Greek Island Food Experience Rhodes, Symi & Chalki | 7 Days – 6 Nights

Arrival to Rhodes where you will be met at the airport and transferred to one of the host hotels. Check in at the hotel and remainder of the day at your leisure to explore the local surroundings. In the evening you will take part in cooking lesson made up of 3 different authentic local recipes, exclusively presented at the terrace of the main restaurant with an amazing view to Aegean Sea lead by the resort chefs All followed by Welcome Dinner.

Breakfast at the hotel (Aegean or American style) and depart for a guided tour of the Medieval City of Rhodes, the oldest inhabited medieval city in Europe! Drive along the coastline and have 1 hour to the world-famous Kallithea Springs, which is perhaps one of the most beautiful places in Rhodes, known from ancient times (7th century B.C.) to have therapeutic properties. Built on a picturesque anchorage surrounded by stunning gardens and decorated with pebble mosaics, the monument was designed in 1930 by the Italian architect Pietro Lombardi who skillfully created an environment of unsurpassed beauty. In fact, the picturesque monument has attracted even the attention of Hollywood with several international and Greek movies being filmed in Kallithea. After a panoramic drive along the coast passing the Acropolis of Rhodes, you will enter the ancient city and taste the authentic Greek souvlaki and then we will visit the Palace of the Grand Masters, the actual headquarters of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem and through the famous street of the Knights conveying an excellent impression of the medieval times. Stroll through the labyrinth of the Medieval city you will discover byzantine churches, mosques since the Ottoman occupation of the island as well as a synagogue still operating, in the heart of the area called “La Juderia”. At the end of our walking tour, you will have free time to explore Rhodes Old Town. Here you will find many shops and cafes to enjoy and shop for local delicacies such as Greek herbs and olive oil, soaps, smoothies with local fresh fruits. You may complete your visit on your own, with a nice cool refreshment or a local beer or even a nice cold coffee in a typical café of the town, after your free time we will wine tasting and a late lunch at Sissitio before returning to the resort. Dinner late evening at the resort.

Symi, about 25 miles northwest of Rhodes. Rekindling images of traditional Greek island life, Symi a must-visit destination for visitors to Greece’s Dodecanese Island group. The tour begins with hotel pickup at in the morning and transfer to the port of Mandraki to the less-visited sanctuary. First stop to the renowned monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis that is located at the southeastern part of the island. We remain at the spot for 1 hour, to admire the impressive temples that date back from the 18th century and learn about the miraculous Saint – also we will visit the traditional bakery . Afterward we will admire charming pastel-colored homes and shops climb the hillside above Symi’s Gialos Harbor, the bustling port with its tavernas, bars, painted fishing boats and kafenions (serving murky Greek coffee). Yalos village is divided into two main parts: The old town of Chorio sits up the hill. Guided tours of the narrow streets include traditional sponge and spice shops. After you’ve wandered the meandering streets of the island’s only enclave enjoy a a traditional Greek meal at a local restaurant Pantelis . Spend the rest of the day on your own, strolling, shopping and taking inspiring photos for memories that will follow you back home. At 16.30 p.m., the boat departs Symi for Rhodes Mandraki port, where guests are transferred back to their accommodations. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, towels, wear comfortable walking shoes, pack swimwear and bring your camera.

Saving and protecting marine life by establishing a protected area for species of the sea is the sustainability mission of Blutopia Marine Park. Greece’s first and only privately operated aquatic park is at home in one of the Mediterranean’s most flourishing ecosystems. This tour explores four islands with limits on human activity. The day at sea delves into marine life, biodiversity and conservation issues. Participants get up close and personal with aquatic life in its natural habitat, as they snorkel and dive with more than 50,000 sea bream, graceful rays, tuna weighing up to 250 pounds, and endemic Mediterranean seagrass. Blutopia’s friendly team of professional marine biologists and passionate ecologists lead this full day’s excursion, exploring uninhabitable rock islets with secluded bays. Masks, fins and snorkels are provided. The day begins with a transfer from your hotel to the Kamiros Skala port of Rhodes to board the private boat. The cruise swings past the islets of Makri and Stroggili en route to Alimia, where a working marine farm offers a rare opportunity to feed and later swim with thousands of fish. If ocean conditions cooperate (as they usually do), there is a 90% chance to swim with frolicking bottle-nose dolphins. The last stop is the island of Halki, where you’ll indulge in a fish fry with sea bream, octopus and squid at one of the many tavernas by the sea. In addition, the comfortable boat is stocked with delicious Greek treats including fresh fruit and other snacks, soft drinks and cold beer. This is an excursion not to be missed on your Rhodes adventure. Besides sharing many unforgettable memories, the Blutopia staff takes photographs of guests above and below the surface of the sea. Usually, by evening the photos have been emailed to you.

Breakfast at the hotel and depart for a guided scenic drive down the east coast to Lindos. Lindos is the regions’ iconic fishing village and one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the island. At first sight everybody inevitably stops to admire the natural landscape which is enhanced by the beautiful, whitewashed houses embracing the rock of Lindos with the Acropolis enthroned above. The view is breathtaking! You will have the chance to stroll through the narrow alleyways and climb some 300 steps up to the Acropolis of goddess Athena where you will be given a guided tour. Following our tour of the Acropolis visiting we will move on to the St. George Church for a photo opportunity of the church and vistas. Lastly, we will participate in an exclusive wine and food tasting. Leaving Lindos, we will enjoy time in Saint Paul’s Bay, hidden at the back of the village for lunch with Greek traditional plates meze style on the beach at the Tambakio restaurant. Be sure to pack your swimwear as we will have time to swim in the crystal-clear Aegean Sea. After sunset, return to the hotel for dinner.

Breakfast and depart for Athens and onward.