Rhodes - History, Culture and Scenic Delights

Rhodes, capital of the Dodecanese, was part of the Roman and Byzantine empires, before being conquered by the Knights of St John who occupied the island from 1306 to 1519 and whose city still dominates Rhodes town. It is a fascinating town with a wealth of enthralling ancient buildings including the spectacular Palace of the Grand Masters. The island beyond offers glorious scenery and a host of historic sights from fortresses and castles to rustic whitewashed villages.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Rhodes and transfer to hotel in Rhodes Town for seven-night stay. Welcome drink and dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Guided tour of Rhodes town and the afternoon free for personal exploration.
Dominated by the Palace of the Grand Masters, a fortress within a fortress, the citadel old town of Rhodes is surrounded by moats and 3km of walls and is a designated World Heritage Site. Accessed by 11 gates, the town is divided into the Collachium, which was the knights’ quarter, dating from 1309, and the Bourg, which housed the rest of the population including Jews, Turks and Greeks. It is one of the finest walled cities in existence and a visit here is truly a journey into the past. A comprehensive guided walking tour this morning will show you the highlights including the fortifications, Palace of the Knights and the Archaeological Museum. Afternoon free for lunch and independent exploration.

Day 3: Full day tour to Lindos.
A popular tourist destination and National Historic Landmark, Lindos enjoys a dramatic location overlooking the Mediterranean. With its dazzling white houses, Crusader Caste and ancient Acropolis, it offers a wealth of history as well as rustic charm. It is closed to traffic, so donkeys still carry people along its narrow, cobbled streets up to the Acropolis.

Day 4: Full day free for personal exploration of Rhodes.

Day 5: Full day to Filerimos and Kamiros.
Discovered in 1859, ancient Kameiros was a thriving Doric community during the 5^th century BC. Remains here include a temple, public baths and water cistern. One of Rhodes’ beauty spots, the hillsides of Filerimos are home to cypress and pine trees, amongst which sits Moni Filerimos, its domed chapels decorated with the cross of the Knights and the coat of arms of the Grand Master. 

Day 6: Full day island tour.
A full day island tour with your local host will take you to a varied series of stops at medieval castles and churches, an olive oil factory, pottery workshop, winery with tasting and lunch in a local village taverna.

Day 7: Full day cruise to Symi.
Today we board the ferry to Symi (approx. one hour). The harbour area of Symi town is one of the most beautiful in Greece, surrounded by gracious houses and elaborate churches built on the hillside. The town is divided into two, with the lower town Gialos connected to the upper area, Chorio by road or by 275 marble steps. It is an astmospheric maze of narrow lanes and traditional houses and sights include the interesting Symi Museum and Byzantine church of Archangel Michael of Panormitis. The harbour area is a delightful place for a leisurely lunch.

Day 8: Transfer from the hotel to Rhodes Airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 35 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Return scheduled flights with Easyjet from London Gatwick to Rhodes (regional flights may be available, supplement will apply, contact us for more details)
• Seven nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Best Western Plaza Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome drink and dinner at the hotel on the first evening
• One lunch at a local tavern
• Transfers and full touring itinerary as detailed in the itinerary including entrance fees, ferry and tastings
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Single room supplement
• Holiday insurance
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Best Western Plaza Hotel, Rhodes Town

Close to the old city, the four-star Best Western Plaza Hotel is ideally located to explore the delights of Rhodes Town and the island. Facilities at this excellent, well-managed hotel include pool, sauna, bar, restaurant and very comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities.

Hotel Website