From Lindos: Rhodes Old Town and Speedboat Trip to Symi

The clever part of this $55 day trip is that it joins two very different Greek experiences: the medieval lanes of Rhodes Old Town and the colorful harbor of Symi. You ride by coach from Lindos, spend the morning on your own in Rhodes, then cross the sea by boat for an afternoon on Symi.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, especially if you are staying around Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, or Gennadi. I also like the freedom. You are not tied to a guide or a large group once you reach either place. The tradeoff is simple: this is a very long day, and Rhodes Old Town can receive less than the advertised three hours when pickups run late or traffic slows the coach.

Key points to know before booking

• Two famous islands in one day: See Rhodes Old Town in the morning and Symi harbor in the afternoon.
• Independent sightseeing: No guide accompanies you through the attractions, so you choose your own route and pace.
• Hotel pickup from Lindos and beyond: Pickup points cover Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, Gennadi, and nearby resorts.
• About $55 per person: Transport between the resort area, Rhodes, and Symi is included, making this strong value for an independent day out.
• A long schedule: Plan on roughly 12 hours, and allow extra time if the coach is delayed or return drop-offs take longer.
• Bring sun protection and a change of clothes: The boat can be breezy and wet on the upper deck, while both stops involve walking in the heat.

Why this combines Rhodes and Symi so well

Rhodes Old Town and Symi offer different flavors of the Dodecanese. Rhodes gives you fortified walls, medieval streets, grand buildings, shops, harbors, and major historic sights. Symi gives you a compact waterfront, colorful houses, restaurants, small shops, and time to slow down beside the sea.

That contrast is the main reason I think this excursion works. You are not spending the entire day looking at similar scenery. Instead, the morning is active and urban, while the afternoon is lighter and more relaxed.

The tour is also practical for anyone based south of Rhodes Town. Reaching Symi independently from Lindos can require separate transport arrangements, careful timing, and boat tickets. Here, the coach gets you to Rhodes, the boat carries you across, and another coach brings you home.

Still, you need to accept the limits. The excursion is mostly transportation plus free time. There is no full guided walk through Rhodes Old Town, and there is no detailed guided tour of Symi. You receive instructions, meeting times, and in some cases a useful map for Rhodes, but the sightseeing is yours to plan.

The early pickup from Lindos, Pefkos, and Kiotari

The day begins with pickup at a long list of hotels and meeting points. The service covers much more than Lindos itself, including Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, Gennadi, Kalathos, and several large resorts.

You are asked to wait on the main road about 10 minutes before the scheduled time and look for the Sebeco Tours bus. This matters because the driver may wait only five minutes after the planned pickup. Some pickup points are not directly at a hotel entrance, so read the meeting instructions carefully.

The coach transfer to Rhodes takes about one hour from the listed itinerary, though the exact time depends on where you are staying and how many pickups are required. If you are based farther south, the total day feels longer. A pickup around 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning and a return around 8:00 to 9:00 at night is realistic based on the reported schedules.

The drivers are Greek, and the transport staff generally provide clear instructions. One driver named Ivan received special praise for being helpful and informative. The tour is wheelchair accessible, but you should still confirm the exact pickup arrangement if you need assistance with boarding or transfers.

The main weakness is punctuality at shared pickups. One late hotel pickup can reduce your free time in Rhodes. You should be ready before the stated time, and if the bus does not arrive, use the supplied contact details rather than waiting silently.

Three hours, or sometimes closer to two, in Rhodes Old Town

The coach drops you near Rhodes harbor, where you have free time in the Old Town. The stated plan allows about three hours, but the real sightseeing time can vary. Delayed pickups, traffic, and the process of gathering the group may leave you with roughly two to two and a half hours.

That is enough for a taste of Rhodes Old Town, but not enough for a slow visit to every major sight. I suggest deciding in advance what matters most to you.

If this is your first visit, head toward the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights. The Castle of the Knights and the palace are the major historic draws, but entry tickets are not included. You can choose to pay for an attraction, or simply enjoy the fortifications, lanes, squares, shops, and harbor views from outside.

A map can help you get your bearings quickly. Without one, the Old Town’s winding streets can eat into your limited time. The retail streets and harbor area are easy options if you prefer a gentle walk, a coffee, or breakfast rather than a museum visit.

I would not try to do everything. Choose either a focused historic walk or a relaxed circuit through the streets and waterfront. The Old Town is atmospheric, but rushing from one end to another makes the morning feel like a checklist.

There is another practical detail: you must return to the agreed meeting point on time. The boat will not wait for late arrivals. The instructions may direct you to collect a paper ticket from a harbor kiosk before boarding, sometimes under your name. Do not assume your booking confirmation alone is your boarding pass.

The crossing to Symi is scenic, but the boat is not always a small speedboat

The advertised crossing takes about 80 minutes each way. The vessel may feel more like a fast ferry than the small private speedboat some people imagine. This is worth knowing if you are picturing a quiet, intimate ride.

The boat ride is one of the pleasures of the day. You get open water, sea air, and changing views as Rhodes disappears behind you. On the return crossing, the timing can offer a sunset view, which has been one of the most memorable parts of the excursion for many people.

Choose your seat with care. The upper deck gives you better views, but sea spray can soak you when the boat is moving quickly. If you want to stay dry, sit inside. The lower outdoor area can offer shade and a breeze, though it may be noisy.

Seating is not necessarily assigned. Families and groups may need to board promptly if sitting together matters. The return boat can also feel crowded, and one reported crossing used extra patio-style chairs inside. If you are sensitive to motion, crowds, or spray, keep that in mind before booking.

The boat crew is described as friendly, and the transfers are usually well coordinated. Still, the boarding process at Rhodes can be confusing if several queues are forming. Follow the instructions closely and allow time to collect any required paper ticket.

Three to four hours beside Symi’s famous harbor

Symi is the visual highlight for many people on this trip. The harbor is lined with colorful houses climbing the hillsides, and the setting feels very different from Rhodes Old Town. You can spend the afternoon walking along the waterfront, choosing a restaurant, browsing shops, or finding a place to swim.

The free time is flexible, but do not expect a packed list of organized activities. Symi is best suited to a relaxed visit. You might enjoy a long lunch beside the water, take photographs of the harbor, walk toward the upper parts of town, or look for a beach where swimming is possible.

One useful detail is that shops may close at certain times, particularly outside the busiest summer period. If shopping is important, do not leave it until the final minutes. Restaurants and waterfront cafés are the safer choice for a dependable afternoon plan.

The town also involves walking and, in places, steps. Some people use the time for a climb toward the castle area, while others stay near the harbor. You do not need to copy anyone else’s pace. Three hours can feel just right for lunch and a walk, while four hours may feel long if you do not plan to eat, swim, or explore beyond the waterfront.

The lack of information about Symi is the clearest weakness of the free-time format. You are given the return departure time, but not necessarily a detailed explanation of what to see. A little preparation helps. Mark the boat departure location, note the time clearly, and return early. Two couples reportedly missed their departure, and the boat leaves on schedule.

Food, entry fees, and what the $55 price covers

At about $55 per person, the value is strong if you are staying in the Lindos area and want to see Symi without arranging separate transport. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the coach transfers, the boat journey, a driver, and free time in both destinations.

It does not include food, drinks, or admission tickets. You should budget separately for lunch in Symi, refreshments, and any entrance to the Palace of the Grand Master or other paid sights in Rhodes.

The price works best for independent sightseers. You are paying for access and transport rather than a guided cultural program. If you want a historian walking beside you and explaining every building, this is not the right format. If you like choosing your own lunch, route, and priorities, the low price is more appealing.

The excursion can also save you money compared with arranging a private transfer from Lindos to Rhodes, buying boat tickets separately, and organizing your return. That convenience is especially useful if you are staying beyond Lindos in Kiotari or Gennadi.

