rhodes scholar tours 2023

Introducing the Rhodes Scholar class of 2023

The Rhodes Trust is delighted to announce its Rhodes Scholar class of 2023, who plan to start their studies at the University of Oxford in the autumn of 2023.

The class of 104 exceptional young people selected for the world’s oldest, and pre-eminent post-graduate scholarship programme are submitting applications to the university . They intend to pursue 71 different courses, from Energy Systems and Theoretical Physics through to English and Art History.

Scholars-Elect this year come from 31 different countries and speak 40 languages, highlighting the diversity and global reach of the Rhodes Scholarship, which brings future leaders together from across the world to foster international understanding and cross-border friendships.

The class of 2023 come to Oxford from undergraduate studies at 77 institutions in 25 countries. A majority are women. These outstanding young people will come to study for postgraduate degrees for two or more years at the University of Oxford, the world’s number one ranked higher education institution. They include, doctors, lawyers, astrophysicists, serving military personnel, social scientists, chemists, and data scientists. The courses they aim to study range from attempts to understand and combat misinformation to climate policy, medical advances and neuroscience.

The diversity of thinking represented by Rhodes Scholars is illustrated by just some of the Scholars-Elect selected from our constituencies across the world.

Dorcas Tuitoek

Dorcas Tuitoek from Kenya is a graduate chemical engineer currently working at Deloitte East Africa in the Risk Advisory Department as a business analyst. Dorcas, a graduate of the Technical University of Kenya, is passionate about energy, sustainability, and environmental management. At Oxford, she hopes to study systems engineering and do research on decarbonization technologies.

Marah Grace Chibwana

Marah Grace Chibwana is a doctor trained at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in her home country of Malawi who also holds an MSc from Oxford University. She is passionate about training the next generation of scientists; she runs a science club and mentors young people in her country to pursue careers in science. As a Rhodes Scholar she aims to undertake a doctorate to increase our understanding of immune cells during inflammation.

James Leigh

James Leigh, selected from our Australia-At-Large constituency, is a doctor with a strong interest in equitable healthcare for patients in rural and isolated areas. Graduating from Curtin Medical School in Perth, he plans to research digital health technology to shorten the length of hospital stay after surgery, and thereby reduce isolation of rural patients during this vulnerable period

Nuzaina Faisal Khan

Nuzaina Faisal Khan, from Pakistan, aims to research how misinformation is spread, in order to develop stronger internet governance in her country and around the world. Nuzaina, who double majors in economics and psychology at Wellesley College outside Boston, has also worked at MIT’s Human Cooperation Lab, and is currently writing her senior thesis on how already existing biases play out online and affect belief formation.

They will be among the first cohort to experience the renovated and expanded Rhodes House in Oxford, which reopens this year as a state-of-the-art conferencing and convening centre. A full list of Scholars-Elect and biographies of Rhodes Scholars currently studying at Oxford is available online .

The announcement comes after months of virtual and in-person selection meetings and interviews involving hundreds of volunteers around the world. Rhodes Scholars are chosen entirely on merit after a rigorous selection process including review of application essays and transcripts, recommendations from professors, and panel interviews.

Dr Elizabeth Kiss, Warden of Rhodes House and CEO of the Rhodes Trust, said: “We are so excited to welcome our class of 2023 Scholars. These amazing young people have impressed our selectors with their intellectual ability and their commitment to building a better world. The diversity of countries and institutions in this class is testament to our dedicated volunteer selectors and their commitment to choosing candidates on merit from the widest possible pool of applicants. The range of courses and disciplines Scholars-elect wish to study is tremendous. What unites them, is a huge energy and a restless desire to change things for the better. When people come together from different backgrounds and perspectives with that shared spirit, exciting things happen.

To those who were not successful I say: you have impressed us with your tenacity and willingness to aim high. Don’t forget the things which spurred you to apply, and I hope this experience will build your skills and help you achieve great success.”

Read biographies of our Scholars and Scholars-Elect

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Email

Connect with Rhodes

• Rhodes Network

Subscribe to our newsletter

The World Needs Road Scholar

Connecting, Bridging, Sharing and Learning

Creative Ways to Make a Major Impact

Gifts that cost you nothing now

Gifts that pay you income

Gifts that reduce your taxes

Gifts that make an impact now

Endow a Fund or Named Scholarship

Complimentary planning resources are just a click away!

Your giving toolkit.

Donor Advised Funds

Sample Language For Your Will

Sample Beneficiary Designation

Sample Codicil

For Trustees and Advisors

Need assistance we’re here to help.

Director, Planned and Major Giving

Road Scholar 877-737-0664 [email protected]

How is this information used?

At Road Scholar | PO Box 56033, Boston, MA 02205-6033, we are so appreciative of the support we receive from donors, volunteers, advocates, partners, and others like you. That is why we are committed to protecting your privacy and take steps to keep any personal information you provide confidential.

