Private – LINDOS & SCENIC MOUNTAIN ROUTE

OVERVIEW

Rhodes is full of surprises, its diversity of sites and attractions can nourish any traveler’s curiosity for thrilling discoveries. If you like visiting the must-see places as well as bypass the beaten tourist routes to get to know where locals prefer to escape, then this is a great choice for your Private tour.

The day starts with a visit to the legendary LINDOS VILLAGE – the hot spot for all travelers. It is enough to spend a good couple of hours to feel its dynamic rhythm packed in such a beautiful little village.

Experience a relaxed self-guided walk through its bright labyrinthine alleys here and there giving way to donkeys and hasty carriers, pop in&out charming boutiques with creative hand-made goods and admire the impressive church bell towers, ornated arched doorways, and huge amphoras with curling bougainvillea decorating the entrances and backyards of the traditional Lindian homes. You can walk to the very peak of the Acropolis and stand next to the Temple of Athena to gaze at the famous St. Paul’s bay.

Then return to your comfortable air-conditioned minibus where your driver waits for you with a bottle of cool water and take time to relax while you leave the east coast highway to continue with new adventures.

The scenic route goes through the third highest mountain of Rhodes – Mt. PROPHET ELIAS. This is one of the greenest areas on Rhodes, covered with a thick pine forest at an altitude of 800m (2,624.67ft). To reach our destination, on your way you will see the Loutanis river, the Church of St. Nektarius with its Monastery, and Archipolis village.

Our first stop will be in ELEOUSA village, originally named by Italians “Campochiaro”. Exploring the unique Italian-made settlement with abandoned buildings, you will get the feeling of the turbulent history Eleousa has gone through, and sense the charm of the inter-war period observing the elegant constructions that still patiently wait to be reconstructed.

Then we will make an unforgettable stop at the FOUNTAIN of Eleousa where you will see a little endemic fish “gizani” as well as hundreds of goldfish.

Your next stop will be the unique 15th Ct stone church of St. NICHOLAS FOUNDOUKLIS nestled between centuries-old olive trees, figs & plane trees. It is a beloved place for locals on weekends and church celebrations to spend time in nature with the whole family. Here you will see some of the oldest olive trees on the island and have a chance to taste local produce as there is always a local farmer with his truck full of seasonal goodies!

Lastly, reaching your final destination, you will discover two luxury villas named ELAFOS & ELAFINA (meaning the Doe and the Buck) built between 1929 and 1932 and designed in Alpine style. Here you will forget that you are on a Greek island!

In these premises, officials and nobles were hosted during their hunting vacations! One of the hotels is renovated using as many original features, fixtures, and fittings from the early 30s as possible! In your leisure time, you will have a chance to see the hotels’ interior, explore the surrounding area, enjoy your lunch or have fresh orange juice or coffee with the famed hotel’s sweets!

Your holiday will be much more saturated after this wonderful experience!

ITINERARY

Duration approx. 6.5 Hours

Tour times – 09:30 – 16:00

Pickup from your Accommodation

ITINERARY

• Drive to Lindos along the East Coast of Rhodes Island – approx 1 hour

– Observe the Mediterranean coastline with charming resorts, small villages, and valleys with olive tree groves

– Receive practical information about Lindos for your individual browsing

– Check out our customized Lindos Map with directions & information about the must-see attractions

• Free time in Lindos village for your Individual browsing – approx. 1.5 hours 

– Experience a relaxed walk through Lindos’ bright labyrinthine alleys dotted with little boutiques, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops

– Admire the impressive church bell towers, ornated arched doorways of Captans’ Mansions, and whitewashed traditional Lindian homes

– Visit the Acropolis of Lindos, home to the Temple of Athena Lindia, and soak up the views

– Before leaving, get fresh orange juice to keep you going for your next adventures!

