Description
Highlights
Explore the archaeological site of Kourion
Taste in the village of Omodos
Tour Nicosia, the last divided capital
Visit St John Lampadistis Monastery
Cross the Green Line in Nicosia
Introduction
Cyprus is an island of contrasts with rolling hills housing pretty villages and history infusing their streets and squares. Join this six-day tour to Paphos, brimming with history, culture and a lively atmosphere.
Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVAL PAPHOS (13km – 30min)
Delight in a tasty breakfast at the hotel and prepare for a full-day tour, you’ll see the archaeological site of Kourion, venture to the village of Omodos and cap off the day with a wine tasting.
First, we will drive straight into the past at Aphrodite’s Beach to see Petra Tou Romiou, a sea stack where, according to legend, the love goddess Aphrodite was born.
We keep theme ancient at Kourion, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Cyprus. Visit the Roman baths and amble into the site’s centrepiece, the Greco-Roman theatre where concerts are still held to this day.
The 15th-century Kolossi Castle is up next. This Crusader-built fortress is surrounded by blooming plants.
Then, we’ll head to mountain-fringed Omodos, where you’ll enjoy a local lunch in a family-run taverna and have free time to wander around skinny cobbled streets lined with Byzantine buildings. Plus, there’s a winery tour, where you’ll learn all about sweet commandaria wine before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Paphos.
Day 3 PAPHOS – NICOSIA WALKING TOUR
Have breakfast at the hotel before today’s tour of Nicosia, the last divided capital in the world. Nicosia is a fascinating city to explore, offering you a glimpse of two very different worlds.
This tour starts in the Cypriot southern area and passes the ‘Green Line’ buffer zone to explore the northern part of Nicosia. Your first stop is the St. John’s Cathedral, built in Franco-Byzantine style. Next up is a walking tour through the historic streets of Laiki Geitonia inside the Venetian city walls. It’s a maze of winding streets with churches, squares and ornate buildings.
After passing the Green Line, you’ll hear tales of the city’s history and culture as you tick off some of the main sites. Then, pass back into the southern area to Ledra Street and embrace modern city life under your own steam.
Note: Pickup for the Nicosia walking tour is at the Atlantica Bay Hotel. Please make your own way to the hotel. Pick-up time will be advised on booking confirmation.
Overnight in Paphos.
Day 4 PAPHOS
Day 5 PAPHOS – TROODOS MOUNTAINS – PAPHOS (180km – 3hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, get ready to discover some of the rural gems of Cyprus on the Troodos Mountains full-day tour.
First, visit Platanisteia – a small village famed for its printmaking museum. After finding out about the history of the island’s print industry, we will visit the medieval Tzelefos Bridge – it’s a standout selfie spot deep in the middle of woodland.
Then, continue to the village of Kalopanayiotis. It’s sprawled over a remote valley dissected by a picturesque stream. We will stop in a traditional family-run taverna for a lunch made from locally sourced ingredients.
The highlight of the day is the village’s Monastery of St John Lampadistis. The murals, which date as far back as the 14th century, are highly refined and very well-preserved. Apart from a trio of churches to amble around, there are monastic buildings, including cells, auxiliary rooms and an oil press.
And before heading back to the resort, you’ll be able to sample some local wines in a typical Troodos Mountains winery.
Overnight in Paphos.
Day 6 DEPARTURE PAPHOS (13km – 30min)
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