Spend the day getting to know the rustic villages of inland Rhodes and sample some of the island's favourite dishes. Pretty Orthodox churches, an olive oil mill, a winery in Siana and a typical local lunch are on the menu in this adults-only tour. Fotini, one of our local guides, says, “I was born and raised in Rhodes, so I am thrilled to be showing the island's hidden gems, revealing its authentic and traditional identity, and the customs that we still keep today.”
The fun starts in Asklipio, a charming hillside village of whitewashed homes built around an ancient castle and an 11th-century stone church. Admission to the church is included, helping to support its upkeep. Next up is the mountain village of Siana, where you'll get a snapshot of Rhodian life in the rugged hills away from the coast. After you've tried some locally pressed olive oil at a nearby mill, it's time for a wine tasting at one of Siana's newest wineries.
And then we are off to Apollona for lunch made from locally sourced produce in a family-run and sustainably conscious taverna – you won't find any use of plastic here. Even the water served comes from a local well. Take a tour of the village to walk off lunch and see the ruins of the temple dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god who the village is named after. In the afternoon, there's a pit stop for coffee in Profitis Ilias at the Italian inspired hotel Elafos. Your final stop is at the only microbrewery on the island, where you'll taste four house beers before heading back to your hotel. It's a day that'll satisfy both your cultural curiosity and taste buds.
