The Dodecanese are a Greek island group geographically located on the southeastern side of the Aegean Sea, close to the Turkish mainland. The name Dodecanese means "the twelve islands" in Greek, as this is the number of the largest islands of the complex (there are 150 in total!).
You (and everyone else) may not have heard of Greece's Dodecanese Islands, and this one one of the main reasons to consider visiting! The islands we include may not have the same cachet as Santorini or Mykonos, but they also do without the crowds, noise, and high prices. The six islands we include all share a common geography and certain cultural/historical attributes, but years of isolation before the arrival of tourism allowed each to develop their own unique traditions and ways of life, many of which persist today. Escape the beaten path and discover the Dodecanese -- you'll be delighted you did!
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.
Your Travel and Accommodation Arranged For You
Tips Included for Driver, Restaurant Staff, Local Guides
Authentic Local Experiences With Lots Of Inclusions.
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To add a post-trip 3-night/2-day extension in Athens, please refer to tour code GD2
Optional Single Supplement: $870 USD (number of singles limited).
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Day 1 Arrival on Rhodes
Today we arrive on the island of Rhodes.
Although it's the capital of the Dodecanese island group today, Rhodes is not one of the original 12 islands that willingly submitted to Ottoman rule and thus is not historically part of the Dodecanese. That said, it still makes ample sense to start our Dodecanese explorations here.
The Dodecanese, in addition to the larger 12, also consist over 150 smaller islands and islets in the southeastern Aegean, close to Turkey's Western Anatolian coast. Many of the islands can therefore be considered to belong geographically to Asia, though ethnically and culturally all are very decidedly Greek.
These days it is relatively easy to visit many of the islands by plane or ferry, but historically they were quite remote from the mainland and from each other. This remoteness, as well as the dry climate, mountainous terrain and poor soil on many of the islands, forced the inhabitants to become seafarers, merchants, fishermen, and sponge divers.
Upon arrival transfer to our hotel located in the heart of the old city of Rhodes.
Overnight in Rhodos.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Rhodes Touring
Rhodes has architecture that looks like nowhere else in Greece, stemming from Medieval times when the Knights Hospitaller wrapped the capital in impenetrable walls to repel attacks by the Ottomans.
Today's on-foot exploration will include visit the Castle (aka Palace of Grand Masters), which features turreted towers as perfect as they were back in the 14th century. This rare example of Gothic architecture in Greece was possibly built using stones taken from one of the wonders of the ancient world, the Colossus of Rhodes. Destroyed when an arms store in the nearby Church of St. John exploded in 1856, it was rebuilt by the Italians and was the summer retreat of King Victor Emmanuel and Mussolini.
The Knights of St John was a religious order of the church of Rome founded in Amalfi in the 11th century. They went to Jerusalem initially to minister to the needs of the pilgrims who arrived there and soon extended their duties to tending the poor and sick of the Holy Land. Over the years they became increasingly militant, joining forces with the Knights Templars and the Teutonic Knights of St Mary in battles against infidels.
We'll also have a walking exploration of the old town of Rhodos, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest and best preserved fortified city in Europe.
Overnight in Rhodos.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
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Day 3 Rhodes: Acropolis of Lindos
This morning we head out of town by bus, stopping at Lindos to visit the Acropolis and to have a wander about this lively village, a unique monument of preservation. The beauty of the castle, the Acropolis of Athena Lindia on the top, with St. Paul's Bay (where the Apostle arrived in 58 AD) and the paved streets of the village captivate visitors. A walk through its narrow paved streets reveals the beauty of the traditional island architecture.
On the way back to Rhodos we drive across the island from east to west coast, passing through villages and densely wooded areas. We reach the top of Filerimos Mountain, with its marvellous panoramic view. We then come to the ruins of the acropolis of the ancient Lalussos where we have one of the best panoramic views of Ixia, one of the biggest tourist resorts in Rhodes.
We return to Rhodes town mid-late afternoon.
Overnight in Rhodos.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 Rhodes - Ferry to Symi
Today we aim for a morning ferry crossing from Rhodes to the nearby island of Symi in order to maximize our time on this splendid little island (journey time +/- one hour*).
Often considered to be the most beautiful of all Greek islands, Symi is dotted with beaches and monasteries. But Yialos (Gialos), the main harbour area, is the primary draw for most visitors. With its ever-present neoclassical architecture and myriad pastel hues, the harbour has been touted as one of Greece’s most beautiful, a bold claim that's hard to refute once you’ve seen it in person.
