Known as the gem of the Aegean Sea, the Greek island of Rhodes has welcomed travelers from around the world for over six thousand years. Nowadays you can just get a great cruise from liners such as cunard cruises and travel to Rhodes in style. The city of Rhodes was founded as an international sea port in 408 B.C. Rhodes became known for its artisans, ship builders, sea trade and international diplomacy.

It was during this time that the famous Colossus statue was fashioned and placed as a sentinel at the mouth of the port. Although it was destroyed in an earthquake in 226 B.C., the Colossus is remembered as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is said that the Colossus served as an artistic inspiration for the Statue of Liberty. Even after the island became a Province of the Roman Empire in 164 B.C.,
Rhodes continued to develop as a great world center of science and the arts. After the Roman period, Rhodes was occupied by the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Knights of Saint John, the Turks and the Italians. After World War II, in 1947, the Island of Rhodes was reunited with Greece

Rhodes' history and cultural diversity makes it absolutely fascinating for the 21st century visitor. While Diagoras International Airport serves the island, most visitors enter the magic of Rhodes through Mandraki Harbor, where the walls of the city meet the waters of the Aegean Sea. Some of the most elegant ships in the world call at the port of Rhodes during the spring and summer months, including the Azamara Quest, Cunard's Queen Victoria, the Ruby Princess and Royal Caribbean's Splendour of the Seas..

The path from the port leads directly into the old town which is known as a shopper's paradise. Some vendors have stands along the coastline path leading into the town. Inside the Medieval walls narrow streets beckon visitors to lose themselves in local boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Because the streets of Rhodes are like a maze in a labyrinth, it's a good idea to carry a map for orientation while exploring the town

After spending the morning in Rhodes, many people take a side trip to Lindos in the afternoon. Dreams are made of Lindos, the perfect Greek village about 37 miles from the city of Rhodes. It includes a natural harbor, where St. Paul was ship wrecked in 58 A.D. Lindos presents a picture of white-washed houses with tile roofs, Syrian architecture, an acropolis, wonderful restaurants, and stray cats. No vehicles are allowed in Lindos, except for the occasional delivery motorcycle. The summit of the acropolis is just a donkey ride away and the view at the top is unforgettable! An afternoon in Lindos makes leaving Rhodes, even by luxury cruise, very difficult indeed