From Lindos: Rhodes Old Town and Speedboat Trip to Symi

Rhodes Old Town and Symi make an appealing double act: one is a fortified medieval city, the other a colorful harbor island reached by sea. For $55, this trip lets you see both without arranging separate buses, boat tickets, and hotel transfers yourself.

I especially like the hotel pickup from Lindos and the southern resorts, plus the freedom to choose your own sights, lunch, and pace. The main catch is time. This is a long day, and late pickups or extra hotel drop-offs can reduce your hours in Rhodes Old Town.

• Two major stops in one day: Explore Rhodes Old Town in the morning, then spend the afternoon on Symi.
• Pickup from Lindos and nearby resorts: Service covers many hotels and meeting points around Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, Gennadi, and Lindos.
• Independent sightseeing: There is no walking guide, so you decide how to use your free time.
• Boat crossing with sea views: The advertised speedboat ride takes about 80 minutes each way, though the vessel may feel more like a fast ferry than a small speedboat.
• Good value for transport: At $55, the trip includes road transfers, boat transportation, and return service to your hotel.
• A demanding schedule: Plan on roughly 12 hours, with some departures returning around 8 to 9 p.m.

One Day, Two Very Different Greek Experiences

This excursion solves a common Rhodes holiday problem. If you are staying in Lindos, getting to Rhodes Town on your own takes planning, and reaching Symi adds another layer of transport. Here, the road and sea connections are bundled into one day.

The balance is appealing. Rhodes Old Town gives you stone lanes, medieval walls, the Palace of the Grand Master, and the Castle of the Knights. Symi offers a smaller, slower afternoon around a handsome harbor, with restaurants, shops, swimming spots, and colorful houses climbing the hillsides.

I would not call this a guided tour in the usual sense. Your driver manages the road transfers, and staff explain where to meet and when to return, but you are largely on your own. That suits me when I want freedom, but you should not book it expecting a detailed historical commentary or a guide walking beside you.

The trip carries a 4.4 rating from 336 ratings, and the strongest praise centers on organization, helpful drivers, clear instructions, and value. The practical complaints are consistent too: the day can run longer than advertised, Rhodes Old Town time may shrink, and the return boat can be crowded.

Early Pickup From Lindos and the Southern Resorts

Pickup is available from a wide spread of locations around Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Kalathos, Kiotari, and Gennadi. The exact meeting point matters. You are asked to wait at the main road 10 minutes before the scheduled time and look for the Sebeco Tours bus.

Do not treat the pickup time as a loose suggestion. Drivers wait no longer than five minutes after the scheduled time, yet delays can still occur if other passengers are late or if road closures change the meeting point. One reported problem involved a main road closure that caused confusion, so check your pickup instructions carefully before leaving your hotel.

The coach ride to Rhodes takes about an hour from the main pickup area, though the full route can feel longer if you are collected farther south or if the bus makes several stops. For families, the coach provides a useful chance to rest. For everyone else, bring water and something small to eat, since breakfast and lunch are not included.

The road transfer is not the glamorous part of the outing, but it is a major reason the trip offers good value. You avoid arranging a taxi or rental car, finding parking near Rhodes Town, and working out how to connect with the boat.

Three Hours in Rhodes Old Town, With a Clock Running

The first major stop is Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO-listed fortified city with more than enough to fill a full day. This excursion gives you around three hours on paper, but actual sightseeing time can be closer to two or two and a half hours depending on the arrival, meeting instructions, and punctuality of the group.

That is enough for a taste, not a full visit. I would use the time for a simple walking route rather than trying to see everything. Head toward the Street of the Knights, continue to the Palace of the Grand Master, and then allow time for the lanes, squares, shops, and harbor side.

The Palace of the Grand Master requires an entry ticket, which is not included. The same applies to other paid attractions. If you want to go inside, keep your route tight and watch the departure time. If you prefer not to pay, the old streets, walls, squares, and harbor areas still provide plenty to see from outside.

A map is useful here. A town map with notes has helped people get their bearings quickly, especially when the meeting point is not directly beside the most interesting streets. Ask the local representative to repeat the meeting location and time, then take a photo of the map or mark the route on your phone.

The most important rule is to return early. The boat leaves on schedule, and missing it is not a minor inconvenience. You do not have the flexibility to wander until the last minute, so I would aim to be back at the agreed meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure.

Finding the Boat and Understanding the Ticket Process

The change from coach to boat is straightforward when you know what to expect. At Rhodes harbor, you may need to collect a paper boat ticket from a kiosk under your name. This step has caused some confusion because the boat ticket is separate from the initial tour booking.

Listen carefully to the instructions at the port. The representative may give you the return ticket and tell you the departure time for Symi. Keep the paper ticket safe, and do not assume that showing your original booking confirmation is enough.

Boarding can be busy, especially in high season. Seating is generally first come, first served, and families may not automatically sit together. If sitting as a group matters to you, go to the boarding area early.

The vessel is called a speedboat in the trip description, but expectations should be realistic. Several descriptions compare it to a fast ferry rather than a small private speedboat. The crossing takes about 80 minutes, and the boat can offer a fine view of the sea and coastline.

The upper deck gives you open-air views, but sea spray can be heavy. One useful rule is simple: sit inside if you want to stay dry. The lower outside area can offer shade, breeze, and a close view of the water, while the upper deck is better for open views but less reliable for dry clothing.

The Crossing to Symi Is Part of the Experience

The boat ride is not just a transfer. It is the visual break between two very different stops, and the return journey can be especially pleasant in the late afternoon. If your timing is right, you may watch the sunset from the boat.

The crossing is also where the word speedboat may raise expectations too high. This is not a private, small-scale ride with a captain stopping for photographs. It is shared transport, and the return sailing may be full enough that seats are limited.

I would bring a light layer, even in warm weather, because the combination of wind, spray, and air conditioning can feel cool. Keep phones and cameras protected from water if you sit outside. The views are worth seeing, but your bag should not depend on luck.

Three to Four Hours in Symi Harbor

Symi is the highlight for many people, and I can see why. The harbor is compact enough for easy walking, yet it has a strong sense of place. Colorful houses line the hillsides, and the waterfront is packed with places to eat and stop for a drink.

You have about three hours in the published schedule, though some departures allow closer to four depending on the day’s timing. That gives you enough time for lunch, a walk around the harbor, and perhaps a swim.

Do not expect a packed program of included activities. There is no guided island tour, and no organized visit to a particular beach is listed. Your afternoon is self-directed. You might find a place for a swim, sit by the water, explore the harbor, or climb some of the steps for a higher view.

A quayside meal is an obvious choice, but food and drinks are extra. The waterfront setting is part of the appeal, so allow enough time for a relaxed meal rather than ordering at the last minute before boarding.

The island is not only about eating and drinking. You can walk, look at the hillside houses, browse shops when they are open, and seek out a beach or water activity. Still, the stop is best for scenic wandering and a slow lunch, not for a long list of attractions.

The timing of local businesses can affect your experience. Shops may be closed at certain hours or later in the season, so do not build your entire afternoon around shopping. Symi’s strongest asset is its setting, and that remains available even when a shop is shut.

The Return Boat and the Long Ride Home

The return boat leaves at a fixed time. This is where you need discipline. People have missed the departure after losing track of the time, and the boat cannot be held for late passengers.

The return crossing can be more crowded than the outward trip. One account describes a smaller vessel and limited seating, while another notes extra chairs being placed inside. I would treat the return as transportation first and a scenic ride second. Arrive at the dock early and board promptly.

At Rhodes, the Sebeco Tours bus should be waiting for the return transfer to Lindos and the southern resorts. The ride is scheduled at about an hour, but the full drop-off process can take considerably longer because the bus may visit many hotels.

Some departures have returned around 8 p.m., while others have reached hotels closer to 9 or 9:15 p.m. That is normal for a route covering Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, and Gennadi. If you have an evening reservation, do not schedule it tightly.

The late finish is tiring, especially after walking in the heat and spending nearly three hours on boats. Families can make it work, and children may sleep on the coach or boat, but I would not describe this as a light half-day outing.

What the $55 Price Really Buys You

At $55 per person, this is strong value if you want both destinations and do not have a car. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off in the Lindos area, the coach, the driver, the boat crossings, and free time in both places.

It does not include food, drinks, or entry tickets. Those extras are easy to budget for, but they matter if you plan to visit the Palace of the Grand Master or eat along Symi’s waterfront.