Arriving late morning will give us the balance of the day to settle in and explore the main harbour of Yialos after a break for lunch (we may have to store our luggage at the hotel until check-in later in the day).
Speaking of lunch, if you’re fond of seafood, one of the things you must do while on Symi island is to try the deliciously fresh Symi shrimp that are served up in almost every restaurant around town. These little ‘garadaki symiako‘ are the taste of the island and a favourite appetizer among locals and visitors alike. The plate of sweet fresh shrimp is served simply with a squeeze of lemon and is eaten whole thanks to their delicately soft shells.
This afternoon we’ll explore the main harbour town of Yialos, a stunning scene with a sea of colours rippling down the hillside. Symi’s ever-present hills and stairs will make you feel better about indulging in a nice lunch; you’ll be getting a workout just exploring town. The island of Symi is actually amongst the top 5 places in the world in terms of longevity, with residents well into their 90s still scaling staircases with their daily catch and freshly baked bread from the waterfront.
Overnight on Symi.
* All ferry crossing durations listed in our program are approximate and subject to change depending on ferry company, vessel type, and scheduling which is subject to change. It is also possible that the final order of the islands visited may vary from this version of the itinerary.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 Symi Touring
This morning, above the main town on the top of the hill, we’ll find the small village of Chorio. Although it’s geographically close to the port, it feels like a world away. To reach Chorio on foot, you’d have to walk up 500 (!) stone steps, known as "Kali Strata." To save some time (and your feet) we’ll cover the distance by small touring bus instead.
On your right and left you will see plenty of fantastic neoclassical houses. Some of them have been restored, while others are in ruins. On the way up, you will be rewarded with fantastic views of the beautiful bay. Like most of the Greek islands, Symi has a long and rich history and has been inhabited for thousands of years. Since the ancient times, this Acropolis has loomed above the town below. In the 15th century, the Knights of Saint John built a castle over the ruins of the ancient acropolis, designed to protect the island against pirate raids – and it did its job well before finally falling to the Ottomans in 1522. There's not much of the castle grounds left, but you can still enjoy the lovely views over the harbour.
We also visit the 18th-century Monastery of Archangel Michael, also known as Panormitis Monastery, is one of the most popular attractions on Symi island. The church and bell tower are very impressive – take your time to observe the interior of the church. Within the monastery grounds there are also two small museums, an Ecclesiastical Museum and a Folklore Museum.
These islands are (as are most in Greece) known for their lively tavernas serving fresh fish and seafood dishes, like kalamari or grilled octopus. At some point during (or after) our day’s sightseeing you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the local specialities and perhaps do some shopping. All along the port, you'll find merchants selling Symian sponges, natural loofahs formed in the sea from silica, calcium, or calcium carbonate materials.
Overnight on Symi.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 Symi - Ferry to Nisyros
Today we ferry to the quirky island of Nisyros,* one of the only Greek islands with its own volcano, and a population of only about 1,000.
A small, quiet island, Nisyros is most well-known for its active volcano that has one of the world's largest hydrothermal craters, as well as its hot springs. The volcano is the youngest one in Greece; it is an active volcano like the ones at Methana, on Milos Island, and on Santorini. The oldest rock formations found around the entire island date back 160,000 years, while the youngest ones, about 15,000 years. It also has one of the biggest hydrothermal craters in the world, with thermal springs having warm waters ranging from 30 to 60 degrees Celsius.
Historically, Nisyros is mentioned in Homer's Iliad as part of the army that descended on the Trojans. They were also part of the Athenian alliance after the Persian Wars for a brief period of time. The islands's economy is based on fishing, agriculture, and tourism; however, the biggest source of income for the island is the production and trade of pumice and perlite.
Our hotel will likely be in the vicinity of Mandraki, the port town of Nisyros and the island’s capital -- small but charming, with a few shops, traditional restaurants and cafes with a view to the sea. It's a fantastic little town to explore on foot, walking up and down the narrow alleys of the medieval castle, and discovering the traditional architecture and pretty little details.
Mandraki also has a couple of museums. There's an Archaeological Museum, where we will learn more about the history of the island, and a small Folklore Museum, where you will see some very interesting old photos and other exhibits.