You were invited to take this survey because we value your trust and confidence and sincerely would like to understand your preferences, interests, and wishes so we can be more sensitive to them.

By answering these survey questions, you will help us:

• Reduce the amount of communications we send you;
• Lessen our environmental impact together;
• Improve the relevance of the information we send you.

As a whole, your answers will help us become better stewards of donation dollars as a result of time savings and reduction of printing, mailing, and postage costs.

Going forward, we will make our best attempts to use the information you provide in this survey to adjust the content of the communications we send you and the frequency with which you receive them.

Please remember, you can always review our complete privacy policy and you may opt-out of receiving communications from us at any time.

Thank you so much for your time, interest, and commitment to Road Scholar | PO Box 56033, Boston, MA 02205-6033.

You can read more about our privacy policy here.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

• Prospective Cadets
• Faculty & Staff

West Point Cadets Named Rhodes Scholars

By West Point Public Affairs

WEST POINT, N.Y. – Two U.S. Military Academy cadets were among the 32  U.S. Rhodes Scholarship  awardees named Sunday, Nov. 12. Class of 2024 Cadets Fahad Abdulrazzaq and Isabella Sullivan will study at the University of Oxford in the fall of 2024.

“Congratulations to Fahad and Isabella on becoming Rhodes Scholars. I am inspired by their success at the academy, supported by a strong team of mentors,” said Dean of the Academic Board, Brig. Gen. Shane Reeves. “I look forward to seeing the impact studying as a Rhodes Scholar will have on realizing their vision for the future in the Army and beyond.”

This is the fourth consecutive year that West Point cadets have earned multiple Rhodes Scholarships. Since 1923, West Point has had 104 Rhodes Scholars, ranking it fourth amongst the top recipients in the country.

About the Recipients:  

Cadet Fahad Abdulrazzaq is an American immigrant from Woodbridge, Virginia, who was born and raised during the war in Baghdad, Iraq in the early 2000’s. Inspired by his childhood experiences, Abdulrazzaq is an International Affairs major with a focus in Middle Eastern conflicts. He is a Stamps scholar, Yale/USMA Peace and Dialogue Leadership Initiative Fellow, and has served as a Pentagon intern in the Joint Chiefs of Staff office. Over the summer, Abdulrazzaq commanded the Summer Garrison Regiment, overseeing the accountability and safety of all USMA cadets. He currently serves as a Regimental Commander, directing a 30-person staff and overseeing 1,100 other cadets. His goal is to foster a leadership development environment through teamwork initiatives. As an athlete, Abdulrazzaq is a squad leader and an accomplished boxer for West Point’s national championship boxing team. As a Rhodes Scholar, Abdulrazzaq will   use his intellectual curiosity, leadership abilities, and fighting attitude to pursue higher education in International Policy. He wishes to become a Military Intelligence officer and pursue work in special operations throughout his time in service.

"As I’m surrounded by a tremendous amount of love from my community of family, friends, and mentors, I’m reminded of my purpose - to fight. The Rhodes Scholarship is a community of global leaders and I hope to grow with them in order to become a stronger fighter for my communities and my teammates. This honor has proven to me that no journey is ever alone. The impact we can make is reliant on teams being ready for the next challenge. At Oxford, I hope to study International Policy and impacts on refugees and forced migration."

Cadet Isabella Sullivan is an International History major and two-time captain of the Army Women’s Volleyball Team from San Antonio, Texas. In high school, Sullivan had the opportunity to teach in her school’s adjoining preschool where she helped run youth development and cultural and character education. This experience piqued her interest in how leaders impact their communities. She continued to follow her passion for character-focused education at West Point, developing the Cultural Competency Thread as a freshman. This thread is an interdisciplinary academic program intended to foster cadets’ understanding of how cultures impact organizations and how cultural competency is a leadership asset. Her research in the history department also explores how leaders impact cultural division within their respective communities. Sullivan has also held important roles in the Corps of Cadets. Over the summer, she served as the Regimental Commander for Cadet Basic Training, leading the program that transformed 1,258 incoming students into West Point cadets. Presently, she is the Deputy Brigade Commander, the second-highest ranking cadet in the Corps. She oversees operations across a 12-person staff and fosters the academic, physical, military, and character development of 4,400 cadets. She hopes to serve as a Medical Service Officer, where she would continue to lead soldiers and move her larger organization forward as the primary medical administrator. As a Rhodes Scholar, Sullivan will study Public Policy and Education to better understand how and where leaders can inject character and leadership development to bridge cultural divides within communities around the globe.

"The Rhodes Scholarship is an incredible opportunity to continue serving and empowering younger generations in hopes that they will leave their communities improved. This award is an honor, and I'm greatly appreciative of those who paved the way before me and for those who have shaped my journey as a scholar, athlete, and future officer."

