Day Hike in Nightingale Valley to Manolates Village

Samos island tour with the Heraion sanctuary and Potami village

Samos is brimming with cultural and historic riches. And this tour whisks you to some of its best spots, including the Heraion. You'll also visit a monastery and ceramic workshop and explore Potami. Samos is so magnetic that its pull has drawn Irene, one of our guides. She says, ‘As a third generation Greek born and raised in Australia, I came to Samos dreaming of archaeology. In just one day, you'll discover as much of this beautiful island as possible – its history, religion, products and people.'Hera was an important deity in ancient Greece. And, according to legend, she was born in the Heraion, a stone's throw from the Aegean. We'll kick off in the ruins of this sanctuary – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site – strolling along the Sacred Way to see the temple and other relics. Next, you'll visit an Orthodox monastery before dropping by a ceramic workshop in Timos. It gives much-needed work to islanders. You'll receive a Pythagoras cup as a souvenir of your visit.Next up is a visit to an organic olive factory, where you'll have the opportunity to learn about the production process and sample a variety of its natural health products. Then, it's on to tiny Potami, a hidden gem where you'll have some free time for lunch. This quaint locale boasts a lovely beach perfect for a leisurely swim in the sparkling waters. If you're up for a bit of adventure, channel your inner Lara Croft and explore the nearby waterfall or the intriguing ruins of a Genoese castle.

Samos wine and Metaxa-tasting tour

Tantalise your tastebuds with the story behind Samos' honey-sweet muscat wine and amber spirit, Metaxa. First up, you'll head to the Museum of Samos Wine in Vathi. There's a guided tour on the cultural and practical history of the island's wine, with displays of traditional wine-making tools, tanks and barrels. Here, you'll taste the muscat wine that makes the base of Metaxa. Next, we'll drive to the slopes of Mount Ambelos – the home of Metaxa in Samos. You'll be guided through the cellar and vineyard, hearing about how Greece's one-of-a-kind amber spirit originated and smelling the Mediterranean herbs that give Metaxa its distinctive floral taste. Afterwards, head to the house bar with views over the Aegean Sea for a glass of Metaxa 5 Stars Greek Orange or a glass of Metaxa 7 Stars to round off the trip.

Samos sunset boat cruise

In the early evening, you'll board the ship ‘Archaggelos' and sweep past the colourful fishing boats and waterfront cafes of Pythagorion Port. You can relax onboard this adults-only cruise as you sail to Klima Beach, where the captain will drop anchor for an hour. The water in this sheltered bay is calm and clear – perfect for a swim. After an hour of splashing about here, it's back onboard to sail towards Heraion and a stunning Samos sunset. Fruit and drinks are served so you can raise a glass as the sky turns from orange to red and purple. You'll be back at Pythagorio Port by around 9:00pm, just in time for you to treat yourself to a late supper on the harbourfront or back at your hotel.

Plaster Casting Workshop in Samos

Travel to the history of gypsum in Greek Architecture and learn how to create plaster decorations.

Kusadasi day trip by ferry

Sail from Samos to the coast of Asia Minor to the characterful town of Kusadasi, famed for its appealing shops and bazaars. Set off from the port of Pythagorio at 7.30am and cruise towards the Orient. Around 75 minutes later, you'll arrive in Kusadasi, where you'll have the whole day to potter in the Turkish bazaars, browsing for carpets, leatherware, jewellery, and handicrafts made from brass or alabaster.

Samos West Coast Boat Trip

Captain Vaggelis sets sail every day from Votsalakia to explore the hidden gems of Samos only reachable by boat. You'll see the deep cave near Limnionas, then we'll head for Klima beach, a beautiful spot with the towering peak of Mount Kerkis providing a dramatic backdrop. On the sail back we'll have an extra swim stop in Limnionas, and arrive back with memories of deserted bays and unique beaches.

Samos Wine Tasting Experience from Votsalakia and Karlovasi

This vineyard tour puts one of the best known wineries in Samos in the spotlight. Founded in 1976, Vakakis Winery today has expanded to over 30 acres and is run by the second generation of the Vakakis family. They use traditional winemaking methods and modern technology to create high-quality wines that reflect the terroir of Samos. You'll see the vineyards and the winery, learn about the winemaking process and sample their wines.

Samos Wine Tasting Experience from Pythagorio

Housed in a stunning 19th-century stone building, the Samos Wine Museum showcases the history of the island's wine-making through artefacts including old photographs, production records, and collectible bottles. Learn about traditional winemaking and then round off your visit with an extended wine tasting of four different wines in a beautiful location.

Samos island tour from the west with wine-tasting

Samos is proof that it's the little things that count, and this Greek island has them all – beauty, crafts, history and quality local produce. This full day island tour lets you experience it all in just one trip. Highlights include the Temple of Hera and the village of Pythagorio, as well as visits to olive and wine factories.You'll ease into the day with a visit to a traditional olive oil factory to see how it is made, followed by a ceramics workshop, run by the artist Timo. Then, you'll meet your local guide at an Orthodox monastery and move on to discover the Temple of Hera, one of the largest temples in Ancient Greece.Now you've earned a quick break, and the picturesque village of Pythagorio is just the place for it. You'll have some free time here to grab lunch before ending the day with a visit to a nearby wine factory for a tasting of the locally-produced vino.

Ephesus day tour from Samos

Take a day trip to Turkey from the shores of Samos. Hop on a ferry and cross the Aegean Sea to tour a real Turkish treasure – Ephesus archaeological site. Let an expert guide bring history to life as you stroll between column-lined avenues crammed with temples, relics and religious statues. Afterwards, there's free time to discover the bazaars and shops of Kusadasi, too.