Rhodes City Tour, Cooking Class & Wine Tasting

Exploring Rhodes through this combined city tour, vineyard visit, cooking class, and wine tasting offers a well-rounded taste of the island’s heritage and flavors. It’s designed for those who appreciate authentic local experiences, stunning scenery, and good wine. We particularly love the personalized small-group approach, the chance to learn traditional Greek recipes, and the chance to sample Rhodian wines directly from the vineyard.

However, this experience runs about 6 hours, which might feel a bit long if your schedule is tight. Still, the mix of sightseeing, culinary adventure, and wine tasting provides excellent value for those wanting a true taste of Rhodes beyond the beaches. It suits travelers who enjoy cultural insights, food, and wine — especially if you’re eager to get off the beaten path and into local life.

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Key Points

Authentic Experiences: Combines city sightseeing, vineyard tour, cooking class, and wine tasting.
Small Group: Offers a personalized, intimate experience, often praised for knowledgeable guides.
Cultural Insights: Visits historic sites like the Palace of the Grand Master and the Acropolis.
Gastronomic Focus: Hands-on cooking class with traditional Greek dishes and local wines.
Comfort & Convenience: Hassle-free pickup and drop-off, all transportation included.
Value for Money: All admission fees, meals, and drinks are covered, creating a seamless experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Rhodes City Tour, Cooking Class & Wine Tasting

This tour is a captivating way to experience Rhodes beyond its famous beaches. Starting bright and early at 09:00 am, it balances a scenic exploration of the city’s highlights with a more local, sensory journey through vineyards and cuisine. The total duration of around 6 hours makes it ideal for a full-day activity, especially if you want a diverse taste of Rhodes.

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Exploring Rhodes City: A Visual Feast of History and Architecture

The tour begins with a drive through the medieval town, where the layers of history are visible in every stone. The architecture is a blend of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Italian influences, reflecting the island’s diverse past. The highlight here is the Palace of the Grand Master, a stunning fortress that once served as the residence of the Knights of St. John.

Guests often appreciate the guide’s storytelling, with many noting that the guide introduces the history in an engaging, approachable way. One reviewer mentions, “Our guide brought the city’s history alive with fascinating stories and clear explanations.” You’ll also see the entrance of the Old Harbour, Mandraki, famous for the tradition that the Colossus of Rhodes once stood there — one of the ancient world’s seven wonders.

Walking around the harbour, you’ll encounter the Church of Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, a beautiful gothic basilica with impressive wall paintings by Fotis Kontoglou. The church’s Gothic architecture and art provide a charming contrast to the more classical parts of the city. This mix of sights offers a well-rounded look at Rhodes’ historical layers.

Panoramic Views & Local Highlights

Driving towards the northern tip, the tour offers sweeping views from Monte Smith hill, named after Sir Sydney Smith, who once watched the Turks from this vantage point. From here, the ruins of ancient temples, the Greek Stadium, and the Greek Amphitheatre are accessible, giving visitors a sense of the city’s ancient roots.

The drive also includes the Aquarium of Rhodes, a perfect stop for those interested in marine life and the Aegean’s waters. It’s a quick but informative visit that gives a glimpse into the region’s underwater biodiversity.

The Vineyard Experience: A Taste of Rhodes

After soaking in the city, the journey continues to a scenic vineyard, where the relaxing pace allows you to enjoy the lush landscape and the fresh air. Here’s where the tour truly shines. Guests rave about the guided visit of the vineyards and distillery, with guides explaining cultivation techniques and wine production methods. One reviewer mentioned, “The vineyard tour was surprisingly personal and full of insights I wouldn’t have gotten on my own.”

The outdoor bar setting is ideal for relaxed wine tastings, where you can sample Rhodian wines and discuss the oenological process. The knowledgeable guides help you understand the nuances of local wines, often highlighting their unique qualities compared to other Greek or Mediterranean wines.

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Culinary Adventure: Greek Cooking in a Beautiful Setting

Next is the hands-on cooking class, which is frequently described as a fun, engaging experience. Participation is optional but usually lively, with many guests enjoying the chance to roll up their sleeves. The chef instructs on traditional Greek dishes using local ingredients, emphasizing authenticity and simplicity.

The menu features vegetarian-friendly dishes like Greek salad, tzatziki, eggplant salad, and fried feta with honey, paired with the vineyard’s own bottled wines. Many guests find the cooking session a highlight, appreciating the chance to learn recipes that they can recreate at home. One reviewer said, “It felt like cooking with a friend in a cozy, beautiful setting — I learned so much about Greek cuisine.”

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A Feast with a View

Post-cooking, everyone gathers at a restaurant overlooking the vineyards for a multi-course “mezedes” style meal. The dishes are served tapas-style, encouraging sharing and tasting a variety of flavors. The meal isn’t just about food — it’s about enjoying the moment, the views, and the wines.

The meal includes local bread, Greek salad, and various vegetarian and meat options, all paired with the wines sampled earlier. The relaxed atmosphere makes for perfect photo moments and conversations.

Final Touch: Distillery & Local Spirit Tasting

The experience concludes indoors with a tour of the distillery, where the guide explains how local spirits like “tsipouro” are made. Tasting this pressed grape distillate gives guests a true taste of local tradition and complements the overall wine and culinary experience.

Overall Value & Practicalities

For $813 per group of up to six people, this tour offers a rich, multi-layered experience that balances sightseeing, culture, food, and wine. It’s a premium experience, but with all costs—including museum fees and meals—covered, it feels like excellent value for those wanting an in-depth, authentic taste of Rhodes.

Transportation is in a V.I.P vehicle, ensuring comfort and convenience, and pickups are arranged from your hotel or cruise ship. The small-group setup means you get personalized attention, with guides often praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food and wine lovers eager to learn about local traditions, as well as those interested in history and culture. It’s especially suited for travelers who value small-group intimacy and a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time for tasting, chatting, and enjoying the scenery.

Final Thoughts

This Rhodes tour delivers a thoughtfully curated mix of city sights, scenic vineyards, and culinary delights. It’s a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of Greek culture, enjoy authentic flavors, and relax in beautiful surroundings. The guides’ knowledge and friendliness make the experience even more special.

While it’s a longer day and might not be ideal if you prefer free, unstructured exploration, the mix of activities creates a memorable, well-rounded experience. It’s particularly good for those who want a more authentic, less touristy look at Rhodes.

If you’re after a rich cultural experience combined with outstanding wines and great food, this tour ticks all those boxes — especially if you enjoy engaging guides and small-group settings.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or cruise ship, with transportation in a V.I.P vehicle.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience runs for about 6 hours, starting at 09:00 am, which provides ample time for sightseeing, tasting, and dining.

Are all costs included?
All admission fees, meals, beverages, and guided visits are covered, making it a hassle-free experience.

Can I participate in the cooking class?
Participation is optional but generally lively and enjoyable. You can choose to watch or join in.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments, and the focus on walking and standing during some parts might be challenging for some.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended. Remember to wear sun protection if it’s sunny.

What dietary restrictions can be accommodated?
Please specify any allergies or preferences when booking, as dishes can be modified accordingly.

What is the price for the whole experience?
$813 per group (up to 6 people), offering great value considering the inclusion of meals, drinks, and all activities.

This Rhodes City Tour, Cooking Class & Wine Tasting provides an authentic, engaging snapshot of the island’s culture, history, and flavors. Perfect if you’re seeking a memorable, well-rounded excursion that’s as educational as it is enjoyable.