About West Point   

The U. S. Military Academy at West Point is a four-year, co-educational, federal, liberal arts college located 50 miles north of New York City. It was founded in 1802 as America's first college of engineering and continues today as the world's premier leader-development institutions, consistently ranked among top colleges in the country. Its mission remains constant—to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the U. S. Army. 

For more information, go to  www.westpoint.edu .   

MEDIA CONTACT

845-938-2006

[email protected]

Featured Topics

Featured series.

A series of random questions answered by Harvard experts.

Explore the Gazette

Read the latest.

Co-chairs of task forces share updates on community engagement

For all the other Willie Jacks

Herbert Chanoch Kelman, 94

From left top row Isabella B. Cho and Mira-Rose Kingsbury Lee; second row, Asmer Asrar Safi, Xavier Morales, Lucy Tu, Lyndsey Mugford; third row, Aishani Aatresh, Suhaas Bhat, Benjamin Chang, Eleanor Wikstrom.

Photos by Jon Chase, Stephanie Mitchell, Niles Singer, Kris Snibbe/Harvard Staff; photo illustration by Judy Blomquist/Harvard Staff

‘I got very lightheaded because it was just so surreal’

Christy DeSmith & Nikki Rojas

Harvard Staff Writers

10 seniors win Rhodes Scholarships, plan to work on neuroscience and climate change, reproductive legislation and international medicine

Everyone was friendly and supportive, but it’s safe to say the process was pretty tense.

Over the past month, 10 Harvard seniors learned they had won Rhodes Scholarships for 2024. All will begin graduate studies at the University of Oxford next fall, pursuing interests as varied as reproductive legislation, university leadership, and neuroscience.

Each of the winners returned to their home regions for interviews and the big reveal with fellow finalists. “They keep you in a room all day with the other candidates, and then they come out at the end to announce the winners,” recalled Suhaas Bhat , a native of Marshfield, Wisconsin, who plans to pursue master’s degrees in mathematical modeling and tropical health and international medicine.

Bhat founded Harvard Undergrad Group Peer Therapy following the COVID pandemic to treat depression, anxiety, and isolation. The 22-year-old is penning his senior thesis on the way that AI changes how people think about psychotherapy. Ultimately, he hopes to work in the medical field.

Lyndsey Mugford and Mira-Rose Kingsbury Lee have worked together at Hasty Pudding Theatricals and were standing next to each other in the waiting room when the winners were announced. “It is just a tremendous honor. It was really wonderful to win the scholarship along with Lyndsey,” Lee said.

Mugford said she was still processing Lee’s win when they called her name. “I got very lightheaded because it was just so surreal,” she recalled. “Now that I’ve regained my footing a little bit, I’m just so grateful to have the opportunity to be able to continue my studies at Oxford and continue working on projects and causes that I really care about.”

The two Cambridge residents both hope to continue theatrical pursuits at Oxford, but will follow different academic paths. Lee will pursue interdisciplinary bioscience, with a particular interest in microbial approaches to climate change. Mugford, a human developmental and regenerative biology concentrator, hopes to study clinical and therapeutic neuroscience. She is interested in researching regenerative therapies for peripheral neuropathy, within the context of chronic pain and age-related pain.

For much of her time at Harvard, Lucy Tu , a double concentrator in sociology and history of science, studied obesity and inequities around correctional healthcare. But her work as a freelance science writer eventually sparked new interest in the changed landscape around reproductive healthcare services after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe decision guaranteeing the right to an abortion. The Winthrop House resident and native of Omaha, Nebraska, recalled hearing “a lot of very alarming things about misinformation” being passed along in clinical settings.

That turned her focus to studying how cultural, scientific, and legal knowledge intersect to shape healthcare decisions and outcomes. Her senior thesis explores how providers from across the ideological spectrum invoke scientific evidence while counseling patients on abortion. At Oxford, Tu plans to build on this research, perhaps turning it into a book, while pursuing a master’s in socio-legal research and another in comparative social policy.

Devoted to both science and engineering, Benjamin Chang has pursued concentrations in chemical and physical biology and computer science. The Irvine, California, native worked on gene circuits for mammalian adaptation in a lab run by MIT Professor Jim Collins (a former Rhodes Scholar himself, Chang noted). The ultimate goal, he wrote in an email, was using machine learning “to better engineer and understand biology.”

At Oxford, the Adams House resident plans to pursue research in engineering science. “I aspire to use synthetic biology to unlock the power and abundance of nature,” he said.

Aishani Aatresh grew up in Silicon Valley and worked at a biotech startup in high school. That experience opened her eyes to the limitations of venture capital in incentivizing work on infectious diseases. By the time she landed at Harvard, Aatresh knew she wanted to study how knowledge and action are deployed in times of crisis. “But nothing at Harvard in existing departments and concentrations was going to allow me to probe these kinds of questions about innovation and governance and contemporary societies,” explained the Leverett House resident.

