RHODES IN ONE DAY – GREAT OVERVIEW OF THE ISLAND – Up to 4 People

Explore Rhodes in One Day with a Private Guide

This private tour of Rhodes offers an efficient and personalized way to see the island’s most iconic sights in about 7 hours. Designed for groups of up to four people, the tour is priced at $541.92 per group, making it a flexible and convenient option for cruise ship passengers. The tour features pickup at the port and a mobile ticket, providing a seamless experience.

Traveling on a luxury Mercedes E-Class sedan, the tour combines comfort, expert guidance, and a carefully curated route to cover Rhodes’ highlights. You’ll visit Lindos, the Acropolis of Rhodes, the Medieval City, and scenic viewpoints, with plenty of time for photos and exploration. The tour’s strength lies in its customizable start time, allowing you to coordinate perfectly with your cruise schedule.

While the tour offers a rundown of Rhodes, it’s ideal for those who want to maximize limited time and prefer private guidance over large group excursions. Keep in mind that entrance fees for some sites are not included, and some stops require optional admission tickets.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience designed for groups of up to four.
• Seven-hour tour covering Rhodes’ top sights, including Lindos and the Medieval City.
• Flexible start times to match cruise ship schedules.
• Comfortable Mercedes sedan with expert driver and guide.
• Stops at scenic viewpoints and notable landmarks with photo opportunities.
• Optional visits to Lindos Acropolis, with timed entry tickets.

Convenience of Pickups and Custom Timing

This tour begins with pickup from the Rhodes port, making it ideal for cruise passengers. The driver and guide coordinate the start time based on your ship’s schedule, offering up to 7 hours of personalized sightseeing. The tour includes a drop-off at the Old City or near the port, with the option to finish the day with some free time to wander independently.

The flexibility of the start and end times ensures you won’t have to rush through the highlights. This feature is especially appreciated by visitors with tight cruise schedules, as the driver can help you navigate traffic and timing constraints. The short 5-minute walk from the Medieval City to the port allows for easy access back to your cruise ship.

Visiting the Medieval City and Its Gates

The tour begins with a drive to the Medieval City of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From outside the gates, you’ll get excellent photo opportunities of the fortress walls and main gates, which are among the most recognizable landmarks in Rhodes. Due to a new traffic regulation, cars cannot enter the Old Town, so the guide can suggest walking routes or help you return later on your own.

This visit provides a quick yet memorable glimpse into Rhodes’ historical heart, with the opportunity to snap photos of the city walls and gates. The nearby 5-minute walk from the port makes this an efficient starting point, especially if you prefer to explore more freely at the end of the tour.

Mandraki Old Harbor and the Bronze Deer Landmarks

A highlight of the tour is a stop at Mandraki Old Harbor, where the famous bronze deer statues stand atop tall columns. These landmarks are traditionally linked to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The guide helps you capture photos with the background of the deer, a signature image of the island.

This 15-minute stop is free of charge and offers a great chance to learn about Rhodes’ mythic past while taking memorable photos. The harbor setting also provides a picturesque view of the sailors’ activity and historic ships.

The Church of the Annunciation and Gothic Art

Close to the Old Port, the tour includes a visit to the Church of the Annunciation. This church houses impressive gothic wall paintings by Fotis Kontoglou and stunning chandeliers, making it a worthwhile stop for art enthusiasts or those interested in religious architecture.

The 10-minute visit is optional but enriches the experience with insight into Rhodes’ ecclesiastical history. Admission is free, and the guide can offer insights into the church’s significance, adding depth to your understanding of Rhodes’ diverse cultural tapestry.

The Acropolis of Rhodes and Panoramic Views

Driving to the Acropolis of Rhodes allows for a no-climb visit, thanks to the tour’s vehicle access. From Monte Smith, you enjoy sweeping views of Rhodes Town and the meeting point of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. The guide stops at vantage points for photo opportunities of the Temple of Apollo, the Greek Stadium, and the Ancient Theater.

This 20-minute stop involves no walking uphill, making it accessible for most guests. The free access allows you to absorb the historic atmosphere and enjoy the breeze over the ancient ruins.

Scenic Drive Past Tsambika Beach to Lindos

The tour proceeds southeast, passing Tsambika Beach, renowned for its scenic beauty. The journey includes an optional short stop at Kolimbia, where visitors can view a pottery workshop demonstrating Rhodes’ traditional crafts. Watching the potter at work and learning about the Pythagorean cup adds a cultural touch.

