10-Day Dodecanese Islands Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Dodecanese Islands tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaDodecanese Islands travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day Greek Islands Itinerary, incl. Kos and Patmos

  The comprehensive ten-day itinerary includes four nights in Kos, two each in Kalymnos and Leros, and one in Patmos. Each stay reveals Dodecanese heritage, plus an optional volcanic adventure to Nisyros.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Kos

    Begin in Kos Town. Visit the Asklepieion medical center first thing in the morning at 8:00 AM to avoid the heat since there's little shade at this hillside site. Local buses run every 30 minutes from Kos Town terminal. On your second day check out Neratzia Castle which links to town through a beautiful palm-lined avenue. Visit the castle in the afternoon since the stones can be slippery from morning dew. Wear shoes with good grip.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Kalymnos

    Take the morning ferry from Kos to Kalymnos. The ride takes 45 minutes. Get to Pothia port 30 minutes early as it can get busy and watch the board for your ferry. While Kalymnos is a rock climbing hotspot even non-climbers should visit the climbing shops in Massouri village for incredible views. Stop by the Sponge Factory Museum to learn about local diving history. "The sponge diving demonstration was fascinating - the traditional equipment they used is mind-boggling. Don't miss the elderly divers' stories."

    
  • Days 5-6

    Leros

    Take the 9:00 AM ferry to Leros. The trip takes 30 minutes. The main town Platanos sits on steep hills so consider staying in Agia Marina for easier walking. Make time for the War Museum in the Leros tunnel network. Rent a scooter to find hidden beaches like Vromolithos and Alinda. The roads wind a lot so less experienced riders should use taxis instead.

    
  • Day 7

    Patmos

    Catch an early ferry to Patmos. The trip takes 2 hours. You'll need modest dress for the UNESCO-listed Monastery of St. John. Bring a scarf to cover your shoulders. Visit the Cave of the Apocalypse before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM to avoid crowds. "The walk up to the monastery is steep but the sunset views make it worthwhile. Bring water and wear good walking shoes."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Back to Kos

    Take the 3-hour ferry back to Kos. Consider a day trip to see Nisyros's active volcano crater for €45. The boat leaves Kos harbor at 8:30 AM. The crater gets hot and sulfurous so bring water and a hat. Skip this if you have breathing problems. Spend your last full day at the beaches. Tigaki Beach has gentle waters perfect for swimming.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Book afternoon flights if possible since morning traffic from Kos Town to the airport can take 45-60 minutes. The airport gets crowded in peak season. Book your taxi transfer a day ahead since they're limited.

    

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• 8 Day the Aegean Itinerary, incl. Bodrum and Greek Islands

  This 8-day sailing adventure aboard a gulet showcases major Dodecanese islands. Daily destinations feature swimming stops and cultural sites, complemented by 20 meals and flexible shore time.

  

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  • Day 1

    Bodrum, Turkey

    Board your traditional gulet boat at Bodrum's Kumbahce Harbor at 15:30. Get to the Castle of Saint Peter early in the morning before boarding. It opens at 8:30 AM and you'll avoid the crowds. The Mausoleum ruins are just a 15-minute walk from the harbor. Keep in mind that storage space on gulets is limited, so pack a separate small bag for day trips.

    
  • Day 2

    Kos, Greece

    Sail to Kos for about 3 hours in the morning. Remember your passport for customs before docking in Kos Town. Visit the famous Plane Tree of Hippocrates near the harbor before the tour groups show up. Lambi Beach is a 10-minute walk away for swimming. A regular Aegean sailor shares: "The water at Lambi is perfectly calm in the morning, but afternoon winds can kick up - plan your swim early."

    
  • Day 3

    Pserimos & Leros

    Have breakfast in a peaceful bay off Pserimos before sailing to Leros. The climb to Leros Castle takes 300 steps but offers amazing sunset views. Take good walking shoes and water since there's minimal shade. Check out Lakki town's unique Art Deco architecture from the Italian occupation period. Regular buses connect Lakki and Agia Marina if you want to see both areas.

    
  • Day 4

    Patmos

    Patmos is often called the "Jerusalem of the Aegean." The 11th-century Monastery of St. John, a UNESCO site, opens at 8:00 AM. Get there before cruise ships arrive at 10:00 AM. You'll need to cover shoulders and knees. The Cave of the Apocalypse sits halfway up the monastery path. A seasoned visitor suggests: "Take a taxi up and walk down - the uphill climb in summer heat is brutal."

    
  • Days 5-6

    Lipsi & Kalymnos

    Start with swimming in Lipsi's quiet bays. Platis Gialos beach on Lipsi's south coast has the best swimming spots. In Kalymnos, stop by the Sponge Factory Museum to learn about local diving history. If you're interested in rock climbing, book guides ahead of time. Try the local octopus at the harbor restaurants.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Return to Bodrum

    Take a final swim at Akvaryum Bay, which offers excellent snorkeling. You'll reach Bodrum by late afternoon. Spend your last evening at the old town's rooftop restaurants watching the sunset. The boat check-out is at 10:30 AM on day 8. Book flights from Bodrum Airport after noon to allow time for the 40-minute transfer.

    

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• 8 Days in Greek Islands, incl. Rhodes and Symi

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Rhodes:

    Start in Rhodes town and explore the medieval old town's cobblestone streets during cooler morning hours. On day 2, visit Apollona village for local food experiences. Small vendors often only take cash, so come prepared. The cooking class takes 3-4 hours - wear comfortable shoes and light clothing. You can spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace. If you're planning to visit the Lindos Acropolis, go early or late to avoid the crowds and heat.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Symi:

    Take the morning ferry from Rhodes to Symi (1.5 hours). Pack light for the Kali Strata - you'll climb 500 steps to reach Chorio under the Mediterranean sun. You'll stay in the quiet Pedi Beach area, which offers great swimming spots. The pine forest trail needs sturdy shoes with good grip. The kaiki boat barbecue is a local highlight. Bring a light jacket since evenings on the water can get cool, even in summer.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Tilos:

    The ferry to Tilos takes about an hour from Symi. The coastal walk to Mikro Chorio needs reasonable fitness levels. Bring plenty of water and sun protection since there's little shade. Watch your step in the ghost village where loose stones are common. For the Megalo Chorio hike, start early to beat the heat and catch the best morning views of Nisyros.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Return to Rhodes:

    The ferry back to Rhodes takes about 2.5 hours. Spend your last evening in Rhodes' old town when it's quieter and cooler. Book an afternoon flight on day 8 to avoid morning traffic delays to the airport.

    

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