Aatresh went on to design her own concentration in complex biosocial systems, making the Kennedy School’s program on Science, Technology and Society her “intellectual home.” At Oxford, she will build on that public health foundation by pursuing a master’s in nature, society, and environmental governance. “What I’d like to do is understand and help address some of these barriers to global cooperation by conducting comparative research on climate and pandemics,” she said, noting the urgency of this problem. “A lot of research is saying that climate change is going to accelerate the rate at which pandemics occur.”

Xavier Morales , from San Juan, Puerto Rico, is looking forward to taking his love of science fiction to Oxford, where he plans to study philosophy. Morales believes sci-fi can provide “a real, tangible way of understanding deep philosophical problems.”

Morales pursued an interdisciplinary approach to philosophy as an undergraduate, taking classes in physics, psychology, and music. “All of those fields are incredibly important to address some of the most pressing issues that society has, but I also think it’s really important that we have a clear vision about the values that we care about as a society and in order to organize people around that common goal,” he said. “I see philosophy as being able to serve as our compass as we address some of these huge issues.”

Eleanor Wikstrom , a social studies concentrator with a secondary in mind, brain, behavior from Oakland, California, also hopes to answer and contextualize important questions. Wikstrom’s thesis research focuses on the English-only system of education implemented under U.S. colonial rule in the Philippines at the turn of the 20th century.

She hopes to continue her study of colonial history by looking at parallel histories, particularly that of British colonialism in India and Malaysia. Wikstrom will also pursue a second master’s in U.S. history to look into how U.S. expansion to the Philippines was informed by earlier projects of settler colonialism on the North American continent.

Asmer Asrar Safi , a native of Lahore, Pakistan, spent his time at Harvard delving into the historic interactions between Islamic and Marxist political thought in South Asia. “I’m interested in learning more about how progressive political messaging can intersect with local and religious epistemologies, particularly in the Global South,” said the social studies concentrator (with a secondary in ethnicity, migration, rights). “A lot of that comes from my own experience organizing with progressive political parties in Pakistan.”

The Leverett House resident relished the opportunity to approach the topic across disciplines, while applying a more academic lens to the social theory texts he grew up reading. He intends to pursue a master’s in intellectual history, focusing on a comparative approach to studying other progressive movements in his home region, both historic and contemporary.

English concentrator Isabella B. Cho , a poet and journalist, spent her time at Harvard grappling with what she views as society’s dismissive attitude toward the humanities, despite the pervasive influence of language, music, and culture on all facets of American life. “This scholarship is special to me because it was a gesture of faith in my capacity to enact change,” she shared. “But far more broadly than that, it’s a statement that the humanities matter.”

Along the way, the Pforzheimer House resident set out to unlock the “interpretive complexities” of language with her own writing, crafting a creative thesis she hopes to turn into her first published volume of poetry. Over the long term, the Wilmette, Illinois, native plans to pursue a degree in world literatures at Oxford.

But first, she plans to make a bit of a pivot, pursuing a master’s degree in education next fall with an emphasis in higher education. Cho, a Crimson journalist, said she has witnessed first-hand how universities have become “punching bags for people on both the left and the right.” She hopes to one day bring all of her skills to bear on the task of being a consequential university administrator, someone who leads from a position of moral clarity.

Share this article

You might like.

Leaders of efforts to combat antisemitism and anti-Muslim and anti-Arab bias describe what they’ve heard so far from members of the Harvard community

‘Reservation Dogs’ star Paulina Alexis offers behind-the-scenes glimpse of hit show, details value of Native representation

Memorial Minute — Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Forget ‘doomers.’ Warming can be stopped, top climate scientist says

Michael Mann points to prehistoric catastrophes, modern environmental victories

Yes, it’s exciting. Just don’t look at the sun.

Lab, telescope specialist details Harvard eclipse-viewing party, offers safety tips

How dating sites automate racism

Sociologist’s new book finds algorithms that suggest partners often reflect stereotypes, biases

• Best of 2022
• How to Spot a Trustworthy Website
• Dating Apps
• Shopping Discount Fashion
• Discount Clothing
• Discount Designer Clothing
• Affordable Wedding Dresses
• Affordable Activewear for Women
• Plus-Size Swimwear
• COVID-19 Resources
• Beauty Home
• Consumer Advocates
• Consumer Tips
• Write a Review
• For Business
• Request a Review
• Discussions
• Backed by the National Science Foundation
• Student Travel
• Road Scholar

Unsolicited

Unsolicited - verified purchase, solicited - verified purchase.

Road Scholar has a rating of 1.85 stars from 113 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Road Scholar most frequently mention customer service, non profit, and trip insurance problems. Road Scholar ranks 4th among Student Travel sites.