• Drive to Mt. Prophet Elias along the scenic route – approx. 40 min
  

– Relax while you leave the east coast highway to continue with new adventures

– See Loutanis river and its dry riverbed, the Church of St. Nektarius with its Monastery, and Archipolis village

• Stop at Eleousa village next to the Old Sanatorium building – approx. 30 min

– Arriving at Eleousa, sense the charm of the elegant constructions

– Explore the ruins observing little details on walls, ceilings, and floors witnessing the inter-war period

– Walk around the square to see the beautiful church of Eleousa and a memorial dedicated to Italian soldiers

• Stop for photos at Eleousa Fountain – approx. 10 min

– Be surprised when you arrive at the enormous Italian-built reservoir with a fountain and emerald-green water

– Discover the little fish Gizani – the only freshwater fish that is endemic to Rhodes

– Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and try to walk all around the fountain for “good luck” and make a wish with a goldfish

• Stop at St. Nicholas Church Foundoukli – approx. 20 min

– See the peak of Mt. Prophet Ilias right behind the little stone church

– Observe the interior of this single-room four apses stone building and its unique mural paintings

– Enjoy the surrounding park with centuries-old olive trees, figs & lemon trees, fresh spring water, children’s playground

• Stop at Elafos & Elafina Villas – approx. 1 hour
  

– Arriving at Elafos & Elafina Villas, forget that you are on a Greek island and blend into the Alpine-style surroundings

– See the hotels’ interior finding numerous original features, fixtures, and fittings from the early 30s

– Next to the hotels, find a dilapidated Villa, the country home of the Italian governor Cesare maria de Vecchi

– Enjoy your lunch or have fresh orange juice or coffee with the famed hotel’s sweets!

• A relaxing return drive to your accommodation – approx. 1 hour

* On a Private Tour, adjusting the times to your liking is possible.

** Should you prefer to be accompanied by a tour guide to receive professional insight from a qualified local expert and be guided through the sites, please contact us in advance for a price quote.

Good to know

PICK-UP

The pick-up is scheduled for 09:30 am. Pick-up a little sooner or later is also possible, so please let us know if you prefer to start the tour at a different time.

TOUR DELIVERY

The tour is delivered by a tour-driver, who provides general and practical information inside the tour vehicle. Maps with directions & historical information are provided for individual browsing.

Should you prefer to be accompanied by a tour guide to receive professional insight from a qualified local expert and be guided through the sites, please contact us in advance for a price quote.

EXTRA EXPENSES

If you plan to visit the Acropolis of Lindos, the entry fee is 12 EUR p.p. Children under 18 years – free. EU Students & Seniors – 50% discount.

In Lindos village, for senior guests & guests with special needs, there is a possibility to get on a public shuttle bus to get to the main square of Lindos – 0.5 EUR/ one way.

Public WC – 0.5 EUR.

An extra charge 20-50 EUR (depending on the location) is applied if the pick-up is from other resorts than Ialyssos, Ixia, Rhodes Town, and Kallithea.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY – 2/ 3

Walking over periods of more than 20 minutes includes uneven surfaces, unpaved trails, cobblestone surfaces. Travelers must be able to step in and out of the tour vehicle (our coaches are equipped with a power step).

If you choose to climb to the Acropolis in Lindos, it includes inclines, narrow walkways, and a long flight of stairs to reach the castle which does not have a handrail.

Other sites during the tour are easily accessible.

CLOTHING

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, sensible walking shoes. In spring (April-May) and autumn (Mid September-November) a light jacket is recommended as it can be windy. During summer (June-September) do not forget your hat or a light wrapping, and sunglasses. Make sure to carry with you a bottle of water at all times! Always wear your sunscreen!

TOUR VEHICLE

The tour vehicle is our brand new Mercedes Benz Limo Minibus with 11 seats. According to Covid-19 prevention restrictions, we can accommodate up to 7 passengers. The Minibus has spacious soft leather seats, A/C, step stool for easy boarding, USB plugs, Mini-fridge, the onboard entertainment system.

Did we forget to mention something? Do not hesitate to get in touch with us or check the FAQs!

Map