What is this tour and what makes it different from a typical Greece holiday?
This is an 8-day gulet cruise through the southern Aegean Dodecanese islands, starting and ending in Rhodes. Rather than visiting the major tourist hubs, the route takes you to secluded coves and small islands only reachable by boat: the neoclassical pastel amphitheatre of Symi, the holy Monastery of Panormitis on Symi, the abandoned ghost village of Mikro Chorio on Tilos, the serene island of Chalki, and the cinematic Anthony Quinn Bay near Rhodes. You sleep on the gulet each night and follow a flexible route shaped by sea conditions and the captain's discretion.
What route does the gulet follow?
The route begins in Rhodes and heads to Nanou Bay and Symi port, then to St George Bay and Panormitis Monastery (or Pedi if conditions require), then Akrogiali Bay and Tilos, then Trakhia Bay and Chalki (Nimporio), then back toward Rhodes via Anthony Quinn Bay and Kalithea Beach. Day 7 is spent back in Rhodes port, with disembarkation on the morning of Day 8.
What is the gulet like and how many passengers does it carry?
The gulet is a traditional wooden sailing vessel with 9 cabins, designed to carry a maximum of 25 passengers. It has a spacious sun deck for lounging and a dining area for group meals. Life on board is social and informal, with the crew handling navigation and meals.
What is the Panormitis Monastery and can we visit it?
The Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis sits on the southern tip of Symi. Built in the early 18th century, it is still inhabited by monks and houses two small museums. It is a place of deep spiritual significance for Greek Orthodox pilgrims from around the world. Loud music is strictly prohibited in the bay. If sea conditions are not suitable, the captain may divert to Pedi instead.
What is the Tilos ghost village experience?
Mikro Chorio is an abandoned village in the interior of Tilos, deserted since the 1950s. By night, the stone ruins are illuminated and a small bar operates within the old walls. You reach it by a short taxi or bus ride from Tilos Harbour. It is an atmospheric and unusual experience, combining history with a quirky night out.
What is Anthony Quinn Bay?
Anthony Quinn Bay is a stunning inlet on the coast of Rhodes named after the American actor who fell in love with the location while filming The Guns of Navarone there and reportedly purchased the site. The bay combines Hollywood history with spectacular natural beauty and is one of the most photogenic stops on the route.
What is included in the tour price?
Included are: transport by gulet boat, 7 nights gulet accommodation in a shared double cabin, services of the captain and supporting crew, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 2 dinners (one welcome dinner on Day 1 and a final dinner on Day 6).
What extra costs do we need to pay and when?
Two costs are payable locally at the start of the trip: port fees of 100 EUR per person and a government-imposed cruise tax of 50 EUR per person. These are in addition to the tour price. Airport transfers are also not included and must be arranged separately.
What is the difference between a standard cabin and a premium cabin?
The standard cabin has a wet room en-suite bathroom (shower integrated within the bathroom space). The premium cabin has a separate shower cubicle within the en-suite bathroom, providing a more comfortable and spacious washing arrangement. Both cabin types have the same gulet access, meals, and itinerary.
What meals are on our own expense?
Most dinners are at your own expense, as the itinerary encourages dining at local tavernas in port towns for an authentic experience. The included meals are the welcome dinner on Day 1, the farewell dinner on Day 6, and all 7 breakfasts and 6 lunches which are served on board.
Can the gulet be booked as a private charter?
Yes. The gulet is available for private charter for groups. Contact the sales team for details and pricing.
How fit do we need to be for this sailing holiday?
No particular fitness is required. Most time is spent on the gulet, swimming, snorkelling, or exploring small port towns on foot. The optional ghost village visit in Tilos involves a short taxi or bus ride. Symi has steep hillsides, and exploring beyond the port requires some walking uphill. The cruise suits all ages and fitness levels.
Is this suitable for non-swimmers?
Non-swimmers can enjoy the cruise fully. The swimming and snorkelling stops are all optional. You can relax on deck at anchor while others swim. All on-board safety equipment is in place.
Can the itinerary change due to weather or sea conditions?
