Full-day Symi tour including Panormitis Monastery
Excursions & day trips

Full-day Symi tour including Panormitis Monastery

4.3/5
Excellent
Based on 215 reviews
from
£58.00
Free cancellation
Language: German, Danish, English, Finnish, French, Dutch, Polish, Swedish
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: more than 8 hours
Why you’ll love this…
  • Boat trip from Rhodes to two locations in the Dodecanese island of Symi
  • Explore the Venetian-style Panormitis Monastery and the surrounding bay
  • Walking tour of Symi town, famed for its hills packed with pastel-coloured homes
  • Learn about the sponge-making industry and help support the local economy
  • Expert local guide with an unrivalled knowledge of Symi and its people
What to expect

Each one of the Dodecanese Islands offers a distinctly different experience – and Symi is one of the most culturally rich of them all. You'll discover its laidback charm and visit sites such as Panormitis Monastery and a sponge maker. Fotini, one of our local guides, says, ‘Symi is one of the smallest and most picturesque Greek islands. The sight of the colourful houses as soon as you enter the harbour never fails to impress.'

The fun starts with a glide across the Aegean to Symi. The first stop is in the southwest of the island, at the vast, Venetian-style Panormitis Monastery. It is famed for its Byzantine frescoes and icon of St Michael, but most of all for its location right on the water's edge in a remote and sheltered bay. You'll also have free time to explore the site.

Next, you'll sail for Symi town itself. The arrival into the harbour is a joy to behold – tiers of pastel-coloured houses cascade down the surrounding hillsides. There's a guided tour of Symi town, too. And during the sponge maker visit, you'll learn about the island's sponge-diving heritage and its importance to the eco system surrounding the Symi. Your visit also helps support this traditional industry, vital to the local community. You'll get a small gift to take home, too. It's Fotini's favourite part of the experience. She says, ‘The old tradition of sponge diving has strongly affected the history and the customs of the Dodecanese Islands.'

Read more
What's included
  • check Transport
  • check Ferry
  • check Monastery
  • check Guide
  • check Personal headsets
What to remember
  • Dress appropriately – no shoulders or knees showing – when visiting religious buildings
  • Food and drinks not included
Read more
Provider
TUI Hellas Travel, Tourism and Airlines SA, with Tax Number 094469778 and Travel License Number 0261Ε60000126100
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.3/5

Based on 215 reviews from verified customers

49%
33%
17%
0%
0%

Review categories

Safety

4.3/5

Staff

4.3/5

Service

4.3/5

Value for money

4.2/5

  • Tigerlilly

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled as a couple

    Great

    Overall rated

    4/5

    The Boat transfer went smoothly, however due to the age of the vessel there was an excessive amount of exhaust fumes -which whilst I moved to various ...

  • Jackie

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Great

    Overall rated

    4/5

    Far too much time spent on the ferry and not enough time in Symi itself. Monastery was uncessary and we was expecting something amazing when we had sp ...

  • Stuart Yates

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    25 - 34 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

  • Kelly

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled with family

     

    25 - 34 years old

    Bad

    Overall rated

    1/5

    The excursion did not state in the description that it had no public toilets and this should be fully explained that this is not suitable for some di ...

  • Claire F

    From United Kingdom - June 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    25 - 34 years old

    Average

    Overall rated

    3/5

    A long 12 hour day, left the hotel at 7.00, and the ferry didn't leave port until 9.00 and took c2 hrs to get to Symi, which was pretty, and Emma our ...

  • Anonymous

    From United Kingdom - May 2025

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Emma, was excellent knowledgeable and happy to respond to questions. Overall it was very interesting. The only issue is the time on the boat is 5 hou ...

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