Day cruise to Patmos from Samos: Monastery and cave

Reach the monastery and the cave where John wrote Revelation

A day cruise from Samos to Patmos pairs ferry transport with a private English-speaking guide and air-conditioned vehicle to visit the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, the Cave of the Apocalypse, and the medieval town of Chora. The 10-hour tour includes round-trip ferry tickets and hotel pickup, with a licensed local guide leading the stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Patmos Island and Monastery

• Visit the Cave of the Apocalypse
• Tour the Monastery of Saint John
• Explore Chora Village Patmos

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Samos hotel and transport to the ferry port. Once you arrive in Skala, the main harbour town, your guide meets you for the drive up the island. The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian dominates the skyline above Chora: built in 1088 and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it holds priceless religious relics, rare manuscripts, icons and one of Christianity's richest libraries. The Cave of the Apocalypse sits halfway up the mountain between Chora and Skala, the grotto where John of Patmos is believed to have received the visions he recorded in the Book of Revelation.

Chora itself, the island's capital, spreads around the monastery in a maze of narrow lanes with whitewashed houses. The medieval town was rebuilt during the 12th century and flourished between the 16th and 17th centuries, when wealthy families constructed the mansions and captain residences that still line the streets. Your guide navigates the sites and explains their history. The air-conditioned vehicle waits for the return journey to Skala and the ferry back to Samos.

Dress code matters here: men need long trousers and women need long skirts, dresses or trousers, with knees and shoulders covered for both. The ferry schedule anchors the day, so the timing is fixed. You leave Samos in the morning and return by evening. If your hotel sits outside the main pickup route, extra charges may apply and can be quoted when you book.

What’s included

• Private local licensed guide in English.
• round-trip ferry tickets from Samos to Patmos.
• air-conditioned vehicle for transport on the island.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 7 May 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (3 to 17 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 100 · max 2 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 19 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MTM Experiences

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English, so you follow the commentary without translation. If your hotel lies outside the main pickup zone, confirm the location when booking, as extra charges may apply for that leg.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 17 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian?

The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian is a Greek Orthodox monastery founded in 1088 in Chora, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It houses priceless religious relics, rare manuscripts, icons, jewellery, embroidery and one of the richest libraries in Christianity.

Where did John of Patmos write the Book of Revelation?

The Cave of the Apocalypse, situated halfway up the mountain between Chora and Skala, is believed to mark the spot where John received the visions he recorded in the Book of Revelation.

What should I wear to visit the monastery?

Men must wear long trousers and women must wear long skirts, dresses or trousers. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women to enter the monastery.

How long is the full day from pickup to return?

The tour runs 10 hours from hotel pickup through the ferry crossing, the guided stops on Patmos, and the return ferry to Samos.

Does the price include the ferry tickets?

Yes, round-trip ferry tickets are included, along with the private guide, air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup.