Best Rhodes Shore Excursion from Cruise Port – Great Introduction

Explore Rhodes in Comfort and Style for $494.67 per Group

This private shore excursion from Rhodes cruise port offers a flexible, personalized way to experience the island’s top sights in about 7 hours. For $494.67, your group of up to 4 people enjoys a luxury vehicle and local driver, ensuring a relaxed pace and insider recommendations. The tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 17 reviews, and is recommended by 100% of travelers. While the tour covers numerous highlights, it offers the chance to tailor your day, including optional extra time in the UNESCO-listed Old Town.

A key strength of this tour lies in its customizable itinerary, allowing you to focus on your interests—whether that’s historic sites, scenic views, or beach time. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a personalized, hassle-free experience with knowledgeable local guides. The only notable consideration is the extra fee of 20 Euros per person for visiting the Lindos Acropolis, which is not included in the initial price.

Key Points

• Private, customizable 7-hour tour designed for up to 4 guests
• Luxury vehicle with local, knowledgeable driver at your service
• Highlights include Old Town Rhodes, Mandraki Harbor, Lindos Village, and St. Paul’s Bay
• Optional extension for additional time in the UNESCO World Heritage site
• Seaside lunch stop at a traditional Greek tavern near Kavourakia
• Includes pickup outside the cruise port and guaranteed on-time return

Starting Point: Convenient Pickup Outside Rhodes Cruise Port

This tour begins right at the Rhodes port, where your driver waits just outside your cruise ship. The pick-up and drop-off arrangement ensures a smooth start and finish to your day, without the need for additional transportation arrangements. The flexible nature of the tour means you can arrive and depart at a time that suits your cruise schedule, with the assurance of a guaranteed on-time return to the port.

Touring the Old Town of Rhodes and Its Medieval Walls

The tour kicks off with a scenic drive around the walls of the Old Town of Rhodes, the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe. Built in the 1300s by the Knights of St. John, this UNESCO-listed site is a highlight for its historical significance and well-preserved architecture.

Traveling with a local driver allows for optional extension—an extra hour to explore the Old Town independently. During this time, you can stroll through narrow cobblestone streets, visit local shops, or simply soak in the medieval atmosphere at your own pace. The tour ensures ample time to appreciate the town’s fortifications, towers, and historic buildings.

Photo Stop at Mandraki Harbour and the Legend of the Colossus

Next, the tour visits Mandraki Harbour, the gateway where the legendary Colossus of Rhodes once stood. This famous port features impressive monumental buildings constructed by the Italians, which you can admire while taking photos of the harbor entrance.

This 15-minute stop offers a chance to capture images of the picturesque surroundings. The admission is free, making it a convenient and visually rewarding observation point for travelers interested in the island’s ancient legends and maritime charm.

Visiting the Church of the Annunciation’s Artistic Charm

A short stop at the Church of the Annunciation reveals Rhodes’ largest Orthodox church. Visitors appreciate the handmade paintings on the walls and spectacular chandeliers that decorate the interior.

This 5-minute visit is an opportunity to admire religious architecture and sacred art, all without an entrance fee. Its central location makes it a quick but meaningful stop, especially for those interested in local religious traditions.

Panoramic Views from Mount Smith Hill and the Ruins of Ancient Sites

Driving up to Monthe Smith Hill, the tour offers spectacular panoramic views of Rhodes city and the seashore. From this vantage point, you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the cityscape and coastline, perfect for photos.

The driver also takes you past ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the ancient Stadium, and the Amphitheatre, providing a glimpse into the island’s archaeological heritage. These sites are not detailed in terms of entrance fees, but the views alone make this stop worthwhile.

Traditional Ceramics at Savvas Ceramics Factory

A 20-minute stop at Savvas Ceramics allows visitors to see how traditional Greek ceramics are made. The pottery factory showcases authentic craftsmanship, offering insight into local artisan skills.

This stop is optional and designed to appeal to those interested in local crafts, with free admission. It’s a brief but insightful glimpse into Rhodes’ artisan traditions.

Exploring the Village of Lindos and Its Acropolis

The highlight of the tour is the Village of Lindos, where your driver stops at a viewpoint offering stunning panoramic views of the village and its Acropolis perched atop a steep 116-meter-high rock.

You’ll have at least 1.5 hours to explore this charming village, including visiting the famous Lindos Acropolis. The Acropolis of Lindos dates from around 300 BC and features the massive temple of Athena Lindia. Entrance fees are not included, costing about 20 Euros per person.

The village itself features narrow streets, traditional whitewashed buildings, and seaside taverns, making it an ideal spot for leisurely exploration and photos.

St. Paul’s Bay and the Historic Landing Site

A 15-minute stop at Agios Pavlos Beach brings visitors to the site where St. Paul is believed to have landed in 51 AD. The small church built there commemorates this event, and the pictures of the bay capture its natural beauty.

This stop combines history and scenic views, offering a peaceful moment by the water before heading to lunch.

Seaside Lunch and Beach Relaxation at Tsambikos Taverna

The tour includes a 1-hour stop for lunch at the Fish-Taverna Tsambikos in Kavourakia, a spectacular seaside tavern. Guests can enjoy fabulous local dishes with the backdrop of the sea, perfect for combining food and beach time.

The tavern is recommended by local guides for its authentic cuisine and picturesque setting. While the meal expenses are not included in the tour price, this stop offers a chance to relax and enjoy fresh seafood in a beautiful location.

Logistics, Flexibility, and Local Knowledge

This private tour features luxury transportation and is led by local drivers who are experts in Rhodes. Their insider recommendations enhance the experience, allowing for flexibility in timing and stops.

The meeting point is outside the cruise port, simplifying logistics. The tour guarantees on-time return to your ship, making it ideal for cruise passengers with tight schedules.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour

This customizable private tour suits travelers who want a comfortable, personalized experience on Rhodes. It’s especially beneficial for those interested in history, scenic views, and local culture, with the option to extend or shorten stops as desired.

The inclusion of lunch and photo opportunities adds value, while the additional fee for Lindos Acropolis is a consideration for budget-conscious travelers. The tour’s positive reviews highlight its excellent guides and stunning vistas, making it a reliable choice for a memorable day.

The Sum Up: An Engaging and Flexible Rhodes Experience

This 7-hour private tour from Rhodes cruise port offers a well-rounded glimpse of the island’s key sights, from medieval walls to ancient ruins and picturesque villages. Its customizable nature and local guides ensure a tailored experience that balances sightseeing and relaxation.

While some sites like the Lindos Acropolis require an extra fee, the views and cultural highlights make it worthwhile. The seaside lunch stop adds a delightful touch, perfect for combining food and leisure. This tour is ideal for those who appreciate personalized service, flexibility, and insider knowledge to make the most of their brief visit to Rhodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including stops and free time.

How many people can participate?
The tour is priced for groups of up to 4 guests.

What is included in the price?
A luxury vehicle, local driver, and flexible itinerary are included. Entrance fees at Lindos Acropolis (20 Euros per person) and meal expenses are not included.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside the Rhodes port and returns to the same location, ensuring easy access for cruise schedule planning.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the tour offers flexibility and the option to extend the Old Town visit by an hour.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but it involves some walking at Lindos and other sites.

What is the guide’s role?
Local drivers are knowledgeable and can recommend the best places to visit, making the experience more immersive.

Are there any hidden costs?
Apart from entrance fees for Lindos Acropolis and meals, there are no hidden charges.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or storms, a full refund or alternate date is offered.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is straightforward through the provider, Rhodes Greece Tours – RHODES PRIVATE DAY TOURS, with confirmation provided immediately upon booking.