While on Nisyros, we may be able to sample pythia, savory specialty based on chickpeas. It may be compared to the Middle Eastern falafel, which is prepared with similar ingredients. The adventurous may want to sample koukouzina, a traditional spirit distilled from grapes and figs, and similar to raki. This alcoholic beverage is typically produced at old local distilleries with a preparation process that follows age-old traditional methods handed down for generations.
Overnight on Nisyros.
* PLEASE NOTE that this journey will likely involve a stop at the island of Kos, which will involve us being picked up for a road transfer to a different port on Kos from which ferries to Nisyros depart. And in case you're wondering, we don’t include Kos on our itinerary as it was not one of the original 12 islands of the Dodecanese. That said, ever-changing ferry schedules may necessitate an overnight here at some point.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 Nisyros Touring
Because exploring the volcano is best enjoyed after visiting the Volcanological Museum, it'll be our first stop this morning in Nikia village. It features exhibits and information about many volcanoes in Greece and abroad. Nikia itself is said to have the best square in the entire Aegean, so it’s also a must-see! At 400 m above sea level and quite close to the volcano, it has breathtaking views of the entire island and the Aegean.
Onto the biggest attraction on the island and the main reason why most people visit Nisyros -- the volcano located right in the middle of the island and one of the most impressive landscapes to be seen in Greece. We'll visit the crater called Stefanos, whose diameter is between 260m to 330m and 27m deep. The rocks all around are covered in pyroclastic deposits and volcanic mud.
And of course we’d be remiss not to visit the local acropolis, the Paleokastro, a little-visited but incredibly impressive ancient site dating from the 4th century BC. The tall, thick walls are constructed out of volcanic stone; reigning over Mandraki, its walls are still standing and still impressive.
While on Nisyros, we’ll also visit the remarkable village of Emporios, sprinkled over the top of a hill 400 m above sea level. The government has cited Emporios as having architecture of "high cultural importance"; indeed the village has retained its authenticity with a traditional feel and charm.
Overnight on Nisyros.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 Nisyros - Ferry to Kalymnos
Today we’ll travel by (a hopefully direct) ferry to the island of Kalymnos.
Kalymnos is famous for its sponge fishing industry in which almost all the men of the island were, at one time, diving for sponges. The industry was severely impacted in 1986 when a viral disease killed most of the sponges, along with the economic basis of the island.
On arrival we’ll visit the town of Pothia, a great place to explore on foot and home to many of the island's most important historical landmarks. The winding streets of the town are filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, and there is always something new to discover. In your free time, you might choose to visit Kalymnos Sponge Museum dedicated to the history and culture of sponge diving in Kalymnos. The museum contains a collection of artifacts and exhibits that provide insight into the island's history.
Kalymnos has a rich and delicious cuisine that is influenced by both Greek and pan-Mediterranean flavours. Some of the dishes you may be able to try while on the island include fila, a Kalymnian take on stuffed grape leaves; and avgolemono, a classic sauce of chicken broth, egg yolks, and lemon juice. Another plate we might try (seasonally) is the Kalymian salad, which includes watermelon.
Overnight on Kalymnos.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Kalymnos Touring
Today explore the most rugged and third largest of the Dodecanese islands.
The Archaeological Museum of Kalymnos is a good place to start (if not already visited yesterday), dedicated to the archaeology and history of the island. The museum contains a collection of artifacts and exhibits that provide insight into the island's ancient past.
Of course it’s always important to visit at least one church and/or monastery, and Agios Savvas is an excellent choice. The church is known for its stunning views and peaceful atmosphere, and it is a great place to escape the busy-ness of town. It offers an incredible mountaintop view of the city and the port.
It's also important on these islands to learn more about the sponge industry specific to Kalymnos, with a visit to one of the sponge-processing factories/museums.
Balance of the day at leisure.
Overnight on Kalymnos.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10 Kalymnos - Ferry to Leros
Our next, and sadly our last island, is Leros, with a ferry crossing of about an hour.
Picture the scene: the ferry has just docked and you immediately realize that you've arrived at a harbour like no other in Greece. The main port, Lakki, was founded under the name Porto Lagos during the 1930s by the Italians (who had occupied the Dodecanese islands), and to this day still amazes with its Italo-Mediterranean features. Lakki is an open-air museum of wide streets with eucalyptus trees and eye-catching art deco buildings of tremendous artistic value, as they represent the only example of authentic "rationalistic" architecture outside Italy.
