HALF DAY PANORAMIC RHODES – FILERIMOS – VALLEY OF THE BUTTERFLIES

• We start with a scenic drive by coach through the modern areas of Rhodes. We pass by the Mandraki Esplanade to see the government buildings, Church of Annunciation built 1925, a replica of the Old Church of the Knights of St John and the deer statues at the entrance of Mandraki port. We then continue up to Monte Smith for panoramic views and photo opportunities across Rhodes, the Aegean Sea and the Acropolis of Rhodes with its 2nd Century BCE Ancient stadium
• Next it’s the natural beauty at Petaloúdes – the Valley of the Butterflies. Apart from its aesthetic value, it is also the site of the only natural forest of liquidambar orientalis (Oriental Sweetgum trees) in Europe, and a resting point for tens of thousands of Jersey tigers (Panaxia Quadripunctaria), a daytime flying moth. There is a natural history museum that explains the moths life-cycle
• It’s a real chance to commune with nature, walking through the shaded, green valley with its small river and beautiful waterfalls, permanently surrounded by butterflies camouflaging themselves against the tree trunks
• The final visit to Filerimos, to explore the acropolis of the ancient city of Ialysos, includes a guided tour of the ancient ruins of the temple of Athena and the impressive medieval monastery of the Virgin Mary. The ancient monuments, the spectacular panoramic view of the northern part of the island through the pine forest, and the Italian period buildings are quite unforgettable

Duration

4 hours: pick up time from hotel is 09:00 or upon request