Rhodes: Discover the Medieval City on a Segway

REVIEW · RHODES

Rhodes: Discover the Medieval City on a Segway

  • 4.9159 reviews
  • 2 hours
  • From $76
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Operated by Rhodes by Segway · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Segway time through Rhodes Old Town feels unreal. I love how quickly you cover the hard-to-walk medieval streets, especially around the Medieval Moat, and I love hitting the big sights like the Street of the Knights without waiting in the crush. The whole loop feels like you’re reading the island’s layers in order—stone, fortifications, then the Aegean breeze.

The only real consideration: you need basic balance and comfort riding a Segway in narrow, busy lanes. If you’re not used to tight turns or steady posture, the early training matters, and the cobbles can make it feel more intense than a flat path.

Key points before you go

  • Small group (max 8) keeps the ride calm and personal
  • Newer Segway I2 equipment with 2 or 4 wheels for different comfort levels
  • Photo stops built in, and your guide can take pictures for you
  • Medieval Moat ride time is a major chunk of the tour
  • Street-of-the-Knights and Grand Master Palace get prime coverage without long walks
  • Mandraki harbor views tie the old fortress to Rhodes’ modern seaside

Rhodes Old Town by Segway: why this 2-hour loop feels worth it

Rhodes: Discover the Medieval City on a Segway - Rhodes Old Town by Segway: why this 2-hour loop feels worth it
If your Rhodes plan is mostly Old Town photos and ticket lines, this tour gives you a faster, more playful way to see the same geography—plus parts you might skip on foot. You’re not just moving from one landmark to the next. You’re traveling through the medieval layout, where streets squeeze tight and the buildings crowd close.

The tour is priced at $76 per person for 2 hours, which is pretty reasonable when you factor in what’s included: the Segway itself (I2), a helmet, orientation, and safety briefing, plus a guided route with multiple stops. You’re also paying for efficiency. In Old Town, 2 extra minutes walking becomes 20 minutes of friction—stairs, cobbles, and trying to find your way with a map while other people bump your elbows.

You also get a small-group format. With a maximum of 8 participants, the guide can slow down where it matters and speed up where it’s safe. That’s a big deal on a ride that includes turning through narrow streets and stopping at viewpoints.

Meeting at 37 Ippodamou Street and getting your bearings fast

Rhodes: Discover the Medieval City on a Segway - Meeting at 37 Ippodamou Street and getting your bearings fast
You meet at the partner’s office at 37 Ippodamou Street. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to build in a little buffer to find the address and arrive a few minutes early.

Before you start, you’ll get an orientation session and full safety briefing, plus the helmet. The tour’s designed for beginners, and the guides are known for being patient during the learning phase. More than once, I saw that the guide takes time to explain how to ride so you’re not white-knuckling the steering wheel by the time you roll out.

Practical stuff that makes a real difference:

  • Bring comfortable shoes (no high heels)
  • Bring sunscreen since Rhodes sun can be strong
  • Avoid luggage or large bags—you won’t want extra bulk on a Segway ride

Also, this isn’t for people who need mobility aids or who can’t handle balance demands. You’re expected to have a basic level of fitness, and you’ll be riding for long enough that comfort matters.

You can also read our reviews of more city tours in Rhodes

Palace of the Grand Masters and Street of the Knights: the medieval core on wheels

Rhodes: Discover the Medieval City on a Segway - Palace of the Grand Masters and Street of the Knights: the medieval core on wheels
Your first big sight is the Palace of the Grand Masters. This is one of Rhodes’ defining monuments, and seeing it from Segway speed does something walking can’t: it keeps you in motion around the fortress atmosphere. You get those sharp angles and scale cues without the fatigue that comes from doing too much standing and stair-climbing.

From there, you ride toward the Street of the Knights. This is the part of Old Town that turns history into a walkable picture book—medieval architecture, the feeling of ceremonial space, and the narrow lanes that shape how people moved in and out of power centers.

You’ll stop for photos along the way, and you can lean on the guide for picture-taking. That’s a small luxury in a place where everyone is holding a phone and trying to get out of the crowd’s way. If you don’t have a camera, your guide can take photos and send them after the tour at no extra charge.

