Kos Island tour: Asklepion, Zia and mountain villages

The Asklepion's fourth-century BC excavations where Hippocrates wrote the oath doctors still take today

A six-hour guided tour of Kos visits the Asklepion, the ancient medical sanctuary where Hippocrates laid the foundation of modern medicine, then climbs to the mountain village of Zia with its spice stalls and old stone houses, passes through Andimachia's traditional windmill, and reaches Kefalos to see the island's best beaches and olive groves. A professional guide speaks German. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Lunch is not included but available in Zia or Mastichari depending on the route.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Kos Island highlights

• Visit Asklepion ancient excavations
• See Hippocrates' foundation site
• Explore mountain village Zia
• Visit Andimachia village windmill
• Enjoy nature in Kefalos
• Pass beautiful island beaches
• Have traditional lunch (not included)

The experience

The tour starts at your hotel and heads straight to the Asklepion, the fourth-century BC excavations that sit above Kos town. This is where Hippocrates laid the foundation stone of modern medicine and wrote the Hippocratic Oath, the same oath all doctors worldwide still take today. The ruins themselves require separate entry, but the guide walks you through what each section meant to the ancient physicians who trained there.

From the Asklepion, the route climbs into the interior: the mountain village of Zia clings to the slopes of Dikeos mountain with narrow alleys and old stone houses, and the air fills with cinnamon and spice from the stalls lining the streets. You pass through Andimachia to see its traditional windmill, then continue into the untouched landscape toward Kefalos, where extensive olive groves stretch across the slopes and the island's most beautiful beaches come into view. The drive itself is the landscape: no rushing between stops, just the slow reveal of how the island changes as you move inland and back toward the coast.

An air-conditioned vehicle carries the group, and the professional guide speaks German throughout. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels. Lunch is not included in the price, but you'll have the chance to eat in Zia or Mastichari depending on which route the day takes.

What’s included

• Professional guide speaking German.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 3 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 50

Live guideGerman

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cretan Holidays

Is this one for you?The guide speaks German, so book this tour if German is your language. If you speak another language, check the operator's other Kos tours to find one with commentary in your language.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years).

What exactly is the Asklepion and why does it matter for the history of medicine?

The Asklepion is the ancient sanctuary where Hippocrates, the founder of modern medicine, trained physicians and wrote the Hippocratic Oath in the fourth century BC. The excavations show the layout of the medical school and healing temple, and the oath he wrote is still recited by doctors worldwide today.

Can I buy food and drinks during the tour, or do I need to bring my own?

Lunch is not included in the tour price, but you'll stop in either Zia or Mastichari (depending on the route) where you can order a traditional meal. Bring water or purchase drinks along the way. The guide will point out where to eat.

What are the spice stalls in Zia like, and can I actually taste the cinnamon water?

Zia's narrow alleys are lined with small stalls selling local spices and herbs. If you want to try the typical cinnamon water, you can order it at one of the stalls. It's a traditional local drink, though it's not included in the tour price.

Are there entry fees for the sites we visit, or is everything included?

The Asklepion, the traditional house in Zia, and the windmill in Andimachia each have separate small entry fees not included in the tour price. The guide will let you know the cost at each stop, and you pay on site.