Tour Overview
Welcome to Cyprus! Sunny Mediterranean beaches, charming villages, ruins of ancient civilizations and distinctive local cultures – a visit to Cyprus offers all of this and more. Crusader castles rub shoulders with ancient vineyards, frescoed monasteries overlook citrus orchards, and sandy, sun-soaked feet tread Roman mosaic floors. The southern two-thirds of the island makes up the Republic of Cyprus (Greek Cyprus), and the northern third is controlled by Turkish Cyprus. The U.N.'s Green Line, which divides the island, cuts through the shared capital, Nicosia. While tensions between the two groups ebb and flow, visitors have received only the warmest of welcomes from both sides. Greek Cyprus is home to many of the island’s most important sites, which you will explore on this highlights tour featuring visits to Limassol, Paphos, Troodos Mountain and Nicosia.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01: Limassol, CyprusArrive Larnaca and transfer to your hotel in Limassol for check-in. Limassol is Cyprus' second-largest city with a population of about 132,000. Main attractions are Limassol Castle and its medieval museum. Other sights include the public gardens, a small zoo and an archaeological museum. Limassol also has a busy music scene, with everything from bouzouki taverns to jazz. The coastal area to the east is very scenic. Regional vineyards and wineries abound – there's a two-week wine festival in September. The balance of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Four Seasons Hotel- Sea View Room Day 02: Limassol
Full day excursion to Paphos. Paphos is one of the most beautiful parts of the island. We drive through the vineyards of Phassouri to Aphrodite’s Rock, the birthplace of the Goddess of Love, who according to legend arose from the foaming waves at this very spot. Arriving in Paphos we take you first to the Tombs of the Kings, hewn deep underground in solid rock. We will then pass by St. Paul’s Pillar and the Byzantine Castle of Forty Columns to reach Paphos harbour, where we will visit the House of Dionysus, with its stunning mosaics – some of the finest in the Mediterranean. We will also visit the Christian catacomb of Saint Solomon. Return to Limassol this afternoon.
Breakfast
Four Seasons Hotel- Sea View Room Day 03: Limassol
Full day excursion to Troodos Mountain and Kykko Monastery. This tour takes you just below the highest point on the island, Mount Olympus, standing 6400 feet (1950 meters) above sea level. We will then drive to Throni Peak to see the tomb of Archbishop Makarios, first President of the Republic of Cyprus. From there you will visit the island’s most famous monastery, Kykko, where Makarios was a novice. Among the many items of interest here you will be able to admire the miraculous icon of Christ and the Virgin Mary painted by St. Luke himself. On the return journey we will visit the delightful artist’s village of Lania.
Breakfast
Four Seasons Hotel- Sea View Room Day 04: Limassol
Full day excursion to Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. Visit the Archbishopric and the Cathedral of St. John, housing some outstanding frescoes. Drive past Liberty Monument and the Venetian Walls surrounding the old part of town to visit the Cyprus Archaeological Museum. Also visit the Tomb of Makedonitissa and Laiki Yitonia, a 19th century quarter lovingly restored to its former glory with houses, shops and tavernas lining the cobbled streets. Return to Limassol for overnight.
Breakfast
Four Seasons Hotel- Sea View Room Day 05: Limassol - Depart
Transfer to Larnaca airport for your departing international flight.
Breakfast
