Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes Fortress

The Knights’ Fortress in Rhodes, built in the 15th century by the standards of its time, was the most modern and impregnable. Even cannonballs could not damage it, although they did leave deep craters that, like scars, still “adorn” the walls to this day. But nothing lasts forever. In the 16th century, the fortress could not withstand the Turkish siege and surrendered. Today, the city’s fortification wall is considered the longest in Europe. It encircles the town’s historic houses and streets with a stone ring stretching for almost 15 kilometers. In some houses, decorated with coats of arms, people still live. But the atmosphere here is simply mystical. Everything has been preserved so well that it creates a complete illusion of traveling back in time.

Rhodes Acropolis

The ruins of the ancient Acropolis on Rhodes are scattered across Mount Monte Smith. Not much of the former antique beauty remains-just a few columns of the Temple of Apollo, a semicircular, stepped theater of the School of Rhetorical Art Odeon, where the rhetorician Cicero learned to speak persuasively, and the ancient Greek stadium, which is still used for its intended purpose. In addition, some scholars believe that it was here, rather than in the harbor, that one of the Seven Wonders of the World stood-a 36-meter statue of the Colossus of Rhodes, made from 13 tons of bronze and 8 tons of iron.

Palace of the Grand Masters

The Palace of the Great Masters, or Castello, is located at the end of Knights Street (Ippoton). This impressive, fortified structure, remarkable for its size and grandeur, served as the administrative center of the knights. The palace was built in the 14th century, and during the Turkish rule it was destroyed by an explosion of gunpowder stored in the cellar. It was restored only in 1939 by the Italians. Today, it houses a collection of furniture from the 16th-17th centuries, statues, vases, and mosaics from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Beneath the Palace’s foundation, it is presumed, stood in antiquity a temple dedicated to the god Helios.

Lindos City

The town of Lindos in Rhodes has celebrated its 3000th anniversary not long ago. Here you can find an acropolis, recognized as the second most important after the one in Athens. And on the hill above the town, the ruins of an early Christian church and the walls of a knight’s castle rise up. To enjoy this wild mix of eras, you need to take a long journey from the town gates-the entrance to the town-up to the very highest point of Lindos. You can do it either on foot or riding a stubborn donkey. The road to the acropolis is extremely picturesque. Passing by stone fountains that still receive water thanks to ancient aqueducts, by white square houses with sky-blue gates and shutters, by inner courtyards filled with flower pots, and by cozy taverns with enchanting aromas.

Mount Filerimos

Filerimos Hill is the best natural viewpoint on the island of Rhodes. From its summit, you can see two Greek cities at once - the ancient Ialysos, famous for its surf stations, and the resort of Ixia. Filerimos has everything for discerning lovers of antiquity: the ruins of the ancient city of Ialysos, the remains of the Temple of Zeus and Athena, knightly castles, and Christian churches from the 15th-18th centuries with well-preserved frescoes. You can reach the highest point of the hill via a steep but scenic trail, nicknamed the “Path to Golgotha” for the numerous bar reliefs depicting Christian themes installed along the entire route. The “Path to Golgotha” is crowned with a gigantic cross, which you can also climb using a spiral and narrow staircase.

Simi

When the ferry approaches the harbor of the island of Symi, from afar it looks as if someone has spilled watercolor paints over the town. Colorful houses are scattered chaotically across the slopes, and between them you can make out steep streets in the form of stairways. The northern part of the island is, first and foremost, the local capital-a small town called Ano Symi. It is divided into a lower area-the one by the harbor-and an upper one, which you can reach via the huge staircase of Kalistratos with 350 steps. This seemingly inaccessible climb promises longevity and a wonderful view of the bay and the sea. But most people prefer the island’s long-established taverns, famous for their shrimp, caught right in front of visitors. From the port of Mandraki in Rhodes, a ferry to Symi runs every day. Journey time: 2 hours.

Beaches of Rhodes Island

Greek island of Rhodes - a famous center of resort vacation - is washed by two seas: the Aegean Sea from the west coast and the Mediterranean Sea from the east. The Aegean coast is characterized by rocky landscapes and windy weather. This is a favorite place for surfers and fans of water sports. In turn, the Mediterranean coast is a paradise for traditional beach getaways. The shores here are gentle, sandy, and the sea is warm and calm. All of Rhodes’s beaches are free, except those belonging to hotels. So you can take a spot in the sand wherever your heart desires. However, sun loungers and towels are paid. The island’s best-known beaches are Agia Agathi, Afandou, Tsambika, Faliraki and, of course, the capital’s city beach in Rhodes.

Ancient City of Rhodes

Touch antiquity by visiting the Acropolis of the city of Rhodes, where, in an archaeological park steeped in greenery, a sports stadium has been preserved-where the first Pythian Games took place-along with the Odeon, as a school of the art of oratory, and the Temple of Apollo the Pythian. Discover the fascinating story of the Seventh Wonder of the World-the famous Colossus of Rhodes. You will visit the port of Mandraki, step back into the medieval era by walking along the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Behind high stone walls, the past of this multinational city comes to life: the Palace of the Grand Masters and the knights’ hospital, Gothic temples, arches and rotundas, Byzantine churches, a Turkish bath still operating to this day, Muslim mosques, a minaret, squares with fountains, two-story houses with flower-covered courtyards, museums and art galleries. The Old Town leaves an unforgettable impression-it captivates like an old, forgotten fairy tale.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can view them after booking the cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.