Best Rhodes Tour with Wine Tasting Experience from Cruise Port

Traveling to Rhodes? You’ve probably read about its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant markets. This guided tour, priced at $65.69 per person, offers a full day of exploring the island’s most iconic sights, plus a touch of local flavor through wine, honey, and olive oil tastings. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews suggest it delivers excellent value, knowledgeable guides, and plenty of memorable moments—though some travelers note that certain parts can feel rushed.

What we love about this experience is the comprehensive itinerary, the insightful guide commentary, and the opportunity to taste authentic local products. It’s a well-rounded way to see Rhodes in one day, especially if your time is limited. One potential consideration? The tour involves some long driving stretches and a busy schedule, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy a full itinerary and moderate walking.

This tour suits cruise passengers needing a reliable, all-in-one day trip, as well as anyone eager to explore Rhodes’ highlights without the hassle of planning. If you’re after a blend of history, scenery, and local flavors, this could be an excellent choice.

Key Points

• Inclusive experience with guided visits, tastings, and transportation.
• Highlights include Lindos, Rhodes Old Town, Mandraki Harbour, and wine tasting.
• Flexible pickup options for cruise or hotel guests.
• Moderate physical activity required; suitable for most travelers with average mobility.
• Value for money considering the duration, transportation, and multiple stops.
• Some reviews mention the tour feeling rushed or the lunch being basic, so manage your expectations accordingly.

Discovering Rhodes: A Balance of Culture, History, and Flavors

This Rhodes tour combines the best of many worlds—ancient ruins, vibrant city streets, and tasty local products—all in a manageable six-hour window. What makes it particularly appealing is how it balances sightseeing with tasting, giving you insights into the island’s heritage and its artisanal traditions. For travelers who love learning about a destination through its food and stories, this experience promises plenty of both.

While the tour doesn’t include entrance fees for certain sites like the Acropolis of Lindos (which is listed as optional), it provides plenty of highlights that don’t require extra spendings, such as wandering the narrow streets of Lindos or strolling through Rhodes Old Town. Plus, the round-trip transfer service guarantees you don’t have to worry about logistics—cruise ship or hotel pickup and drop-off are included, saving you stress and precious time.

Itinerary Breakdown & What to Expect

Mandraki Harbour: The Gateway to Rhodes’ Past

Your day kicks off at Mandraki Harbour, one of Rhodes’ historic ports. As reviews highlight, this spot is famously linked to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—though the statue no longer stands, the harbor still exudes old-world charm. You’ll see the deer sculptures at the entrance and the St. Nicholas Fortress, along with medieval windmills, making it a perfect spot for photos.

Some reviews mention that the harbor is sometimes overlooked or briefly visited, but generally, it’s a picturesque start to your day. The harbor’s historical significance and scenic views set the tone for the rest of your journey.

Lindos: A Timeless Gem

Next, the tour takes you to Lindos, often described as the highlight of the day. This ancient town strikes a perfect balance between history and beauty, with its narrow, flower-bedecked streets leading up to the Acropolis perched atop a 116-meter cliff.

Expect about two hours here—plenty of time to wander, snap photos, and soak in the views of the harbor below. You can choose to explore the Acropolis, which, according to reviews, involves a staircase of roughly 300 steps, or simply enjoy the charming, cobbled streets lined with small shops, cafes, and fountains.

Reviewers note that Lindos feels like stepping back in time, with a blend of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and medieval influences. Many appreciate the “divine beauty” of the village and its panoramic views, with some mentioning that the visit is “like a time travel” experience.

Kalathos: Tradition and Tasting

The tour then moves inland to a family-run ceramic factory in Kalathos. Here, you’ll witness traditional pottery-making—see how clay transforms into art, and watch the family paint and decorate their pieces. This part of the tour offers a genuine look at local craft traditions.

Plus, you’ll get to taste their homemade olive oil, honey, and other local products. Reviewers appreciate the authenticity of this stop, noting that the family is warm and welcoming, and the tasting reveals the high quality of Rhodesian produce.

Rhodes Vineyards and Wine Tasting

No visit to Greece is complete without sampling its wines, and this tour offers a chance to taste local varieties. The wine tasting isn’t extensive—just about 30 minutes—but it’s enough to give you a sense of the region’s winemaking tradition.

You might find that the selection is limited to a couple of wines, but reviews praise the professionalism of the experience, with the winery owner sharing fascinating stories about Dionysus and Greek wine myths. It’s a good chance to learn about how wine is woven into Greek culture, which reviewers confirm adds depth to the tasting.