Leros is – according to mythology – where the goddess Artemis came to get away from it all. These days it offers visitors the same sense of escape. It’s a heavenly refuge made up of hidden beaches and bays with an assortment of traditional and neoclassical houses, as well as a deep history and culinary culture.
Ferry schedules permitting, we’ll hopefully be able to begin our sightseeing program upon arrival (otherwise we'll defer till tomorrow monring). While on Leros, we’ll explore the area of Lakki Bay -- look out for the church, school, hospital, theatre, navy barracks, hotel and circular agora with its clocktower – all in Italo-Mediterranean style. They are revolutionary in concept and reveal the vision behind what was once referred to as the ‘Nea Polis’. Indeed, Mussolini envisaged Leros as a ‘New Rome’ and went about constructing a new city on what was once marshland, making it the main port of Fascists Italy’s navy with the biggest natural deep water harbour in the Mediterranean, protected from winds by the nearby mountains.
Overnight on Leros.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11 Leros: At Leisure
A well-deserved free day to rest up and soak in as much Dodecanese atmosphere and ambiance as our islands journey sadly draws to a close.
Of course your Tour Leader is available to make suggestions and provide advice on how to accomplish your activities of interest.
A few ideas:
War buffs may consider the military museum, Deposito Di Guerra, a true gem allowing you to travel back to the past and unravel the island's fascinating history, focusing on WW2 and the Battle of Leros in 1943. In the same vein, the War Museum is housed in a tunnel built by the Italians during the Second World War.
The Historical and Folklore Museum is housed in Bellenis Tower on the way to Alinda. It includes photos from the Second World War, traditional instruments, old maps, and manuscripts.
Hikers may be drawn to a jaunt to the Pantelio Castle & Windmills, a 2.6-km loop trail near Leros town. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes about an hour an average to complete (full details available on the free "AllTrails" app).
Explore fishing villages -- seafood tavernas along the shoreline, fishing boats bobbing in the sea, happy faces enjoying local delicacies, as well as freshly-caught fish, traditional cafes, and a beach with clear blue water (ideal for a swim followed by a Greek coffee).
Farther afield, one can book a boat trip on a wooden boat from Agia Marina harbour that takes you on an adventure to the neighbouring island of Lipsi and other wonderful islets.
Another highlight of your time on Leros will be discovering the island's rich culinary heritage. Dont miss out on the local mizithra cheese and honey, as well as pies, almond sweets, traditional soumada and gavafes – a fruit believed to be a relative of the guava that is only found on Leros.
Overnight on Leros.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 Leros: Lakki Bay Sightseeing
No time spent in Leros is complete without a visit to the island’s castle (also known as the Castle of the Virgin). It is located at the top of Pityki Hill, 200m above sea level, and was built by the Byzantines on the site of an ancient fort. It houses the miraculous icon of the Monastery of the Virgin Mary which, according to legend, appeared out of the sea and is believed to have healing powers.
One can walk the 500-odd steps up to the castle from Platanos (the capital and oldest settlement of Leros), but we’ll drive up through the village of Panteli. However one chooses to get there, we’ll enjoy the same sweeping views of the bays of Agia Marina and Panteli amidst a background of low mountaintops, fields, and valleys.
The coastal town of Agia Marina has, over the years, become one with Platanos, effectively becoming the largest settlement on Leros. We'll walk its cobblestone streets and admire the neoclassical mansions with Egyptian influences, traditional houses, bougainvillea-filled courtyards, earth tones and the show-stopping white windows that serve to underline Leros’s architectural wealth. As we stroll the streets, we’ll visit the Archaeological Museum, where we can learn about Leros’s history.
We continue to Hatzidakis Winery, founded in 1997and located at the village of Pyrgos Kallistis. The new owners spotted a cave at the end of the property in which they created a “kanavaki,” a small underground winery, which slowly took shape with patience, persistence, enthusiasm, passion, and with “meraki” as they say in Greek, a term that describes a scenario in which a person has really put a part of themselves into something. As part of our visit, we’ll enjoy a tour and wine tasting followed by a leisurely lunch.
And since we're nearby, we visit one more monastery, that of “Profiti Ilias-Santorini” before making our way back to the hotel.
This evening we reconvene for our last dinner in these magical islands – Yamas!
Overnight in Leros.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13 Leros - Fly to Athens
Today we fly to Athens (there are no international flights from Leros) and transfer to you AIRPORT AREA hotel.