Yes, and this is important to understand before booking. Gulet itineraries are subject to alteration at the captain's discretion due to weather, sea conditions, or the number of other boats in certain bays. The same overall experience and destinations are maintained as closely as possible, but specific stops may be substituted. For example, Panormitis Monastery may be replaced by Pedi if sea conditions are not suitable.
Is travel insurance compulsory and what must it cover?
Travel insurance is compulsory. Your policy must cover personal accident and liability, medical expenses, emergency repatriation, and travel delay. Cover for cancellation and lost baggage is strongly recommended. You must provide policy details before departure. World Nomads Travel Insurance is a good option, covering more than 150 adventure activities.
How safe is sailing on the gulet?
The gulet operates with a professional captain and crew who have full responsibility for navigation and safety. The vessel is equipped with standard maritime safety equipment. The Dodecanese in summer is generally calm, though the Aegean can have strong winds. The captain will adjust the route to ensure safe passage.
What financial protection covers my booking?
Encounters Travel is a UK-registered company. All customer funds are protected through Trust My Travel's insurance policy. In the event of insolvency, you would be refunded for unfulfilled services or repatriated to the UK where applicable.
Is there drinking water on the gulet?
Tap water on gulets is generally for washing only and is not drinkable. We recommend bringing or purchasing bottled water, or using a Water-to-Go filter bottle to reduce plastic waste. Use code ENCOUNTERS25 for 25 percent off at the Water-to-Go website (valid in the UK, USA, and Canada).
What are the gulet cabins like?
All cabins are double en-suite. Standard cabins have a wet-room bathroom arrangement. Premium cabins have a separate shower cubicle. Cabins are compact by nature, as is typical on a traditional wooden gulet. Expect cosy and practical rather than hotel-spacious. Storage space is limited, so pack light.
What common areas are there on the gulet?
The gulet has a spacious open-air sun deck for lounging, relaxing, and watching the scenery unfold. The dining area below or on deck is where group meals and social time happen. The atmosphere is informal and sociable.
Is there air conditioning on the gulet?
Air conditioning in the cabins overnight is not standard and is not included in the base price. The Aegean breeze generally keeps the gulet comfortable, but cabin temperatures can be warm in midsummer. Check with the sales team if overnight A/C is important to you.
What is a typical evening like on board?
The gulet is usually anchored or docked in a port by late afternoon. Evenings are spent exploring the port town on foot, dining at local tavernas, and returning to the gulet to sleep. On some nights (Day 1 welcome dinner and Day 6 farewell dinner) meals are served on board or arranged as a group restaurant dinner.
What meals are included and what type of food is served?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 2 dinners. Breakfasts and lunches are served on board the gulet. Breakfast is a typical Mediterranean spread. Lunches are prepared on deck and served while anchored at swimming bays. Most dinners are independent at local tavernas, where fresh seafood, grilled meats, and Greek salads are the staples.
What are meals like in the island tavernas?
Each island has a small selection of family-run tavernas. Chalki is particularly recommended for its local fishermen's seafood meze. Tilos is known for farm-to-table cooking and goat dishes. Symi's waterfront tavernas are a classic Greek harbour experience. Meals out are generally simple, fresh, and affordable.
Can vegetarians and those with dietary needs eat well on this cruise?
Vegetarians eat well in Greek tavernas, which always have salads, cheese dishes, vegetables, and pasta alongside meat and fish options. Let the crew know about your dietary needs in advance so they can account for them in the on-board meals. Serious food allergies should also be communicated before departure.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Solo travellers join the group cruise and are a welcome part of the mix on board. The social nature of the gulet means friendships form quickly. Solo travellers may be asked to share a cabin with another solo traveller of the same sex, or can pay a supplement to have a cabin to themselves (subject to availability). Contact the team for current solo pricing.
What is the social dynamic on board a gulet?
The gulet is inherently communal. You share meals, the sun deck, and the experience of exploring islands together. Groups of maximum 25 keep things intimate. Expect a friendly, relaxed atmosphere well-suited to those who enjoy meeting other travellers.
Is this cruise age-restricted?
There is no official age restriction stated for the Dodecanese Sailing Explorer. It is a relaxed cultural cruise with swimming and sightseeing, suitable for a wide age range. This tour is distinct from the Mykonos Party at Sea, which has a party-focused atmosphere.
