Rhodes, the island gem of the Aegean, holds a treasure trove of history and natural wonders. The ‘Kamiros, Kritinia, Embona and Mt Profitis Ilias Tour’ promises an enriching exploration of this captivating destination. From the ancient ruins of Kamiros to the towering Kritinia Fortress, the tour takes visitors on a journey through time. A delightful wine tasting in Embona, the island’s renowned wine village, offers a taste of local culture. And the breathtaking vistas along the Mt. Profitis Ilias route leave a lasting impression. With convenient pickup and drop-off services, this tour is a must-consider for anyone seeking to uncover the hidden gems of Rhodes.
Key Points
- This 7-hour tour in Rhodes features visits to the ancient ruins of Kamiros, the medieval Kritinia Fortress, a wine tasting in Embona, and a scenic drive along Mt. Profitis Ilias.
- The tour includes a guided exploration of Kamiros, known for its 3rd-century BC Doric temple, public baths, and other historical structures.
- Kritinia Fortress, built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century, offers panoramic views of the coastline and islands from its strategic hilltop location.
- The wine tasting in Embona allows travelers to experience the local winemaking heritage and savor traditional Greek cuisine during lunch.
- The tour also provides a scenic drive along Mt. Profitis Ilias, showcasing Italian heritage sites and natural wonders, including a photo stop at the Eleousa fountain.
Tour Overview
This tour, titled ‘Rhodes: Kamiros, Kritinia, Embona and Mt Profitis Ilias Tour,’ offers visitors an immersive exploration of the island’s ancient ruins, medieval fortresses, and picturesque wine village, priced competitively at $49.01 to $45.58 per person with a 7% potential savings.
The 7-hour excursion features a live English-speaking guide, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option.
Highlights include guided tours of the 3rd-century BC ruins of Kamiros, a visit to the Kritinia Fortress, wine tasting in the village of Embonas, and a scenic drive along the Mt. Profitis Ilias route.
Transportation is provided, and all sites have access to restroom facilities.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Embonas.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a guided exploration of the ancient ruins of Kamiros, where travelers can spend 30 minutes discovering the remains of a 3rd-century BC Doric temple, public baths, an altar to Helios, and the Temple of Athena Polias, followed by 40 minutes of free time to further investigate the site. Next, the group visits the impressive Kritinia Fortress, enjoying 30 minutes to take in the stunning views of the west coastline and nearby islands. The tour then moves on to the wine village of Embonas, where guests can spend 75 minutes tasting local wines and enjoying a lunch. The final stop is a scenic drive along the Mt. Profitis Ilias route, featuring Italian heritage sites and a 5-minute photo opportunity at the Eleousa fountain.
| Itinerary Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|
| Ancient Kamiros | 30 mins (guided tour) + 40 mins (free time) |
| Kritinia Fortress | 30 mins |
| Embonas (Wine Village) | 75 mins |
| Mt. Profitis Ilias Route | 5 mins (photo stop) |
| Total Duration | 7 hours |
Ancient Kamiros
The tour begins with a guided exploration of the ancient ruins of Kamiros, where travelers can spend 30 minutes discovering the remains of a 3rd-century BC Doric temple, public baths, an altar to Helios, and the Temple of Athena Polias.
This once-thriving ancient Greek city was founded in the 6th century BC and flourished until its decline in the 7th century AD. Visitors can wander through the site, imagining the bustling marketplace, government buildings, and residential areas that once occupied this archaeological gem.
After the guided tour, guests have 40 minutes of free time to further explore the ruins and capture stunning photos of the well-preserved structures against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea.
Kritinia Fortress
Next, the tour takes visitors to Kritinia Fortress, where they’ll spend 30 minutes enjoying the panoramic views of the west coastline and nearby islands. The impressive medieval castle, built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century, commands a strategic hilltop location overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Guests can wander through the fortress, imagining the knights who once guarded this vital outpost against invading forces.
