3 DAYS RHODES FROM MARMARIS (Tailor made)

To thoroughly visit the cas-tle of Rhodes, one day may not be enough... hence here some explanations about the history of this monument : The threat of Phillip IV gave the order a new impetus for structural reform : the order had been divided up into seven separate 'langues'“tongues” (those speaking the same tongue). Each 'langue''tongue' comprised of several priories under a Grand Priory with its own 'auberge' (hall of residence) and they were later to become responsible for the defense of their own part of the town and walls. These ‘Langues’ were made from the following countries: France, Auvergne, Provence, England, Italy, Germany and Spain with the later addition of cas-tile. The total strength of the knights was usually around 200. In 1466 their numbers were to rise to 350 and in 1501 to 400. Finally in 1514 the total number was 550, but English numbers was never to exceed more than a dozen knights. Despite this disparity in numbers between the 'tongues', the system on the whole worked well, apart from the occasional squabble over precedence Some of the Grand Priory have today become Consulates (such as France) who propose very interesting exhibitions. To enjoy a general view over the old town, we propose you take the city bustrain tour departing every hour opposite the Colona Port.

Overnight in Rhodes

For this third day in Rhodes, we propose two different activities to discover the island further :

Lindos : This picturesque village, ancient in history, located on the south east coast of the island. It is one of the most popular travel locations in Greece and the Mediterranean, because of the relaxed atmosphere, the friendly local inhabitants, and the pristine condition in which you find the town itself, and its well-kept beaches. The old town itself is a maze of picturesque narrow streets with most of the small shops openly displaying wares from unique clothes and jewelry, to pottery, custom made sandals and leather goods, and regional crafts. It’s as shopaholics dream and you can spend hours browsing through the shopstaking a break in the villages many restaurants and ethnic bars. The Butterflies Valley : In the western side of the island of Rhodes, approximately five kilometers south east of the village of Theologos (or Tholos), lies the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes). This is one of the most attractive destinations on the island. During August, thousands of butterflies of the genus Panaxia (species Quadripunctaria Poda) overwhelm the valley in order to reproduce. During the rainy period, the Butterflies in the caterpillar stage remain in the Mediterranean thicket (arbutus, myrtle and rush) feeding on the foliage. As the end of the wet season approaches, towards the end of May, the final stage is concluded and the butterfly in all her perfection makes her appearance in the form recognizable to us all. They move constantly towards areas of highest humidity is greatest, always following the water ways, as the dry period progresses, they finally arrive at the valley.

In the mid-afternoon, return to the port for the return ferry to Marmaris.

You may also consider, if you wish to extend your tour in Turkey, to take a ferry to BodrumFethiye. Yet, these are not operated daily.