This company responds to reviews on average within 5 days

Instant Feedback

4,577 reviews

What reviewers want you to know

Positive highlights.

No positive highlights yet

Critical highlights

• Booked British Airways through Road Scholar $4,000 lost $1,700 on flight.
• Instant feedback

“Enrollment in the program was quick and easy!”

Enrollment in the program was quick and easy! I was able to navigate in on the website without any problems.

“Terrible customer service”

Leaving for an Antartica expedition in 4 weeks and still don't have final packet with instructions. Have been getting conflicting info since we booked. This last call to ask about final packet took forever to get a response which was vague and unhelpful about when we would have materials, including what we need to bring. Completely unresponsive to our requests for medically necessary adjustments to accommodations and ignored our airplane seating requests. Do not seem to have any interest in customer satisfaction once they have your payment. Hope the tour itself will be better. It is handled by a subcontractor (Albatross) who has been responsive. This is our third booking with Road Scholar and are surprised and disappointed so far.

Reviews (113)

Reviews that mention popular keywords

Dear Betty, We are sorry to hear that your recent experience with us did not meet your expectations. Our Covid support and travel teams are available to provide guidance and assistance when the unfortunate situation of testing positive for Covid arises on one of our programs. Covid exposure remains a possibility during many daily activities, and unfortunately international group travel is not free of this risk. We can see that our office, Road Scholar’s travel team, and your group leader were in communication with you on several occasions to try and help address your questions and requests. We know how disappointing it can be when a planned adventure is disrupted and wish you well. Sincerely, Road Scholar

Dear Tim, We were so sorry to hear about the experience you and your wife had to endure and hope she is doing better. We include emergency assistance in the price of our programs for situations just like yours. We apologize the paperwork you were asked to complete seemed onerous, but when someone gets sick abroad, our emergency assistance provider requires as much information as possible so they are informed and able to provide the necessary help. Our primary concern in these situations is the health, safety and well-being of our participants. We’ll be in touch with you to discuss filing a claim for reimbursement of your travel expenses home. Again, we’re sorry to hear about the disappointing end to an otherwise positive Road Scholar experience and are glad you made it home safely. Sincerely, Your Friends at Road Scholar

I'd like to take my 70+ year old mother and aunt on an ireland trip, but the one they want is a"keep up the pace" level. how strenuous is this? I'd like to take my 70+ year old mother and aunt on an ireland trip, but the one they want is a"keep up the pace" level. how strenuous is this?

Hello Alex, Keep the Pace programs feature steady walking, standing and stair climbing throughout the course of the day. If your mom is active and enjoys walking, she should enjoy a Keep the Pace program. The program's daily itinerary can be found on the Road Scholar website. A note outlining the day's specific activity appears at the top of each day's daily itinerary. If Keep The Pace is too active, we also offer Ireland at a Slower Pace. Sincerely, Your Friends at Road Scholar

I booked a trp. after reading all the terrible reviews i am very concerned I booked a trp. after reading all the terrible reviews i am very concerned

My most memorable guided trips were with Road Scholar (e.g., Iditarod Dog Sled Race in Alaska; snorkeling, kayaking, hiking in Puerto Rico; Behind the Scenes at Disney World in Florida). But the worst were also with RS (possibly since it started contracting out trips to "providers"?). Unfortunately, I don't know who writes the information given to us participants: RS or the provider? And, if RS, does the provider get to approve it for factual accuracy? My suggestions: 1) check and double check the stated activity level for the RS trip, 2) look out for factual discrepancies in pre-trip written communications, 3) even be prepared to contact RS DURING YOUR TRIP with any egregious shocking appalling complaint, and 4) research other travel companies that might offer the same trip.

What are the group sizes for road scholar new england fall tours What are the group sizes for road scholar new england fall tours

Hello Robert, the sizes of all our trips varies quite a bit. If you can give us the program number or title we'd be glad to check and see how many participants can attend a certain program you'd like to attend. We are also available by email -- [email protected] and by phone at 877-436-8056 during business hours Monday - Friday 8am - 9pm (EST). We hope to hear back from you soon!

We want rs to reserve our flights for two tours to costa rica that begin in oct. we were told there is a way to send an email re: flights. anybody?

If my travel partner cannot go on the trip, can she send someone in her place assuming the trip is fully paid for, can’t see your question ask to get answers from the road scholar staff and other customers..

• How long does shipping take?
• What is the return policy?
• Where is the company located?

Sitejabber for Business

Gain trust and grow your business with customer reviews.

From the business

Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 6,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries.

• Visit Website
• Student Travel , Senior Resources
• #4 in Student Travel
• Boston, MA, United States
• Edit business info

Company Representative

Greece launches ‘free’ holidays for tourists who fled 2023 Rhodes wildfires

Up to 25,000 holidaymakers, mainly from Britain, in line for vouchers to cover a week’s hotel stay

It has required new legislation and navigation of copious red tape but nine months after wildfires devastated Rhodes , Greece has launched the first “free” holidays for thousands of tourists forced to flee the island.

