The day will begin with you being picked up from your allocated area at the time you were given upon time of booking your tour, once you have been introduced to your guide it is time to get your day off to a start and that will be with a very beautiful scenic drive up to the Monastery of Filerimos that was built during the period of Byzantine in the 5th Century AD and was built upon the ruins of Ancient Lalyssos.
As you head up to the Monastery you will notice that just in front of the steps leading to the Monastery there are also some Ancient Ruins of a Greek Temple laying here and there is also a cross-shaped baptistery which belongs to the first Christian Basilica and the small underground Chapel of St George that holds faded wall painting from the 15th Century – it's a very sweet area to see and capture upon your cameras!
Up next we will need to take a drive and head for the Monte Smith which was once the Acropolis of Ancient Rhodes, here you will be able to walk amongst the ruins of the Temple of Athena and the magnificent scaled stadium of Diagoras which still stands in a quite good preservation. It's now onwards and head to the Ancient Mandraki Harbour where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood and is classed to be one of the seventh wonders of the Ancient world. Today only 2 columns remain in place to see up close and on these columns, there are statues of a male and a female deer that stand looking as though they are guarding the harbor against outsiders and danger. At the Mandraki Harbor, you will also be able to see the Marine Gate which was and still is one of the most beautiful city gates that lead into the Old Town. Be sure to notice the 2 semi-circular towers that have very unique architectural features that once served as guard towers. You will also have time to explore the 3 windmills just near St Nicholas Fort, the new market, and also the public administration buildings and all of these structures truly reflect the great history of Rhodes Town.
Once we reach Rhodes Town we will go to discover and explore the outstanding Grand Masters Palace, it is known that The Grand Masters Castle also goes by the name Kastello and is one of the few examples left on the island of Gothic Architecture within Greece, it has been recorded that this site was once known to be the citadel of the Knights Hospitaller that would be used as a Palace or head quarters / Fortress.
This Castle was enormous having 158 rooms but as of today only 24 are open to the public, the decor inside is that of the 16th and 17th centuries and this is obvious by the colored marble – sculptures – carpets, and even the fine oriental vases dotted around. It is sad to say that during the year 1856, a vast amount of the castle was destroyed by explosives that had been hidden in the basement of St John Church, but during the 20th century it did go under reconstruction and now is used as a museum.
The last part of the tour today will take you to the Old Town of Rhodes where we will walk along the medieval city gazing upon the magnificent craftmanship of the city but also take this chance to walk along the Street of Knights.
The Street of Knights is without a doubt one of the best preserved but also most fascinating relics in all of the world, the pathway leads in a straight line from the Acropolis of Rhodes directly to the Port, and it's known that during the 16th Century, this street became a famous spot for Inn’s for each nation and these Inn’s would house the knights that belonged to St John.
This just about wraps up our tour for the day so we will then head back to the port in Rhodes where you can re-embark your ship for departure, we trust that you have enjoyed your tour with us and we will look forward to seeing you again.
INCLUSIONS
*Pick up and Drop Off
*Professional Licensed Guide
*Parking Fees
*Transport and Driver
EXCLUSIONS
*Lunch – Drinks
*Gratitude’s
*Entrance Fees
