TABLE OF CONTENTS
Trip Highlights
Tour details
Itinerary
What's included
Itinerary Changes
Terrain
Condition Grading
Starting point and getting there
Food, Weather
Gear checklist
Currency & Banking
Passports, Visas
Hidden in the very South- East corner of Greece and hugged by the Turkish coast the Dodecanese complex of islands wait to be discovered. Their strategic position, in the middle of the most important East-West trade routes, made many seafarers powers fight for dominance. Thus, today there are traces of everyone from Greeks and Romans to crusading medieval knights, and from Byzantine and Ottoman rulers to 20th-century Italian bureaucrats. The result is a diverse group of islands with fascinating archaeological sites, ancient walking trails, medieval castles, and charming whitewashed villages. On top of that, the Dodecanese complex encompasses varied landscapes of immense beauty, unforgettable coastal scenery and tranquil, turquoise waters providing the ideal setting for our style of guided walking tour: a mix of glorious land and seascapes, little-used walking trails, friendly people, wonderful cuisine, and the luxury and romance of traveling by private boat. This trip offers the perfect balance between relaxation and activity, as we will have plenty of time to relax on board, enjoy the warm waters of the Aegean and explore the islands of Kos, Nisyros, Chalki, Tilos, Symi and Rhodes. All you need to do is lay back on the cushioned rear deck and enjoy the beauty of the Greek archipelago!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Cruise around the unspoiled Dodecanese islands
- Hike in cobblestone paths among terraced hillsides, picturesque villages and Crusade castles
- Immerse yourself in local culture and cook with a Greek family
- Enjoy stunning coastal views and swim in the tranquil waters of Aegean sea
TOUR DETAILS
- Days/Nights: 8 days / 7 nights
- Condition grading: Moderate
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Meet the group in Kos and set sail to explore the Greek islands
Arrive in Kos, and meet the group at Akti’s hotel reception. This is the second largest island of the Dodecanese after Rhodes, with a rich history reflected in its architecture and historic monuments. The harbor is guarded by the imposing castle of the Knights of St. John, in the town 17th century Ottoman mosques stand next to austere Italian public buildings, built during the fascist period while extensive Hellenistic and Roman remains lay amongst public gardens. After a short walking tour in the city’s historical center, we will have lunch and set out for a three and a half-hour sunset passage to the island of Nisyros. Tonight, we moor in the port of Paloi and dine at a wonderful local taverna in Mandraki.
Overnight in Nisyros
Lunch and dinner included
Cruise time:
Kos to Nisyros 3 hr 30 min
DAY 2
Step inside a crater and hike along Nisyros volcano rim for stunning, lunar views
The tiny round island of Nisyros is Greece’s youngest volcano and it has only four villages. Mandraki and Pali are on the coast, while Emporeio and Nikia are perched on the edge of the volcano’s crater. In the morning, we are transferred to the whitewashed village of Nikia and from there we will hike towards the floor of the 4-km wide caldera to walk inside Stefanos crater. Such visits are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, given that craters are rarely accessible and feels like you are walking on the moon! We depart on foot to climb out of the caldera, up to the village of Emporeio, for lunch at Katina’ s restaurant, a family taverna with stunning view overlooking the volcanic crater and local delicacies such as pythia (chickpea fritters) served with an almond-and-garlic sauce. After lunch, we will head back to Paloi port, where we will rejoin the boat for our 3-hour sail to the island of Tilos.
Overnight in Tilos
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 8,5 km / Hiking Duration: 4 hr
Elevation gain & loss: 260 m & 360 m
Sailing distance:
Nisyros to Tilos 2 hr 30 min
DAY 3
Hike along Tilos pristine coast to the deserted inland
Enjoy a Mediterranean breakfast and disembark for a hike to one of the smallest and least inhabited islands in the country. We walk across the coast for stunning views of the Aegean Sea. On first sight, the island seems to be bare and barren but as we follow the old stone trail to the inland, it soon becomes apparent that the dramatic landscape is less hostile than expected. We hike amongst ancient terraces of olive and carob trees. The footpath winds uphill to the abandoned medieval settlement of Mikro Chorio. Today out of the 220 houses of the village, only the ruins of impressive stone houses can be seen. Round threshing circles, olive pressing stones and cisterns stand witness to Tilos’ intense agricultural past activity. We loop back down to Tilos town to rejoin our yacht. It is time to swim and enjoy Greece’s azure waters! In the afternoon we travel to the island of Chalki.