In a decision tourism officials call a world first, up to 25,000 affected holidaymakers will, as of this week, be eligible for compensation.

“The scheme is up and running as the prime minister promised,” the Greek tourism ministry’s general secretary, Myron Flouris, told the Guardian. “It’s been a very complicated process not least, I think, because we’re the first country in the world to do this.”

Under the programme, people who stayed in hotels that were evacuated because of the July fires will be able to redeem e-vouchers worth up to €500 to cover the accommodation charges of a week-long stay. The initiative will be run in two phases: between now and 31 May and 1 October to 15 November.

Take-up has already been strong, tourism officials in Rhodes say, with more than 5,000 holidaymakers enrolling on the scheme’s register of beneficiaries. “Anyone who was staying in areas that were affected by the fires is eligible,” said Yannis Papavasiliou, who heads the island’s union of hoteliers. “The response has been very good and we are told will be even stronger come the autumn.”

He said compensation would reflect the amount clients originally paid to tour operators and would range from €300 to €500. “It will apply only to hotels, not Airbnb-style private accommodation. At the end of the day Greece is making good on its promise to recompense all those who lost their holidays because of climate change.”

The country’s centre-right government, led by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, announced the initiative on ITV’s Good Morning Britain within days of thousands of stranded holidaymakers being forced to cut short their trips as the wildfires raged.

Most of those put on repatriation flights were Britons.

Visiting the island on Monday, Mitsotakis, who ordered the mass evacuation as a preventive measure, said wildfires would inevitably increase as a result of the climate emergency. “All of the Mediterranean is a hotspot for climate change. That, statistically, means we will have more fires and probably more floods,” he told a conference organised in Rhodes by the European Travel Commission under the fitting title: EU Tourism: Resilience in the Era of the Climate Crisis.

What mattered most was human life, the Greek leader said. “It wasn’t easy … to evacuate 25,000 visitors but we did it safely and we are very proud of the fact that we managed to confront this crisis essentially without mourning [the loss] of human life.”

One UK holidaymaker planning to take up the offer is Sara van Oostrum, a business owner from Hampshire, and her partner, though she said her daughter would not be joining as she felt traumatised by the experience. “We thought at the time our daughter was dealing really well, but on reflection children are funny things, they’re like sponges and take in everything and it doesn’t come out till afterwards – she doesn’t want to return,” she said.

Last August, the family were evacuated from a smoke-filled hotel in which they were handed masks and wet towels to prevent inhalation, before walking for four hours in 34C heat to another hotel, from which they were also evacuated as it became surrounded by flames. They spent the night sleeping on a floor, and the following day learned that they had to wait three days for a repatriation flight.

Since the Greek government announced the initiative last year, Van Oostrum has been messaging her tour operator, Tui, and was only recently able to get further information about the voucher. She is confused by the terms of the offer, including which hotels will be available, whether she will receive a free trip or a discount, and whether it covers children.

She said the couple had “mixed feelings” about whether to return to the hotel and beach they stayed at. “We’d probably prefer to stay elsewhere on the island to move on from the whole experience,” she said, adding: “They want to encourage people back, which is nice. We’ll take up the offer, and we’ll spend money on the island.”

Although many UK holidaymakers visit Rhodes with tour operators, including Jet2, TUI and Thomas Cook, they are expected to liaise directly with the Greek government to obtain their vouchers. TUI said its customers should individually contact the Greek government online, while Thomas Cook said the process was managed by the Greek tourist board, Rhodes authorities and participating hoteliers, rather than its team.

• Consumer affairs
• Travel & leisure

More on this story

Greece wildfire declared largest ever recorded in EU

A visual guide to Greece’s deadly wildfires

Eighteen bodies found in wildfire zone in north-east Greece

Tenerife wildfire ‘started deliberately’ as blazes in Greece force evacuations

Wildfires in Tenerife force thousands to evacuate or stay indoors

‘Real threat to city’: Yellowknife in Canada evacuates as wildfire nears

Siberian forests burn as wildfires engulf eastern Russia – video

Greek PM offers tourists affected by wildfires a free stay in Rhodes next year

Greece wildfires under control but strong winds still a threat, say officials

Most viewed.

Greece launches ‘free’ holidays for tourists who fled 2023 Rhodes wildfires

In a decision tourism officials call a world first, up to 25,000 affected holidaymakers will be eligible for compensation.

Tourists ride on a ferry to Corfu island as the smoke billows from the fire over the island, on July 25, 2023. Photograph: Getty Images

It has required new legislation and navigation of copious red tape but nine months after wildfires devastated Rhodes , Greece has launched the first “free” holidays for thousands of tourists forced to flee the island.

