Best Rhodes Tour with Wine Tasting Experience from Cruise Port

Rhodes is one of Greece’s most captivating islands, packed with history, stunning scenery, and lively culture. This full-day tour offers an excellent way to see some of the island’s top spots without the hassle of planning—especially if you’re arriving by cruise or short on time. For $65.69 per person, you’ll get around six hours of exploring, learning, and tasting, with convenient pickup and drop-off at your cruise port or hotel.

What we love about this experience is how it balances culture with relaxing moments, like wandering Lindos’ narrow streets or enjoying local wines. Plus, the inclusion of olive oil, honey, and wine tastings makes this a flavorful journey into Rhodes’ artisanal traditions. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that it’s a fairly busy schedule, so if you prefer a quieter, more leisurely pace, this might feel a bit rushed at times.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of Rhodes, appreciate history and local crafts, and enjoy a mix of guided insights with free time to soak in the scenery. If you’re a first-timer or only have a day ashore, you’ll find this tour hits many of Rhodes’ highlights efficiently.

Key Points

• Inclusive sightseeing: visit Lindos, Rhodes Old Town, Mandraki harbor, and a medieval city.
• Authentic taste experiences: enjoy free tastings of local olive oil, honey, and wines.
• Expert guidance: a friendly, knowledgeable guide enhances each stop with stories and context.
• Comfortable transportation: options include a mini-coach or a larger coach, depending on group size.
• Flexible logistics: round-trip transfers ensure you’re back on time, with options for cruise or hotel pickup.
• Balanced itinerary: enough free time at key sites for personal exploration.

Exploring Rhodes: A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Rhodes’ diversity of sights and stories makes it a rewarding island to explore — even in a single day. This tour hits a great mix of historical, cultural, and sensory experiences, making it well worth the price for most travelers.

Mandraki Harbour – Gateway to the Past and Present

Your day begins at Mandraki Harbour, a site famous for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, the harbor is a charming picture of medieval windmills, St. Nicholas Fortress, and the iconic deer sculptures guarding the entrance. While some reviews mention it being missed or briefly seen, it remains a visual centerpiece that sets the tone for your day. Expect to snap photos of the classic harbor scene and perhaps hear stories about Rhodes’ ancient maritime significance.

One review humorously notes: “The first location – Mandraki harbour was completely missed,” but clarifies that the harbor is usually a brief stop or photo opportunity, not an in-depth tour of the entire waterfront.

Lindos – The Jewel of the Tour

The highlight for many travelers is Lindos, an archaeological marvel with a breathtaking setting. Perched atop a 116-meter cliff, the village offers narrow cobblestone streets, colorful flowers, and panoramic views of the harbor below. The Acropolis of Lindos is a major draw—accessible either by walking up 300+ steps or exploring the village’s shaded alleys.

The reviews rave about Lindos, with comments like: “The Acropolis of Lindos is on top of a 116m cliff. For the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Knights of St John, and Turks, it was a strategic position.” You’ll love wandering through these authentic streets, decorated with oriental tiles and small fountains, and soaking up the atmosphere of a place that’s been inhabited for centuries.

While some may find the climb challenging, the views and the sense of stepping back in time make it worthwhile. You’ll also have free time here to relax, shop for local crafts, or simply enjoy the views.

Kalathos – Craftsmanship and Local Tastes

A stop at a family-run ceramic factory introduces you to Greek pottery traditions—watch artisans shaping and painting clay pieces, a skill passed down through generations. Afterwards, the family welcomes you into their store, where you can taste home-made olive oil, honey, and a variety of local products. These tastings are appreciated by travelers, with many noting the quality and authenticity, as one reviewer states: “Enjoy a free tasting of the best local products.”

This stop offers a genuine look into Rhodes’ artisanal economy, and you’ll leave with a better understanding of why these products are integral to Greek culture.

Rhodes Wine Tasting – A Taste of Mythology and Tradition

The wine tasting segment is a highlight, especially for oenophiles or those curious about Greek viticulture. The guide shares stories about Dionysus, the god of wine, and the tradition of local winemaking. The tasting itself, though brief at about 30 minutes, allows you to sample region-specific grape varieties, with some reviews mentioning only two wines being served.

