Rhodes and Lindos Half-Day Tour: Including Valley of the Butterflies
Rhodes Town
Embark on a half-day tour of Rhodes and Lindos, including the Valley of the Butterflies. Explore the Old Town, Acropolis of Rhodes, and the picturesque village of Lindos.
Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Mandraki Harbour - Mandraki port is situated in the new part of the town where you will see some very impressive monumental buildings built by the Italians. Here at the harbour entrance is believed that once stood the great statue of the Colossus of Rhodes – one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World.

We will stop for pictures of the area and you will be able also to enter and see the Church of the Annunciation which is the most famous church in Rhodes Town. Located north of Mandraki, the old port of the town, this church was constructed in the 1920s, during the Italian occupation of the island.

The Church of the Annunciation celebrated on March 25th with a large religious festival.

  • Old Town of Rhodes - We will start our tour with a drive around the walls of the Old Town of Rhodes – the biggest inhabited medieval town in Europe. It was built in 1300s from the knights of the order of St. John.

The Medieval Town of Rhodes is inscribed in the World Heritage Sites List of UNESCO. This list recognises the exceptional value of a cultural site so that it may be protected for the benefit of all Humanity.

If you want we can extend the duration of the tour with 1 hour and you can have also some free time to go through the Old town and explore it on your own.

  • Colossus of Rhodes - One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes was a gigantic statue of the god Helios. Erected by the sculptor Chares of Lindos, it was under construction from 292 BC till 280 BC and was considered as the tallest building of its time, standing at 30 feet.

Built in memory of the defeat of the Roman Army, which was trying to take control of Rhodes, this giant statue represented a man holding a bow on one hand and a torch of light on the other. The statue of Colossus was put in the port, with its two feet standing on the edges of the entrance. The ships would pass under him.

But in an area prone to earthquakes, the inevitable soon happened. In 226 BC, only 56 years after its construction, an earthquake hit Rhodes and the statue fell down. Snapping at the knees, the statue fell onto the land and broke in giant pieces.

A sad end for what must have been a majestic work of art.

  • The Acropolis of Rhodes - Now we will continue through the city and see more of the great Italian architecture. We will stop for pictures also at the Northern tip of the island where the Mediterranean and the Aegean seas meet each other.

Then we will drive to Monthe Smith Hill where you can enjoy exceptional panoramic views of the city and the seashore, and also visit the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the impressive open-air ancient Stadium and the Amphitheatre.

  • Valley of the Butterflies - For the Summer period between the end of June and mid-September, we can substitute the stop at Filerimos Hill with the beautiful Valley of Butterflies. The valley is a natural reserve, unique of its kind.

The coolness of this place, the flowing waters and the shade of the trees make it ideal to rest, especially during the hot summer days. Small, wooden bridges cross the river and an uphill path leads to the Monastery of Panagia Kalopetra.

  • Kolimbia - Upon request, during your tour, you can also have a stop at a pottery factory.

You will be able to see how beautiful ceramics are made. Rhodes has a long history of pottery going back many centuries at least to the time of the ancient cities.

Replicas of designs produced in those times are still been manufactured today together with new modern designs in a younger generation.

  • Saint Paul’s Bay - Little before we reach the beautiful village of Lindos we will stop at a place for a panoramic view of the village together with its Acropolis on the top.

Before the village we will also visit the picturesque St. Paul’s Bay. It is claimed that St Paul landed here in the year 51 AD to preach Christianity to the Rhodians. There is a small church built there after his name.

We will make a stop for pictures to capture this stunning view.

  • Lindos - You will have at least one hour stay to explore the village and to visit its famous Acropolis.

The Acropolis in Lindos is the second most popular Acropolis in Greece after the Parthenon in Athens.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • On-board WiFi
  • Snacks
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Meals/Food expenses
  • Entrance fee on Butterfly Valley, cost 5€
Additional Information

This unique tour, designed specifically for cruise passengers who wish to explore the stunning island of Rhodes in its entirety, has it all!

The tour itinerary includes visit to the Old Town, the Mandraki harbour, and the location that once held the impressive Colossus of Rhodes.

You will then journey through the historical Acropolis of Rhodes, taking in the archaeological remnants of the temple of Apollo, delight in the panoramic vista from Monte Smith, and capture memorable images with the vast Aegean Sea as your backdrop.

Our journey carries on to the internationally renowned Valley of the Butterflies. Here, you will have an hour to immerse yourself in the enchantment of this spot.

Next, we will visit the famous Pottery Factory. The ceramic craftwork of Rhodes is highly appreciated worldwide.

We’ll then move along the Eastern coastline of the island to Lindos, a quaint whitewashed village situated 50km away. There, you’ll spend over an hour exploring the quaint lanes and visiting the majestic Acropolis crowning the village. After which, we’ll return you back to your departure point.

  • Optional lunch is available
Location
Mandraki Harbour
Platia Eleftherias
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1
Traveler
June 2024
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