Rhodes Shore Excursion: Private Lindos and Rhodes Old Town Tour

Exploring Rhodes on a private full-day tour offers a fantastic way to see some of the most iconic sights without the hustle of large group tours. For around $993 per group (up to 15 people), you’ll be whisked away from the cruise port in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, guided by a personable local, and taken to two of the island’s most celebrated locations: the village of Lindos and the historic Old Town. The reviews highlight this experience as a well-paced, intimate journey filled with stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and plenty of opportunities for photos and culture.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the flexibility you enjoy with a private guide. You can spend more or less time at Lindos Acropolis based on your interest—one reviewer mentions how their guide, Maria, adjusted the pace to suit their wishes. The views from Lindos, especially over the Bay of St. Paul, are breathtaking, making the walking tour on the cobblestone streets worthwhile despite some steep stairs. Plus, exploring Rhodes Old Town with sights like the Palace of the Grand Master and the medieval Street of Knights brings history to life in a friendly, approachable way.

A potential consideration is that entrance fees to sites like Lindos Acropolis (around 12 euros) and the Palace of the Grand Master (about 6 euros) are not included, so it’s wise to factor those into your budget. Also, since it’s a full-day tour with some walking involved, comfortable shoes and moderate physical fitness are recommended. Overall, if you’re looking for a tailored experience that balances scenic beauty, history, and local charm, this private tour offers excellent value, especially given the knowledgeable guides and personalized touches reported by travelers.

• Personalized Experience: Tailor your pace and focus with a private guide who adjusts the day to your interests.
• Stunning Views & Ruins: Highlights include Lindos Acropolis with sweeping bay views, Byzantine ruins, and Rhodes Old Town’s medieval architecture.
• Flexible & Comfortable: The tour provides air-conditioned transport and opportunities to explore both historical sites and local villages at your leisure.
• Authentic Local Insights: Guides like Maria and Costos are praised for their knowledge, making history and culture accessible and fun.
• Good Value for a Private Tour: Though pricier than group tours, the level of customization and personal attention makes it worthwhile.
• Consider Entrance Fees & Walking: Budget extra for site tickets and be prepared for some steep stairs and cobblestone streets.

When a cruise ship docks in Rhodes, it’s tempting to just follow the crowd on organized excursions. But I think many travelers will find that a private tour like this offers a richer, more relaxed view of the island’s treasures. For approximately 7 hours and under $1,000, your group will be transported in comfort and guided by someone who genuinely cares about making your experience memorable.

Start with Lindos — a village that could have stepped out of a postcard. The winding cobblestone streets, lined with white cube houses and vibrant bougainvillaea, set the tone for a classic Greek island visit. But the real star is the Lindos Acropolis, perched above the village and over the Bay of St. Paul. As one traveler, Travis, put it, “our guide and van picked us up right by our ship with our name clearly displayed,” which is a huge plus when you’re trying to transition smoothly from port to tour.

What I love here is that the guide doesn’t just drag you through the ruins. You get to explore at your own pace, marveling at the Greek temple ruins, a Byzantine fortress, and the views down to the sea. Photographers will be especially delighted—be ready with your camera for sweeping vistas and ancient stones. Reviewers rave about guides like Maria, who “had so much knowledge” and made their trip extra special, adjusting the itinerary to suit their wishes. That kind of flexibility isn’t always available with larger group options.

Leaving Lindos, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local village of Haraki, giving you a taste of authentic Greek cuisine (at your own expense). The calm seaside atmosphere here offers a nice contrast to the historical hilltop sites. As one traveler notes, “a beautiful lunch at a restaurant recommended by our guide” made the day even better.

In the afternoon, the tour shifts focus to Rhodes Old Town, another highlight. The Acropolis of Rhodes is a lesser-known site without fortifications but packed with ruins like the Temple of Apollo and a stadium, giving a taste of Hellenistic civilization. You’ll also visit the city gates of Porte d’Amboise and walk along the Street of Knights, a medieval street lined with historic buildings that still carry their original facades.

The Palace of the Grand Master is another must-see (costs about 6 euros), but many reviews mention the advantage of having time to explore independently afterward—perhaps to visit the museum or simply soak in the atmosphere. One traveler noted how guide Costos “let us pick places to go and helped us find great places to eat and shop,” emphasizing the personal touch that makes this tour stand out.

Transport-wise, the vehicle is air-conditioned, making the long drive comfortable, and the private nature ensures your group isn’t waiting on strangers. The total duration is roughly 7 hours, starting at 8:30 am from Rhodes Port, with a guaranteed timely return—crucial for cruise travelers. Reviews mention how guides like Costos keep the day engaging and fun, with traveler Jessica noting, “they truly made the trip extra special.”

Cost-wise, while entrance fees are not included, they are relatively modest, and the guide’s advice helps you prioritize what interests you most. This setup offers good value if you want a flexible, intimate experience—something hard to match with standard cruise excursions.

Who is this tour best for? If you value personalized service, want to see both the iconic Lindos Acropolis and the historic Rhodes Old Town, and are okay with some walking and stairs, this trip will tick your boxes. It’s ideal for those who prefer tailored experiences over crowd-packed buses and are eager to explore at their own pace with expert guidance.

• Meeting at Rhodes Port at 8:30 am ensures you’re first in line for all the highlights.
• Comfortable shoes are a must due to cobblestone streets and some steep stairs, especially at Lindos.
• Entrance fees are approximately 6 euros for Rhodes Acropolis and 12 euros for Lindos Acropolis, so budget accordingly.
• Lunch is at your own expense, but your guide can recommend charming local spots.

• The tour is worry-free, meaning if your ship is delayed or canceled, you’re covered with a full refund or rescheduling option.

Can I customize the tour schedule?
Yes, since it’s a private experience, your guide can tailor the timing to your interests, whether that means spending more time in Lindos or exploring Rhodes Old Town more thoroughly.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to sites like Lindos Acropolis and the Palace of the Grand Master are paid separately—roughly 6 to 12 euros.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
The itinerary involves walking and some steep stairs, so it’s best for those with moderate physical fitness. It’s well-suited for history lovers and those who appreciate scenic views.

What is the group size?
Up to 15 people, but since it’s private, you’ll mainly be with your own group and guide, making for a personalized experience.

Will I have free time?
Yes, you’ll have some free time in Rhodes Old Town to explore on your own, visit the palace, or just soak in the historic atmosphere.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, a camera, and some cash for entrance fees and lunch.

To sum it up, this private tour of Rhodes’ highlights combines the best of Greek island charm with the convenience of guided transportation. The knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and personal pace make it an excellent choice for travelers who want depth and flexibility. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy walking, history, and authentic local flavors without feeling rushed. While you’ll pay a bit more than a group tour, the value of personalized service and insider tips makes it worthwhile.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photographer eager for sweeping views, or simply someone who wants to avoid the crowds, this experience offers a genuine connection to Rhodes that large bus tours rarely deliver. If you’re looking for a day that balances scenic beauty with cultural richness and personal attention, this private Lindos and Rhodes Old Town tour is a smart choice.