Discover the Dodecanese

Today we explore Rhodes, occupied by the Knights of the Order of St. John for over two centuries and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. We walk through its beautiful medieval centre down the Avenue of the Knights to the Archaeological Museum housed in the former hospital of the Knights. This fantastic Gothic building contains some remarkable finds from the island including an exquisite marble statue of Aphrodite and extraordinary Hellenistic pebble mosaics. In the afternoon we visit the Acropolis and its precipitous terraces on the slopes of Agis Stefanos Hill.

This morning we visit the small village of Lindos which was founded by the Dorians in the 10^th century BCE. The dramatic natural landscape here is enhanced by the picturesque quality of the more modern town with the Acropolis rising dominantly behind it. The stunning views from the top are worth the 250 steps it takes to reach it and here we see Temple of Athena lodged within the runs of a medieval castle. In the afternoon we travel on to Kalavarda, a well-preserved Hellenistic and Roman city with superb views of the ocean.

Today we drive along the northwest coast of the island to ancient Kamiros, built amphitheatrically overlooking the sea. Together with Lindos and Ialyssos, it was one of the three most powerful cities in Rhodes which reached their peak in the 6^th – 7^th centuries BCE. Kamiros was the smallest of the three and relied more heavily on its agriculture in the production of wine, olive oil and the cultivation of fig trees. In the afternoon we explore Ialyssos which lies at the highest point of the Filerimos hill, overlooking Rhodes.

We take the early morning ferry to the island of Kos famed throughout the ancient world for its sanctuary dedicated to the healing god Asclepios. Arriving mid-morning we head to the Archaeological Museum. Housed in one of the last major public buildings constructed during Italian occupation, the collections here include artefacts found in the Sanctuary of Kos. Later we explore the substantial ruins of Nerazia Castle, a 14^th century construction bult by the Order of St. John. The fortress is situated at the entrance of Kos harbour and faces Halikarnassos Castle just opposite on the Turkish coast with which it collaborated to control this strategic body of water. In the ancient world this strait was a great maritime crossroad for ships from Egypt, Rome, Syria and Persia.

We travel along the cypress-lined road to the Asklepieion, a healing sanctuary dedicated to the god Asclepios, built in the 4th century BC. Formed along tree terraces, the sanctuary is situated on the slopes of Mount Dikeos and is set among natural springs and pine woods. Overlooking the narrow straits to Bodrum we find wonderful views here across the sea and coast. We continue to the Castle of Antimachia, the target of Turkish assault in the Middle Ages - with only one entrance and exit, doubly fortified, it was able to withstand many attacks. Finally, we stop at the ruins of the Early Christian basilica Agios Stephanos.

We enjoy a day trip to the beautiful island of Kalymnos, described as ‘rich in honey’ by Homer. We explore the Castle of Chrysocheria, built in the 15th century by the Knights Hospitaller and also discover some of the beautiful white Byzantine churches which dot the hills. In the afternoon we visit Kalymnos Archaeological Museum where we discover a fine collection of marble statues found in 2001 off the coast, along with the splendid bronze figure of the ‘Lady of Kalymnos’ pulled from the seabed by a Kalymnian fisherman in 1995.

We spend our last day in Kos. There are many Graeco-Roman ruins scattered through the town to enjoy, including streets and houses, the agora and the Pandemos Aphrodite Sanctuary. In the afternoon we will see the Western Excavation area, which includes a Roman Odeon, Casa Romana, and the Baptistry of St. John Prodromos.

Our tour ends as we transfer to the airport for our onward flight home.