Jewels of the Aegean

Day 1 UK-Rhodes

Fly to the island of Rhodes and stay four nights at the locally rated 4-star Sun Beach Resort (4Q), located near the beach of Ialyssos, just eight kilometres from Rhodes Town. D

Day 2 Rhodes town

Rhodes Town was founded in 408 BC and has a fascinating history, which you can discover on an included excursion today.

Said to be the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe, many of the historic buildings in the old town were built in the 14th and 15th centuries, whilst the new town features much Italianate architecture. You'll see the mighty walls and grand gates which encircle the town, and stroll along the long, cobbled 'Street of the Knights' where, in the 16th century, knights and visiting dignitaries could find a home-from-home and speak their native language in the Inns of the Tongues. B, L, D

Day 3 Lindos

An optional excursion heads along the coast to the picturesque ancient village of Lindos. B, L, D

Day 4 Lindos

An optional trip ventures into the heart of Rhodes to reveal traditional village life. B, L, D

Day 5 Rhodes-Leros

After breakfast travel for four hours by catamaran across the Aegean Sea to the unspoilt island of Leros, where you spend the next three nights at the locally rated 4-star Crithoni's Paradise (3Q), located a short distance from the beach. B, L, D

Day 6 Leros island tour

The unspoilt island of Leros is characterised by an indented coastline, lush landscapes and protected harbours. A full-day included tour highlights some of its historic sights including the Franco Byzantine Fort and Byzantine Castle on Mount Kasteli. B, L, D

Day 7 Leros

Spend the day at leisure amid your tranquil surroundings. B, L, D.

Day 8 Leros-Symi

This morning you'll travel for two hours by catamaran to Symi, where you spend the next four nights at the locally rated 3-star Pedi Beach Hotel (2Q) which overlooks tranquil Pedi Bay. B, L, D

Day 9 Symi island tour

Today's included boat trip uncovers Symi's heritage which has barely been touched by modernisation. See the sights of one of the smallest of the Dodecanese archipelago which lies very close to Turkey – just nine kilometres away, in fact.

Beyond the harbour, which is often bustling with day visitors, the island is a peaceful haven. Symi was once home to the world's largest sponge fishing fleet, and many of the opulent mansions are a vestige of this golden era at the turn of the 20th century. B, L, D

Day 10 - 11 Symi

Spend the next two days at leisure. Perhaps you might like to wander around the main town, known as both Yialos and Symi Town. Because of its elegant neoclassical buildings it's been architecturally protected since the 1970s. There is a local bus service around the island. Yialos Harbour offers a range of cafes and restaurants, where you might like to stop for a drink and watch the world go by… B, L, D

Day 12 Symi-Rhodes

Sail back to Rhodes by catamaran, a journey of two hours, where you spend the final three nights of your holiday back at the locally rated 4-star Sun Beach Resort (4Q). B, L, D

Day 13 Rhodes panoramic tour

Visit Mandraki Harbour during an included scenic tour of the island today.

When the Italians occupied the island from 1913-43 they built an elaborate spa in Kalithea, an area known for its thermal, therapeutic springs, along with various other Belle Epoch architecture. From here you’ll travel through scenery that may look familiar, as several movies have been filmed in this area, including scenes from the film ‘The Guns of Navarone’. On the cliffs above the town is the ancient acropolis of the city of Rhodes – now a park – where you will have the chance to explore ruins from the theatre, stadium and Temple of Apollo. B, L, D

Day 14 Rhodes

Today you can explore the medieval Old Town independently or perhaps join an optional excursion to Butterfly Valley and Filérimos. A farewell dinner is included this evening. B, L, D

Day 15 Rhodes to UK

Enjoy some time at leisure. Travel to the airport for your return flight to the UK. B