History and Taste of Cyprus

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. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Paphos villages: discover the must-see sites in the area, a trip to Ayios Neophytos Monastery, a tasting of local sweets and wines and a visit to Sofia's Traditional House in Letymvou village.

Nicosia: is the largest town of Cyprus and has been the capital of the island since medieval times (11th century AD). The history of the city is interesting and adventurous and the place itself is of great character, circled by old city walls and crisscrossed by twisting teeming streets.

Kourion: you'll dive straight into ancient history at one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Cyprus.

Day 1: ARRIVAL PAPHOS (13km – 30min)

Upon landing at Paphos Airport, head to the Arrivals hall where you will find a representative holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in before spending the rest of this first day at your leisure (private transfer from Larnaca Airport is available at additional cost).

Overnight in Paphos.

Day 2: PAPHOS – KOURION, KOLOSSI, OMODOS & WINE FULL DAY TOUR

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 – SOUTHERN NICOSIA WALKING TOUR

Have breakfast at the hotel before today's tour of Southern Nicosia, the last divided capital in the world. Your first stop is St John's Cathedral, built in the Franco-Byzantine style unique to Cyprus, with a simple brick exterior. The inside, however, tells a completely different story, with its ornate chandeliers and gilded woodwork showing off 18th-century Cypriot craftsmanship. Afterwards, you'll visit the Cyprus Folk Art Museum, housed in the old Archbishopric Palace. Next, you'll enter the Venetian city walls to stroll through Laiki Geitonia. Here, you can get a feel for the old Nicosia as you tour the winding streets – you'll feel like you're visiting a little village rather than the heart of a city as you pass by all the traditionally restored houses. Stroll along with your guide and listen to tales of the city's history before some free time to have lunch and wander around the shops on Ledra Street – named after the ancient kingdom of Ledra, which was located where Nicosia now stands.

Overnight in Paphos.

Day 4: PAPHOS

Recharge your energies with a delicious breakfast at the hotel and enjoy the day free at leisure.

Overnight in Paphos.

Day 5: PAPHOS – TROODOS MOUNTAINS – PAPHOS (180km - 3hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel get ready to discover some of the rural gems of Cyrpus 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)

After one last breakfast at your hotel, bid farewell to Cyprus as you hop onto a comfortable transfer to Paphos International Airport, where you will catch your flight to your following destination. We hope the memories of this trip will stay with you for a lifetime – have a safe journey!

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Cyprus. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.