Exceptional experiences
- Designed by TUI - a trusted travel leader
- Led by friendly expert guides
- Highly rated by customers
This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.
Musement is dedicated to bringing you the best, which is why we're introducing you to the TUI Collection designed by TUI, the world leader in travel.
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.'
Based on 91 reviews from verified customers
Review categories
Service
4.2/5
Safety
4.2/5
Staff
4.2/5
Value for money
3.9/5
Miranda van der Vlugt
From Netherlands - October 2024Solo traveler
35 - 44 years old
Excellent
Overall rated4/5
Leuke excursie. Wel verschil in comfort van de stoelen op de boot. Op de heenweg zat ikniet evht prettig. En dan duurt het lang
Thijske
From United States of America - October 2024Traveled as a couple
45 - 54 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Geadviseerd wordt om een badlaken en zwemkleding mee te nemen. Er wordt nergens de gelegenheid gegeven om te gaan zwemmen. Dit gegeven zou ik verwijde ...
Peter
From United States of America - October 2024Traveled as a couple
18 - 24 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Erg leuke activiteit. Na boottocht van 1,5 vanaf haven van Rhodos naar klooster op Symi. Daar kun je na informatie zelf even rondlopen. Daarna ga je 4 ...
Thomjag
From United States of America - September 2024Traveled as a couple
25 - 34 years old
Great
Overall rated4/5
In de voucher staat dat je juist gekleed moest zijn voor het klooster en dat je de zwemspullen met zonnebrand mee moest nemen. Achteraf blijkt dat er ...
Will
From Netherlands - September 2024Traveled as a couple
35 - 44 years old
Excellent
Overall rated4/5
Symi was heel erg leuk, ook de verhalen en uitleg van onze gids Corinna waren erg leuk en interessant. Het Panormitis klooster was erg mooi.
Henk&Maria
From United States of America - September 2024Traveled as a couple
45 - 54 years old
Excellent
Overall rated4/5