Explore Cyprus

… views in Troodos Square. We then proceed to “Throni” to see the Tomb of Archbishop Makarious III, the first president of Cyprus. Enjoy the spectacular view of the countryside and the pine forest. We then drive to the famous Kykkos Monastery, which was built in 1080  and dedicated to Virgin Mary. Overnight at Hotel in Nicosia.

Day 3: Nicosia – Larnaca
An opportunity to visit Nicosia, the island’s capital, the only divided capital in the world. Passing by the newly restored Famagusta Gate, we stop at the Archbishopric and the Cathedral of St. John, housing some outstanding frescoes. A short drive, past Liberty Monument and the Venetian Walls surrounding the old part of town, brings us to the Cyprus Archaeological Museum. Here you will be shown round the priceless collection of Cypriot antiquities and art treasures. Alternatively, you may wish to discover the city’s excellent shopping center / Laiki Yitonia, a 19TH century quarter lovingly restored to its former glory with houses, shops and taverns lining the cobbled streets. Driving out along the Green Line which divides city into two, we will then continue to LARNAKA Visit, St. Lazaros famous church, Larnaca Palm tree road, Angeloktisti – Byzantine church dating to the 6^th Century,  Hala Sultan Mosque: one of the most important holy places for Muslims. Overnight at Hotel in Larnaca.

Day 4: Lefkara – Khoirokitia – Limassol
 Start our day to Lefkara Village, Famous for its silverware and intricate handmade lace, known as “Lefcaritika”, local legend says that Leonardo Da Vinci visited the village and got an altar coverlet for a cathedral in Milan. You will have time to do shopping and wander in narrow twisting small streets to admire local architecture,  then visit village  Katodrys  ( bee museum ) + halloumi home made, then to Khoirokitia which are the remains of Neolithic villages – settlements dating back from 8000-5500bc.  We will then continue Limassol and have a Short drive to visit Amathus where we will explore the ruins of the ancient city.   Then will visit Limassol old town and marina area. Overnight at Hotel in Larnaca.

Day 5: Paphos –  Curium  – Aphrodite Birth place
You can discover the legends and history of one of the most beautiful areas in Cyprus. The day begins with a visit to Curium, an impressive Greco-Roman site, which includes mosaics and a superb theatre. Petra tou Romiou, the very spot where the legendary goddess of love emerged from foaming waves in our next stop. Once in Paphos we will take you to the 3^rd century Houses of Dionysos where you can admire the excellent mosaics depicting familiar scenes from mythology. We then pass by the catacombs of Ayia Solomoni, the Byzantine castle of forty columns and St. Paul’s pillar. After stroll round the picturesque harbor we begin our return journey.  Overnight in Larnaca

Day 6: Troodos Mountain Villages
Discover Troodos mountains – the Green Heart of Cyprus. A memorable off the beaten track through idyllic mountain villages unchanged from generations. Our first stop will be at Lania village, walk around the narrow roads and enjoy village architecture of an ancient stone houses and cottages, visit the old wine press, then we will continue tour to Platres village and have chocolate workshop  and then will proceed to  the Troodos Square  (  close  to  the  peak ) Mount Olympus – the highest point in Cyprus with a peak of 1951 meters and take in the panoramic views in Troodos Square.  Continuing our way we visit  a local winery. We will move on to one of the most beautiful villages in Cyprus: the village of Omodhos, which is famous for its true Cypriot architecture, and the Monastery of the Holy Cross, well known for its collection of interesting ecclesiastical objects and Apostol Philippos Sain’t Skull. Return back to Hotel.

Day 7:  Day relaxing Cruise & Cyprus Night Event at local tavern
Spoil yourself and enjoy one of our day relaxing cruise along Cyprus shores during the 1^st half of the day and later afternoon enjoy CYPRUS NIGHT event at Local Tavern Join our very special Cyprus Night for great entertainment in true Cypriot style, including an amazing floor show of Greek and Cypriot folk dancing & music, which in the end you will surely be tempted to join in. You will be served a typical Cypriot Meze, which consists of innumerable little delicacies which form a very satisfying and complete meal.

