Full Day Deluxe Tour of Rhodes Including Lindos and Medieval City

If you’re planning a trip to Rhodes and want to pack in as much as possible without feeling rushed, a guided full-day tour might be just what you need. The Full Day Deluxe Tour of Rhodes offers a well-rounded glimpse into the island’s most famous sights along with some lesser-known treasures. With a mix of cultural history, stunning scenery, and local tastes, it’s designed to give you a good sense of what Rhodes is all about—without the hassle of organizing multiple visits yourself.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this tour are the comfortable transportation that makes the day relaxed and the knowledgeable guides who bring history and culture to life. A third perk that travelers love is the ample free time in Lindos and Rhodes Old Town, so you aren’t just rushing from one site to another. The only thing to keep in mind is that, at around six hours, this tour can be quite full. If you’re the type to want a laid-back pace or to explore deeply on your own, it might feel a bit rushed.

This experience suits travelers who want a rundown of Rhodes in a single day—especially if you’re on a cruise or short on time. It’s perfect for those who love history, scenic views, and local flavors but prefer to leave the logistics to someone else. Now, let’s unpack what you can expect from this popular excursion.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience with a fully licensed guide who shares insights into Rhodes’ history and culture.
• Comfortable transportation in a climate-controlled vehicle, making long drives more pleasant.
• Flexible free time in Lindos and Rhodes Old Town for shopping, eating, or simply wandering and soaking in the atmosphere.
• Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore classic landmarks like Lindos Acropolis and Rhodes Old Town.
• Includes local tastings of honey, olive oil, and wine, adding a delicious flavor to your day.
• Suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness; some walking and stairs are involved.

How the Day Unfolds: An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Lindos: A Timeless Gem

Your day kicks off with a trip to Lindos, arguably the most iconic spot in Rhodes. Known for its striking archaeological significance and picture-perfect views, Lindos is a town where different civilizations have left their mark. From Ancient Greek and Roman influences to Byzantine and Medieval layers, wandering these narrow, flower-decorated streets feels like stepping through a living history book.

The highlight here is the Lindos Acropolis, perched atop a 116-meter cliff. The ascent involves a pretty steep walk up the stairs, but many reviews mention that it’s worth every step for the panoramic views of the harbor and the town below. A few travelers note that even those with limited mobility can enjoy the village’s charm, but the climb may be challenging in the heat.

During the two hours allocated, you’ll have plenty of time to explore at your own pace—whether that’s shopping for local crafts, grabbing a snack, or simply admiring the views from various vantage points. As one traveler put it, “Lindos is beautiful and a really amazing experience,” and the free time here really allows you to soak it all in.

Monte Smith: A Viewpoint with a View

Next, you’ll make a stop at Monte Smith, famous for its sweeping views over Rhodes City and the Aegean Sea. Besides the scenic overlooks, there are ruins of the ancient Rhodes Acropolis, giving history buffs a chance to connect with the island’s past. It’s a quick stop—about 30 minutes—but a favorite for photo lovers and those wanting a moment of quiet reflection overlooking the city.

Kalathos: Discover Greek Pottery

A highlight for many travelers is the visit to Kalathos, where a local pottery workshop invites you to see the magic of Greek ceramics firsthand. This isn’t just a show; it’s an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship. The workshop emphasizes that each piece is hand-made and unique, reflecting the creative spirit of Greek artisans. It’s a short 30-minute stop, but many reviews note that the opportunity to see and perhaps try your hand at pottery adds a memorable local touch.

Rhodes Old Town: A Medieval Treasure

The historic heart of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a visit here is a real treat. The town is a maze of ancient walls, cobbled lanes, and medieval buildings—imagine wandering through a living museum. Over 90 minutes, you’ll have enough time to stroll around, take photos, and soak in the layered architecture that tells stories from different eras.

Highlights include Mandraki Harbour, a peaceful spot lined with traditional boats and modern yachts, and the historic fortress of St. Nicholas. Many visitors comment on how well-preserved the medieval town is, making it one of the best in Europe.