Overnight in Chalki
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 8 km / Hiking Duration: 3 hr
Elevation gain & loss: 350 m & 350 m
Sailing distance:
Tilos to Chalki 2 hr
DAY 4
Climb up to a crusade castle and take a swim in Chalki’s crystal waters
Forget Tilo’s cubic whitewashed houses, the town of Chalki is brightly colored with 19th-c. Neoclassical houses and ceramic-tiled roofs. Some of these houses are right on water, and residents dive from their front patios right into the port’s crystal-clear waters. We walk through the town and then climb up to the imposing ruins of a castle built by the Knights of Saint John, once an important bastion during the Crusades. From this vantage point you can look over to the massive bulk of the island of Rhodes, and you may also catch a glimpse of our boat as it cruises around to a quiet cove to pick us up after our descent. Have a refreshing swim and then lunch on board before setting “sail” once again to the island of Symi. Tonight we moor in a serene, isolated cove to sleep under the stars.
Overnight in Symi
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 8 km / Hiking Duration: 3 hr
Elevation gain & loss: 320 m & 320 m
Sailing distance:
Chalki to Symi 3 hr
DAY 5
Discover Symi island, the hidden gem of the Greek seas
Wake up with a morning swim and get ready for today’s spectacular hike. Our dinghy will take us on the beach to start our hike which initially ascends steeply on a narrow cliff. Soon we reach at the top and the sea views are breathtaking. Symi is the first island we visit which has a forest. So, as we traverse across the island towards the colorful town of Symi the landscape alternates between stark limestone mountains, the deep blue sea and the green of the cypress tree forest. Our flagstone path gradually descends taking us to the town. The first sight of Symi harbor is unforgettable. Two-story, pastel-colored neoclassical houses, with tall windows and doors are built amphitheatrically on the slopes rising on all sides. In the afternoon, you are free to wander around and do some shopping at the numerous boutiques in town since we’ll be moored in the port.
Overnight in Symi
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 6 km / Hiking Duration: 3 hr
Elevation gain & loss: 290 m & 300 m
DAY 6
Cook your lunch with a Greek family
Today we will meet a local family for our cooking class, so step back in time and feel the warmth of Greek hospitality in all its generosity. Our hosts Irene and her mother Katina are sharing with us their family’s cooking secrets and even more importantly their family’s history. Members of one of the oldest families on Symi, they were involved in sponge diving and shipping, which greatly benefited the island. Today, we visit their “vacation” house at serene Emporios bay, and we learn how to make tzatziki sauce, stuffed tomatoes, and spinach pie all baked in a wood oven.
Overnight in Symi
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 3 km / Hiking Duration: 1 hr
DAY 7
Sail to Rhodes
Early in the morning, we will disembark our boat and take the ferry to the island of Rhodes which is the 4th largest in Greece and the historical capital of the Dodecanese where Byzantines, Venetians, Turks and Greeks all left something to remember them. The Medieval town of Rhodos, declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the biggest and best preserved medieval settlements of Europe. When we arrive, we will explore the Old Town and later in the day we will dine in a local taverna for one last farewell meal with our shipmates.
Overnight in Rhodes, in a 4 star hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Ferry:
Symi to Rhodes 2 hr
DAY 8
Depart Greece
Hopefully with a slight sense of nostalgia which comes when a nice experience has to come to an end, here your trip with Tripin Adventures concludes. Continue independently and spend some days in Rhodes, or return to Athens to catch your flight home.
Breakfast
WHATS INCLUDED
Price includes:
Six nights’ accommodation on a catamaran, with a crew of two to look after every need
One night in a 4 star hotel in Rhodes
All costs related to the boat charter and operation, such as fuel, port fees, and custom fees
All transportation during the trip
Ferry tickets from Symi to Rhodes
All activities mentioned in the program
Entrance fees to the Roman house in Kos, the Nisyros volcano and the Grand Master Palace in Rhodes
Services of a guide throughout the tour
Transport and handling of one reasonably sized suitcase and one carry-on per person
Included meals:
Breakfast, lunches and dinners as indicated in the itinerary.
Not Included:
International air fare
Transfer to and from the airport/port
Medical expenses
Travel or emergency evacuation insurance
Gratuities for leader/guide or driver
Alcoholic beverages and meals other than outlined in itinerary
Extra boat provisions (beer, wine, soft drinks etc)
Visas if needed
Other items of a personal nature
Anything not mentioned in above program
ITINERARY CHANGES
We are constantly updating our unique itineraries based on new information and experiences available. The walks, accommodations, and visits listed may be adjusted. The itineraries presented are subject to modification and change by Tripin Adventures. We reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in our judgment, conditions warrant, or if we deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants, anything not mentioned in above program.
TERRAIN
This trip Level is Moderate and is suitable for most people that are in fairly good physical condition. The itinerary includes walking tours in cities and villages and four days with moderate hikes of 3-4 hours. Although the paths are quite well-kept the terrain often tends to be very stony and rocky. You will mostly be walking on footpaths and on some tarmac roads.
