Coach Excursions
We depart from the hotel at approximately 09:00 in the morning and drive to the New Town of Rhodes. This is the modern part of Rhodes, which is built around the walls of the medieval city. We drive up to Monte Smith, the hill overlooking Rhodes Town, for a panoramic tour of the sites of the Hellenistic Acropolis, Stadium, Amphitheater and great view of the town itself.
We continue the panoramic tour through the new town, past the impressive municipal buildings like the Town Hall, the National Theater, the Church of Evangelismos, the Prefecture, the Post Office and the Courthouse. From here we drive to the “D’ Amboise gate” of the Medieval Town, where we disembark off the buses and walk inside the walled city.
The guide(s) lead the way through the narrow cobblestone streets to the majestic Grand Master’s Palace, down the imposing “street of the Knights” and then to the Museum, situated in the Hospital of the Knights of the Order of St John . The tour can either terminate now, with the guests either returning to the buses for the drive back to the hotel, staying in one of the many picturesque tavernas of the Old Town for lunch before driving back or staying on their own, for shopping and sightseeing, to make their way back to the hotel at their own discretion.
Departure from the hotel for this excursion is at approximately 09:00 hours. We drive down the west coast of the island through the village of Kremasti famous for Panagia (Virgin Mary) Church. After we pass from Paradisi village and we visit visit the famous Valley of the Butterflies (depending on time of year and weather). This valley has become world famous not only because of its natural beauty and unspoiled natural setting, but mainly because it is a gathering point for a specific species of butterflies which fill up the valley during the hot summer months, coating the trees and rocks in a multitude of color, creating a unique experience that is both very rare and beautiful. From here we continue through the villages of , Theologos, Soroni, Fanes amd Kalavarda, terminating at Kamiros.
This is the site of the best preserved ancient Hellenistic settlement in the world, having remained hidden from view behind the hills and beneath the pine trees for millennia, till finally coming to light by the archaeologists’ pick only in the 20th century. We then drive on to the village of Embona where we will visit the famous “Emery” wineries and the 16th century church of the village. After a short stop we arrive at Siana village that is famous for the handmade tappets, the souma and the local honey. After that we visit the spectacular castel of Monolithos where we have the opportunity to shoot a few pictures of the breathtaking scenery. After a short stop we arrive at Apolakkia village for Lunch.Our last stop is at the site of the 7 springs, a place of breathtaking natural beauty. Finally we board the buses for the drive back to the hotel.
Leaving from Apolakkia finally we reach the beautiful village of Lindos.
Protected as a UNESCO world heritage site, with some buildings as old as 1,000 years of age, Lindos is a jewel nestled next to an imposing rock outcrop, towering over the natural harbor and coves, where the Acropolis and Crusader fort are located.
One of the three ancient cities that made up Rhodes, Lindos has been inhabited for more than 3,000 years and has been a major commercial center with its port playing a big role in the trade routes of antiquity as well as a cultural haven, during the Middle Ages and various occupations of the island.
We walk along the narrow cobblestone streets and climb the winding steps up to the magnificent Acropolis for a guided tour of the site, which commands a fascinating view of the Aegean Sea below. After the conclusion of the tour we board the buses for the return to the hotel.
Leaving the hotel at approximately 09:00, we drive down the West coast of Rhodes island, to the village of Ialysos one of the three ancient cities that combined to found Rhodes Town. There we visit Mount Filerimos, the site of the ancient Acropolis of Ialysos as well as the magnificent Monastery of the Holy Virgin. Here is also situated the recreation of the Via Dolorosa, the path and the stations of Jesus Christ to the Cross which terminates at the 50-feet high cross that overlooks the entire North-West coast of Rhodes island. Leaving Filerimos we pass the villages of Kremasti, Paradisi, Theologos, Soroni, Fanes amd Kalavarda, terminating at Kamiros.
This is the site of the best preserved ancient Hellenistic settlement in the world, having remained hidden from view behind the hills and beneath the pine trees for millennia, till finally coming to light by the archaeologists’ pick only in the 20th century.
Optionally, we can now either have lunch at one of the Taverns at Kamiros Beach and then return to the hotel or proceed to visit the famous Valley of the Butterflies (depending on time of year and weather). This valley has become world famous not only because of its natural beauty and unspoiled natural setting, but mainly because it is a gathering point for a specific species of butterflies which fill up the valley during the hot summer months, coating the trees and rocks in a multitude of color, creating a unique experience that is both very rare and beautiful. After our visit to the valley, we board the buses for the drive back to the hotel.
Leaving the hotel at approximately 09:00, we drive down the East coast of Rhodes island, past the villages of Faliraki, Afandou, Kolymbia, Archangelos, where we stop for a visit to a traditional ceramics factory, to watch the age old process and sample the hand made artifacts, Kalathos and finally we reach the beautiful village of Lindos.
Protected as a UNESCO world heritage site, with some buildings as old as 1,000 years of age, Lindos is a jewel nestled next to an imposing rock outcrop, towering over the natural harbor and coves, where the Acropolis and Crusader fort are located.
One of the three ancient cities that made up Rhodes, Lindos has been inhabited for more than 3,000 years and has been a major commercial center with its port playing a big role in the trade routes of antiquity as well as a cultural haven, during the Middle Ages and various occupations of the island.
We walk along the narrow cobblestone streets and climb the winding steps up to the magnificent Acropolis for a guided tour of the site, which commands a fascinating view of the Aegean Sea below. After the conclusion of the tour we board the buses for the return to the hotel.
The same program as half-day Lindos tour, including also a visit to the Seven Springs, a beautiful location in the hills over Kolymbia, while there will also be leisure time in Lindos for swimming and lunch. The return to the hotel is at approximately 17:30.
This all time favorite event starts with an early evening bus ride down to the village of Pastida, a traditional Rhodian village, largely unspoiled by the advent of the tourist industry. Upon our arrival in Pastida, the guests will stroll through the village and visit some authentic houses before reaching the tavern. Here a photographer waits to take photos of the guests posing with some of the dancers dressed in traditional folklore costumes. The guests are also offered a glass of Ouzo upon entering the tavern. The meal is a typical Greek dinner consisting of meat stuffs served with Greek Salad, and Greek mezes, unlimited wine from the barrel and fresh fruit in season. Throughout, the show evolves around the guests, with traditional dances, folk tunes and which are also explained to the guests. The guests are invited to join the dancing and merriment during the course of the evening.