PLEASE NOTE - If you'd like to add a 2-day/3-night extension to Athens, please refer to tour code GD2.
Overnight in Athens.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 14 Departure
Departure from Athens.
PLEASE NOTE that we do not include/pre-book departure transfers today as your hotel will provide airport shuttle service.
KALO TAXIDI/BON VOYAGE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Full-time Tour Leader & local guide support at several locations
Hotel breakfast daily, one lunch, and all but one dinner.
All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.
Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters.
Airport arrival transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving land & air customers who book their air AND extra hotel nights through us.
To add a post-trip 3-night/2-day extension in Athens, please refer to tour code GD2
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour.
Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), and excursions referenced as 'optional'.
Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
Travel insurance.(please refer to the "Resources" tab for details)
To add a post-trip 3-night/2-day extension in Athens, please refer to tour code GD2
Seasonality and Weather
Our fall date is set to avoid the busier and expensive high summer high season during which ferries can be crammed and some sites can be overcrowded. Our timing also avoids the extreme summer heat and high winds winds often associated with this time. Greece does not experience the extreme humidity of the tropics so this is not a concern at any time.
Late summer is generally warm, and one can still expect some heat depending on proximity to water. Showers are less likely than spring. Though the landscape has largely shed the greenness of spring, the true delight is the local farm produce ready for harvest at this time, all of which makes it's way into local dishes. It's also the time of the olive and grape harvest, which we may be able to witness.
Transport and Travel Conditions
This is not a cruise! We travel to/between islands via local ferries, which can range from hydrofoils to large vehicle carrying vessels. Uncontrollable factors such as weather may result in delays & Greek ferry schedules tend to change without notice; some itinerary adjustments may be necessary with late notice.
Land transport (city & island tours, port transfers) by private air-conditioned coaches, minibuses and vans, depending on group size (see 'group size'). Locally we may make short hops using multiple local taxis.
Porter service is rarely available on the islands (see 'inclusions'); you MUST be independent with your luggage, especially getting on/off ferries and at hotels.
This trip is typical of most of our European tours, which are ambitious and involve full days of travel and sightseeing. While we don't have any actual strenuous activity (ie hiking) built into the program, you will do a lot of walking on this trip, mostly be in the form of walking tours of towns and cities and short walks to dinner. Being Europe, and a hilly/mountainous area, cobbles, uneven surfaces, and slopes/stairs are common.
If you are accustomed to typical "bus tours," which rely heavily on vehicular transport for all sightseeing activities, you should be aware that this tour is considerably more active.
This program also has a strong gastronomic element, well-suited to "foodies," expert or novice, and those who enjoy savouring and lingering over a meal and sampling new things. While vegetarians are well catered for, we regret that very specific or extremely limited dietary restrictions/preferences may present a challenge on this trip.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page.
Accommodation
Our accommodation choices reflect the charm and spectacular views of for which the Greek Isles are famous. Large chain hotels are rare in the islands, and most hotels are still smaller, locally-owned/family-run establishments. Our mid-range rated (international 3-4 star standard) island properties feature private bath, air-conditioning, wifi, and in-house breakfast.
Please note that our hotels on the smaller islands will likely feature rooms that are not uniform in size, style, and aspect, and sometimes our group may be split between two properties located near to each other.
Click on the "Map & Hotels" tab for more information.
Staff and Support
Full-time Tour Leader, local step-on local guides in various locations
Group Size
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader
Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 1 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
This is a wonderful combo of our Dodecanese Islands trip with a 2-day/3-night extension in Athens.
The Dodecanese are a Greek island group geographically located on the southeastern side of the Aegean Sea, close to the Turkish mainland. The name Dodecanese means "the twelve islands" in Greek, as this is the number of the largest islands of the complex (there are 150 in total!).
You (and everyone else) may not have heard of Greece's Dodecanese Islands, and this one one of the main reasons to consider visiting! The islands we include may not have the same cachet as Santorini or Mykonos, but they also do without the crowds, noise, and high prices. The six islands we include all share a common geography and certain cultural/historical attributes, but years of isolation before the arrival of tourism allowed each to develop their own unique traditions and ways of life, many of which persist today. Escape the beaten path and discover the Dodecanese -- you'll be delighted you did!
Regions visited: Western Europe
Countries visited: Greece
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
Tourcode: GD1
