Old Town and history
Medieval Rhodes and the Street of the Knights
A three-hour ground-level introduction to the Old Town's layered history, on foot.
A ground-level walking tour of the Old Town covering its Classical, Ottoman and Italian layers, from the Jewish Quarter and Ippokratous Square to the Grand Master's Palace and the Street of the Knights, with optional museum stops along the way.
Your English-speaking guide leads the group into the Old Town's cobbled lanes, tracing how the medieval Knights' city absorbed Ottoman and Italian influences over the centuries. The route passes through the historic Jewish Quarter and the busy Ippokratous Square with its old medieval inns.
At the Grand Master's Palace, the guide covers its history as fortress, palace and headquarters of the Knights of Rhodes — the Archaeological and Palace museums are optional add-ons rather than standard inclusions on this itinerary, with entrance fees payable on the day if you choose to go in.
The Street of the Knights closes out the walk, its former crusader inns now housing shops and offices. The tour ends with free time to continue exploring, shop, or find lunch in the Old Town on your own.
Highlights
- Walking route through the Jewish Quarter and Ippokratous Square
- History of the Grand Master's Palace from the outside, with optional interior entry
- The Street of the Knights and its former crusader inns
- Free time at the end to continue exploring the Old Town independently
What a good tour includes
- English-speaking local guide
- Walking tour of the Old Town's main historic quarters
Getting there from the cruise port
Cruise ships calling at Rhodes typically berth at the Tourist Port, within a short walk of the Old Town's medieval walls for most berths, though some calls use the outer Commercial Port and a handful of tours meet a few minutes' walk from the pier rather than directly alongside it. Always confirm your exact meeting point and pickup location from your booking confirmation, since this is set per tour and can vary from ship to ship. The Old Town itself is comfortably walkable from most berths — allow 10–20 minutes — so a guide is optional if you only want the medieval quarter. Lindos, the beaches at Anthony Quinn Bay and Kallithea, and the island's mountainous interior all require coach, taxi or private transport; there is no practical walking option. Whichever excursion you choose, plan your day backwards from the ship's stated all-aboard time rather than its published departure time, and build in a buffer for Rhodes' summer traffic on the coastal road to Lindos.
Tips for cruise passengers
- The supplier notes museum prices can change at any time — treat the figures above as a guide, not a guarantee
- Cover your knees and shoulders if you plan to visit any religious sites along the way
- Wear flat, sturdy shoes for cobblestones and uneven surfaces — the supplier states this tour is not wheelchair accessible
Typically not included
- Museum entrance fees — the supplier notes the Archaeological Museum (about 8 EUR per person) and the Grand Master's Palace (about 6 EUR per person) are optional and payable on the day
- Food and drink during the tour or free-time period
Check dates and availability
Live pricing and departure times are confirmed on our excursion partner's booking page. We may earn a commission from qualifying bookings at no extra cost to you.
Operated by Shore Excursions Group · Product eurhmedoldwalk. We do not operate this tour ourselves.
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The city's landmark sights, privately guided and timed around your schedule.
Medieval Rhodes and the Street of the Knights — FAQs
Are the Palace and Archaeological Museum included?▼
No. The supplier lists both as optional: you can visit with your guide and pay the entrance fee directly on the day, or use that time for free exploration instead.
How much does museum entry cost?▼
Per the supplier, roughly 8 EUR per person for the Archaeological Museum and 6 EUR per person for the Grand Master's Palace, though prices can change.
Is this tour suitable for guests with mobility issues?▼
The supplier states it is not wheelchair accessible due to cobblestones, uneven surfaces, inclines and steps throughout the Old Town.