The Privileged Isles

The islands of the Dodecanese run like a necklace around the Aegean coast of Asia Minor, from Patmos in the north to Rhodes in the south. Their proximity to the Ottoman coast of mainland Turkey allowed them to be tax-exempt by Sultan Suleiman in the 16th century, hence they were known as the “Privileged Isles”. And privileged they are indeed today, isles of great beauty in the balmy climate of the eastern Mediterranean. Their history goes back beyond the Classical world. (Itinerary & Map)

The Giant Polivotis & the Pygmy Elephants

At Kos, famed island of Hippocrates, of 'Oath' fame, you can still see the ancient medical centre where the great Doctor practiced. From there, cruise to the volcano of Nisyros, whose subterranean rumbling noises, according to legend, are the groans of the giant Polyvotis, who was crushed when Poseidon threw a huge lump of rock at him wrenched from the island of Kos. The tiny harbour of Mandraki, at its foot, is overlooked by a powerful Hellenistic fortress. Then to unspoiled Tilos, which has a museum dedicated to the island’s pygmy elephants! On the rugged cliffs above the sea is the fortress Monastery of St Panteleimon. Sailing on to Symi you can find one of the loveliest towns in the Mediterranean, with Cycladic houses climbing up the steep sides of the harbour. And finally to the wealthy Island of Rhodes, haunt of the Crusader Knights of St John of Jerusalem, whose streets and courtyards breath the ether of the Mediaeval era.