Day 1 in Rhodes

Welcome to Rhodes! Arrive at the port in Rhodes and proceed to your hotel. After check in, grab a bite to eat before exploring the medieval Old Town, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most impressive continuously inhabited medieval towns in Europe. Although there are many gates, we suggest that you enter through Eleftheria (Liberty) Gate, where you'll come to Plateia Simi, containing ruins of the Temple of Venus. Plateia Simi is also home to the Municipal Art Gallery of Rhodes and one block farther is the Museum of Decorative Arts. Continue through the gate until you reach Ippoton, also known as the Street of the Knights, home of the inns of each nation (and known as 'tongues' because of the languages they spoke), which housed Knights who belonged to the Order of St. John. As you walk along, you can admire their facades, which reflect the architectural details of their respective countries.

Opposite these inns is the Hospital of the Knights, now the Archaeological Museum and across from this is the Byzantine Museum, housed in the Church of Our Lady of the Castle (the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Knights). A bit farther on the right is Ayia Triada. The culmination of this procession is the Palace of the Knights, also known as Palace of the Grand Masters. From the Palace, walk a couple of blocks south to The Mosque of Suleiman and the Municipal Baths, two reminders of the Turkish presence in old Rhodes. And in the northeast or Jewish Quarter of the Old Town, you will find the Square of the Jewish Martyrs (Plateia ton Martiron Evreon) with its lovely synagogue and museum. While here, be sure to visit the Hospice of St. Catherine as well. After touring the sites of the Old Town, walk around the medieval walls with their series of magnificent gates and towers then proceed to the Acropolis of Rhodes where you can explore its many ruins including the Temple of Pythian Apollo. Time permitting, you may want to visit the park and ancient burial site at Rodini or the aquarium.

This evening, head to the New Town where you will find plenty of bars, discos and nightclubs as well as countless tavernas to have dinner and relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Alternately, you may wish to try your luck at the Casino of Rhodes. Either way, don't miss such landmarks as Mandraki Harbor and the 'neo-imperial' architecture along the harbor, including the Nomarhia (building of The Prefecture Authorities).

Day 2 in Rhodes

Wake up early this morning and embark on a road trip along Rhodes' east coast. First stop is Kallithea Springs, whose waters have been famous for their healing properties since the ancient times. From here, continue to Faliraki, once a small fishing village, but today the most popular and busiest tourist resort on the island. You can stop for a bite to eat and do some shopping, enjoy watersports (there is even a waterpark) or just relax on the golden sands next to the crystal blue waters of the Aegean. If Falaraki is too busy for your liking then make your way to Afandou, a traditional village featuring an EU Blue Flag beach and the Church of Our Lady Katholiki with its beautiful 17th and 18th century frescoes. Afandou is also home to the Keramos Museum, which depicts the development of pottery from the old times until today.

Next stop is Seven Springs (Epta Piges), one of the most romantic places on the island. This tranquil area features verdant woodlands with many beautiful walking trails and a stunning gorge with seven sparkling springs flowing into a lake. This area is perfect for a picnic lunch or there is also a quaint taverna where you can relax. Following this refreshing respite you'll want to visit the Monastery of Panagia Tsambika, whose icon is considered a miracle worker and a protector of the island as well as the Venetian Castle of Saint John in Archangelos before proceeding to Lindos.

The village of Lindos is one of the most beautiful villages of Rhodes and is dominated by a magnificent ancient acropolis overlooking a picturesque bay. The Acropolis of Lindos can be reached on foot or by donkey. Don't miss the 4th century Doric temple devoted to Athena Lindia as well as the Roman temple dedicated to the emperor Diocletian and a Hellenistic wall that surrounds the Acropolis. Apart from the acropolis, there is also the Byzantine Church of the Panagia, still the local church, and its museum, the Medieval Castle, built in the 14th century by the Knights of St John and the ancient theatre. This evening, enjoy a romantic dinner in one of the tavernas or cafes that can be found in this enchanting town and take a moonlit stroll along its inviting beach.

Day 3 in Rhodes

Today, visit the northern side of Rhodes and some of the inland towns. Start at Ixia beach, a cosmopolitan resort and a popular windsurfing destination. Then, continue to the site of Ialyssos, one of the earliest city-states in Rhodes. The ancient town of Ialyssos includes remains of ancient temples and Byzantine churches as well as the Monastery of Filerimos. The road to Golgothas, a paved path with stone engravings of the Passion of the Christ, leads to an impressive cross on top of a hill with gorgeous views of the surrounding area. (Proper dress is required when visiting the monastery). After Ialyssos, continue to the Valley of Butterflies, inland near Theologos village, where visitors can walk along narrow paths and see rare butterflies (actually a species of moth) on their way.

Next, head to the site of ancient Kamiros, one of the most powerful city-states of the island (along with Lindos and Ialyssos). Ancient Kamiros was built in three levels. On top of the hill, there was the Acropolis with the temple of goddess Athena Kameiras. The main settlement was built around the Acropolis with parallel streets and residences. The final lower level consisted of a Doric temple dedicated to Apollo as well as the Agora where political issues were discussed. Across from the site is a good section of beach and a few tavernas where you can relax and have a lunch before continuing on your journey.

Heading south along the western coast you'll come to the 15th century Kritinia Castle offering breathtaking views of the sea below. From here, make your way inland to Embonas, the wine center of the island and home to several tavernas famed for their delicious specialties. Afterwards, proceed to the picturesque village of Siana, also a wine producing town and well known for its local honey, and then on to the imposing Castle of Monolithos, which was constructed by the Venetians during Medieval times. To reach the castle, you'll have to climb a narrow staircase. And while the castle is mostly in ruins today, the view from the top is amazing!

This evening you'll want to take it easy so go back to your favorite place on Rhodes - Old Town, Faliraki, Lindos - for a casual sunset dinner and drinks. Make your last night in Rhodes a memorable one!

Additional Days in Rhodes

Should you be able to spend additional days in Rhodes then be sure to pay a visit to some of its other beaches. The beaches south of Lindos, from Lardos Bay to Plimmiri, are among the best on Rhodes, especially the stretch between Lahania and Plimmiri. And at the southernmost tip of the island you'll find Prasonisi (Green Island), which can be reached on foot by a narrow sandy isthmus or by swimming, depending on the water levels. The beach consists of two sandy coves with waves and windsurfing on one side and calm relaxing waters on the other.

Additionally, you may want to explore more of the interior. From Laerma, you can take the road to Tharri Monastery, with its great hagiographies that date back to 17th century, then head to the Eastern coastal road for another side trip to Asklipio with its Medieval Castle, which was built by the knights of Saint John in the13th century. At the center of the village is the church of Virgin Mary, built in 1060 A.D., and next to it is the old olive press that is now a Folklore Museum. Genadi is another small settlement with very nice taverns and local shops offering handmade objects and folk art. You can wander around its narrow streets and admire the magnificent Byzantine churches of Ioannis Theologos and Agia Anastasia. The village of Katavia offers many options for hiking and is also a place of archaeological interest, with the temple of Agia Paraskevi and the church of Virgin Mary, built in the 8th century.

Finally, adventure seekers may choose to head to the village of Ayios Issidoros where you can get directions to climb to the summit of Rhodes' highest mountain, Attaviros (3,923 ft.). It's a five hour round trip hike from Ayios Issidoros to the top of Mount Attaviros.

Your Last Day in Rhodes

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.