Where and when do I board and disembark?
Boarding begins at 4:00 PM on Day 1 at Rhodes New Marina. Disembarkation is at 9:00 AM on Day 8, also at Rhodes New Marina. The tour runs for 7 nights. You need to arrange your own flights in and out of Rhodes Airport (RHO) and your own transfers between the airport and the marina.
What should I pack for a gulet cruise?
Pack light. Soft bags or holdalls are easier in the compact cabins than rigid suitcases. Bring swimwear, quick-dry towels, light casual clothing for evenings ashore, sunscreen, a sun hat, sandals or flip flops, and comfortable shoes for walking in port towns. Bring a small day bag for shore excursions. Snorkelling gear can be brought or sometimes borrowed on board.
Do I need to pay anything on day one?
Yes. The port fees of 100 EUR per person and the government cruise tax of 50 EUR per person are collected at the start of the trip. Have 150 EUR in cash or an agreed payment method ready for Day 1.
What currency is used and should I bring cash?
Greece uses the Euro. Have cash available for taverna meals ashore, drinks, and any small purchases in the island villages. Card acceptance in small island tavernas and shops can be unreliable. Bring sufficient euros for your daily meals out and any optional activities.
Can I upgrade to a premium cabin?
Yes. Premium cabins with a separate shower cubicle are available at a higher price point. Check the Dates and Prices section to compare standard and premium cabin pricing for your chosen departure date.
What optional activities are available on board or ashore?
Optional activities vary by island and include: kayak hire (available at some stops), stand-up paddleboarding, visits to the Tilos ghost village at night, exploring the medieval Old Town of Rhodes on Day 7, and optional farewell dinner in a Rhodes taverna on the final evening.
Are there other sailing routes from Encounters Travel?
Yes. Related sailing tours include Sailing the Ionian Islands (8 days), Set Sail from Zakynthos (8 days), and Mykonos Party at Sea (8 days, with a younger, party-focused crowd). Contact the team to compare routes and find the best fit for your group.
How do I book and is early booking advised?
Book via the online reservation form on the tour page. Availability during peak summer months is limited, and we recommend booking early to secure your preferred cabin type and departure date. The gulet can also be booked as a private charter for groups.
What is the deposit and payment policy?
A deposit is required at the time of booking, with the full balance due 8 weeks before departure. Payment can be made by debit or credit card, bank transfer, or cheque. Full booking conditions are available on the Encounters Travel website.
What happens if the itinerary is significantly altered after I book?
The captain and Encounters Travel reserve the right to alter the itinerary for safety or practical reasons. The same overall experience is maintained. This is standard practice for gulet cruises worldwide and is a condition of booking. Travel insurance covering trip interruption is recommended.
What is Symi and why is it a highlight of the route?
Symi is a small island near the Turkish coast, often described as one of the most beautiful in the Aegean. Its port is a natural amphitheatre of neoclassical mansions in ochre, terracotta, and indigo, cascading down hillsides to the water. The approach by gulet is spectacular. You spend time in Nanou Bay for swimming before arriving at the pastel-coloured harbour in the late afternoon.
What is Chalki and is it very touristy?
Chalki is a tiny island northwest of Rhodes where tourism is largely undeveloped. It is described as a sanctuary for those seeking true privacy and peace. The only village, Nimporio, has a picture-perfect harbour lined with colourful mansions and a handful of family-run tavernas. It is genuinely quiet compared to most Greek island destinations.
What is the UNESCO Old Town of Rhodes like and when do we visit it?
Rhodes Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval settlements in the world, enclosed within massive fortified walls. You have free time there on Day 7 after returning to Rhodes Marina. Explore the Palace of the Grand Master, walk the Street of the Knights, and browse the cobblestone alleyways. The Old Town also has a wide range of restaurants for the optional farewell dinner that evening.
What is the Symi dining experience like?
Symi's waterfront is lined with traditional Greek tavernas that capture classic Greek harbour hospitality: fresh fish, grilled octopus, Greek salad, and local wine. It is among the most enjoyable evenings of the cruise, with the neoclassical pastel architecture as the backdrop. This is one of the dinner nights at your own expense, but the setting is outstanding.