This 25-minute stop is free and offers a glimpse into local artisanal traditions. It also functions as a nice break during the drive to Lindos.

Exploring Lindos Village and Its Acropolis

Upon reaching Lindos, a vantage point offers stunning panoramic views of the village, the Acropolis, and its port. The main square allows for a short walk through the whitewashed alleys, with the option to climb the 292 steps to the Lindos Acropolis or admire it from a distance.

The tour allocates one hour for Lindos, including time to explore the village and consider visiting the Acropolis of Lindos. The timed entry system for the Acropolis involves purchasing tickets in advance or on-site, with no included entry fee. Visitors have 30 minutes to tour the ruins, with an optional longer visit possible if booked ahead.

The Acropolis of Lindos and Its Heritage

The uphill walk to the Lindos Acropolis reveals ancient ruins, including remains of past civilizations. From the summit, visitors enjoy 360-degree views of the coastline and the surrounding landscape. The walk involves steps and uphill pathways, which may not suit everyone, but the guide can suggest viewpoints from below if preferred.

A timed entry system ensures organized access, with tickets available online or on arrival. The 30-minute visit showcases marble ruins and offers excellent photo opportunities of the village and sea.

Saint Paul’s Bay and the Cave of Navarone

Later in Lindos, the tour includes a stop at Saint Paul’s Bay, where it’s said that Apostle Paul landed in 51 AD. The cave nearby was used in the filming of The Guns of Navarone, adding a cinematic touch to the landscape. You can out of the car to take photos of the wild nature scenery.

This 15-minute stop offers a peaceful setting and a chance to reflect on the historical significance of the site, complemented by scenic views.

Lunch Stop at Haraki Beach (Optional)

On the return journey, the tour offers an optional stop at Haraki, a seaside village famous for its fresh seafood and Greek cuisine. This 1-hour 15-minute break is at your own expense and provides a chance to enjoy a seaside meal with local wine.

Depending on the season, the restaurant may change, but the focus remains on scenic dining by the water. It’s an excellent way to relax and savor authentic Greek flavors before heading back to Rhodes Old City.

Visiting Filerimos Monastery and West Coast Views

After lunch, the Filerimos Monastery offers stunning views from its height of 267 meters. The Church of Our Lady and the Way of the Cross with relief scenes provide insight into religious traditions, while the 48-foot cross offers a panoramic outlook over the West Coast.

This 40-minute visit involves no walking inside the monastery but provides beautiful vistas of the coast and landscape below. Admission fees are not included but are moderate.

Return to Rhodes Old City

The tour concludes with a leisurely drive through Ialyssos and Ixia Beach, returning to the Medieval City of Rhodes. Guests are then free to explore the Old City on their own or head back to their cruise ship, which is just a 10-minute walk from the port.

This flexible ending allows for additional sightseeing or shopping in Rhodes’ historic center, making the most of your limited time on the island.

Final Thoughts on the Rhodes One-Day Tour

This full-day private tour offers a well-rounded overview of Rhodes’ most iconic sights, combining historical landmarks, scenic views, and cultural stops. The personalized guide and vehicle ensure comfort, flexibility, and a tailored experience suited to cruise schedules.

The inclusion of scenic viewpoints, Lindos village exploration, and historic sites makes this an attractive option. The optional stops like Filerimos and pottery workshops add extra cultural flavor. The main limitations are the additional costs for site entries and the possibility of time constraints at Lindos’ Acropolis if more extensive exploration is desired.

This tour is perfect for cruise passengers seeking an efficient, private experience that covers Rhodes’ highlights without feeling rushed, all while enjoying local scenery and landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from the port or your selected starting point.

Can I customize the start time?
Absolutely, the tour offers flexible start times to fit your cruise schedule.

Are entrance fees included?
No, admission tickets for Lindos Acropolis and Filerimos are not included and are paid separately.

How long is the tour?
The approximate duration is 7 hours, covering around 135 km or 84 miles.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Yes, most guests with moderate physical fitness can participate, but walking on uphill pathways at Lindos requires some stamina.

What vehicle is used for transportation?
A Mercedes E-Class sedan provides comfortable, air-conditioned transport.

Can I extend the tour?
Yes, extensions are possible for an additional fee, and you can speak with your driver about extra time.

What makes this tour stand out?
The personalized guidance, scenic viewpoints, and flexibility make this a practical choice for cruise travelers wanting a rundown of Rhodes in one day.