Four wheels, eight hours, real Rhodes.

This Land Rover Safari focuses on getting you off the main roads and into hard-to-reach corners, with hotel pickup making the whole day feel effortless. I like that the stops are built around real Rhodes moments, from a coffee/tea break in Kolimbia to traditional lunch with wine included in Kritinia. The main thing to plan for is that it’s not set up for very young kids—infants aren’t allowed, and children must ride with an adult.

You’ll spend the day in a small group (up to 8 people), in a 4×4 Jeep with an escort-driver who keeps the ride moving and the stories flowing. Expect a route that moves from the east side toward the west, with guided pauses roughly every 30–40 minutes. It’s a great format when you want more than a bus tour, but less effort than doing everything by rental car.

Why This North Route Safari Works Better Than a Usual Tour

The Rhodes North Route has a lot to offer if you’re willing to leave the easy roads behind. This tour leans into that idea by using special 4×4 vehicles to reach places you simply can’t get to in a normal car.

What makes it valuable is the rhythm. You don’t sit in one spot all day, and you’re not rushed through five-minute photo stops either. Instead, you get multiple scenic breaks, village atmosphere, and time to enjoy lunch without making the rest of the day feel like a sprint.

Another plus: it’s designed for comfort and logistics. Hotel pickup and drop-off mean you don’t waste time figuring out where to meet or how to get back. And since the group is small, the day feels more like a shared outing than a cattle-call.

From Rhodes Center to Kolimbia: Coffee, Villages, and War-Route Stories

Your day starts at 8:30 am, with pickup from selected hotels in North Rhodes. You’ll head toward the east side first, crossing over toward Kolimbia village, and that initial stretch helps you get your bearings quickly before the off-road portion begins.

Kolimbia is more than just a warm-up stop. After a drive through smaller villages, you reach a traditional village area for your first coffee or tea break, which is a nice reset before the adventure part of the day gets more serious. It’s an easy way to slow down and actually take in how the area feels, instead of treating the morning like a long transfer.

Once you’re back on the move, the tour follows what’s described as a German–Italian war route. That matters because it turns the driving into something educational. Your driver-escorts provide historical information, histories, and local lifestyle details as you pass monasteries, chapels, and small villages.

Off-Road Paths Through Dense Vegetation: What You Should Expect

The heart of the experience is the off-road sections in places reached by 4×4 only. The route includes hidden paths through dense vegetation, paired with the escorts’ local knowledge. This is where the tour earns its name, because you’re not just seeing Rhodes—you’re seeing parts of Rhodes most visitors never reach.

You’ll also want to think about footwear and sun protection. Comfortable shoes (trekking shoes or even sandals that stay secure) are the right call, and you’ll definitely be outside enough for hats, sunscreen, and water habits to matter. In spring and autumn, a jacket is advised, since morning and shade can feel cooler.

One practical reality: parts of the day depend on weather. The operator reserves the right to make minor changes if conditions are unfavorable, without prior notice. So if you’re the type who hates surprises, be flexible. If you’re the type who enjoys going with the flow, you’ll likely have a better day.

Kritinia Lunch in the Village Square Under Plateaus Trees

After Kolimbia, the day keeps moving from east to west Rhodes. Your next major stop is Kritinia, a smaller traditional village where lunch happens at a local tavern in the village square.

This is one of the best parts of the itinerary for sheer vibe. A village square lunch feels slower and more local than a scheduled meal at a restaurant far from everything. The timing also helps: you start hungry, you finish refreshed, and the lunch doesn’t eat up the entire day.

Lunch includes traditional food, and wine is included as well. Drinks beyond that aren’t included, so if you know you’ll want soft drinks or more wine, plan for extra spending. If you prefer vegetarian meals, you need to request vegetarian alternatives when you reserve (and same goes for food allergies).

After lunch, the tour returns by an easy asphalt route back toward your hotels. That section is calmer, and it’s a good chance to take photos without worrying about every bump.

