Off-road Rhodes feels like a different island. This Land Rover Safari takes you to hard-to-reach spots, with hotel pickup and drop-off that keeps the day simple. You also get guided stops with a professional driver-escort, so the trip feels more like a hosted day out than a bus ride.

I especially like the mix of movement and breaks: you’ll roll from village to village, then pause for coffee/tea and a sit-down meal. The traditional lunch with wine included is a real value add, not an afterthought.

One consideration: this is an active day out with off-road riding and walking in villages, so bring sturdy shoes. Also, infants are not allowed, and children must be with an adult.

Key highlights of the Rhodes North Route safari

• North Route coverage with stops that run from Kolimbia to Kritinia
• Off-road hard-to-reach paths guided by driver-escorts in 4×4 Land Rovers/jeeps
• Coffee or tea refreshment early in the day at a traditional village
• Lunch in a village tavern with wine included (vegetarian options require advance notice)
• Guided pacing every 30–40 minutes, so you’re not rushed between viewpoints
• Max 8 travelers, keeping the feel more personal than big group tours

How the North Route safari works, start to finish

This is an eight-hour day trip that runs from 8:30 am with pickup from selected hotels in North Rhodes. You’ll travel in a special-equipped 4×4 jeep (7 or 9 seats, depending on the vehicle) driven by multi-language escort drivers, with pickup and drop-off handled for you. That matters because the North Route is scattered, and driving yourself would mean extra planning, parking stress, and less time at the places you came for.

The pace is built around comfort and photos without turning into a constant hustle. The day includes guided stops every 30–40 minutes, which gives you time to stretch your legs, take pictures, and actually enjoy where you are. You’ll also have time for refreshments (coffee/tea) and a proper lunch, not just snacks.

Group size is capped at 8 travelers, so the experience doesn’t feel like you’re fighting for space. Even better, the guides don’t just point—you get stories and context while you’re moving. The route is also set up for variety: you start in the east side around Kolimbia, then work across toward the west via Kritinia, following a loop that keeps you seeing different parts of northern Rhodes.

Keep in mind that the operator reserves the right to make minor changes if weather gets unfavorable. That’s not unusual for an off-road style day, and it’s usually the difference between going out safely or staying flexible.

Kolimbia: coffee break plus the first off-road switch

The day starts by heading from central Rhodes toward the east side and Kolimbia village. Before the real adventure begins, you’ll get familiar with the area and settle in with a traditional village coffee or tea stop. For me, this is a smart way to start: you’re not immediately bouncing over terrain before you’ve woken up and met your group.

After that morning pause, the adventure part kicks in with a route tied to a German and Italian war history path. You’ll pass through small villages, monasteries, and chapels, with your driver-escort providing historical information and notes on local lifestyle as you go. Even if you’re not a history fanatic, it helps you read what you’re seeing. Rhodes has layers, and the North Route includes locations that look ordinary at first—until someone explains why they matter.

Then comes the best part for most people: the hidden off-road paths. This is where the Land Rover Safari earns its name. Dense vegetation, narrow tracks, and hard-to-reach corners mean you don’t just see Rhodes—you get to experience the access Rhodes offers when you’re off the main roads.

What to watch for: the day is not about one big stop where you stay for hours. Kolimbia is the launch point, setting the tone for the rest of the drive and the kinds of views you’ll collect along the way.

The ride across Northern and East Rhodes: history in motion

Between Kolimbia and Kritinia, the tour keeps moving, but not randomly. The route is framed as a North Route circuit, and your driver-escort uses the time in the jeep to connect what you see with the bigger story of the island. That’s valuable because it turns the drive into something you learn from, even during transitions.

You’ll be traveling along a mix of paved roads and more adventurous off-road segments. Practically, that means you should plan for a day where you’re seated on and off-road for much of the morning and early afternoon. It’s not a problem if you’re comfortable in a vehicle, but it’s a reason to pack like you’re going outdoors—sun protection, a camera ready, and comfortable shoes for village walking.

The “war route” angle also adds a layer that you won’t get on a beach-only day. You’ll pass through places connected to the region’s historic conflicts, and the monasteries/chapels add a different angle—religion, community, and how those sites sit within daily life. That combination is one of the most praised aspects of this kind of safari day: it’s not just scenery, it’s context.

If you’re the type who likes to understand what you’re seeing, this part of the tour is the payoff. And if you’re mainly there for photos, you’ll still benefit—because the driver-escort helps you know where to look and when.

Kritinia: lunch in a village square (with a shady pause)

After traveling east to west across northern Rhodes, you reach Kritinia, a small traditional village. This is where your day’s main meal lands: lunch at a local tavern in the village square under plane trees. The shade matters, especially on warmer days, because you’re not just eating—you’re taking a break in a real village setting.

