HALF-DAY TOUR TO FILERIMOS AND KAMIROS

Driving along the west coast will take guests to a completely different landscape. The first stop will be at Firerimos; a pine-clad hill located a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

The top of the hill is crowned with the Monastery of Our Lady of Filerimos and the ruins of the ancient town of Ialyssos. However, the greatest attraction here is the famous "Via Dolorosa", a path decorated with friezes that depict various scenes from the last days of Christ. This path leads to a small terrace with a giant cross, which commands a spectacular view to the valley and the mountains on the left and the sea on the right.

Continue along the coastal road to Kamiros. Built on a hillside by the Dorian in the 7th century BC, is considered by many to be the best-preserved ancient city in Greece stirring imagination as to life in ancient times. The city was rediscovered in 1929 and has been called the Greek Pompeii because nobody knows why and how the city was deserted and buried.

The Monastery of the Virgin Mary sits on the ruins of the 3rd century BC temple of Athena, which sits on top of an even older temple. Most of the ruins are from the Hellenistic Era and include the city market and a Doric temple and arches

HALF DAY TOUR OF THE MEDIEVAL CITY OF RHODES

The tour begins with an orientation drive towards the area where the ancient city of Rhodes once stood

The tour begins with an orientation drive towards the area where the ancient city of Rhodes once stood. Although ancient Rhodes was a large city, relatively few ruins remain. The ancient Acropolis stood on the eastern side of Monte Smith hill, which now provides a beautiful panorama. Here guests will have the opportunity to see the well-preserved ancient Stadium and the Odeon, dating from the 3rd century B.C. The orientation drive continues in the modern town of Rhodes.

On entering Mandraki yacht harbor, the most picturesque of the three ports of the city; guests are welcome by two bronze deer. Erected where probably the famous Colossus of Rhodes used to stand, they have become the modern emblem of the town. Numerous monumental buildings constructed during the time of the Italian occupation surround Mandraki and add to its majestic air: the New Market; the Annunciation church; the Central Post office; the Town Hall; the Theatre and the Government House. Next to the Theatre one admires Murad Reis Mosque and its graceful minaret.

The drive ends in front of the D'Amboise Gate, and from that point a walking exploration of the Medieval City begins. Once occupied by the Knights of St. John and the Turks, the Medieval City offers a unique opportunity to stroll the narrow, stone-paved streets surrounded by 15th century buildings, arches, flying buttresses, minarets and fountains.

The highlight of the tour is the visit of the imposing 14th century Grand Master's Palace, a massive Citadel that dominates the old town. Destroyed by a magazine explosion during a storm in 1856, it was reconstructed by the Italians in 1939.

As part of this tour guests will have the chance to visit the interior and see the mosaic floors from the island of Kos, the interesting collection of 16th and 17th century furniture, and the impressive arcades and courtyard.

Further along the way they will come to the Street of the Knights, the official street of the medieval city, which has been called the finest example of a late Gothic street to be found anywhere in Europe. Along this street were built the 15th century Inns of the Knights of Seven Languages, of which four still remain today. At the end of the Street of the Knights stands the impressive 15th century building of the Knights' Hospital, which now houses the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes.

The walking tour will end at Socrates Street, which serves as a bazaar for the island with its innumerable handicraft and souvenir shops. Here guests will have plenty of time to browse and shop before returning to the hotel.

FULL DAY EXCURSION TO LINDOS

The tour to Lindos departs the hotel for a scenic, 45-minute drive through the picturesque countryside

The tour to Lindos departs the hotel for a scenic, 45-minute drive through the picturesque countryside. Upon arrival in Lindos, participants will be greeted by one of the most dramatic sights anywhere ...a Doric temple standing high above a sheer cliff overlooking the sea.
History relating to the Acropolis at Lindos dates back to the 15th century B.C. when sacrifices to the deity took place there. During the 6th century B.C. Cleovoulos, the tyrant of Lindos, in honor of Athena, Lydia, built a temple but it was destroyed by fire during the 4th century B.C.

The Byzantines then later fortified this same site. When the Knights of St. John conquered Rhodes in 14th century B.C., they built a series of fortresses along the coast of the island to protect their land from enemies and pirates. The most formidable of these fortresses was the one at Lindos.
Today by walking through the village streets, or by choosing the optional activity of riding a donkey up to the Acropolis, participants will observe the remains of civilizations that have occupied this location for centuries. Looking down from atop the sheer cliffs of the Acropolis they will see the charming town below with its whitewashed houses and pebbled courtyards. Many of these houses retain their traditional design with brown windows and heavy ironwork on the balconies, and some, dating from the 15th century have been officially designated for historic preservation.

After the visit to the Acropolis, participants will have some free time for shopping or walking around. A seafood lunch will be served at a tavern by the beach and then guests will have time for swimming before returning to the hotel.

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