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Rhodes & Lindos, Greece

The ancient 13^th century city of Rhodes on the island of the same name was constructed by the Knights of St. John. Site of the ancient Colossos of Rodos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Rhodes is one of the most visited islands in Greece, drawing 800,000 people a year. Many visitors come for the day from the nearby coast of Turkey as well. 

In the main port called Rhodes, visitors can stroll within the shadows of the huge stone walls of the Old Town with its winding alleys to see towers, turrets and the medieval houses where the knights lived. For fine dining, Mythos (30 224 403 1300) is often cited as offering the best Greek food on the island. It's also known for its Italian and vegetarian dishes and is open late as well. 

Don't miss the half-day excursion to Lindos, a coastal village with a restored Acropolis (temple) of Lindos on a steep precipice 400 feet above the sea. From this white-washed temple, visitors can see panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Lindos' small, narrow lanes filled with lace shops and small villas to rent are also very picturesque. Children are sure to enjoy a dip in the Aegean from one of the many seafood tavernas that line the white sand beach below the hilltop village. 

Patmos, Greece

Visitors to this rocky and barren island of only a few thousand residents will not find a lot of attraction options. But most will want to take a short drive to the hilltop village of Chora to find the 900-year-old monastery of St. John built within the walls of a strong stone fortification.

Note that Patmos is not a suitable shore excursion for anyone with walking difficulties, but going down the steps to the Grotto of the Apocalypse reveals artifacts from the time St. John wrote the Biblical Book of the Revelation while hiding out from the Romans who later killed him. 

Presumably because of its religious background and the strong influence of the monastery on the islanders, Patmos has only a few bars and restaurants. Some of them are certainly innovative, however, catering to both visitors and the chic resident ex-pat crowd. The beachside Vegghera Restaurant (30 224 703 2988) overlooking the port is one. This highly-praised restaurant specializes in both French and creative Mediterranean cuisine with unusual dishes such as Salmon smoked lightly in rose sticks, and spaghetti lobster.