Discover Cyprus Tour

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DAY 1

ARRIVAL IN CYPRUS

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your Hotel in Kyrenia for 4 nights,

From Larnaca airport to hotel takes 1 hour 35 Minutes,

Accommodations in Kyrenia and Limassol,

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DAY 2 (OPTIONAL)

FAMAGUSTA, SALAMIS & ST BARNABAS

This morning, we travel to the east coast, first visiting the Monastery of St Barnabas, once one of the most prominent Christian sites on the island.  Today, it houses a religious icon and archaeological museum.  There is a mausoleum said to house the tomb of St Barnabas himself, one of the great figures of early Christianity and the founder of the Cypriot Church.

We continue our journey, passing numerous relics from the past including the 7th-century Royal Tombs of the Kings, before arriving at one of the most thrilling highlights of our tour – ancient Salamis.  This spectacular site is one of the Mediterranean’s most significant archaeological sites, bolstered

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by its scenic beachside setting.  During Classical Greek and Roman times, Salamis was a chief cultural centre, as well as the richest and most important city on the island for 1,700 years.  You can still see the original amphitheatre, the gymnasium built by Emperor Hadrian, the Greek and Roman baths, and wonderful mosaics.  Even after a century of careful excavation, the site has yet to be fully excavated.

Next, we visit the town of Famagusta and enjoy a guided walking tour, seeing the massive Othello’s Tower, the ruins of the Venetian palace, and the impressive city walls where British officers in the 1930s played golf along the tops.  Possibly the most dominant landmark of the town is the 14th-century Lala Mustafa Paşa Mosque, originally a church modelled on the French cathedral at Reims.  Threading between the photogenic remains of ruined churches is plenty of shops and restaurants.

Nearby is Varosha, once a lively resort dubbed the ‘Monte Carlo of the Middle East’, frequented by celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, but it was abandoned during the war in 1974.  Although it is now a shadow of its former self, the ‘modern’ ruins left behind are very much worth seeing to gain a better understanding of the island’s history and legacy.

After a fantastic day of sightseeing, we return to the hotel.

Tour Start 09:00 Finish 17:00

Accommodation: in Kyrenia

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DAY 3 (INCLUDED)

ST HILARION & BELLAPAIS VILLAGE AND MONASTERY

Today we succumb to the romance of two storybook highlights.  First, we visit St Hilarion castle that many say is the inspiration for two fairy-tale castles – Bavarian King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle and Snow White’s castle in Disneyland.  Included with the tour is entrance to the castle, which is best enjoyed if you’re fairly mobile, but the breath-taking views can still be enjoyed from the easily accessible viewpoint at the entrance or from the castle’s café.

Then we visit the beautiful village of Bellapais.  It is a sheer pleasure wandering through the tangle of narrow lanes

past flower-bedecked buildings up the hill, where you’ll find outstanding views of Kyrenia harbour and the cerulean sea.  A gem of the village is its medieval ‘Abbey of Peace’, the ruins of a monastery that once offered shelter to Augustinian monks who were expelled when Jerusalem fell to Saladin.  The site also houses a museum, and the abbey’s Gothic refectory serves as a unique venue for concerts and lectures.

After a lovely day of sightseeing, we return to Kyrenia in the mid-afternoon.

After a fantastic day of sightseeing, we return to the hotel.

Tour Start 09:00 Finish 17:00

Accommodation: in Kyrenia

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Day 4 (OPTIONAL TOUR)

Akdeniz Village Day

First stop is the town of Güzelyurt, and its fascinating Museum of Archeology and Natural History, in the former palace of the bishop of Güzelyurt (Morphou). Look out for the distinctive Attic Greek vases with chariot racing images, and the statuette of Artemis of Ephasus, discovered in Salamis Bay. 

Next, you’ll walk next door into the 18th century Church of St Mamas, dedicated to the patron saint of tax avoiders! Admire the collection of icons and check out the impressive chandelier too!

Time for a tasty lunch in a town centre restaurant, included in your North Cyprus Güzelyurt tour, and made with all those lovely local ingredients of course! Just pay for your own drinks.

Your driver now takes you on to medieval Lefke, formally the centre of the copper mining industry and now a major area for growing delicious Cyprus dates and walnuts. 

Just a couple of miles up the road is ancient Soli, once a wealthy port that dates back to the 11th century BC! The 4th century AD intricate bird and animal mosaics here include the famous Soli Swan, a masterpiece made from the tiniest of stone tiles. Wander over this extensive site, or take a seat in the restored Graeco-Roman theatre. 