The key features of Kritinia Fortress include:
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Commanding hilltop position with sweeping views
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Sturdy stone walls and towers built for defensive purposes
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Remnants of the Knights of St. John’s occupation and influence
Exploring this well-preserved medieval landmark provides a glimpse into Rhodes’ rich history and the strategic importance of its geographic location.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyEmbonas (Wine Village)
Following the visit to the Kritinia Fortress, the tour then takes travelers to the charming wine village of Embonas, where they’ll spend 75 minutes seeing the local wine culture.
In Embonas, guests can enjoy a wine tasting, sampling the renowned local vintages that have made this region famous.
The tour also includes time for lunch, providing an opportunity to savor traditional Greek cuisine and further experience the village’s authentic atmosphere.
With its picturesque setting and rich history of winemaking, Embonas offers a delightful respite from the tour’s earlier historical sites, allowing visitors to indulge in the pleasures of Rhodes’ renowned oenological heritage.
Mt. Profitis Ilias Route
After exploring the charming wine village of Embonas, the tour shifts focus to the scenic Mt. Profitis Ilias route, which showcases the Italian heritage sites and natural wonders of the area.
The drive takes visitors past picturesque Italian buildings, offering a glimpse into the island’s diverse cultural influences.
The highlight of this portion is the Eleousa fountain, a scenic photo stop that allows travelers to capture the stunning views.
The route provides a chance to witness the island’s natural beauty, with the rolling hills and lush vegetation creating a serene and picturesque backdrop.
This segment of the tour offers a well-rounded experience, blending history, culture, and nature.
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Italian heritage sites
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Eleousa fountain photo stop
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Scenic natural landscapes
Pickup and Drop-off Information
The tour offers a wide range of pickup locations across Faliraki, Kallithea, Rhodes City, Ixia, and Ialysos, providing 38 options including hotels and landmarks.
Travelers can be picked up from their accommodation at a scheduled time between 8:45 AM and 10:00 AM, with the precise pickup time and location depending on the individual’s accommodation.
The drop-off locations are the same as the pickup locations, ensuring a convenient return to the starting point.
This flexibility in transportation makes the tour accessible for visitors staying in different areas of the island, allowing them to seamlessly join the excursion and explore the highlights of Rhodes.
Important Details
Along With the convenient pickup and drop-off arrangements, the tour has some important details visitors should be aware of.
The archaeological site of Kamiros charges an entry fee of €6 per person, which isn’t included in the tour price.
While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, it’s important to note that the Kritinia Fortress has approximately 90 steps, making it inaccessible for wheelchair users. To make the most of the tour, visitors should wear comfortable shoes.
All the sites on the itinerary provide access to restroom facilities.
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Archaeological site entry fee: €6
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Kritinia Fortress has 90 steps
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Wear comfortable shoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Children Participate in the Wine Tasting?
No, children are not permitted to participate in the wine tasting during this tour. The tour is designed for adult participants and the wine tasting is limited to those aged 18 and over in accordance with local laws and regulations.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no strict dress code for this tour. However, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe walking shoes, as the tour involves visiting historical sites and walking around. Casual attire is suitable for the activities.
Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated During the Tour?
While the tour doesn’t explicitly mention dietary accommodations, customers with dietary restrictions can likely notify the tour operator in advance. The tour includes a stop for lunch, so the operator may be able to make arrangements if informed ahead of time.
Is It Possible to Stop for Photos at Additional Locations?
The tour itinerary allows for photo stops at select locations. While there may be limited flexibility to add extra stops, the knowledgeable guide can likely accommodate requests for brief photo opportunities at points of interest along the route, if feasible.
What Happens if the Pickup Time Is Missed?
If a pickup time is missed, the tour operator will likely make reasonable efforts to locate and retrieve the traveler. However, they may not be able to accommodate latecomers, and the traveler may be responsible for making their own way to the next stop on the itinerary.
Recap
This tour offers a captivating glimpse into Rhodes’ rich history and stunning natural beauty.
Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Kamiros, marvel at the impressive Kritinia Fortress, indulge in a wine tasting in the charming village of Embona, and admire the breathtaking views along the Mt. Profitis Ilias route.
With convenient pickup and drop-off services, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to experience the highlights of Rhodes.
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