Meet the authentic Rhodes tour - Prophet Elias and Apollona village

Capture the essence of AUTHENTIC Rhodes!

Taste some refined island wine on a breezy patio looking out over sun-kissed rows of vines. Make your way to traditional Apollona village and sample traditional Rhodian sweets. You meet Apollona Women's Agritourism Cooperative and you find melekouni (a Rhodian sesame and honey-sweet originally reserved for weddings), and other treats. Visit a traditional residence of the previous century with the so-called “pagka” (overhead sofa-bed).

Take a refreshing drive inland through pine and fir forests toward Profitis Ilias, Rhodes' third tallest mountain. Stop first at a fountain where you can see gizani, a tiny, rare species of fish found only in Rhodes. On Eleousa village square, walk carefully through an abandoned Italian occupation-era building. Drive a little further to marvel at fading Byzantine frescoes in minuscule 15th-century Agios Nikolaos Foundoukli chapel.

Surprisingly awash with forests and scented herbs landscapes, great wine, superb gastronomic heritage, well-kept churches and buildings unique in architecture and style and hidden secrets are all reserved for those who choose this off the beaten track tour.

Cost

• 150 euros pp

This private half-day tour can be extended with a visit to the Valley of Butterflies and at the ruins of Ancient Kamiros City.

Half-Day Tour Itinerary

• 09:30 Hotel/spot pick up (Private Transfer)

Meet your personal guide at your hotel to pick you up by a comfy air-conditioned vehicle early.

• 10:15 – 11:45 Meet Profitis Ilias Mt. (Rhodes Inland)

With this PRIVATE half-day tour, you take a refreshing drive inland through pine and fir forests toward Profitis Ilias, Rhodes’ third tallest mountain. You stop first at a fountain where you can see gizani, a tiny, rare species of fish found only in Rhodes. On Eleousa village square, walk carefully through an abandoned Italian occupation-era building. After driving a little further, you marvel at fading Byzantine frescoes in minuscule 15th-century Agios Nikolaos Foundoukli chapel.

• 12:15-13:30 Visit Apollona village

Apollona village is thought to be named after Apollo, the mythological god of light. Meet the “Apolloniatisses”, the Apollona Women’s Agritourism Cooperative that treats you with melekouni (a Rhodian sesame and honey-sweet originally reserved for weddings), and other handmade traditional Rhodian sweets. Visit a traditional residence of the previous century with a “pagka”, raised bed by the fireplace.

• 14:15 Hotel drop off (Private Transfer)

At about 14:15 this private half-day tour comes to an end and you are transferred back to the hotel.

Full-Day Tour Itinerary Extension

Tour Extension with Butterflies Valley visit

Optional visit at the Butterflies Valley (Full-Day Tour). Walk the mile-long pathway through the forest alongside a creek up to Kalopetra Monastery. Keep your eyes peeled for the well-camouflaged Panaxia Quadripunctaria, actually a species of a jersey tiger moth. Silence is golden, particularly during the May to September breeding season, the only period you may catch sight of the elusive creature.y Content

Tour Extension with Ancient Kamiros City visit

Optional visit at the City of Ancient Kamiros (Full-Day Tour). You have the opportunity to wander around the ruins of the so-called “Greece’s Pompeii“ of the 5th century B.C. and admire the sea view in front of you.