Lindos, Rhodes Old Town & Lunch

by coach & on foot

This full-day experience combines a visit to the Acropolis of Lindos with a visit to the Palace of the Grand Master and some free time in Rhodes Old Town, all topped off with a traditional Greek lunch.

Departing from the port, your experience begins with a short drive to Monte Smith where a photo stop will be made to enjoy views overlooking Rhodes Old Town.

From here, your journey continues with an approximately one-hour drive south across the island of Rhodes to reach the town and archaeological site of Lindos.

Founded by the Dorians during the 10th century B.C., Lindos is located on a rocky promontory overlooking a pretty bay about 50km (31 miles) from the city of Rhodes. Situated high above the coastal town lies the famous Acropolis of Lindos, a natural citadel that was in turn fortified by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, the Knights of St. John and the Ottomans.

Having long been retired from its former role of providing the town with protection, the Acropolis now provides lovely views of the bay and the surrounding coastline. In classical times after 300 B.C., the enormous Temple of Athena Lindia dominated the Acropolis. During Hellenistic and Roman Times, further buildings were added to the temple complex, which finally fell into disuse in the 14th century A.D. Your guide will lead you on a walk up the path carved into the hillside with approximately 300 steps to the Acropolis site for a visit.

Returning down the hillside path, enjoy some free time to explore the village of Lindos which retains a distinctly medieval feel with its narrow cobblestone streets, mosaic courtyards and typical white houses.

Returning to Rhodes town, you will leave your coach and take a walk along narrow, cobblestone streets to a local restaurant for a traditional Greek lunch. Although not far from the ship, the opportunity to experience Greek cuisine in a local restaurant should be part of every visitor’s to-do list when visiting one of the country’s ports.

Fully refreshed, follow your guide as they lead you on a walk through the Old Town, including a walk along the Street of the Knights which could be classed as an ‘open-air museum’ as many of the buildings lining the street date back to the Gothic period. Reaching the Palace of the Grand Master, you will enter for a visit to this imposing fortress that features magnificent mosaics dating back to Roman Times. Many parts of the palace were repaired during the Italian rule of Rhodes from 1937 to 1940.

Following the visit, enjoy some free time to wander the charming medieval streets of Rhodes’s Old Town and browse the shops offering jewellery, ceramics, leather goods and souvenirs before rejoining your coach for the short drive back to the port.