In a decision tourism officials call a world first, up to 25,000 affected holidaymakers will, as of this week, be eligible for compensation.

“The scheme is up and running as the prime minister promised,” the Greek tourism ministry’s general secretary, Myron Flouris, told the Guardian. “It’s been a very complicated process not least, I think, because we’re the first country in the world to do this.”

Under the programme, people who stayed in hotels that were evacuated because of the July fires will be able to redeem e-vouchers worth up to €500 to cover the accommodation charges of a week-long stay. The initiative will be run in two phases: between now and 31 May and 1 October to 15 November.

[  ‘People were completely traumatised’: Irish woman holidaying in Rhodes will never forget ‘carnage’  ]

Take-up has already been strong, tourism officials in Rhodes say, with more than 5,000 holidaymakers enrolling on the scheme’s register of beneficiaries. “Anyone who was staying in areas that were affected by the fires is eligible,” said Yannis Papavasiliou, who heads the island’s union of hoteliers. “The response has been very good and we are told will be even stronger come the autumn.”

He said compensation would reflect the amount clients originally paid to tour operators and would range from €300 to €500. “It will apply only to hotels, not Airbnb-style private accommodation. At the end of the day Greece is making good on its promise to recompense all those who lost their holidays because of climate change.”

The country’s centre-right government, led by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, announced the initiative on ITV’s Good Morning Britain within days of thousands of stranded holidaymakers being forced to cut short their trips as the wildfires raged. Most of those put on repatriation flights were Britons.

[  Ireland to overhaul asylum system after European Parliament votes to harden bloc’s borders  ]

Visiting the island on Monday, Mitsotakis, who ordered the mass evacuation as a preventive measure, said wildfires would inevitably increase as a result of the climate emergency. “All of the Mediterranean is a hotspot for climate change. That, statistically, means we will have more fires and probably more floods,” he told a conference organised in Rhodes by the European Travel Commission under the fitting title: EU Tourism: Resilience in the Era of the Climate Crisis.

What mattered most was human life, the Greek leader said. “It wasn’t easy … to evacuate 25,000 visitors but we did it safely and we are very proud of the fact that we managed to confront this crisis essentially without mourning [the loss] of human life.”

One UK holidaymaker planning to take up the offer is Sara van Oostrum, a business owner from Hampshire, and her partner, though she said her daughter would not be joining as she felt traumatised by the experience. “We thought at the time our daughter was dealing really well, but on reflection children are funny things, they’re like sponges and take in everything and it doesn’t come out till afterwards – she doesn’t want to return,” she said.

Last August, the family were evacuated from a smoke-filled hotel in which they were handed masks and wet towels to prevent inhalation, before walking for four hours in 34C heat to another hotel, from which they were also evacuated as it became surrounded by flames. They spent the night sleeping on a floor, and the following day learned that they had to wait three days for a repatriation flight.

Since the Greek government announced the initiative last year, Van Oostrum has been messaging her tour operator, Tui, and was only recently able to get further information about the voucher. She is confused by the terms of the offer, including which hotels will be available, whether she will receive a free trip or a discount, and whether it covers children.

She said the couple had “mixed feelings” about whether to return to the hotel and beach they stayed at. “We’d probably prefer to stay elsewhere on the island to move on from the whole experience,” she said, adding: “They want to encourage people back, which is nice. We’ll take up the offer, and we’ll spend money on the island.”

Although many UK holidaymakers visit Rhodes with tour operators, including Jet2, TUI and Thomas Cook, they are expected to liaise directly with the Greek government to obtain their vouchers. TUI said its customers should individually contact the Greek government online, while Thomas Cook said the process was managed by the Greek tourist board, Rhodes authorities and participating hoteliers, rather than its team. - The Guardian

IN THIS SECTION

Slovakian election is another bloody nose for pro-eu forces, icj case has german media doing rhetorical cartwheels while support for israel wobbles, new eu migration pact will make walls of ‘fortress europe’ higher, british labour says it will implement cass findings on care for trans children if it wins election, total eclipse of the dáil as houdini harris does a disappearing act on day one, ‘when my grandad arrived he was illiterate, and now his grandson is earning this country an oscar nomination’, this under-the-radar dublin neighbourhood restaurant is brilliant value, soldier sexually abused colleagues when drinking session turned sour, court martial told, ‘my wife wants another child, but i would be in my 80s when they go to college’, latest stories, simon harris to raise ireland’s intention to recognise palestine with von der leyen, bovine breathalyser will help keep cattle under emissions limit, science must salute the link between physics and the mystical, biden vows ‘ironclad’ us support for israel amid fears of iran attack.