One traveler wrote: “The wine tasting was professionally provided by the owner of a real winery with a huge vineyard,” emphasizing its authenticity compared to touristy shops. If you’re interested in Greek wines, this segment offers a meaningful taste of local traditions.

Medieval City of Rhodes – Walking Through Time

The UNESCO-listed Old Town of Rhodes is a captivating place, with narrow medieval streets, Turkish mosques, Jewish synagogues, and ancient libraries. Your guide will point out the significant architecture and share stories that bring the streets alive. You’ll have about an hour to explore independently—enough time for photos, shopping, or grabbing a coffee in a local café.

Several reviews mention that this part of the tour is a favorite: “The medieval town of Rhodes belongs to the World Heritage, it is considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe.”

Practical Tips on the Itinerary

While the itinerary flows logically, some travelers note that timing can be tight. For example, the journey from Kalathos to Rhodes Old Town can take around 40 minutes, and there’s a comment about the long stop for lunch at a roadside restaurant. The lunch—a simple Greek sandwich and fruit—is well-reviewed for its authenticity but might feel rushed or unremarkable for some.

Plus, transportation is flexible: smaller groups might travel in a Mercedes minicoach, while larger groups use a comfortable German Setra coach. The tour’s round-trip transfers ensure you are back in time for your cruise or hotel, a crucial point for travelers with tight schedules.

What the Reviews Reveal

Overall, most travelers find this tour valuable and well-organized. Many praise the knowledgeable guides, especially “Diana,” who is described as “first class” and “very knowledgeable” by multiple reviews. Their enthusiasm, storytelling, and attention to detail significantly enhance the experience.

The quality of the tastings gets consistent praise, with many noting the authenticity of the wines, honey, and olive oils, which connect you to Rhodes’ local traditions. Lindos often emerges as the favorite stop, with its stunning panoramic views and charming streets.

Some criticisms are about timing issues and the bus size—a few mention that the tour was on a large coach rather than a mini-bus, and a couple of travelers felt the pace was too rushed or that some locations like Mandraki Harbour were briefly seen. However, these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour offers good value for money given the variety of sites visited, the quality of guides, and the included tastings. It’s especially suitable for history buffs, wine lovers, and those who want a comprehensive yet manageable overview of Rhodes. The mix of cultural sites, scenic villages, and authentic tastings makes it a well-rounded choice for first-time visitors or those short on time.

If you prefer a leisurely pace with more time at each stop, this might feel a bit rushed, but for most, it strikes a satisfying balance. The organized round-trip transfers mean you don’t need to worry about logistics, and the small group feel—depending on vehicle size—keeps things personal and enjoyable.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 6 hours, giving you enough time to see major sites and enjoy tastings without feeling overwhelmed.

Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your cruise port or hotel are included, making logistics stress-free.

What’s included in the tastings?
You’ll enjoy free tastings of olive oil, honey, and local wines during the stops, providing a taste of Rhodes’ artisan products.

Can I visit Lindos’ Acropolis?
The Acropolis is on the itinerary, but it’s listed as an optional stop, with a significant climb of 300+ steps. It’s best to explore the village and enjoy the views if you prefer to avoid the ascent.

What about transportation?
Depending on group size, you’ll travel in either a comfortable mini-coach or a larger coach. The vehicle choice is based on the number of booked travelers.

Are there free times to explore on my own?
Yes, at Lindos and Rhodes Old Town, you’ll have some free time to wander, shop, or relax at your own pace.

Is lunch included?
Lunch is a simple Greek sandwich and fruit, served roadside. You might prefer to bring a snack or plan to eat in Lindos or Rhodes Old Town afterward.

What if my cruise is delayed or cancels?
The tour offers a full refund if your ship bypasses the port, and the company guarantees return to your cruise or hotel on time, adding peace of mind.

In essence, this Rhodes tour delivers a well-balanced day packed with history, scenic beauty, and authentic tastes. It’s a practical choice for those wanting a guided, comprehensive snapshot of the island’s best. Be prepared for some busier moments and a pace that moves to see many highlights—you’ll leave with plenty of stories and delightful memories. Whether you’re here for the ancient ruins, local flavors, or stunning vistas, this tour can be a highlight of your Greek adventure.