Cyprus Insight Tour

Arrival at Larnaca International airport and transfer to your hotel in Limassol. The rest of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast, meet your guide and begin your tour! Start off with a visit to the amazing archaeological site of Kourion, one of the most spectacular sites on the island (2nd century BCE), and its Greco Roman theatre and mosaics. Then, depart for Paphos on the west coast with a brief stop to view Petra tou Romiou (“Aphrodite’s Rock”). It is here where, according to legend, the goddess of love and beauty was born from the sea. View the amazing landscape of the area, combining sea and mountains. Paphos town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will visit the tombs of kings, with impressive underground tombs carved out of solid rock. Visit the archaeological park and see the Roman villas. The extensive floor mosaics are of particular interest, with new ones still being excavated; It is widely believed that there are many treasures still to be discovered! You will see a series of beautifully preserved mosaics depicting scenes from Greek mythology, such as the House of Dionysos, one of the largest and best known of the mosaic houses, as well as other smaller ones, including the House of Theseus and the House of Aion. Return to hotel in Limassol at the end of the day.

This morning, the tour begins with the visit to the small mountain village of Lefkara, whose many houses have been declared ancient monument. The village is also famous for its handmade lace (known as “lefkaritika“), silverware, and olive oil. Visit the Embroidery and Lace Museum, with a large collection of old Lefkara embroidery. Depart for Larnaca, first stopping in the village of Kiti to visit Panayia Angeloktisti, an 11th century Byzantine Church, whose name means “built by angels”. Erected over the ruins of an early Christian Basilica, the original apse has survived time. One of the finest pieces of Byzantine art from the Justinian period is a rare 6th century mosaic of the Virgin and Child between two archangels. After, drive past Larnaca’s Salt Lake, an important migratory route. If you are lucky, you may see the pink flamingos in the lake and various species of water birds. Pass by Hala Sultan Tekke (along the lake), the 4th important mosque in the Moslem World. In Larnaca, visit the magnificent Church of St Lazarus, built by Emperor Leo VI in the 9th century and restored in the 17th century. It is a fine example of Byzantine architecture. You will have the opportunity to walk along the Finikoudes Promenade, the famous palm tree lined seafront with the fort along the seashore. Return to Limassol at the end of the day.

Today, you will visit the mountain village of Omodos, a picturesque wine producing village built on the Troodos hillsides amidst expanses of vines. The village’s narrow-cobbled streets, and 4th century Holy Cross Monastery built in the shape of the Greek letter Pi are a sight to behold! Visit the medieval winepress, evidence that production of traditional wine took place since ancient times. Travelling through the winding roads amongst tall pine trees is Kakopetria village. Enjoy a walking tour to explore the village of Kakopetria with its water mill, restored houses, and winding streets of this picturesque medieval mountain village. Just outside the village is the painted church of St Nicholas of the Roof (UNESCO) (closed Mondays), completely painted with murals dating from 11th - 17th centuries. The church took its name from the steep pitched timber roof that was built to protect it from the weather. Continue to the village of Galata and visit the church of Panayia Podithou, (UNESCO). The mural paintings are of the Italo-Byzantine style that appeared on the island towards the end of the 15th century. Visit one of the principal mountain resorts, Platres village, heavily forested with pine and cedar trees located at the foothills of Troodos Forest. This resort has been visited by many famous personalities, poets and royalty. Return to hotel in Limassol at the end of the day.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit the only divided capital city in the world – Nicosia or Lefkosia in Greek. Enjoy a walking tour of the old city within the Venetian walls. In the East is the Famagusta Gate, which is one of the three entrances into Old Nicosia. The Venetian walls have a perimeter of 4.5km with 11 heart-shaped bastions that completely encircle the Old City. Continue to St John’s cathedral and see the colourful frescoes, mostly inspired from stories of the Bible. Pass by the House of Hajiyiorkatzis, the resorted building houses the Cyprus Ethnological Museum and given the “Europa Nostra” award. Walk around the Laiki Yitonia (old folk neighbourhood) with winding alleys. This area has seen the restoration of houses that are typical examples of traditional Cypriot urban architecture and are used today as shops, restaurants, and craft centers. Visit the Leventis Museum (closed Mondays) whose exhibits portrays the way of life in the city from ancient times to the present, including collections of old maps, medieval ceramics, embroidery and lace, silver work, and more. Later, visit the northern territory by crossing the Green Line, which divides North and South, at the Ledra Street checkpoint* and visit Buyuk Han, an ancient stone building from Ottoman era and Selimiye Mosque, once called the St Sophia Cathedral. Continue to the Cyprus Archaeological Museum (closed Mondays) where most of the treasures of Cyprus past are housed with artefacts discovered during numerous excavations on the island, as well as an extensive collection of Cypriot antiquities. Return to Limassol at the end of the day.
*Note: Passports are required to be shown at the checkpoint

Enjoy a last breakfast at the hotel, then take your departure transfer in Limassol to Larnaca airport.