The long return to southern Rhodes

After the afternoon on Symi, you take the boat back to Rhodes and meet the coach for the return drive. The return journey can take longer than the morning transfer because the coach may have many resort drop-offs.

Some schedules return around 8:00 or 9:00 at night, and one family reported arriving after 9:00. That is not necessarily a problem, but it changes how you should plan the day. Do not book an evening restaurant reservation that requires you to be back at a precise time.

The return boat may be fuller than the outward crossing, so expect less choice of seating. If you are traveling with children, the coach and boat can provide chances for a nap, but the overall schedule remains tiring. Pack water, snacks, and anything you need for a full day away from your hotel.

The benefit is that you do not need to drive after a tiring day. You can watch the sea, rest on the coach, and let the company handle the connections.

Who will enjoy this day trip most

I would recommend this experience to you if:

• You are staying in Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, or Gennadi.
• You want to see Symi but do not want to arrange transport yourself.
• You enjoy independent sightseeing rather than a guided group walk.
• You are happy with a full, roughly 12-hour day.
• You want a reasonably priced mix of history, sea views, shopping, food, and free time.
• You can handle walking, heat, boat spray, and changing transport connections.

I would think twice if Rhodes Old Town is your main reason for booking. The available time can shrink to around two hours, which is not enough for a thorough visit. In that case, dedicate a separate day to Rhodes.

I would also reconsider if you dislike crowded boats or need a precise return time. The journey is usually well organized, but shared pickups, queues, and multiple resort drop-offs introduce some uncertainty.

Small details that make the day easier

Wear comfortable shoes. Rhodes Old Town and Symi both reward walking, and the heat can make short distances feel longer.

Carry sunscreen, a hat, water, and a light cover-up. The boat’s upper deck can be wet, while the lower deck may be shaded and breezy. A small dry bag or spare shirt is sensible if you want to sit outside.

Keep your return times in two places, such as your phone and a note in your wallet. Take a photo of the meeting point before walking away from the harbor. This is especially useful in Rhodes, where the boat-ticket kiosk and boarding area can be busy.

Do not spend all your Rhodes time searching for breakfast if the Old Town sights matter most. Decide before arrival if you want the palace, the medieval streets, the harbor, or shopping. You can enjoy all four, but only at a quick pace.

On Symi, make your lunch reservation or food choice early if you want to eat beside the water. Then use the remaining time for walking or swimming rather than searching around at the end.

Should you book the Lindos to Symi and Rhodes trip?

I would book it for the excellent transport value and the chance to combine two major sights in one day. Symi is the strongest reason to go, while Rhodes Old Town works as a useful morning introduction.

Go in with accurate expectations. This is not a fully guided tour, and the advertised free-time figures may be reduced by pickup delays or traffic. You will spend a large part of the day on a coach and boat, but that travel is what makes the two-island combination possible from Lindos.

For $55, the package is hard to beat if you want a simple route to Symi. Book it if you value freedom, scenery, and convenience. Skip it if you want a slow, detailed visit to Rhodes or a quiet private boat ride.

FAQ

How long does the Lindos to Rhodes and Symi trip last?

The scheduled duration is 12 hours. Actual timing can vary, and some departures have taken around 13 hours because of pickup delays and multiple hotel drop-offs.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for listed locations around Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, Gennadi, Kalathos, and nearby resorts. You must wait at the main road 10 minutes before the scheduled time and look for the Sebeco Tours bus.

How much free time do I get in Rhodes Old Town?

The planned free time is three hours, but delays can reduce this to around two or two and a half hours. The time is independent, with no guided Old Town tour included.

Are attraction tickets included?

No. Entry tickets to sights such as the Castle of the Knights or Palace of the Grand Master are not included. Food and drinks are also separate.

Is the boat to Symi a small speedboat?

The crossing is described as a speedboat journey and takes about 80 minutes each way. The vessel can feel more like a fast ferry than a small private speedboat, and upper-deck passengers may experience sea spray.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. You should still confirm the exact pickup and boarding arrangements if you require specific assistance.