Silversea Luxury Cruises A Patmos

Indulge your senses with the beauty, history and flavours of Patmos during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Grotto of St. John and Chora

Depart the pier for the brief, scenic drive to the Grotto of St. John. This small cave, now converted into a beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, had his revelation and wrote the world-renowned Book of the Apocalypse. During your visit, see the stone orifice St. John is said to have used as a pillow. From here, proceed to the village of Chora, which features simple houses and Byzantine churches.

Monastery of St. John the Theologian

Upon arrival, begin the climb on-foot to the Monastery of St. John the Theologian. In the courtyard, see the intricate pebbled floor, decorated arches and the old well in its centre that is fed by the reservoir running beneath it. Through the supporting arches, splendid decorative frescoes can be seen adorning the entrance to the Chapel of Christodoulos, which houses sacred relics. The Old Treasury is now a museum displaying jewelled artefacts and manuscripts dating from 1073.

Simandiris House and Taverna Visit

A stop is then made at the 300-year-old home of the Simandiris family to see one of the finest antique collections dating from the Russian Empire up to the Turkish occupation. Your tour concludes with a brief stroll through the old winding streets of Chora, and a visit to a traditional taverna for meze, wine and refreshments accompanied by Greek music and dancing. Following your visit, commence the brief return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking, with a strenuous uphill climb to reach the monastery, and steps to negotiate at the cave and monastery. This tour is not recommended for guests with claustrophobia, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Please watch your step inside the cave. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship. A strict dress code is observed at the monastery; ladies must wear skirts and cover their shoulders, and shorts are not permitted inside. The tour sequence may vary.

Experience the exquisite natural splendour and historic landmarks of Patmos during this picturesque sightseeing excursion.

Windmills of Chora

Depart the pier for the brief drive to Chora. Located in the centre of the island, Chora is home to the majestic Byzantine Monastery of St. John the Divine, built in 1088. A photo stop is made at the Windmills of Chora, once the landmark of all Aegean islands.

Grotto and Church of the Apocalypse

Next, proceed for a visit to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse, above which stands the Church of the Apocalypse, a sub-unit of the main Monastery. Walk down the steps for a visit to the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Here, see the silver niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of Revelations, as well as the three-fold fissure made by the Voice of God emphasising the honour of the Trinity.

Scenic Drive and Kambos Visit

Afterward, continue your scenic drive around Patmos to admire the stunning natural beauty of its many peninsulas, tranquil beaches and picturesque inlets. Your tour concludes with a visit to the village of Kambos, located in the northern part of the island. Following a brief stop for refreshments, commence the approximate 30-minute drive back to the pier. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to explore the harbour area before returning to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, with approximately 40 stairs to negotiate. This tour is not recommended for guests with claustrophobia, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Please watch your step inside the cave. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship. A strict dress code is observed at the monastery; ladies must wear skirts and cover their shoulders, and shorts are not permitted inside. The tour sequence may vary. A minimum number of guests per guide is required to operate this programme.

Explore Patmos at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Patmos at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Patmos at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to up to 10 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Patmos at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to up to 10 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore the splendid beauty and religious history of Patmos during a scenic and informative excursion to this sacred island.

Grotto of St. John and Chora

Depart the pier for the brief, scenic drive to the Grotto of St. John. This small cave, now converted into a beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, had his revelation and wrote the world-renowned Book of the Apocalypse. During your visit, see the stone orifice St. John is said to have used as a pillow. From here, proceed to the village of Chora, which features simple houses and Byzantine churches.

Monastery of St. John the Theologian

Upon arrival, begin the climb on-foot to the Monastery of St. John the Theologian. As you enter the courtyard of this imposing structure, see the intricate pebbled floor, decorated arches and the old well in its centre that is fed by the reservoir running beneath it. Looking through the supporting arches, splendid decorative frescoes can be seen adorning the entrance to the Chapel of Christodoulos.

Chapel of Christodoulos and Old Treasury

This ornate little chapel houses sacred relics that are stored in a silver-coated chest. The Old Treasury is now a museum displaying a breathtaking collection of jewelled chalices, crowns, crucifixes, vestments, and old manuscripts dating from 1073. Following your visit, some free time is made available to explore the village of Chora before commencing the brief return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking, with a strenuous uphill climb to reach the monastery, and steps to negotiate at the cave and monastery. This tour is not recommended for guests with claustrophobia, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Please watch your step inside the cave. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship. A strict dress code is observed at the monastery; ladies must wear skirts and cover their shoulders, and shorts are not permitted inside. The tour sequence may vary.