6 h. tour (Private tour)
(transportation + visit the Cave of the Apocalypse + visit the monastery of St. John + visit the house of Simandiris + visit a nun's monastery + visit Gricou bay and Lambi beach)
Your air-conditioned private vehicle will start from the port of Skala and drive half way up the mountain to the Cave of St. John to visit the most important site of the island. Here is where St. John the Theologian wrote the Revelation, the last book of the New Testament. Once visited your tour guide will proceed to the Monastery of St. John. Christodoulos, Servant of Christ, built the Monastery in 1088. Its castle like structure crowned all around with battlements has a total of eight chapels inside. Once entering the courtyard one can see the intricately designed frescoes adorning the main chapel entrance.
The Monastery’s museum houses a magnificent collection of jeweled chalices, crowns and crosses. In addition, amongst the many icons and religious paintings there is an original El Greco painting which is one of his first. The library, which unfortunately is not open to the public, has many ancient books exhibited in the museum.
After leaving the Monastery on top of the hill, a short walk into the old town will bring you to the doorstep of a Patmian house from the 18th Century. Next to it, one will visit the active Nun’s Monastery. Both sites will give you an idea of how one lives today in Chora. Time will be given for the opportunity to take photos in the narrow streets of the old town. If time allows it and you are interested, you can visit a local restaurant for lunch.
After lunch the tour continues by following the coastal road back to the port via Gricou Bay on way to the north part of the island which is the agricultural area. During the leisurely drive a complete image can be formed on how the beautiful inlets and tranquil beaches appeal to the many guests that visit Patmos.
The last site is the bay of Lambi where the famous beach for its colorful stones is definitely a place to visit and take as many photographs as you can. Last minute shopping can be done after the coach returns you to the port.