The value is less about a guided experience and more about transport. You are paying to connect two difficult-to-combine destinations in one day. If you prefer a private tour, a fixed itinerary with a guide, or long hours at one site, this is not the right format.

I think the price works best for first-time visitors who want an overview. You can see Rhodes Old Town and Symi, then decide which place deserves a longer return visit. It is also a practical choice for anyone staying beyond Lindos, where independent transport may cost more and require extra planning.

Who Will Enjoy This Day Trip Most

I would recommend it to you if you:

• Want to visit Symi from Lindos without organizing separate transport.
• Like exploring independently with clear meeting times.
• Are happy to trade depth for variety.
• Can manage a full day of road travel, walking, and boat travel.
• Enjoy harbor scenery, historic streets, casual meals, and free time.
• Are traveling with children who can rest on the coach or boat.

I would think twice if you want a slow, detailed visit to Rhodes Old Town. Two to three hours goes quickly, especially if you want both the Palace of the Grand Master and the harbor.

I would also hesitate if you dislike fixed departure times, crowded boats, or long returns. The day’s success depends on staying alert to meeting points and keeping an eye on the clock.

The trip is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the exact conditions at the historic streets, harbor, boat, and attractions are not explained. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the practical boarding and access details before booking.

Small Details That Make the Day Easier

Wear comfortable shoes. Rhodes Old Town calls for walking on historic streets, and Symi has slopes and steps if you move beyond the waterfront.

Carry sun protection, water, and a light snack. Food and drinks are not included, and the schedule leaves little time to stop during transfers.

Keep your boat ticket and return instructions together. The Rhodes to Symi boarding process can be confusing if you do not know which kiosk or queue to use.

Ask for the Symi meeting point before leaving the boat. The Rhodes map and instructions may be more detailed than the information provided for Symi, so make sure you know exactly where and when to return.

If you want a quieter seat on the boat, board early. For dry clothing, choose the inside area. For sea spray and open views, sit outside, but protect your belongings.

The driver is Greek-speaking, and drivers have been described as friendly and helpful. One driver, Ivan, received particular praise for clear explanations and assistance during the transfers. The service is not presented as a multilingual guided tour, so expect practical help rather than a running commentary.

Should You Book This Rhodes and Symi Combination?

Book it if you want maximum variety for a modest price and can accept a long, tightly timed day. The combination is smart: Rhodes Old Town supplies the history and old streets, while Symi provides the scenic afternoon and the memorable boat ride.

Do not book it expecting three relaxed hours in each place, a personal guide, or a private speedboat. The real product is shared transportation with free time at two excellent destinations.

For most people staying in Lindos, I think the trip is worth considering, especially if Symi is high on your list. Start early, follow the meeting instructions, protect yourself from the sun and sea spray, and return to every departure point ahead of time. Do that, and the $55 price buys a very useful glimpse of two of the Dodecanese’ best-known sights.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes Old Town and Symi trip?

The advertised duration is 12 hours. The planned route includes about one hour by coach, three hours in Rhodes Old Town, an 80-minute boat ride to Symi, about three hours of free time there, an 80-minute return boat ride, and about one hour by coach. Actual days can run longer because of pickups and hotel drop-offs.

Where does the tour pick up?

Pickup is available from many hotels and meeting points around Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Kalathos, Kiotari, and Gennadi. You must wait at the main road 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time and look for the Sebeco Tours bus.

Is a guide included?

No. A Greek-speaking driver handles the road transfers, and staff provide practical instructions, but you explore Rhodes Old Town and Symi independently. One driver named Ivan has been specifically praised for being helpful and informative.

Are attraction tickets included?

No. Entry tickets to places such as the Palace of the Grand Master are not included. Food and drinks are also extra.

Is the boat really a small speedboat?

The trip is promoted as a speedboat ride, but the vessel may feel more like a fast ferry. The crossing takes about 80 minutes each way, and seating can be first come, first served.

Can I swim or eat lunch on Symi?

Yes, you have free time for your own activities. You might find a place to swim, eat at a waterfront restaurant, walk around the harbor, or browse shops. These activities and any food or drinks cost extra.

What happens if I miss the boat?

The boat departs at the stated time and cannot be treated as an open-ended departure. Keep your return ticket, note the meeting time, and arrive at the dock early.