One thing I like about this style of route: you’re guided to look at details. In a city like Rhodes, a landmark is one thing. The street-level story is another. The route pushes you to notice that difference.

Narrow alleys and real Rhodes rhythms between landmarks

Rhodes: Discover the Medieval City on a Segway - Narrow alleys and real Rhodes rhythms between landmarks
Old Town isn’t just monuments. It’s lived-in medieval space: corners where locals sit in the shade, shopfronts with regular customers, and lanes that feel like they were made for slow movement and quick turns.

That’s where the Segway shines. Walking through the alley grid can be slow and tiring, and it’s easy to start rushing and miss what’s right beside you. On the Segway, you can move with control—enough speed to cover ground, enough precision to stop for a viewpoint and actually look.

Some guides also help you connect the dots culturally, not only historically. I particularly like how at least one guide gave helpful local direction after the tour—like a dinner recommendation—because it turns the excursion into part of your Rhodes day, not just a standalone activity.

There’s also a photo rhythm built in: short photo stops, then back on the route. That keeps the tour from feeling like a long museum lecture. You’re seeing the city and processing it at the same time.

Riding the Medieval Moat and fortifications: the most memorable track time

Rhodes: Discover the Medieval City on a Segway - Riding the Medieval Moat and fortifications: the most memorable track time
If you’re deciding between this and other Old Town options, the Medieval Moat ride is the reason to choose Segway here. You get dedicated ride time through the moat area and around fortifications, which changes the whole feel of the tour.

Instead of staying in the tightest lanes, the route opens your view. You can see more of how Rhodes defended itself—walls, structure, and the way the city’s geography supports the defenses. One ride report emphasized how the route took people inside the moat area and around the walls, including battlements. Even if you’ve seen fortresses in other Mediterranean cities, Rhodes has a specific vibe, and the moat ride helps you understand it.

This section also tends to be where first-timers relax. By the time you reach the moat, you’ve learned enough to focus on the scenery. And because the tour keeps group sizes small, you’re less likely to feel like you’re dodging other beginners.

The tradeoff is that this area still involves turning and careful riding. You’ll want to listen closely during the instruction and follow the guide’s cues. That’s how you get the fun part—without drama.

Mandraki harbor, windmills, and Lighthouse of Saint Nicholas views

Rhodes: Discover the Medieval City on a Segway - Mandraki harbor, windmills, and Lighthouse of Saint Nicholas views
After the medieval core, the tour shifts toward the modern seaside area. You’ll feel the Aegean breeze, and the pace becomes more scenic than claustrophobic.

The route includes famous views like windmills, plus a stop at the Lighthouse of Saint Nicholas, positioned at the entrance to Mandraki harbor. That contrast matters. Rhodes’ Old Town can make the world feel stone-heavy. Then the harbor opens the scene—water, sky, and a cleaner line of sight for photos.

This is also a good segment for people who prefer sightseeing to storytelling. Even if you’re not a full-on history nerd, you can enjoy the views as they come, then return to the medieval streets with better context.

If you’re traveling in warmer months, this is where you’ll appreciate the planning around pacing. A later start can mean less heat pressure, and one group noted they did a 5 pm departure to avoid peak sun.

Guide personalities: why the best part is often the human touch

Rhodes: Discover the Medieval City on a Segway - Guide personalities: why the best part is often the human touch
A Segway tour lives or dies on the guide. Here, the guide experience seems consistently strong, with multiple guides called out by name: Bill, Vasilis, George, Nikos, Nicos, and Amalia. The common thread is patience and clear instruction, especially for people who had never ridden before.

I also like that guides don’t treat the tour like a checklist. They tend to adjust based on your comfort level and focus on making sure you can ride confidently before expanding into tougher turns or tighter lanes. That matters because Old Town is not a theme park path.

Photo help is another big part of the experience. Several riders mentioned guides taking photos and videos during the tour, then sharing them afterward. That’s a practical plus if you want souvenirs without balancing a phone while trying to steer.

And yes, some guides add humor and relaxed energy. That’s not just nice. When you’re learning a new motion device, calm communication reduces stress.

