Rhodes and the Dodecanese Islands
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Highlights:
Due to its strategic position, Rhodes has been relevant since ancient times and one of the most important seafaring and trading centers in the Eastern Mediterranean. At one time it hosted the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. In the 14th Century it was captured by the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem and used as an administrative centre until captured by the Ottoman Turks in the 16th Century.
Other interesting islands in the Dodecanese chain include Symi which also offers day trip to Halki. The island of Patmos is famous as the island where Saint John was inspired to write the Apocalypse. Nearby is Kos, the third biggest island of the chain and a growing leisure destination and also known as the place where medicine was born, taught by Hippocrates.
Due to its strategic position, Rhodes has been relevant since ancient times and one of the most important seafaring and trading centers in the Eastern Mediterranean. At one time it hosted the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. In the 14th Century it was captured by the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem and used as an administrative centre until captured by the Ottoman Turks in the 16th Century.
Other interesting islands in the Dodecanese chain include Symi which also offers day trip to Halki. The island of Patmos is famous as the island where Saint John was inspired to write the Apocalypse. Nearby is Kos, the third biggest island of the chain and a growing leisure destination and also known as the place where medicine was born, taught by Hippocrates.
SKU:
Explore: The Islands of Greece
Customizable Itinerary - 12 Days (from $4,223 / person)
Day 1: Depart USA
This evening you board an aircraft for the overnight flight to Athens.
Day 2: Welcome to Greece
Upon arrival in Athens you are met by our representative and assisted with the connection to the flight to Rhodes. Upon arrival in Rhodes you are met and taken to your hotel where you have a chance to relax and explore the neighborhood.
Day 3: Rhodes and Ladiko Bay
After breakfast, your guide will meet you and take you on a walking tour of the key sights including The Palace of the Grand Master and the archeological museum. After a chance for lunch you make your way to the small bay in Ladiko. This was the location for the movie “ The Guns of Navarone” and also offers a sheltered space for swimming or just relaxing on the beach.
Breakfast
Day 4: A Day Trip to Chalki
Today you take an excursion to the nearby island of Chalki which was, at one time, a center for sponge fishing. The only town, Emborio offers grand houses and a picturesque waterfront offering fresh fish at a variety of tavernas. While on the island, the Knight’s Castle is well worth visiting.
Breakfast
Day 5: Ferry to Symi
You will be transferred to the dock where you board a ferry for the short trip to Symi. The island’s main town offers brown and yellow houses constructed on the slopes of a hill with views of the sea. Lovely villages and beaches can be reached within walking distance from the port area making the island ideal for hiking or cycling.
Breakfast
Day 6: Relaxing on Halki
In the morning you hire a private boat to take you to the nearby island of Halki. This is an island to enjoy long walks and secluded beaches. The only town is Nimporio, a picturesque place that surrounds the main port of the island. The beach promenade is lined with cafes and tavernas, while a small bus departs for beaches around the island. This undiscovered gem is ideal if you are looking to escape the crowds. Return to Symi in the evening.
Breakfast
Day 7: Symi at Leisure
This is such a delightful destination that it makes sense to offer a free day to explore on your own Breakfast
Day 8: Symi to Patmos
Today you take a ferry to Patmos which is world famous as the island where St. John was inspired and wrote the Apocalypse. Pilgrims come by the thousands to visit the Monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse. In contrast, another large group comes to Patmos for the nightlife with the most cosmopolitan bars found in Patmos Chora, the main town. When they close down at 3AM however the action moves to Skala. We suggest enjoying the nightlife in moderation.
Breakfast
Day 9: The Monastery, the Cave and the Ferry to Kos
Assuming that you have followed our advice, you will meet your guide in the morning to tour both the Cave of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of Saint John. You have time for lunch and then board a ferry for Kos the birthplace of Hippocrates and medicine. If we seem to be suggesting a lot of ferries keep in mind that all the islands in the Dodecanese are relatively close so most ferry rides are an hour or less. Kos is a major leisure destination combining tourist beaches with big hotels and secluded beaches, crystal clear waters, interesting sightseeing and intense nightlife. As the third largest island in the Dodecanese you have that advantage of choosing the more active or the more sedate areas. Upon arrival you will transferred to your hotel.