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Information
• Cookie Settings
• Community Standards

Best things to see and do in Moscow

Moscow is the capital of Russia and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. It’s rich and complex history is a constant reminder of its strategic position between Europe and Asia and makes it one of the cities you should visit once in your life. In terms of the many iconic landmarks, the delicious cuisine, and the characteristic, colorful architecture it has, Moscow is full of surprises for first-timers and seasoned travelers. Apart from the main attractions, it has like the Kremlin or Red Square, Moscow has many hidden gems for you to discover on your free walking tour with your local guide. 

On any of the free guided tours we offer in Moscow , you will be able to find a selection of many tours which are available in different languages and at different times of day, like the morning, afternoon, and evening. Since Moscow is such a large metropolis, getting your bearings by doing a guruwalk with a local guide who will show you all Moscow’s hidden gems is a great idea. This way you get to learn as much as possible about the local culture and way of life. A trip to Moscow wouldn't be complete without visiting iconic places like St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, or the State Historical Museum, before getting some fresh air at Gorky Park, the medieval church of Kolomenskoye, or shopping at Izmailovsky Market. Don’t miss visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Bolshoi Theater, or checking out the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve. 

Many travelers have left their r eviews and opinions about the local guides , gurus, and the routes they walked. If you have any questions about the routes or what is included in the tour, check out their opinions. 

Free walking tour near Moscow

Others cities to visit after moscow, where are you traveling to.

Moscow Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 63 most popular moscow trips. compare tour itineraries from 45 tour companies. 308 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular moscow tours.

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Winter

• Explore the majestic St Petersburg & Moscow on private city tours
• Admire the rich Russian history, art and architecture
• Travel to Moscow on a highspeed train
• Enjoy the local cuisine in stylish restaurants

Golden Ring of Russia

Lower Volga Voyage

• Visit magnificent Red Square and Kremlin and examine the collection at theKremlin’s State Armory.
• Experience Russia’s diverse musical traditions at lively folk music performances
• Explore Volgograd, the site of the decisive battle of World War II’s eastern front

Best of Russia

Volga Dream Russian River Cruise

Highlights of Russia

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Summer

White Russian - 7 days

• Discover Moscow's UNESCO-listed Red Square, home to spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum and the historic GUM Department store
• Explore the grounds of Moscow's mighty Kremlin, with its numerous governmentbuildings, gold-domed cathedrals and the giant tsar bell
• Celebrate New Year's Eve in Moscow!
• Take in the highlights of St Petersburg including a guided tour of the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the remarkable Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace

All Moscow , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Moscow

Small Group Moscow Tours

Vodka Shot - 6 days

• Explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg, including the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt
• Marvel at the dazzling array of art and exhibits in the world-famous Hermitage Museum, at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg
• Discover a lavish residence of the tsars on a day trip to Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo (winter: mid-October to April) or Peterhof Palace and gardens (summer: May to mid-October)
• Take in the highlights of the capital on a walking tour, visiting Moscow's famous Red Square, home to the historic GUM Department Store, Lenin’s Mausoleum and spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the Moscow Kremlin, Russia’s political power house. Stroll around the grounds of this fortified complex, visit the Kremlin's cathedrals and see the mighty Tsar Bell

Route of the Romanovs - 10 days

• Learn about the last days of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, visiting the sites where Tsar Nicolas II and his family were assassinated and buried
• Straddle two continents at the famous obelisk Europe/Asia border marker in Yekaterinburg
• Experience the Trans-Siberian railway on an overnight train journey from Moscow to Yekaterinburg

New Year's in Moscow - 9 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo on Christmas Day and marvel at the incredible Amber Room
• Spend a night in Novgorod, an ancient city by the Volkhov River - explore the kremlin, cathedral and other sights and enjoy a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

Back in the USSR - 7 days

Russian Revolution - 9 days

• Visit historic Novgorod, an ancient city which straddles the Volkhov River. Explore the attractive riverside kremlin and experience a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

The Snowball - 6 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo and marvel at the incredible Amber Room

Mood for Moscow - 4 days

• Head underground to visit a Stalinist-era Soviet Bunker on an optional excursion
• Stroll to the vibrant Izmailovo Market, which lies behind the walls of an ancient Kremlin, and shop for an array of souvenirs

Best Moscow Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Moscow Tours by Price

Top Moscow Attractions & Experiences

Moscow Tours & Travel Guide

Moscow Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Moscow reviews & ratings, capitals of the north.

some hotels could have been better

It was jam packed with every place I wanted to go and see. I especially love my photo of us setting out on the night time river cruise in St Petersburg and the Peter...

I really did not buy much and what I did buy was small gifts for others .

Johanna-Marie

Good hotels, some better than others. Interesting itinerary

Too rushed. Optional tour rather too short

See all Moscow reviews

Moscow Tours FAQ

1. Does Travelstride have all the tour operators?

2. How does the Member Savings program save me money?

3. Can I trust the tour operator and trip reviews on Travelstride?

4. What does ‘Stride Preferred’ mean?