The Driver-Escorts: More Than Just Directions

This is one of those tours where the driver-escort makes a real difference. The day is guided, with stops every 30–40 minutes, so you’re never stuck wondering what’s happening next. Plus, your escorts share information about what you’re seeing—historical context and local lifestyle along the way.

It’s also worth noting the language support. The tour is offered in English, and there are multi-language group escort-drivers. That flexibility can make a difference if you want to understand the stories fully, not just catch a few words here and there.

In a smaller group, you’re more likely to feel like a participant, not a passenger. You’ll still be seated most of the time, but the pacing and explanations help the day feel connected.

Jeep Comfort, Group Size, and How the Ride Feels

You’ll travel in specially equipped 4×4 Jeeps, with seating for either 7 or 9. That capacity detail matters because it shapes the vibe inside the vehicle—small enough to feel personal, but large enough to keep costs down and keep logistics smooth.

The tour is capped at a maximum of 8 travelers. That’s a big deal for a day trip, because it usually means less waiting around at each stop and more attention from the escort-driver.

Also, since it’s hotel pickup and drop-off included, you don’t have to manage transport on your own. You’re essentially buying a full route plan plus driving, and that’s why the experience can feel good value even though it’s pricier than a simple city transfer.

Price and Value: When $136.04 Makes Sense

At $136.04 per person for roughly 8 hours, you’re paying for more than seats. You’re paying for the specialized 4×4 access, the guided escort with historical and local storytelling, and a meal that includes traditional food plus wine.

Here’s how I’d judge the value: if you’re the kind of traveler who wants to see Rhodes beyond the main sights, the 4×4 access is the ticket. If you were renting a car, you’d still spend money on gas and parking, and you’d need the confidence to navigate the off-road-style areas yourself (and you’d miss the built-in context).

And because the lunch includes wine and you get refreshment time with coffee or tea early in the day, you’re not constantly paying extra for basic needs. Just remember drinks aren’t included beyond what’s stated, so budget for anything additional.

What to Pack and How to Prepare for a Full Day

This tour is active in the sense that you’ll be outdoors and moving between stops. It’s not described as a hiking-focused trip, but you should still bring practical items so you’re comfortable for the whole route.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (trekking shoes or sandals that work for uneven ground)
• Camera and sun protection
• A jacket in spring and autumn
• A positive attitude for minor route adjustments if weather changes plans

It also helps to have a simple expectations check. You’ll get guided stops and viewpoints, but you won’t have a ton of free time to wander for hours. This is structured for you, not for you to invent your own schedule.

Who This Safari Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is ideal if you want an experience beyond the ordinary—especially if you like small-group days and want the off-road access without doing the driving. It’s also a good fit for youth groups, single travelers, couples, families with older children, and companies looking for a shared outing.

If you’re traveling with a baby, though, pay attention to the rule: infants aren’t allowed. And if you bring kids, they must be accompanied by an adult.

If you hate early starts, note the 8:30 am start time and pickup from North Rhodes hotels. But if you like using mornings well, this schedule works in your favor—by lunchtime you’re already into the best part of the route.

Should You Book This Land Rover Safari?

I’d book this if you want a small-group Rhodes day with 4×4 access and a real meal at a village tavern. The structure is strong: pickup, coffee/tea in Kolimbia, guided stops with historical and local information, lunch in Kritinia, and a relaxed return drive.

Skip it if you’re traveling with an infant or if you need lots of unstructured time. Also skip it if you’re the type who can’t handle small last-minute route changes due to weather.

For everyone else—especially first-time Rhodes visitors or people who already did the easy highlights—this is a smart way to see the island’s northern side through the lens of villages, chapels, and stories you can’t pick up by just passing through.

FAQ

How long is the Land Rover Safari on Rhodes North Route?

The tour lasts about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, from selected hotels in North Rhodes.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in English, and it includes multi-language group escort-drivers.

What’s included in the lunch?

Lunch includes traditional food, and wine is included with the meal.

Are drinks included during the tour?

No. Drinks are not included.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes, but you need to request vegetarian alternatives upon reservation. The same applies to food allergies.

Can I bring an infant or young child?

Infants are not allowed. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s the cancellation window?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.