Our next objective in Rhodes Old Town is the Bell Tower. Admission to the tower (which provides some extensive views over the city) includes a drink in a bar area. Jeanette has a Campari, David a coke.

 

Next, we return to the shopping area where Jeanette had spotted an interesting shoe store. Here she is able to purchase a pair of gold sandals - the hand-made shoes have been produced on this site by the third generation of cobblers to work from the shop.

We have a straightforward drive back to the hotel where we relax before having another enjoyable evening meal.

 

The following day (Day 7) we explore the hotel and its grounds, and also explore the bay where the hotel is located. Another very hot, cloudless day.

 

Day 8: a very early start to be picked up by a coach that takes us to the harbour in Rhodes - from there we catch the 8:30am ferry to the island of Symi.

The ferry's route takes us close to the coast of Turkey.

On reaching Symi, (after a brief stop to unload some vehicles in Symi Town - below) we first disembark (almost three hours after leaving Rhodes) at the 18th-Century Sacred Monastery of Saint Michael the Archangel. The monastery features some elaborate frescoes, mainly viewed by walking straight through the church where they are located. As the church is very crowded, we return later, when it is quieter, so as to have more time to appreciate them. We are here for just over an hour, giving us time to explore the various buildings and to consume apple pies and cokes.