Medieval City and Wine Tasting

Rounding out your day is a visit to Rhodes’ Medieval City, where you can appreciate the old-world charm and possibly indulge in a wine tasting. Greek wine is famous for its distinct flavors, and many reviews say local varieties can rival those from Italy or France. This 30-minute tasting is more than just a sip; it’s an introduction to local grape varieties and wine-making traditions.

The overall consensus is that this component is both enjoyable and educational, adding a flavorful touch to your day of sightseeing.

Optional Extras and Tips

While breakfast or lunch isn’t included, there are plenty of options available in Lindos and Old Town. The tour also offers the chance to buy tickets to the Acropolis of Lindos for an extra fee—around $20—if you want to explore the site’s archaeological treasures more deeply.

Transportation and Group Size

One of the comforts of this tour is the air-conditioned vehicle, which shields you from the Mediterranean heat during drives between sites. The tour typically involves a group size averaging around 16 participants, which strikes a good balance between social atmosphere and personal space.

The tour begins with pick-up from your ship or hotel, making logistics straightforward. Travelers have mentioned that this saves a lot of hassle, especially if you’re arriving by cruise and want to maximize your time ashore. Notably, the tour guarantees a timely return to your ship or accommodation, which is crucial if you’re on a tight schedule.

Value for Money

At about $77 per person, this tour offers quite a bit of value. It includes transport, guidance, and tastings of honey, olive oil, and wine, which are often expensive or hard to find as part of a self-guided trip. The opportunity to visit a UNESCO site, plus free time for personal exploring, makes it worthwhile, especially for first-timers or those short on time.

Reviewers consistently point out that the guides are knowledgeable and engaging, which enhances the experience. The combination of well-organized stops, comfortable transport, and local tastings makes this a popular choice.

Downsides to Consider

While the tour hits many high points, it’s not without some drawbacks. Several reviewers found it a bit long, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are sensitive to heat. The walk up to Lindos Acropolis can be steep, and in hot weather, it could be challenging for some.

A few guests have expressed that the time allocated in each stop could be tighter, particularly in Rhodes Old Town, where some wished for more time to explore. Plus, the pottery workshop might feel a bit rushed for those eager to linger.

It’s also worth noting that the tour is a bus-based, group experience, not a private tour. If you’re seeking complete flexibility or a more intimate setting, this might not meet those expectations.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This excursion is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of Rhodes’ key sights in one day. It’s particularly well-suited for cruise passengers or those with limited time, who prefer to leave the planning and driving to someone else. If you’re enthusiastic about history, scenic views, and local flavors—all within a manageable schedule—you’ll likely find this tour meets your needs.

However, if you’re someone who prefers a leisurely pace, detailed exploration, or has mobility concerns, you might find this a little rushed, especially the steep walk in Lindos or the total duration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the tour involves some walking and stairs, especially at Lindos. Kids who are comfortable with these should be fine, but travelers with mobility issues might find parts challenging.

What is included in the price?
The tour cost covers transportation in a climate-controlled vehicle, guided commentary, and tastings of honey, olive oil, and wine. It does not include lunch or the optional Lindos Acropolis entrance fee.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary from about 30 minutes at Kalathos to 2 hours in Lindos and 1.5 hours in Rhodes Old Town. There’s also time allocated for free exploration, shopping, and photos.

What if my ship doesn’t arrive or I need to cancel?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. If your ship skips Rhodes or you need to cancel, you can get a full refund, making it flexible for cruise travelers.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and engaging storytelling, which makes the experience much more meaningful.

How is the transportation?
The vehicle is air-conditioned and comfortable, ideal for the warm Rhodes weather. The group size usually hovers around 16 people, providing a good balance of company and space.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Full Day Deluxe Tour of Rhodes offers a solid way to see some of the island’s most important sights without the stress of planning every detail yourself. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a guided, informative, and scenic experience wrapped into one day. The inclusion of local tastings adds a tasty layer to the adventure, and the well-structured itinerary keeps you engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re after a rundown that hits the highlights of Rhodes with a knowledgeable guide and good transportation, this tour is worth considering. Just remember that it’s a full day, and some walking, especially uphill, is involved—so pack comfortable shoes and be ready for a busy but rewarding adventure.

Enjoy your trip, and here’s to making the most of your time on Rhodes!