National Geographic Day Tour: The Fascinating World of Bees
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Port
Rhodes, Greece
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$149.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Discover why honeybees are among the most important living organisms on the planet. Uncover eye-opening ecological facts, sample local honey varieties, and try your hand at honey extraction. You'll even visit an active apiary to explore a buzzing bee colony.
Your introduction to this fascinating world begins at the Bee Museum of Rhodes. Immerse yourself in a variety of interactive exhibits and satisfy your curiosity as a local National Geographic guide leads you through the history of beekeeping in the South Aegean islands. Watch bustling beehive life through transparent observation hives and discover intriguing facts about pollination and apitherapy -- the medicinal use of bee products. You'll also learn various simple ways to protect these creatures so crucial to our planet's ecosystem.
Then, follow your guide to a private seminar room, where you'll take part in a hands-on honey extraction simulation. Practice professional techniques like honeycomb scratching and use tools, such as manual extractors, to fill empty jars. Sample and savor local honey offerings, which feature complex varieties such as pine, thyme and erica. Plus, try the famous Melekouni -- a traditional sweet snack from Rhodes.
After the tasting, walk next door to an active apiary, where you'll wear a protective suit and examine an open hive with an experienced beekeeper. Surrounded by happy buzzing, you'll learn about important tools, such as frames, smokers, and scrapers, as well as gain a practical understanding of how bee colonies are organized.
Head back to the port with a new understanding of the humble honeybee, our planet's ecosystem, and what you can do to protect it.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses, wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. This tour does not operate on Sunday.