Cruising the Southern Dodecanese

This one-week cruise follows a graceful route through the lower Dodecanese islands, combining long, leisurely sails with visits to a wide variety of different island landscapes and plenty of opportunities to swim in secluded coves.

Kos and Rhodes, our start and end points, are justifiably famous for the imposing Crusader castles and ancient temples which we will be strolling through. Alongside these world renowned sites, the smaller islands in between provide a more intimate view of traditional Greek island life, with their picturesque harbours, small town squares, simple family-run tavernas and beautiful domestic architecture.

The small characterful towns where we moor are full of winding streets and churches decked with pebble mosaics - great places to set out on foot and explore. Steeped in history, these islands are also blessed with natural beauty - from the volcanic landscape of Nisyros (complete with natural saunas) to coastlines bathed in sea sparkle.

Combining archaeological adventures and wonderful walks, with delicious food and azure seas, this tour promises to be a fascinating journey through Greece’s past and present.

“The holiday of a life time - our gulet adventure to the South Dodacanese Greek Islands was without a doubt our favorite family trip we have ever taken. The comfort and beauty of the gulet, the incredibly caring crew, the delicious food, the history we learned from our knowledgeable and friendly leader, Michael Metcalfe, along with the stunning beauty of the islands. 

Swimming in the most gorgeous coves, kayaking on crystal blue waters, hiking around ruins and into small remote villages and relaxing on the boat all were the things were what led my four children to say it was the BEST best trip ever. Our wish is to book another excursion with Peter Sommer Travels to Turkey or Italy!”Suzy Lautze, Oregon, USA - Suzy travelled on our South Dodecanese family tour in spring 2009, and previously on our Lycian Family tour in Turkey in autumn 2008.

Day 1: Our boat is about 26km from the airport, in the lively harbour of Kos. Welcome dinner on board.

Day 2: Inland to one of the greatest healing sanctuaries of the ancient Greek world, the Asklepieion of Kos. In the afternoon we sail south to the volcanic island of Nisyros that last erupted in 1933. We moor in Mandraki, a pretty harbour with white-washed houses and brightly painted wooden balconies.

Day 3: We head up to the town of Nikia, set dramatically on the crater’s rim, and investigate the main crater itself at Stefanos. In the afternoon we cruise south-east to Tilos where we will visit Megalo Chorio to view some skeletons of pygmy elephants that were discovered in one of the many caves on the island.

Day 4: On to Halki where we’ll stroll around its picturesque little harbour town, decked out with fine neo-classical architecture, and then discover its great medieval castle.

Day 5: North to Symi, where we will anchor in the harbour of Yialos and spend the afternoon in the upper town of Chorio, which dominates the anchorage, wandering through its winding streets and savouring the magnificent traditional architecture.

Day 6: On to one of the most celebrated and historic Greek islands, Rhodes, where we will step back in time to visit the acropolis of this once powerful and dynamic ancient city. We’ll explore its small theatre, stadium, and the temple of Apollo.

Day 7: Time to shop and explore the streets of the old town. The medieval city of Rhodes, built by the Knights Hospitaller, is now a living breathing world heritage site. We’ll wander through the moat beneath mighty fortifications, to the Palace of the Grandmaster with its splendid archaeological museum. Farewell dinner on board.

Day 8: Transfer to Rhodes airport.