Day 8: Famagusta & Salamis ( occupied areas*)
A trip that gives you the chance to visit the beautiful coastal town of Famagusta and to go as near as possible to the fenced and sealed-off part of the town that is known all around the world as the ‘Ghost Town of Varosha’! The first stop is the Monastery of Saint Barnabas, the founder of the Cypriot Orthodox Church. There you will also have the chance to visit the Icon Museum of the Monastery as well as the tomb of Saint Barnabas who martyred in the area in 52AD. Our trip continues with a visit to the ancient city-kingdom of Salamis, founded right after the Trojan War by the archer Teucer who came from the Greek island of Salamis. Time will be given there for a guided tour around the archaeological site which includes a beautiful ancient Greek theater and marble columns, Roman Baths and a Gymnasium. We then drive back to Famagusta Old Town Center, where free time will be given for lunch (optional extra) and sightseeing. During your free time there, we highly recommend a walk around the Venetian Walls that surround the old part of the town and a visit at the Gothic Church of Saint Nicolas and Othello Castle (optional extra) which is mentioned by William Shakespeare in his play “Othello”.  Your last stop will be the beach located right next to the ‘Ghost Town of Varosha’. There, you will have the chance to swim in the crystal clear blue waters of the beautiful golden sand beach of Famagusta, whilst taking in the eerie sight of the abandoned buildings which have been desolate since the Turkish invasion in 1974. On our way back we drive right next to the “Ghost Town of Varosha”, where you can see exactly how the area, that was once the best tourist resort of the island, now looks like!  Passports or European Union ID Cards are needed on the day of the excursion. Overnight in Larnaca. (passports needed to cross borders to occupied areas by Turks since 1974)

Day 9: Discover Kerynia ( occupied areas*)
We will drive from the island’s capital and the last divided city in the world where, we will cross the green line and head towards the Kerynia & Pentadaktylos (five fingers) mountains at the North side of Cyprus.
Our first visit will be at Agios Hilarion castle dating back to 8th – 10th century AD. An impressive castle built on the top of Pentadaktylos mountain range overlooking Kerynia. Its enchanting historical background and the wonderful views will take you back to bygone times. Then we will visit the Bellapais Abbey. The monastery, one of the unparallel samples of Gothic Art, is situated on the flanks of the Pentadaktylos – (Kerynia) Mountains. The first settlers of the monastery were the priests of the Augustinian order who had migrated from Jerusalem. The first monastery building was contracted between 1198-1205. Ample will be given for lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Then we shall drive to Kerynia with its horseshoe- shaped harbour, its medieval castle, snow- white houses between archways which open on to narrow streets, it resembles a coastal town in the south of France.
We will go on to visit the Kerynia Castle. The castle is thought to have been constructed to protect the town against the Arab raids in the 7th century. Inside the castle is located also a museum, which contains the original cargo and equipment from the ancient ship of Kerynia. A merchant ship dating from 300 BC rose from the sea bed of the Mediterranean near Kerynia castle. The ship is probably the earliest trading vessel yet discovered. Ample time will be given for coffee or to stroll in the picturesque harbour of Kerynia. Overnight in Nicosia. (passports needed to cross borders to occupied areas by Turks since 1974)

Day 10:  Free on Leisure or add any other optional tour or activity,  what is your interest?

Day 11: Day Departure Home / Transfer to Airport or extend your stay for another days

Notes:
1) Please note that No tank tops or shorts allowed for men or women when visiting religious places.
2) Free time for optional lunch will be given during the tour.
3) Tour proposal for occupied areas ( i.e. Kerynia & Famagusta) and crossing the borders is subject that might change, upon your group request you will be adviced if borders crossing points will be open and if any restrictions will exist.
4) Entrance fees touring the tour can be pre arranged at optional cost.
5) Multilingual professional guiding choice is available.

Remarks:
‘Cyprus is a wealth of beauty, enjoy  and visit the most beautiful places in Cyprus with local professional guide’…  Above sample Itinerary program it is just for orientation, each group is unique with specific needs and interests, our multilingual team experts will tailor made the most suitable program after listening some info and wishes about your group request as to: What is your interest? , what is your group size?, when do you plan to visit Cyprus and for how many days you wish to stay in Cyprus?, do you have any preferred accommodation or destination in Cyprus?,  in what language do you prefer your guiding, at what airport / port to you plan to arrive in Cyprus? … 

For your exclusive Cyprus Leisure & Sightseeing Tour package info / quotation please contact us, … we will be glad to welcome and serve you in Cyprus!