Rhodes is one of Greece’s most accessible and engaging cruise ports, offering a striking mix of ancient ruins, medieval castles, and lively towns. What makes Rhodes stand out for shore excursions is its abundance of historical sites combined with the ease of private transportation that allows you to customize your day. Whether you want to stroll through the medieval streets of Rhodes Old Town or explore the legendary Lindos Acropolis, there’s an option for every interest. We particularly like tours that combine cultural highlights with flexible itineraries, like the Best Of Rhodes – Lindos – Private Shore Excursion—a private half-day that gets you the most with minimal fuss.
For those wanting a full-day deep dive, the Best Of Rhodes Island – Private Tour offers a personalized experience in a luxury vehicle, covering Lindos, Old Town, and Haraki Beach. And if your time is tight, the Best Rhodes Shore Excursion from Cruise Port provides a well-rounded overview of the highlights in just seven hours. Below, we’ll explore each of these options in detail to help you pick the ideal tour for your Rhodes visit.
1. Best Of Rhodes – Lindos – Private Shore Excursion
This private half-day tour is perfect for those who want a flexible, personalized experience without the hassle of renting a car. You’ll relax in a private sedan with a driver-guide who can tailor the itinerary to your interests. The tour covers Rhodes Old Town, Lindos, Anthony Quinn Bay, and other sights, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
What makes this tour stand out is the ability to avoid the crowds of guided bus tours while enjoying the insider knowledge of your driver-guide. You’ll visit Mandraki Harbour, where the ancient Colossus once stood, and explore the medieval gates of Rhodes Old Town. Plus, the optional visit to Lindos allows you to enjoy breathtaking views from the acropolis or relax on local beaches. The convenience of door-to-door service from your cruise port or hotel, combined with the ability to customize stops, makes this a top choice for small groups or families.
Guests especially appreciate the knowledgeable drivers—Michael and Manuel received high praise—and the flexibility to tweak the itinerary. The tour lasts around 5 hours and offers an excellent balance of culture, scenery, and leisure, all at a reasonable price of about $372 for a group of up to four. Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a private, flexible exploration with a personal touch.
2. Best Of Rhodes Island – Private Tour – Shore Excursion – Full Day – 4 People
This full-day private tour is designed to give you a comprehensive look at Rhodes, perfect if you want to see as much as possible in one day. Traveling in a luxury Mercedes-Benz, your driver-guide will craft an itinerary based on your interests, whether that’s Lindos, Rhodes Old Town, or Haraki Beach. The tour emphasizes comfort and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for a small group of up to four.
The highlights include visiting the Colossus of Rhodes at Mandraki Harbour, exploring the Acropolis of Rhodes, and enjoying the scenic drive along the island’s coastlines. The tour also includes stops at key viewpoints like Monte Smith Hill, with unbeatable views over the Aegean Sea. Guests love the personal approach, with reviewers noting guides like George and Nicholas tailored the experience perfectly, showing a wealth of local knowledge.
At approximately 7 hours, this tour balances sightseeing with leisure. The price of about $502 offers good value for a private, all-encompassing day that minimizes waiting and maximizes personalized attention. Bottom line: A fantastic choice for travelers who want a full, customizable day in Rhodes without rushing.
3. Best Of Lindos & Rhodes – Private Tour – Shore Excursion – Half Day – 4 People
This private half-day tour offers a streamlined visit to Rhodes and Lindos, in about 5 hours. Traveling in a Mercedes Benz sedan or minibus, you’ll visit ten key attractions, including the Colossus of Rhodes, the Acropolis of Rhodes, and Lindos Village, with options to upgrade for inside visits or longer stops.
A major advantage of this tour is its focus on sightseeing with minimal walking—most sites are accessible by vehicle or donkey rides—making it suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous experience. The inclusion of panoramic views from Filerimos Hill and the chance to explore the medieval streets of Lindos ensures a rich overview of the island’s highlights. Guests report high satisfaction, with reviewers like “Maria” and “John” praising the flexibility and in-depth knowledge of guides.
Costing around $368 for up to four people, this tour strikes a nice balance between efficiency and depth. It’s perfect for travelers short on time but wanting a personalized, comprehensive snapshot of Rhodes. Bottom line: An excellent option for those who want a concise yet in-depth private experience.
4. Rhodes Private Shore Excursion
For those who prefer a longer, immersive experience, the Rhodes Private Shore Excursion offers around 7.5 hours exploring the island’s highlights with a seasoned guide and modern vehicles. You’ll start at the Medieval town, visiting the Palace of the Grand Master and walking around Rhodes Old Town’s labyrinth of alleys. The tour includes a visit to Mandraki Harbour, where the legend of the Colossus resides, and the Church of Annunciation with its stunning gothic wall paintings.
This tour is especially suited for travelers who want in-depth cultural experiences paired with comfort. The guide shares insights into Byzantine, Ottoman, and Italian architecture, plus stops at the Aquarium of Rhodes and scenic viewpoints like Monte Smith. It’s highly flexible, with personalized attention from the driver- guide, and can be tailored for special interests.
