DAY TRIP TO RHODES

[wilts]

Hi, has anyone done the day trip to Rhodes, if so I would be grateful for any information, e.g. what was involved, are you left to your own devices whilst there to explore, is it worth going, what have people done whilst there? Son (17) wants culture and history and as a poor traveller the Ephesus trip is a no no for me . Also would we have to take Euros with us. Thanks in advance.

[toml]

Can't give you any info on the trip from Marmaris, but did take the Hydrofoil from Fethiye last year. You will need to take your passport. No need for visa as you will will be covered by your 90 day visa issued on arrival at airport. We had approx 3 hours in Rhodes town to explore and see places of interest. The crossing from Marmaris is shorter and should give you a bit more time to look around. Plenty of historical interest, shops and places to eat in Rhodes town. We have been on holiday to Rhodes in the past and can honestly say we have always enjoyed our visits there.

[Southampton_Girl]

I am looking at the trip to Rhodes as well.

I've heard that it is 45 Euros plus tax and the hydrofoil takes around one hour to get there (and back) - Once there you are left to your own devices... to look around etc.

Would be interesting to have a list of top things to do in one day whilst there! So you're not wondering around hopeless...

Anyone have any great hints or tips?

And also do you have to pay an entry to visit all the places of interest whilst there?

I'm guessing you would need to take Euros with you as Greece is in the Euro!

Look forward to hearing back from any members who have already experienced this trip.

Thanks.

SGx

[daisysun]

i did the trip to Rhodes from Marmaris about 9 years ago, and from what i can remember we paid the people we booked the trip through and didnt pay any extra for visas etc (unless that was included in the price we paid i dont know). We went across on a cataraman (which was a bit of an experience as the sea was quite rough) and once there we went through a passport control. Once through that we knew what time we had to be back for the catamaran back and so we were left to our own devices. We walked around exploring really, looking at shops, we visited an old cathederal/church, had something to eat and drink in a little cafe, found some nice places to take photos, and really just looked around.
I would do the trip again and maybe be a bit braver and venture a bit further because the first time we didnt want to go to far as we were scared of getting lost and being late for the trip back!!
I suppose its like anything and it is as good as you make it, but i'd say it is worth doing, even if just to say you had visited Rhodes.

[jayjay1950]

We are going to do this Rhodes trip this year so any info would be great

[redrobin]

Hi, went on the Rhodes trip a couple of years ago. I'm a bit of a history head so loved it. Lots to see and do. We were picked up near our appartments and taken to port. Like others have said you need your passport and some Euros. We got our Euros here before we went to Icmeler because the rate was better. If I remember correctly boat left about 9ish and arrived just before 10.00. Boat leaves for Turkey about 4.30 pm It is a great day out, especially if you're into your history. I must say it's a shame the OP can not do Ephesus as it is such a great experience. Although we did do Ephesus from Samos, so we were a lot nearer......Enjoy your hols...

[Katiehutchinson_1991]

went to rhodes twice 2 years ago - expensive day when everything is added up
take euros as the exchange rate is rubbish in rhodes (well it was when i went)
leave marmaris very early and arrive in rhodes about 1 hour later
can book an organised trip whilst on the boat this takes you around both the old and new part of the island and then leaves you some time to do what you want
nice place but much more expensive than turkey with it being in the euro so be prepared
need passports as leaving the contry - opportuntiy to purchase duty free
xxx

[shaz]

Hi wilts

If your son loves culture and history them I am sure he will enjoy a day trip to rhodes. The old town of rhodes itself is a medieval town.As you enter the city either from the commerical harbour through the Gate of Navarhou or from the new town through the gate of Eleftherias you see the remains of the 3rd century temple of Aphrodite , and behind it is the Lodge of the Knights of Aiberne, built in 1507. Today the building houses the governor's office. Next to it is the Lodge of the Battalion of England and the first hospital of the Knights, which was built by the Grandmaster in 1440, which today is the Library of the Archological Society. The 'New' Hospital houses the town's Archaeological Museum which is very impressive not only because of the large number of relics but because the building itself is so monumental and has been the Archaeological museum since 1916.The most beautiful and interesting part of the Old City for me is the street of Knights, the most important street of the medieval town. The street is completely restored or preserved beautifully. There is a tour which can be taken of The Palace of the Grandmaster which take about an hour to complete.There are charges for the museums and the palace of the Grandmaster. Im afarid i do not know how much the prices are for this season but all prices areset in Euros

There are loads of little Tavernas and cafes where you can have lunch, and if you fancy a bit of shopping there are also lots of souvenir shops and boutiques.

It take about 20 mins to walk to Rhodes town from the harbour, again shops restaurants etc. If you feel like exploring a little further you can take a taxi at the port and travel along the coast. All prices are quoted at the harbour, just confirm these with the taxi driver before you start your journey.

You have approximately 6 hours to look around Rhodes..as the hydrofoil usually leaves around 16.30 but you are requested to return at least 30 minutes beforehand.

The girls Michelle or Elaine at the ICR office can help you with your booking or you can book via their excursions page http://www.icmeleronline.com/icmeler_excursions.php

Hope you all have a lovely holiday

[wilts]

Thank you all so much for the information. It has really helped and Dan is now even more excited Will call into ICR when we arrive in resort to get it booked. Thanks again.

[helen2904]

Did this trip from Marmaris. Sick all the way there! ok on the way back. Took us about an hour to get over the sickness after arriving. Rhodes itself was lovely, very quaint with lots of small gift shops. Had breakfast in a rooftop restaurant, very poor. Must tell you about being ripped off near the port on our way back to the boat. My husband and his friend asked for a large beer and was presented with two wellingtons filled with warm, flat beer. Myself and my friend opted for a fruit cocktail. We were presented with two fish bowls filled to the brim with the most disgusting mixture (don't even know what it was, looked very much like sick!!!) Obviously we did not attempt to drink it. The boys complained about the beer and did not finish it. However, we decided that we would leave and asked if we could pay. The waiter was horrible and cheeky. We were in for a hell of a shock, we were presented with a bill for £45 for the four drinks. What a rip off. Never again. Just be aware please. Between being sick and being ripped off, it certainly spoilt the trip for us. Don't think we will ever do it again.