A taste of Cyprus , 8 days tour

Welcome to Cyprus! Upon landing at Paphos’s Airport or Larnaca’s Airport, a tour representative will meet and greet you before guiding you to the transfer to your hotel in Limassol. Settle in your room before spending the rest of this first day at leisure.

Overnight in Limassol

Our first trip  is Paphos: After Breakfast we visiting Kolossi Medieval Castle Serving as a fine example of military architecture, Kolossi castle was originally built in the 13th century, and rebuilt in its present form in the 15th century. Next stop Kourion Archaeological Site The archaeological remains of Kourion – which was one of the island’s most important city-kingdoms in antiquity – are of the most impressive on the island, and excavations have unearthed many significant finds, which can be viewed at the site

Proceeding westbound along the beautiful coast, we stop at Petra Tou Romiou, where, according to Greek mythology, Aphrodite emerged from the foam of the water. We will continue to visit the Tombs of the Kings which date back to the 4th century BC, carved into the rock and decorated with Doric columns. Then we will be able to admire the famous mosaics of the house of Dionysus. The floors of these patrician villas date back to a period between the third and fifth centuries AD and are considered among the most beautiful mosaics in the eastern Mediterranean. The last stop will be at the church of Panagia Chrysopolitissa, built in the thirteenth century, within whose complex you can see the column of St. Paul, where according to tradition the saint was scourged.

Overnight in Limassol.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and depart to the Troodos mountains for a guided tour of some of the famous Byzantine churches, included in the ‘UNESCO “World Heritage list: the Church of Ayios Nicolaos, completely painted with frescoes ranging from the eleventh to the seventeenth century and the Byzantine church of Panagia of Pothithou. After free time in old Kakopetria  for lunch we continue our journey by visiting the Panagia tis Asinou Church in Nikitari village, one of the ten UNESCO World Heritage churches on the Troodos. Built in a pine-clad area, it has some of the finest examples of Byzantine wall painting on the island. Return to the hotel in the afternoon.

Overnight in Limassol.

Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the guide and departure for Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus outlined by the ancient Venetian walls, known thanks to the wealth of archaeological and artistic finds contained in its museums and above all for being the last city in the world divided by a wall. Along the way, a stop at the archaeological site of Choirokoitia, an ancient Neolithic settlement; the excavations carried out have brought to light evidence of one of the most important Neolithic cultures in the world. Visit to the Cathedral of Ayios Ioannis  in the archbishop’s palace which houses frescoes from 1731. Passing through the Venetian walls and the Famagusta gate we will arrive at the National Museum where you can admire the fascinating collection of Cypriot finds and treasures of inestimable value. We continue to the historic center of Nicosia (Laiki Yitonia). Free time and crossing the checkpoint, visit the caravansary, Buyuk Han, one of the most famous architectural works of the Ottoman period. The Buyuk Han is located in the center of the traditional market inside the walls. We continue to the Saint Sophia Cathedral transformed into a Mosque (visit from outside until the works are finished). Return to the hotel in the afternoon.

Overnight in Limassol.

Depart in the morning after breakfast for Famagusta. After we cross the check point, we will visit Salamis, founded by Teucer in 1180 BC, on his return from the Trojan War. We will visit the theatre, the amphitheatre, the gymnasium, the spa and the palaestra. Then we will continue to the medieval city of Famagusta, whose mighty walls bear witness to the glorious past and the historical need to defend against enemy attacks. Next visit the Cathedral of St. Nicholas (turned into the mosque of Lala Mustapha Pasha) in which, at the time of Lusignan, the coronation of many kings of Cyprus and Jerusalem took place. Free time to stroll in the streets of Famagusta and we will then visit the Castle of Othello (Venetian governor of Cyprus), and finally visit the part of Famagusta notorious as the “city ‘ghost’.

Overnight in Limassol.

Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the guide and departure for Troodos Mountains .Head out into the Troodos Mountains with this cultural tour, which mixes sightseeing and culinary adventure. After a visit to the coastal Aphrodite’s Rock, you’ll make your way inland, visiting traditional villages such as Lofou and Omodos along the way. You’ll also stop at the Timios Stavros Monastery .Then we drive to Olympus the highest point of Cyprus and the we visit Kykko Monastery located in the mountainous region of Marathasa Valley. The Monastery of Kykkos is the wealthiest and most lavish on the island, and stands on a mountain peak, at an altitude of 1.318 meters and Throni of Panagia Kykkou The Holy Icon and the Throne of Our Lady of the Rain .

Overnight in Limassol.

Today is a free day for leisure and Shopping  

Evening farewell dinner in Traditional Local Restaurant 

Overnight in Limassol.

Departure