7 Springs And Old Rhodes, Unesco Site

7 Springs And Old Rhodes, Unesco Site Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

This is a lovely Greek island with many surprises.

Though you may have never heard of Rhodes, after your visit and the stories you will hear, it will likely become one of your favorite among all the Greek islands.

Thanks to its strategic location, the island of Rhodes has always played an important role in the history of the Mediterranean. Development here began in 407 BC and was planned by the greatest of all city planners of antiquity--Hippodamus of Miletus. The island quickly developed into one of the most important seafaring and trading centres in the Eastern Mediterranean and the sites and history you will see and learn about will support that. The island lost some of it glory over time, but regained its status in 1309 when the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem conquered Rhodes.

By arriving into Lindos, rather than the usual port of Rhodes City, you will see the lovely beaches, white villages, and their own Acropolis as you depart for the most historical part of the island. The old walled city of Rhodes is wonderful to explore and is full of great true stories, such as the one defining the Street of the Knights, which occurred during the crusades and was designed to restore the island to its former medieval purity. Rhodes officially became part of Greece in 1948 and the Medieval City of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and worthy of that designation.

Before you reach Old Rhodes, we'll make a stop at Seven Springs. One of the most charming destinations on Rhodes, Seven Springs offers a cool, magical landscape--a real oasis, even in the heat of high summer--swamped in greenery. Water comes out from the springs all year around, and end up in a small lake. After a short stop, you will continue on to the Old City, just 20 minutes away.

The Old Town is encircled by strong medieval walls--a typical example of the techniques of fortification of the 14th-15th centuries. The walls of Rhodes are unique in Europe in regards to their state of preservation and their form. It is the stone construction that supports a walking platform from which the Knights could move and fight when needed. Massive towers and bastions project from several places and they are decorated with elaborate stonework, while a wide, dry moat provided the first line of defense. To ensure the enemy could not easily fill it, the ground on the opposite side was contained by a massive wall, which was difficult to dismantle. There are many entrances into the city and inside...so much to see.

These impressive walls contain so much history, and much of the locations where history was made are there and serve as a background to the narration. Only by visiting, will one understand Rhodes' importance to this part of the world.

- Food, beverages, and gratuities are not included in the price of this tour.
- Admission to the Palace of the Knights (6€) and the Archaeological Museum (8€) are not included in the price of this tour.
- You will be walking in the Old City where the streets are often uneven. Please wear comfortable shoes.

- Tours on Sundays and holidays will incur a surcharge.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 08:30 AM, duration: 5 hours
• 09:00 AM, duration: 5 hours