Price, Segway equipment, and why small groups actually matter

Rhodes: Discover the Medieval City on a Segway - Price, Segway equipment, and why small groups actually matter
Let’s talk value in plain terms. $76 for 2 hours isn’t cheap, but it’s not unreasonable in a city where guided access and equipment rental both cost money. The value improves when you consider that you’re getting:

  • Segway I2 equipment (with 2 or 4 wheels options)
  • Helmet
  • Orientation and full safety briefing
  • Multiple guided stops, plus time at viewpoints
  • Photo-taking support (with photos sent after)

The small group cap at 8 participants is the part I’d highlight for value. On a larger tour, you’re stuck waiting, and you can lose the Segway advantage—quick movement. Here, you can keep rolling while still stopping enough to see.

Also, the ride is designed to work for mixed experience levels. You’ll still need basic balance and you can’t wear high heels, but you don’t need prior Segway time. Guides are used to beginners.

Timing, pacing, and how the route handles crowds

Rhodes: Discover the Medieval City on a Segway - Timing, pacing, and how the route handles crowds
Rhodes Old Town can get crowded, and this tour doesn’t pretend it’s empty. It’s an outdoor experience in a historic center where crowds affect movement. One downside that came up is that the tour can feel start-stop, especially through busy zones where progress becomes slower than you might expect.

Some people also wished for more time with richer historical explanation, since the stops can sometimes feel more about convenience than deep detail. That doesn’t mean there’s no information—just that the emphasis may vary by guide and by where the group needs to move efficiently.

Here’s how I’d plan around that if you’re sensitive to crowds:

  • If you can, pick a time that avoids the hottest, most packed hours.
  • Expect short photo windows rather than long wandering.
  • Treat the ride as a way to see a lot of Old Town structure first, then do a deeper independent walk later if you want.

The upside is you still get a full route that ties together major landmarks and the moat area, plus a harbor segment that gives you fresh air.

Who should book Rhodes by Segway (and who should skip it)

Rhodes: Discover the Medieval City on a Segway - Who should book Rhodes by Segway (and who should skip it)
This tour is a strong match if you:

  • Want to see more of Rhodes Old Town than you could comfortably do on foot
  • Prefer guided structure with time for photos
  • Feel good about short bursts of riding and turning on cobbled surfaces
  • Like the idea of learning a new way to move through a historic zone

It’s also a good option for families and groups with mixed ages, since some riders specifically mentioned teens who weren’t excited about walking tours finding it more fun.

You should skip it if you’re in the categories listed as not suitable:

  • Pregnant women
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People over 264 lbs (120 kg)

And if you’re thinking about footwear or bags, follow the rules: no high-heeled shoes, and avoid luggage or large bags.

Should you book Rhodes by Segway?

Yes, I’d book it if your Rhodes priorities include Old Town landmarks, fortifications, and harbor views—while staying realistic about time and energy. The combination of small-group instruction, a route that covers the medieval core plus the moat, and built-in photo help makes this a practical way to get a memorable Rhodes snapshot without spending your vacation dragging your feet on cobblestones.

I’d hesitate if you strongly want a slow, deep walking tour with lots of long stops for historical storytelling. This is a ride-based experience, so you’ll get movement, quick looks, and photo windows, not an all-day slow amble.

If you’re flexible and you want a fresh way to experience Rhodes, this is a very good choice. Choose a departure time that fits the heat and crowds, wear comfy shoes, and plan to enjoy the ride as much as the scenery.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes medieval city Segway tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the local partner’s office at 37 Ippodamou Street.

What’s the group size limit?

The experience is limited to a maximum of 8 participants.

What language is the live guide?

The live tour guide speaks English and Greek.

Do I need to know how to ride a Segway before I go?

No. You’ll have an orientation session and a full safety briefing before you start.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the Segway I2, a helmet, an orientation session, and a full safety briefing.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup and drop-off is not included.

What should I bring, and what should I avoid?

Bring comfortable shoes and sunscreen. Avoid high-heeled shoes and don’t bring luggage or large bags.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or people over 264 lbs (120 kg). You should also have a basic level of fitness.

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