Greece Island Hopping Holidays:
Dodecanese: Rhodes + Patmos + Kos
Some of the most attractive and peaceful Greece island hopping holidays can be found in the south-eastern group of Dodecanese Islands, which hug the coast of Turkey. They offer small whitewashed villages clinging to hillsides above the sea & beaches as good as you will find anywhere. The main tourism hubs are historic Rhodes, with its medieval Old Town and Kos, but hop on a ferry for an hour or two and you will be transported to a quieter world with a huge choice of peaceful islands to explore, such as Patmos.
Price: from £1379 per person sharing
No. nights: 10
Deposit: £150 pp
Best Time to Go: April – October
Reference Code: SGR3
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Some of the most attractive and peaceful Greek islands can be found in the south-eastern Dodecanese Islands group. These are the furthest islands from the Greek mainland and hug the coast of Turkey. Having been ruled by the Romans, Persians, Byzantines, Venetians, Macedonians, Ottoman Turks and Italians over the centuries, they have a turbulent history with a distinctive culture and architecture.
These islands offer small whitewashed villages clinging to hillsides above the sea, and beaches as good as you will find anywhere. Add to this a smattering of Hellenistic ruins, a myriad of Byzantine chapels and atmospheric harbours lined by 19th century sea captains’ mansions and you have a unique and vibrant mix.
The main tourism hubs are Kos and historic Rhodes, one of the best known of all Greek islands, with a medieval Old Town. But hop on a ferry for an hour or two and you are transported to an older and quieter world, with a huge choice of peaceful islands to explore. Patmos, which saw fierce fighting between German and Allied forces during World War 2, was visited by Saint Paul and Saint John during their early Christian missionary journeys.
Other islands you can explore include tranquil Tilos, Symi, Halki, Karpathos, Leros, Lipsi, Nissyros, Kassos, Astypalea, Kastellorizo, Kalymnos and Telendos. Car hire can be arranged to explore further afield on the larger islands.
As with all Aegean islands, there can be strong winds - notably the Meltemi which normally blows from the north in July and August - so be prepared for possible disruption to boat schedules. Although not common, if this happens we will make all the necessary arrangements at no extra cost to you, which may include an unscheduled overnight in Rhodes or Kos.
PRICING
Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a self-catering or B&B basis. Flights from London are included, with other regional departures on request. Airport transfers and ferries in Greece are also included. Car hire is available on request.
We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.
It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence, if you intend to hire a car. The AA and FCO should also be consulted.