Island of Rhodes

Fly from London to Rhodes and transfer to the 5-star Rhodes Bay Hotel & Spa on Ixia Bay for seven nights.

An afternoon walking tour of the medieval Old Town includes the 600m, cobbled Street of the Knights, running from the Knight’s Hospital square, and passing the carved stone portals of the seven Inns of Tongues, which note the seven countries from which the knights hailed. Explore the Palace of the Grand Masters, a round-towered castle, now part-museum, its exhibits including frescoes and mosaics, rooms of 16th-century furniture, and an inner courtyard of Greek and Roman statuary. Visit to the 18th-century library of Ahmet Havuz, with Persian manuscripts chronicling the 1522 Siege of Rhodes; the Decorative Art Museum, where artefacts from the 17th to 19th-centuries include costumes, wood carvings, and examples of Lindian tiles and plates; and the Byzantine Museum, housed in the old Knights’ Cathedral, with frescoes, tapestries and icons rescued from other early churches.
(B)

Visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery, with graves and memorials of World War ll allied forces; and the Art Deco enclave of Kallithea Springs, built in the early 1900s, on the site of 7th century BC thermal baths, abandoned in 1945, and now superbly restored to its former glory. Head to a family-run vineyard estate, located near Butterflies Valley. Taste a selection of wines created from the premium grapes grown on the estate and enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the vineyard on this Unique Experience. After lunch, explore the Acropolis of Rhodes on Monte Smith, including Apollo Temple, its Hellenic remains including the Doric columns of the Temple of Athena and Zeus.
(B, L)

Drive through the hills to reach the deserted Moni Filerimos. The monastery was built in the 15th century by the Knights of Saint John, and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, its Passion of Christ pathway leads to a huge cross and panoramic views at the top of the hill. Continue to ancient Kameiros, the first city-state on the island, its ruins suggesting an advanced civilisation from the 7thcentury BC; and view the nearby Kastello Kritinia, a 16th century Crusader castle, dominating the headland and guarding the island.  At a traditional village in the area, enjoy a mezze lunch with local wine.
(B, L)

An afternoon tour to Lindos lets you walk in the legendary footsteps of Alexander the Great, Hercules, and Helen of Troy, as we visit the picturesque village and its 4^th-century BC, clifftop Acropolis, its Propylaea a monumental staircase to a semi-circular Stoa and a wall with five doorways, its Doric temple of Athena Lindia among the most sacred sites of the ancient world, in perhaps the most beautiful setting overlooking the sea.
(B)

A fabulous full day tour sails to the neighbouring island of Symi, its picture-perfect main town backing the harbour with brightly painted neo-classical houses, and seducing travellers with its romantic charm and relaxing tempo. Visit the 18^th-century Panormitis Monastery, with its toes in the Aegean and its back against pine-forested slopes. Dedicated to the Archangel Michael, the church has a feast of frescoes, while courtyards and buildings include a museum of ecclesiastical art and silver icons.
(B)

Enjoy a free day to relax on the beach or venture further afield with a boat trip or bus ride.
(B)

Transfer to Rhodes airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
(B)