RHODES The Mediterranean's Scepter'd Isle

25 September 2023

6 days from £2,950pp

Please call us to discuss:
01280736137

Explore the dense history of the magical, traffic-less streets of Mediaeval Rhodes, with five days of unexpected variety and intense experiences on the island famed in Antiquity for having the sunniest climate of the whole Aegean area.

Explore the unique atmosphere and historic, ancient streets of the UNESCO World Heritage walled city of Rhodes - capital of the crusader knights and built over one of the greatest commercial cities of Ancient Greece.
Relax on a day out by ferry to the nearby island of Symi with its perfect amphitheatre of Neoclassical architecture reflected in the clear waters of a magnificent harbour.
Explore a peaceful and well-preserved ancient Greek city at the site of Ancient Kameiros.
Dine on fresh fish, local seafood, salads and wine in some of the best eateries in the Aegean.

Five days with an unexpected variety of intense experiences on the island famed in Antiquity (by no less an authority than Cicero) for having the sunniest climate of the whole Aegean area. We explore the dense history of the magical, traffic-less streets of Mediaeval Rhodes, created by the Knights of St John and dotted with painted chapels and Ottoman mosques; visit the majestic acropolis of Lindos, whose impressive ancient remains rise above the unique architecture of the streets below and dominate two perfect natural harbours with their memories of Saint Paul and of Cleobolus, the sage of Archaic Greece; and walk among the extensive streets and houses of Ancient Kameiros by the sea. We visit little known gems, hidden in the forested hills and villages of the island’s interior; and take a ferry ride to the loveliest Neoclassical harbour of the Mediterranean on the neighbouring island of Symi, whose turquoise waters provided and processed the world’s supply of sponges in the 19th and early 20th centuries. We make a private visit, by special arrangement, to a rare and tranquil garden within the walls of Rhodes; look at some unusual Art Nouveau architecture; and visit the island’s remarkably rich Archaeological Museum, set within the Knights’ historic 15th century Infirmary. And for sustenance along the way… the freshest seafood and salads that only the Islands of the Dodecanese can offer.

Day 1:
An early afternoon flight with British Airways from London Heathrow to Rhodes. Transfer by private coach to the Rodos Park Suites and Spa, a modern 5-star hotel just outside the walls of the mediaeval city. After some time to settle in our rooms, we then walk to Agios Phanourios Street for dinner in the courtyard of an old Rhodian mansion at the Marco Polo Hotel.
Day 2:
In the morning we leave by private coach for an excursion to ancient Lindos. En route we will stop to see the Thermal Spas of Kallithea designed by Pietro Lombardi in 1927. We then continue to Afandou and visit the curious Church of the Panaghia Katholikì close to the shore.

We head inland for lunch in rural the small town of Psinthos followed by a visit to one of the hidden rural Byzantine chapels, painted with mediaeval frescoes.

We then continue to Lindos to visit the magnificently painted church of the Panagia, followed by a visit to the Sanctuary of Athena on the ancient Acropolis of Lindos. After some free time to explore the streets and shops of Lindos we will enjoy sunset cocktails and dinner in Mavrikos Restaurant, one of Lindos’ oldest and most stylish restaurants. After dinner we will return to Rhodes by coach.
Day 3:
In the morning we walk into the walled city along the Street of the Knights to the Knights’ Infirmary and visit the Archaeological Museum. We then continue to private visit to the exquisite garden of the Marc de Montalembert Foundation, which has been restored by the owners in memory of their son. This tranquil ‘white’ garden is bounded by the impressive walls of the city and lies, almost unseen, in the shadow of the Grand Master’s Palace. The visit includes a private view of the fine 14th century monastery church of St. George and an adjacent, recently restored, Ottoman mansion.

After a group lunch we visit the area of the ‘New City’ designed by the architects of the island’s Italian colonial masters in the 1920s and 30s, finishing at the Rhodes Aquarium to visit the ancient seal burial with a coach transfer back to the hotel.
Day 4:
The day will be dedicated to a day excursion by local catamaran to the nearby island of Symi, one of the most unusual islands of the Dodecanese, with an architecture quite different from Rhodes.

Entering the great amphitheatre of Neoclassical mansions which form its harbour is a thrilling experience. An orientation walk through Gialós to the principal points of interest, to explain about the great wealth derived from the sponge farming and trading of the island which gave rise to the very impressive, yet functional, architecture.
After lunch we will drive across the island’s rocky interior to the Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis. We then return by catamaran to Rhodes
Day 5:
In the morning we leave by coach to go down the west coast of the island to the fascinating and little-visited site of Ancient Kameiros, a well-preserved ancient city which remained buried and was consequently never built over in post-classical times. We then continue to Salakos and into the orchard-clad centre of the island.

After lunch in Appollona at a rural taverna with its traditional local recipes, we continue past the abandoned Italian ‘hill-station’ of Eleousa, and the tiny, painted Byzantine church of Ag. Nikolaos Foundoukli.

We continue to drive through the beautiful, forested interior of the island to the Elaphos hotel and a chance to admire the wildflowers in full bloom along the way. After enjoying a local coffee at the Elaphos hotel we return to Rhodes town for final drinks and dinner.
Day 6:
After a morning and lunch at leisure we will leave by coach for the airport for a late afternoon flight with British Airways to London Heathrow.

Scheduled return flights (economy class) between London and Rhodes
Transfers and excursions in Rhodes by private coach
Five nights B&B in the centrally located hotel Rodos Park Suites Hotel
3 dinners, 4 lunches
Guided visits to the sites listed in the programme
Services of the lecturer and tour manager
Detailed programme of Study Notes
All entrance fees, taxes and gratuities for drivers and waiters

Nigel McGilchrist

Having lived and worked in the Mediterranean area (Italy, Turkey & Greece), for forty years, Art Historian, Nigel McGilchrist has taught for several universities in the USA and in Italy and now lectures freelance. He has worked for the Italian Ministry of Arts on wall painting conservation and is the author of the 20-volume series, McGilchrist’s Greek Islands.

Fly from London Heathrow

Return flights from London Heathrow are included in our package on our specific arrival and departure dates plus one item of checked in luggage, per person.

Transfers will also be included on our specific arrival and departure dates to take you to your holiday destination. If you choose to arrive or depart on a different day, there may be an additional supplement charged to cover your transfer costs.

Overview

Nestling in an oasis of greenery and tranquility, Rodos Park Suites & Spa hotel epitomizes the sophistication of a luxury boutique hotel combined with warm hospitality, seamless service, relaxed elegance, gastronomy and history.

As a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the Rodos Park Suites & Spa Hotel combines its historical setting with all the modern facilities of a luxurious boutique hotel. Winner of various awards (such as the Tripadvisor “Certificate of Excellence” for six years in a row (2011-2016), the booking.com Award of Excellence 2015, the “Best City Hotel in Greece”), and offering high quality services, Rodos Park welcomes guests and stands out as one of the top hotels in Rhodes and Greece.