Medieval Old Town of Rhodes

Your last stop is the UNESCO-listed Old Town, a well-preserved medieval city filled with history and character. Expect to wander through narrow alleys, see Turkish mosques, Jewish synagogues, and ancient libraries.

The free time here is ideal for exploring shops and cafes or simply soaking in the atmosphere. Reviewers mention that the town’s medieval charm is unlike anywhere else in Europe, with some noting that they wished for more time to explore or visit specific sites. The proximity to your cruise ship or hotel makes it easy to return after your wanderings.

Transport, Group Size, and Timing

The tour offers round-trip transfers, which is especially valuable for cruise passengers who want a hassle-free experience. Pickup is flexible, with a general start time around 10:30 am, but your exact pickup time might vary slightly based on your cruise schedule or hotel location.

Group size varies—some reviews mention a large coach bus accommodating over 20 travelers, while others note the vehicle can be smaller, like a Mercedes mini-coach, depending on bookings. This flexibility ensures comfort across different group sizes.

The 6-hour duration includes travel time, sightseeing, tastings, and free periods, so it’s well-paced but might feel a bit rushed, particularly during busy summer months when traffic and crowds increase. Some reviewers say that the tour feels fast, and long walks or uphill climbs, such as to Lindos Acropolis, may be tiring for some.

The Value of the Price

At just under $70, the tour offers a lot—multiple stops, guided commentary, tastings, and transportation. It’s a good deal considering how much ground you cover and the personalized experience with licensed guides. Some reviews mention that adding extra paid activities, like the Acropolis entry fee ($20), would make the experience even richer.

Potential Drawbacks

While many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and smooth logistics, some mention that parts can feel rushed, especially if you’re keen to spend longer at Lindos or Rhodes Old Town. Others note that the picnic lunch of a simple sandwich and fruit might be underwhelming, but it’s a typical offering for a short group tour.

A few experienced longer wait times or felt the guide was hurried, particularly when managing large groups. Also, the optional visits like the Acropolis require separate entry fees if you wish to explore further.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Guides like Diana and Joanna impress with their knowledge and enthusiasm, adding a personal touch. Reviewers mention that guides are helpful with logistics, such as coordinating free time and ensuring timely return to ships.

One traveler praised Diana specifically, saying she was “first class and very knowledgeable,” making the day engaging and informative. Meanwhile, other guests appreciated the blend of cultural insight with scenic beauty, saying Lindos “was out of this world” and that the medieval town was “simply beautiful.”

A common theme across reviews: the tour’s ability to showcase Rhodes’ diversity—its ancient history, lively towns, and local artisans—while maintaining a relaxed, guided environment.

The Sum Up

This Rhodes tour is a solid choice for those wanting an efficient, all-in-one day experience. With visits to Lindos, Rhodes Old Town, Mandraki Harbour, and a wine tasting, it balances sightseeing with culture. The included transportation and guide services make it especially appealing for cruise travelers or visitors unfamiliar with the island.

While the schedule can be tight and some may find certain stops rushed, the overall value is high for the price. The knowledgeable guides and authentic tastings ensure you’ll walk away with more than just photos—you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Rhodes’ history and its local craftsmanship.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a full day of activity, want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning, and are open to a moderate pace. If you’re seeking a relaxed, leisurely exploration, or want to spend more time in Lindos or the Old Town, consider customizing your experience with a private tour.

FAQ

Is pickup provided for this tour?
Yes, round-trip transfers are included, with pickup from cruise ships or hotels, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 6 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and tastings.

What stops are included in the itinerary?
You’ll visit Mandraki Harbour, Lindos (including free time in the village), a ceramic factory in Kalathos with tastings, a wine tasting at a local vineyard, and Rhodes Old Town.

Do I need to pay extra for attractions?
Yes, for specific sites like the Acropolis of Lindos, there’s an optional entrance fee of $20 if you choose to visit. Otherwise, most sites are enjoyed from the outside.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included. The tour provides a light picnic of a Greek sandwich and fruit, but you can buy additional food during free time.

What is the group size?
Group sizes can vary; some reviews mention large coaches, but vehicle type depends on the number of participants booked.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Moderate physical activity is required, especially for uphill climbs and walking on cobbled streets. It’s best for those with average mobility.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a group tour with a set itinerary, but guides are helpful with managing timings and free periods.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and a camera are recommended. Tasting venues are outdoors, so bring a hat if sunny.

What if my cruise is delayed or cancels?
The tour offers a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before. It guarantees return to your ship or hotel on time, but check the policy for any weather-related cancellations.

Overall, this Rhodes tour offers an engaging, well-rounded way to experience the island’s highlights with added cultural tastings. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a stress-free day trip, it promises a memorable adventure—just be ready for a full schedule and some scenic walking.