing inside the Panormitis Monastery isn’t allowed. The monastery enforces this policy to preserve the sacred and reverent atmosphere.

Visitors should instead:

1. Focus on appreciating the monastery’s impressive architecture and religious artifacts through careful observation.
2. Capture the scenic surroundings and exterior of the monastery, which offer ample photographic opportunities.
3. Respect the monastery’s rules and traditions, as they’re an integral part of the cultural experience.

Adhering to the photography restrictions allows travelers to have a meaningful and respectful visit to the Panormitis Monastery during the Rhodes: Symi Island & Panormitis Monastery Day Trip.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

Customers have rated the overall Rhodes: Symi Island & Panormitis Monastery Day Trip highly, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 based on 1479 reviews.

Feedback highlights the quality of the tour guide (4.3/5), the transportation (4.6/5), and the overall organization of the trip (4.5/5).

Reviewers praise the beautiful scenery, the opportunity to explore Symi’s charming village, and the seamless logistics.

A few noted restrictions on photography inside the Panormitis Monastery, but the majority found the experience to be an excellent value and a great way to discover the highlights of the Dodecanese islands.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Travelers can easily reserve the Rhodes: Symi Island & Panormitis Monastery Day Trip online, with the option to pay later.

The activity offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides peace of mind for travelers who may need to change their plans.

The booking process is straightforward, with several key features:

1. Secure online reservation through a reputable platform.
2. Ability to pay later, allowing for flexible budgeting.
3. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Visa to Participate in This Tour?

No, a visa is generally not required for this tour. Most nationalities can enter Greece visa-free for stays up to 90 days. However, it’s always best to check the current visa requirements for your specific country of citizenship.

Is the Ferry Air-Conditioned?

The ferry is air-conditioned, providing a comfortable ride for passengers. It has multiple decks and amenities like a snack bar and bathroom, ensuring a pleasant transportation experience during the day trip.

Do I Need to Be a Strong Swimmer for the Swimming Stop?

The swimming stop at Nymporio Bay is around 20 minutes long and is only available on Saturdays during the summer months. While swimming skills aren’t required, being a comfortable swimmer would make the most of this optional activity.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention any discounts for children or seniors. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider directly as they may offer reduced rates for certain age groups or group bookings.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Ferry?

You can bring your own food and drinks on the ferry. The ferry has a snack bar, but you’re welcome to pack your own meals and beverages for the journey.

Recap

This immersive day trip to Symi Island and Panormitis Monastery offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of Rhodes. With convenient transportation, accessibility features, and ample free time to discover the charming Symi village, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience for all visitors seeking to capture the essence of this captivating Greek island.