RHODES SOUTH WEST COAST TOUR    DT8

(Stop Photos) = Stop and get out of the car for photos from outside of the Sight/building

(Stop Visit Photos) Stop and visit - go inside the sight/building for photos

Private Tour Activity Level: Moderate

Private Tour Vehicle: Sedan Car Mercedes Benz - hold 4 passengers comfortably, plus the driver (bigger group?)

Private Tour Driver: English speaking knowledgeable tour/driver specialize in Private Tours

Private Tour Start Time: 8:30 AM. Or later
If you are a Cruise Ship Passenger - depend on your cruise ship dock time. If the ship arrives late into port, we'll adjust our schedules, and the rental time will start from the moment you meet your tour/driver

Private Tour Meeting Point: Hotel / Port / Airport (Meeting point varies depending on option booked)

Private Tour Extensions: You can extend the itinerary of this private tour adding the Valley of the Butterflies (mid-June to mid-September), or add Free Wine Tasting in Embona Village, or add the highlights and landmarks you want to visit.

MOUNT FILERIMOS - MONASTERY OF FILERIMOS

From your selected point, you’ll be driven along the west coast of the island up to Mount Filerimos, where we come to the ruins of the Acropolis of the Ancient Ialyssos. The plateau of Filerimos rises nearly 267 meter / 876 feet above sea level. Here you’ll visit the Church of Our Lady of Filerimos, built upon the foundations of the ancient Temple of Athena from early Christian times. You’ll also see the exterior of the monastery and the barrel-vaulted Chapel of St. George.

FILERIMOS - THE WAY OF THE CROSS

On the right-hand side there is a beautiful tree-sheltered pathway the “Way of the Cross” where are displayed a series of shrines with relief scenes depicting the Passion of Christ. This pathway leads from the main square to the west edge of the plateau where there is a large cross (16 meters / 48 feet tall), from the site of which you can enjoy a stunning view of the west coast. (Stop Visit Photos)

ANCIENT KAMIROS

The drive continues 22 km / 13 miles southwest on the Island to Ancient Kamiros, which was, during the 5th century BC, a thriving Doric city. Kamiros retains much of its historic past. If you enjoy ruins you will not be disappointed by the atmospheric site of Kamiros. The Agora Square, the Temple of Pythian Apollo, the Fountain Square, the Sanctuary dedicated to the Gods and Heroes of Kamiros, the Baths-House, the Main Street, the Houses, and more… On the Acropolis you can see the remains of the Temple of Athena Kameiras, and the remains of the large Stoa and the Archaic Cistern (water reservoir), also you can enjoy a panoramic view over the Aegean Sea and the surrounding agricultural area. (Stop Visit Photos)

CASTLE OF KRITINIA

We continue south and visit the medieval Castle of Kritinia (of the Knights of St. John Hospitaller) located just outside the village of Kritinia, built in the 16th century which stands proudly overlooking the bay atop a pine clad hill. From this vantage point you can have a 360° view, and see the islands of Chalki, Alimia, Makri, Strongyle, Tragoussa and Symi. (Stop Visit Photos)

YOUR JOURNEY TO MONOLITHOS

Then your journey to Monolithos will take you along a beautiful, 20 km / 12 miles drive of the west coast of the island, through natural pine tree woods revealing beautiful Aegean Sea Vistas. On the way, you stop at a vantage point for a closer view of the little beautiful islands. On your left side is the green of the pine trees and on your right, is the turquoise blue of the Aegean Sea. (Stop Photos)

CASTLE OF MONOLITHOS

From a vantage point along the coast, the impressive rock of Monolithos will come into view with the remains of the castle situated on the top of it. (Stop Photos) Your Tour/Driver will drive you down to the foot of the cliff, and you follow the narrow little steps all the way up until you reach the summit. (Access to the castle is by a staircase cut into the rock).

The Castle of Monolithos was one of the four main castles of Rhodes, built in the 14th century by the Knights of St. John to have control of the sea and to protect the inhabitants from pirate raids. Today only the external wall fortifications remain. Inside the perimeter of the walls there are a few remnants of the fortifications, the very well preserved 15th century Chapel of St. Panteleimon, and the shell of a chapel dedicated to St. George. The view from it is breath-taking. You will see pine-tree forests far below you and the island of Halki, also the little rock islands Strogylo and Gria of the western coast in the cool waters of the turquoise blue Aegean Sea.

EMBONA VILLAGE

On the way back, you’ll be driven to Embona village the most important grape producing village on the island. You will take a break for delicious snack or lunch experience (at your own expense) at a Traditional Greek Taverna, with Rhodian cuisine and excellent homemade wines. Locals come from everywhere to eat grilled meat in Embona, for which it is widely known.

Later your Tour/Driver, using an inland route through pine-tree woods, will drive you back to Rhodes Town or to your place.