The Best of Patmos full day shore excursion

One of the smallest islands of the Dodecanese is Patmos deserted for centuries because of constant raids by pirates and the Turks, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty and history. The island was first settled in 1088 when the Emperor of Constantinople made it a gift to the monk Christodoulos Latrnos so that he could establish a monastery in honor of St. John the Divine on the site. Patmos has been a place of scholarship and religious enlightenment ever since, it is the most sacred of all the Greek islands to Christians, and today this modern pilgrimage site is a quiet respite from the tourist havens many other Greek isles have become.

Highlights of the private shore excursion

• 6 -hours tour of the most sacred island in Greece
• Combines Patmos’ modern and Christian sites guided by our experts
• Explore the wonders of Chora and Scala
• Professional English-speaking tour guide
• Pickup and drop off at your cruise ship pier in Scala

Description of the cruise shore excursion in Patmos

Itinerary: Depart from the port town of Scala, a scenic drive around the island, the charming village of Kambos, view the beautiful beach of Lambi, the grotto of St. John, the small cave converted into a beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, the village of Chora, with its simple houses and Byzantine churches, the Monastery of St. John the Theologian,the old treasury in the museum which displays a breathtaking collection of jeweled chalices, crowns, crucifixes, vestments and old manuscripts dating as far back as 1073.

Explore Chora through the old winding streets, and enjoy the beautiful old architecture of Patmos. Free time for lunch and to explore the village on your own.

Continuing your tour we will stop at the three hundred year old house of the Simandiris family. It is an exceptional example of island architecture houses one of the finest collections of antiques dating from the Russian Empire up to the Turkish occupation. Among its many treasures are beautifully gilded mirrors, silverware, paintings, rustic chandeliers and exquisite brocade furnishings. This visit offers you an exceptional look into the past. Return to your cruise ship pier for embarkation.

Important Note: No shorts or bare shoulders are permitted in the Monastery. Ladies must wear skirts and are offered a wrap to wear around the waist if a skirt is not worn. Please come prepared or you may be turned away.

Patmos full day tour breakdown:

• Patmos Scenic Driving Tour- 1 Hour and 40 Minutes
• Visit Cave of St. John- 30 Minutes
• Drive to Chora and walk up to the Monastery- 20 Minutes
• Visit Monastery- 1 Hour and 10 Minutes
• Short Chora Walking Tour- 20 Minutes
• Chora Free time (lunch on your own)- 1 Hour and 45 Minutes
• Walk to and Visit House of Simandiris- 30 Minutes
• Return to Patmos’ Pier- 20 Minutes

Tour Type

• Shore Excursion – Private tour
• Activity level: Moderate

Included in the tour

• Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
• Your tour will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking driver or escort possessing in-depth knowledge of Greece’s history and culture. They will provide insightful commentary throughout the journey, guiding you until the entrance of archaeological sites and museums. However, please note that drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside these venues.
• If you desire a licensed state tour guide to escort you within the archaeological sites and museums, providing comprehensive insights and explanations, we can gladly arrange one for an additional cost. These licensed guides are freelance professionals, and their availability is subject to your tour date.
• When a licensed tour guide or English-speaking tour escort accompanies a group, the professional driver may not necessarily speak English fluently. Their role is focused on providing safe transportation.
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Athens. Extra charge for hotels outside Athens.
• Pick up and drop off at Piraeus Port or Athens Airport.
• Pick up and drop off at our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athens, Greece.
• Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
• Road tolls and all local taxes

Excluded from the tour

• Wine tasting fee (for wine tours)
• Olive oil tasting fee (for olive oil tasting tours)
• Optional Gratuities
• Food and beverage
• Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the Differences between a Tour Guide and a Tour Driver

Cancellation Policy

Read our cancellation policy

Additional info

• Dress Code: When visiting religious sites, shoulders and knees must be covered out of respect for the cultural norms.
• Please review our Terms & Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions
• Upon booking, an electronic voucher will be emailed to you containing our contact information, tour details, and all necessary instructions. This voucher serves as your ticket and proof of purchase. Please present a printed or digital copy of the voucher on the day of your tour to redeem your activity.
• City Tax for Hotel Stays: Effective from January 1st, 2018, a City Tax for hotel overnights is applicable and not included in our excursion rates. Clients will need to pay this tax directly at their hotel upon check-out. The amount per room is as follows: 5-star hotel: €4/overnight || 4-star hotel: €3/overnight || 3-star hotel: €1.50/overnight
• Opening Hours and Entrance Fees for Archaeological Sites and Museums in Greece
• Entrance Fees for Children from Non-EU Countries: Starting November 1st, 2019, children aged 6 and above from non-European Union (non-EU) countries will be required to pay the full entrance fee for Museums and Archaeological sites. For children from EU countries, the existing rates remain in effect. However, it is crucial to have their passports readily available to prove their nationality.

Persons with Disabilities

• Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
• In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.