The lunch includes traditional food, and wine is included. Just as important for value: this isn’t a “grab-and-go” meal. You get a proper sit-down break after the off-road and village stops, so the afternoon doesn’t feel like a repeat of the morning.

There’s also a practical note if food matters to you. Vegetarian alternatives and allergy accommodations require information upon reservation. If you need special options, don’t leave it to chance—send the details when booking so the operator can try to arrange a suitable alternative.

After lunch, the plan is straightforward: you continue back via an easy asphalt route and return toward the hotels. That makes Kritinia a good transition point between “adventure hours” and “relax and head home.”

What makes the off-road style worth it (and what to pack)

A Land Rover Safari isn’t just about transportation. It’s about access. The tour is designed to reach off-road hard-to-reach places that normal cars can struggle with. That means you’re more likely to see quiet corners, narrow tracks, and photo-worthy overlooks without having to earn every mile on foot.

The jeep setup is part of the experience. You’ll ride in 4×4 vehicles with driver-escorts in a group format (and a max group size of 8 travelers). The vehicles are described as special-equipped and seating is either 7 or 9, which suggests a more hands-on, guided feel than a large bus tour.

What I’d bring for a comfortable day:

• Camera and/or phone with a charged battery (the viewpoints are a big part of why you book)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Comfortable shoes for uneven village paths
• Water if you like to manage your own supply, since drinks are not listed as included
• In spring and autumn, bring a jacket because conditions can shift

Also note: drinks aren’t included (but wine with lunch is included). If you’re the type who drinks more than a glass at lunch, plan to cover extras on your own.

Price and value: what $136.04 gets you in Rhodes

At $136.04 per person for about 8 hours, this is best seen as a package price for three things that add up fast if you do them yourself: guided off-road transportation, a catered lunch experience, and hotel convenience.

If you tried to replicate it on your own, you’d need a plan for:

• Getting around North Rhodes with a vehicle that can handle off-road segments
• Time for route research and figuring out where the best stops are
• Booking lunch at the right moment and negotiating meal needs like vegetarian options

Here, those pieces are bundled. You get hotel pickup/drop-off, a driver-escort for on-the-ground guidance, and an included lunch with wine. Liability insurance and local taxes are also included, which is a small detail you’ll appreciate when you’re not thinking about paperwork.

The max group size of 8 helps value too. More personal service often means fewer “wait for everyone” moments and more time spent where the driver thinks the views and stories make sense.

Bottom line: if you want a guided day that mixes off-road access with a real sit-down meal, the price feels fair for the time and the included lunch. If you mainly want a beach day or you’d rather explore solo without a set schedule, you might prefer a different Rhodes plan.

Who this tour suits best

This safari works well for a wide range of travelers because the itinerary is paced with regular stops and professional escort guidance. It’s ideal if you’re:

• Looking for an experience beyond the usual Rhodes sightseeing
• Traveling as a couple, a single traveler, or with friends who like small groups
• A family with older children who can handle a full day and off-road riding
• A company or group looking for a fun, structured day out

It also tends to fit youth groups well because it’s active, social, and different from typical island tours. And because the drivers provide info in multiple languages (English is offered), it’s easier to settle in even if you’re not traveling with a large group.

One more practical fit note: since infants are not allowed and children must be accompanied by an adult, double-check your ages before you book. For most other travelers, participation is described as doable.

Should you book the Land Rover Safari on Rhodes North Route?

Book it if you want:

• Off-road access to places you’d struggle to reach on your own
• A guided day that combines history, villages, monasteries/chapels, and viewpoints
• A small group experience (max 8) with hotel pickup/drop-off
• A real lunch moment in a village square, with wine included

Skip it if:

• You prefer a slow, self-paced day where you don’t commit to fixed timing
• You’re traveling with an infant (this one doesn’t include them)
• You’re not comfortable with a day of travel plus some walking in village areas

If your ideal Rhodes day includes getting out past the main routes and collecting stories along with photos, this Land Rover North Route safari is a strong choice.

FAQ

What time does the Rhodes North Route safari start?

It starts at 8:30 am.

Where do pickups happen for this tour?

Pickup is offered from selected hotels in North Rhodes.

How long is the Land Rover safari?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What are the main stops on the route?

You’ll visit Kolimbia and Kritinia, with coffee/tea early and lunch in Kritinia.

Is lunch included, and is wine included?

Yes. Lunch with traditional food is included, and wine is included with the meal. Drinks are not listed as included beyond that.

What about dietary needs like vegetarian meals or allergies?

Vegetarian alternatives and food allergy needs require information upon reservation so the operator can try to arrange suitable options.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English, and escort drivers are described as multi-language.

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