Breakfast
Day 10: Relaxing on Kos
You have the whole day to enjoy the beaches and waters of the island.
Breakfast
Day 11: Exploring Kos
Today a guide will take you to the Asklepeo which was a healing centre at the time of Classical Greece. You will also visit the Roman Odeon built in the 2nd Century BC for local citizens to watch fights between prisoners much like the colosseum.
Breakfast
Day 12: Departing Kos
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Athens to connect with your USA flight.
Breakfast
This evening you board an aircraft for the overnight flight to Athens.
Day 2: Welcome to Greece
Upon arrival in Athens you are met by our representative and assisted with the connection to the flight to Rhodes. Upon arrival in Rhodes you are met and taken to your hotel where you have a chance to relax and explore the neighborhood.
Day 3: Rhodes and Ladiko Bay
After breakfast, your guide will meet you and take you on a walking tour of the key sights including The Palace of the Grand Master and the archeological museum. After a chance for lunch you make your way to the small bay in Ladiko. This was the location for the movie “ The Guns of Navarone” and also offers a sheltered space for swimming or just relaxing on the beach.
Breakfast
Day 4: A Day Trip to Chalki
Today you take an excursion to the nearby island of Chalki which was, at one time, a center for sponge fishing. The only town, Emborio offers grand houses and a picturesque waterfront offering fresh fish at a variety of tavernas. While on the island, the Knight’s Castle is well worth visiting.
Breakfast
Day 5: Ferry to Symi
You will be transferred to the dock where you board a ferry for the short trip to Symi. The island’s main town offers brown and yellow houses constructed on the slopes of a hill with views of the sea. Lovely villages and beaches can be reached within walking distance from the port area making the island ideal for hiking or cycling.
Breakfast
Day 6: Relaxing on Halki
In the morning you hire a private boat to take you to the nearby island of Halki. This is an island to enjoy long walks and secluded beaches. The only town is Nimporio, a picturesque place that surrounds the main port of the island. The beach promenade is lined with cafes and tavernas, while a small bus departs for beaches around the island. This undiscovered gem is ideal if you are looking to escape the crowds. Return to Symi in the evening.
Breakfast
Day 7: Symi at Leisure
This is such a delightful destination that it makes sense to offer a free day to explore on your own Breakfast
Day 8: Symi to Patmos
Today you take a ferry to Patmos which is world famous as the island where St. John was inspired and wrote the Apocalypse. Pilgrims come by the thousands to visit the Monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse. In contrast, another large group comes to Patmos for the nightlife with the most cosmopolitan bars found in Patmos Chora, the main town. When they close down at 3AM however the action moves to Skala. We suggest enjoying the nightlife in moderation.
Breakfast
Day 9: The Monastery, the Cave and the Ferry to Kos
Assuming that you have followed our advice, you will meet your guide in the morning to tour both the Cave of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of Saint John. You have time for lunch and then board a ferry for Kos the birthplace of Hippocrates and medicine. If we seem to be suggesting a lot of ferries keep in mind that all the islands in the Dodecanese are relatively close so most ferry rides are an hour or less. Kos is a major leisure destination combining tourist beaches with big hotels and secluded beaches, crystal clear waters, interesting sightseeing and intense nightlife. As the third largest island in the Dodecanese you have that advantage of choosing the more active or the more sedate areas. Upon arrival you will transferred to your hotel.
Breakfast
Day 10: Relaxing on Kos
You have the whole day to enjoy the beaches and waters of the island.
Breakfast
Day 11: Exploring Kos
Today a guide will take you to the Asklepeo which was a healing centre at the time of Classical Greece. You will also visit the Roman Odeon built in the 2nd Century BC for local citizens to watch fights between prisoners much like the colosseum.
Breakfast
Day 12: Departing Kos
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Athens to connect with your USA flight.
Breakfast
