The sacred island of Patmos

In the Dodecanese island of the Aegean sea is Patmos, the smallest of all but reach in beauty and history. Patmos is the most sacred of all the Greek islands to Christians, both Orthodox and Western, for it was here that St. John received his revelation. There are millions of people visiting Patmos every year,  but the island maintains an aura of sacred serenity.

Highlights of the half day private shore excursion

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

Description of the guided shore excursion in Patmos

The cave and Monastery of St. John, the typical village and houses, the grotto of St. John the cave where Saint John lived, the little church wit the stone orifice it is believe that he used as a pillow, the village of Chora, with its simple houses and Byzantine churches, the courtyard of this imposing structure, the intricate pavement designed with pebbles and the decorated arches, the little chapel houses sacred relics which are stored in a silver coated chest, the museum which displays a breathtaking collection of jeweled chalices, crowns, crucifixes, vestments and old manuscripts, the three hundred year old house of the Simandiris family, an exceptional example of island architecture house dating from the Russian Empire up to the Turkish occupation.

Walk the old winding streets of Chora experience and witness the beautiful old architecture of Patmos. Free time to explore the village on your own before returning to the pier.

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 half day tour Breakdown:

• Depart the Pier for the Grotto- 10 Minutes
• Visit Cave of St. John- 30 Minutes
• Drive to Chora and walk up to the Monastery- 15 Minutes
• Visit Monastery- 1 Hour
• Walk to and Visit House of Simandiris- 30 Minutes
• Chora Walk- 15 Minutes
• Free time in Chora- 45 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.