Guests have described the guide as “amazing,” with a strong knowledge base and personable approach. At $534 for up to three people, this tour offers a rich, relaxed day of discovery — ideal for those wanting to enjoy Rhodes history and scenery.
Bottom line: Best for travelers craving a detailed, private exploration of Rhodes’ top sights at a leisurely pace.
5. Best Rhodes Shore Excursion from Cruise Port – Great Introduction
If your time in Rhodes is limited, this 7-hour tour offers a compact yet rundown. Starting right at the port with door-to-door service, you’ll visit the medieval walls of Rhodes Old Town, the Palace of the Grand Master, and scenic spots like Monte Smith Hill. The tour emphasizes flexibility, allowing you to add extra time exploring the Old Town or relaxing at a beach.
Reviewers love the balance of sightseeing and free time, with one noting, “The guide was very knowledgeable and helpful,” and another appreciating the personal approach to managing the day. The price is about $495 for a group of up to four, making it a cost-effective way to see the highlights without feeling rushed.
This tour is particularly good for cruise passengers who want a quick, reliable introduction with the ability to customize the experience. It’s ideal if you want to see Rhodes’ core sites and still have some time for leisure.
Bottom line: Perfect for cruise travelers seeking an efficient, adaptable overview of Rhodes’ main sights.
6. Rhodes Shore Excursion: Private Lindos and Rhodes Old Town Tour
This full-day private tour takes you from the port to both Lindos and Rhodes Old Town, with a dedicated guide. You’ll explore the Acropolis of Lindos, walk through its charming streets, and enjoy spectacular views of St. Paul’s Bay. Afterward, your guide will take you into Rhodes Old Town, visiting the Palace of the Grand Master, the Street of Knights, and other historic sites.
What sets this tour apart is the personalized guiding—your guide, like Maria, offers detailed insights and allows you to set the pace. The itinerary balances walking tours with scenic drives, and optional visits inside Lindos Acropolis can be arranged. Reviewers mention the “amazing” day and the knowledge of their guides, with some noting the walking can be steep but worth it.
Traveling in a private vehicle, this tour costs about $994 for up to 15 people, offering flexibility for larger groups or families. It’s perfect if you want a full immersion into Rhodes’ history and scenery with your own guide leading the way.
Bottom line: A comprehensive, private experience ideal for history enthusiasts and those wanting inside knowledge.
7. Private Rhodes Shore Excursion Lindos, Acropolis & Filerimos Hill
This 5-hour private tour covers Lindos’ acropolis, the Byzantine monastery at Filerimos Hill, and the medieval Rhodes Old Town. You’ll start at the cruise terminal with a private driver, visiting Lindos, where you can explore the ruins and enjoy panoramic views. Then, you’ll head to Filerimos Hill, known for its monastery and stunning vistas, before finishing in Rhodes Old Town.
What makes this tour distinctive is its focus on scenic viewpoints and cultural sites, with options to customize stops. The guide is highly praised for being flexible and accommodating, especially helpful for travelers with mobility limitations. The tour’s length and private nature make it suitable for those who want a relaxed, personalized experience.
Guests report excellent experiences, with “Maria” being praised for her knowledge and flexibility. For $283 per person, this tour offers a compact yet thorough exploration suitable for travelers short on time or seeking a more relaxed pace.
Bottom line: A good choice for travelers who want a scenic, culturally rich tour with the flexibility of a private guide.
How to Choose the Right Shore Excursion in Rhodes
When deciding between these options, consider your interests, mobility, and how much time you want to dedicate. If you prefer a completely private experience with maximum flexibility, tours like the Best Of Rhodes – Lindos – Private Shore Excursion or the Full Day Private Tour are excellent. For a quick overview that covers the main highlights, the Rhodes Shore Excursion Including Lindos, Old Town & Wine Tasting offers a good balance.
Budget and group size matter, too. Larger groups or families may prefer the Lindos, Acropolis & Filerimos Hill for its flexibility, while solo travelers or couples might opt for the Mini-Group Old Town Tour with Wine Tasting, which combines culture and local flavors in a smaller setting.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time and tour. Consider your fitness level—some tours involve walking steep stairs or uneven terrain, so choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Rhodes offers a wide array of shore excursions to suit every taste and schedule. For luxury, personalized experiences, private tours like the Best of Rhodes Island shine. If you’re after a quick, efficient overview, the Great Introduction Tour delivers good value.
Travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic day will appreciate tours that visit Lindos and Filerimos Hill, while those wanting a deep dive into Rhodes history should consider the longer, immersive private options. Overall, Rhodes’ diverse offering makes it easy to find a tour that matches your pace and interests—just remember to book early to ensure your spot.
Whatever you choose, these excursions can turn a quick port call into a memorable slice of Greece’s cultural and scenic riches.