After a fantastic day of sightseeing, we return to the hotel.

Tour Start 09:00 Finish 17:00

Accommodation: in Kyrenia

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Day 5 (INCLUDED)

KYRENIA CASTLE AND HARBOUR & NICOSIA OLD TOWN

This morning we have a guided orientation of Kyrenia, blessed with the most beautiful harbour in Cyprus and set against majestic mountains that bring cooler air and encourage greener landscapes.  Kyrenia underwent a renaissance during British rule, as roads were built and the harbour was developed, turning it into a bustling port town.

Our excellent local guide will take you on a walking orientation tour, visiting the charming old town, harbour and Belediye Meydani, the town hall square.  Included is entrance to the splendid 8th-century castle, first built by the Byzantines, possibly on the site of an earlier Roman fort and later strengthened by the Lusignans and the Venetians.  You’ll also be able to access the castle museum, housing a range of archaeological finds and an impressive 3,000-year-old shipwreck.

After visiting Kyrenia old town we will move to Nicosia, we will visit Kyrenia Gate, Great Inn, Selimiye mosque, covered bazar, Arasta Shopping area, and also if you wish you can cross border and visit South Nicosia, Ledra Street

 

After tour we drive to Limassol.
Tour Start 09:00 Finish 16:00
Accommodation in Limassol

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Day 6 (OPTIONAL TOUR)

PAPHOS TOUR

First stop is the ancient city of Kourion and the most spectacular site is the Greco-Roman theatre, which has been completely restored and is used today for open air musical and theatrical performances. See the private houses of the late Roman period with fascinating mosaics.

Next stop is Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou) where you can enjoy an optional brief swim (bring a towel with you) in the beautiful sea where the goddess of Love and Beauty was born. Rumour has it that to swim around the rock brings good luck.

Arrive in Pafos town which was the ancient capital city of Cyprus. Visit the Catacombs of St. Solomoni, you may walk through the catacombs and inside the caves and chambers.
See the Pillar of St. Paul where the Apostle was bound and lashed as a punishment for preaching Christianity before he managed to convert the Roman governor to Christianity.

Time permitted to walk around the old port area and the Venetian fort. Enjoy lunch or a snack in one of the many attractive restaurants and cafes. (Payable locally)

Continue to the archaeological park and the house of Dionysus, Roman villa with it’s amazing floor mosaics. Cyprus was under the Roman command 2000 years ago, see the villas decorated with mosaic floors which are considered to be the finest not only in the Mediterranean area but Worldwide as the Pafos mosaics are very well preserved.

Next stop is Yeroskipou village, stopping to taste the famous Pafos delights “Loukoumia” (sweets)

Accommodation at Limassol

Tour Starts 09:00 am and Finish 16:00

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DAY 7 (INCLUDED)

OMODOS AND TROODOS TOUR.

First, we start with a visit traditional and picturesque Cypriot village called Omodos, where you can visit Timios Stavros Monastery of the Holy Cross and the museum with the oldest wine press. As Omodos is a wine producing village, it may be possible to sample different types of local wine as well as find out about the traditional sweet wine “Commandaria” and the strong spirit “Zivania” all known to be some of the best on the Island,

We continue our day to the highest peak of the Island, Mount Olympus (1951 m), where you will have a possibility to widely observe green valleys, mountain slopes, vineyards, forests, and small villages. From this viewpoint also the capital of Cyprus – Nicosia and Morfou Bay can be seen.

After the highest peak we will pass by Troodos Square and then arrive in the village of Platres where you will have a chance to taste home cooked Cyprus “Meze” or a meal/snack from the menu. Lunch is optional and is not included in the price.

Following stop will bring you to the traditional and picturesque Cypriot village called Omodos, where you can visit Timios Stavros Monastery of the Holy Cross and the museum with the oldest wine press. As Omodos is a wine producing village, it may be possible to sample different types of local wine as well as find out about the traditional sweet wine “Commandaria” and the strong spirit “Zivania” all known to be some of the best on the Island.

Returning to Limassol you will pass by many hillsides, enjoying the view of the Cyprus countryside with it’s vineyards and orchards of cherry, citrus fruit and almond trees.

Accommodation at Limassol

Tour Starts 09:00 am and Finish 16:00

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DAY 8

RETURN FLIGHT

Today you take your direct flight home after a truly memorable tour.

Please be ready 3 hours before at reception area.