CONDITION GRADING
Moderate
Trips designated "Moderate" are more active and require a bit more endurance. Hikes and treks includes occasional steep ascents. Trip members should be experienced hikers in good physical condition, capable of walking 3-5 hours.
STARTING POINT AND GETTING THERE
Starting point is: Kos
Getting There & Away: Kos airport, located 24km southwest of Kos town, receives regular flights from Athens airport and charter flights from all over Europe.
Getting around: We can arrange for a transfer from the airport to your hotel. If you want to come by yourself, you will find on your arrival in Kos Airport different types of transportation’s. Transit bus service is provided between the Airport and the city of Kos, Mastichari, Kardamena and Kefalos. There is a public bus stop 50m from the terminal building. Tickets can be purchased by the bus driver. Taxi from the airport to Kos town is 40€. They are available 24 hours a day, but in the months from late June to mid-September it is advisable to book the pre-booked taxi service
FOOD
Simple, nutritious and flavorsome, the food is one of the pleasures of travel through Greece. Rustic Greek Cuisine reflects the history and bounty of its diverse regions and relies in the fresh, seasonal home-grown produce and generally simple, unfussy cooking that brings out the rich flavors of the Mediterranean.
Greece’s relaxed and hospitable dinning culture makes it easy to get into the local spirit. Greeks love to eat out and share impossibly big meals family style. Given the long summers and mild winters, alfresco dining is central to the dining experience. Service could be slow by Western standards, but why being in rush either way.
On this tour we often moor in little Greek villages because they are so delightful, and we will have several lunches and dinners in traditional tavernas with excellent food. In addition to this, in the gullet the food prepared by a Turkish cook is fantastic, and the comfort of lazing on deck, cold drink in hand and watching the sunset, is hard to beat, as is diving into the warm waters of the Aegean before breakfast. The crew are always professional and yet friendly and obliging. Note that alcohol and soda are not included.
WEATHER
Spring, summer and fall in Greece are sunny and warm. The daytime temperatures average 25-30 C though temperatures in the 35s are possible in the summer months. Nighttime temperatures cool off slightly to 20° C. Rain showers are rare in the islands, but it's often breezy and rainy on the coast.
GEAR CHECKLIST
Greece has a temperate climate. Base your clothing on the “layering system”, if it is hot you can “peel off” layers quickly, if it is cooler and windy you can quickly “dress up”. The lighter you travel, the easier you travel. Use your best judgement and pack as lightly as possible. You will appreciate light luggage towards the end of your trip.
Please consider taking along the following items on your trip.
OFFICIAL PAPERS
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
LUGGAGE
- Duffel bag or rolling luggage
- Daypack to carry camera, water bottle and snacks etc.
- Luggage locks and tags
OUTERWEAR
- Midweight polar fleece sweater
- Rain jacket and rain pants, or poncho
CLOTHING
- Hiking shorts
- Casual clothing made of light-weight fabrics
- T-shirts
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Hiking pants, loose and easy to move in
- Underwear
- Swimsuit
CLOTHING ACCESSORIES
- Sun hat or baseball cap
FOOTWEAR
- Lightweight and supportive hiking boots, broken-in with good ankle support
- Beach sandals
- Casual, comfortable shoes for evening
ACCESSORIES
- Sunscreen and lip protection
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
- Security pouch or money belt
- Trekking poles or walking staff
- Camera, memory and batteries
- Reading and writing materials
- Watch with alarm or travel alarm
- Travel pillow
- Motion sickness remedies
- Personal first-aid kit
- Insect repellent (lowrisk)
- Electric adapter plug/converter
This is not a fixed list, but more of a guideline, so feel free to add and remove items as you see fit.
CURRENCY & BANKING
Greece has adopted the Euro as its currency. The easiest way to obtain local cash is from an ATM. Greek ATMs accept cards bearing the Cirrus, EC, Euro card, Visa and Plus symbols. If you take cash, US or Canadian Dollars can be easily exchanged at banks. Most major credit cards, Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted. It is advisable to have some Euros with you upon arrival to be used for a taxi if necessary. You may want to check the website www.xe.com for current exchange rates.
PASSPORTS
You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the conclusion of your trip. Please make sure that you have blank pages in your passport for your visa (if required), entry and exit stamps (one for each). Please make a copy to take with you in the event yours is lost or stolen and keep it separate from your actual passport.
VISAS
Currently a Greek Tourist Visa is not required for citizens of Canada, United States, Britain and Australia but you need a Turkish one. If you hold another passport, please check online http://visacentral.com/visas.php
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0206 E 60000520201
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