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Discover and explore the delights of Aphrodite's Isle
Based in the coastal resort of Paphos, with its UNESCO-listed old town, this break in the winter sun offers plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation, and includes three wonderful excursions. Discover Paphos' fascinating history on a guided walking tour, explore the snow-capped Troodos Mountains, and journey to the divided city of Nicosia. With the chance to join two other optional excursions, this is a perfect way to get to know delightful Cyprus and its charms.
What's Included
- Spend a week soaking up some winter sun
- A walking tour of ancient Pano Paphos
- Enjoy a tour of the snow-capped Troodos Mountains
- Divided Nicosia is a fascinating city - enjoy a full day tour
- Discover typical inland village Lefkara
- Seven nights' carefully chosen dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at the Hotel Veronica, Paphos (upgrade hotels available for a supplement)
- Return flights to Paphos
- Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers
- Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced Tour Manager
- Single rooms are available for a supplement
1
Fly from the UK to Cyprus, and upon arrival meet your Tour Manager and transfer to your Paphos hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to rest, relax and enjoy the surroundings.
2
An included half-day guided tour of Paphos, conducted by a local guide, will bring to life this fascinating place, including the extraordinary 'Tombs of the Kings' burial site, the famous Paphos Mosaics housed in ancient Roman villas, and the Byzantine Church of Ayia Paraskevi. There will also be an entertaining stop to see how 'Loukoumi' - the Greek Cypriot version of 'Turkish' Delight - is made, and after the tour you may wish to visit one of the excellent museums that bring added insight to this historic settlement.
3
Today's second included tour heads into the truly spectacular Troodos Mountains, which rise above the plains and the coast, which have been home for centuries to remote villages and religious communities, and are the site of several wonderfully decorated Byzantine churches, tucked away in the forested slopes. The tour calls first at the wine-producing village of Omodos, with its white stone houses and ancient
monastery, before winding its way through the pines to Troodos village itself. Other highlights of a memorable day will include ancient Kykkos Monastery, famed for its mosaics and frescoes, and its Byzantine Museum, Throni Park, burial place of Archbishop Makarios, Cyprus' first president, and Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery, with its important icons.
4
Join today's optional excursion and journey beyond the political divide of the 'Green Line' into Northern Cyprus, occupied by Turkey since 1974, and a stunningly beautiful region of mountains dotted with ancient villages, leading down to a tranquil coastline. The day will include visits to the Gothic Bellapais Abbey, made famous by author Lawrence Durrell, and to the coastal port-town of Kyrenia, with its picture-book harbour and castle.
Passengers travelling on tours departing after September 2018 will be offered a Nicosia optional excursion on Day Four, instead of the Northern Cyprus excursion.
5
Today is free for rest and relaxation in your chosen hotel and its surroundings. The harbour-front bustles with life, while the Old Town of Klitma, on its rocky plateau, is a colourful alternative. There is so much to do in and around Paphos, with sights to see, shops to discover, and even nearby golf courses to tempt the energetic.
6
The highlight of today's last fascinating included excursion will be the visit to historic Nicosia, island capital for more than 12 centuries. Divided in 1974 by the 'Green Line'
separating Greek and Turkish Cypriot territories, the city is both a modern, bustling metropolis, with tree-lined boulevards and a sophisticated cafe culture, and a fascinating gateway to the island's turbulent past. Enroute, you'll call at the important pre-historic site of Choirokoitia, and the day will be completed with a visit to the picture-book village of Pano Lefkara, with its narrow streets and white-washed houses.
Passengers travelling on tours departing after September 2018 will enjoy an included excursion to Petra tou Romiou, Curium and Limassol on Day Six.
7
A second optional excursion offers the opportunity to step back once again into Cyprus' fascinating past, on a full-day tour that includes a visit to the magnificent
2nd-century B.C. Greco-Roman amphitheatre at Kourion - passing the fabled 'Aphrodite's Rock' en route, where the goddess is said to have risen from the waves - as well as taking in the extraordinary mosaics of the 'House of Eustolios'. Other highlights of the day will include a traditional Cypriot lunch and a visit to colourful Limassol's old town and the picturesque village of Lania.
Passengers travelling on tours departing after September 2018 will be offered a 'taste of authentic Cyprus' excursion on Day Seven.
8
Bid farewell to Paphos and the hotel, and transfer to the airport for the return flight.
