Cyprus is an island of contrasts with rolling hills housing pretty villages and history infusing their streets and squares. Join this six-day comprehensive tour starting from the cosmopolitan Limassol, brimming with unique energy. Explore the Limassol region, visit Kourion archaeological sites and taste exclusive Cypriot wines.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Limassol: Discover the must-sees of this area – a visit to the Kourion Archaeological Site, a wine tasting in a local winery to sample traditional Cypriot wine and a visit to the picturesque village of Omodos.
Nicosia: 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.
Day 1: ARRIVAL PAPHOS OR LARNACA – LIMASSOL (60km – 45min)
Upon landing at Paphos or Larnaca Airport, head to the Arrivals hall where you will find a representative waiting for you. You will then be transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in before spending the rest of this first day at your leisure.
Overnight in Limassol.
Day 2: LIMASSOL – LEFKARA & NICOSIA TOUR – LIMASSOL (170km – 2hrs)
Have breakfast at the hotel before today's walking tour of Lefkara and Nicosia.
After being picked up, you'll head to your first stop, the village of Lefkara. This picturesque little spot is known across the island for its silver and lace handicrafts. You'll have plenty of opportunities to shop for some yourself as you follow your guide around some of the village's cobbled lanes. From here, drive to Nicosia, where you'll kick off your tour at Laiki Geitonia. This part of the city is completely pedestrianised and is nestled inside 16th-century Venetian walls. Most of the houses here have been restored from the 18th century, so be sure to have your camera ready – the stonework on show is something else. Finally, you'll follow your guide through the checkpoint and into the northern part of the city. There are loads of postcard-worthy landmarks on display here, like the Cathedral of Saint Sophia, the most important religious building in Nicosia. It's over 700 years old and, although it was built as a cathedral, it's now used as a mosque.
*Pickup for the Lefkara & Nicosia walking tour is at the Atlantica Bay Hotel. Please make your own way to the hotel. The exact pickup time will be provided in the booking confirmation.
Overnight in Limassol.
Day 3: LIMASSOL: LOCAL EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel and a free afternoon. In the evening, sample the Cypriot lifestyle with a special local experience. In the countryside surroundings of a donkey sanctuary, you'll get hands-on in halloumi-making and bread baking, then tuck into the tasty results. Then, when the sun sets, you'll dine on a feast of local dishes with free-flowing drinks, followed by live music and Greek dancing under the stars.
Overnight in Limassol.
Day 4: LIMASSOL
Wake up to a tasty breakfast at your hotel and get ready for a day at leisure.
Overnight in Limassol.
Day 5: LIMASSOL – KOURION, OMODOS & WINE FULL DAY TOUR – LIMASSOL (100km – 2hrs)
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel before today's tour. Cyprus is all rolling hills dotted with pretty villages. On this adults-only tour, you'll see where a legend was born, visit the ruins of Kourion, venture to the village of Omodos and cap off the day with a wine tasting. You'll dive straight into the past 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. Explore the mosaics of the trio of excavated houses known as those of Eustolius, the Gladiators and Achilles as impressive as when they were laid down. Then, we'll head for a local lunch in a family-run taverna before visiting the mountain-fringed village of Omodos, where you'll wander around skinny cobbled streets lined with Byzantine buildings. Next, there's a winery tour, where you'll learn all about sweet commandaria wine – one of the oldest varieties in the world before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Limassol.
Day 6: LIMASSOL – DEPARTURE PAPHOS OR LARNACA (60km – 45min)
After one last breakfast at your hotel, bid farewell to Cyprus as you hop onto a comfortable transfer to Paphos or Larnaca 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.
