Limassol

This full day tour covers some of the best scenery in the Greek section of the island. You’ll drive through the busy town of Limassol, which combines modern activities and tourism with the ancient spirit. Then, as the road climbs, you’ll pass through apple, pear and cherry orchards until the pine forests and mountain scenery take over.

High in the mountains is the little resort of Troodos. Stroll at leisure, shop for souvenirs or just enjoy the fresh mountain air during your visit. From Troodos Square you will drive towards the Mount Olympus summit where you will enjoy extensive views of the Mesaoria plane towards Nicosia and the north west coast of Cyprus.

You’ll also stop at Platres Summer Resort, a place that was once used by the British troops in the 19th century for convalescence. Enjoy a buffet lunch, including wine and coffee at the Forest Park Hotel.

Heading down to the foot of the Troodos Mountains, your next stop is the winemaking village of Omodos. Set in a valley amidst the vineyards, enjoy a stroll through the quaint cobbled streets and shop for handicrafts including silver, lace and glass or purchase a bottle of the local wine.

The drive from Limassol will take you through the Phassouri plantations and vineyards that have produced famous wines for centuries.

At the impressive Greek and Roman ruins of Ancient Curium you will visit 3 excavated sites that stand on a high promontory overlooking the Mediterranean Sea: the semi-circular Roman Theatre is still in use today; the House of Eustolios with its beautiful floor mosaics; and the Christian Basilica, which is an excellent representation of the typical cathedral layout of those times, complete with several columns and arches still intact.

Your next stop will be where the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, were granted estates as a reward for their services to the Crusades. From Kolossi Castle the Knights watched over their vineyards and sugar plantations and kept pirates at bay. The castle stands in excellent condition as a reminder of Limassol’s past.

On your return journey through Limassol town a stop will be made to shop for souvenirs and stroll around the local area.

The drive to Omodos takes you through Zakaki village and the Phassouri plantations, passing by Kolossi Castle and then uphill amidst carob and olive trees.

Situated in the foothills of the Troodos mountain range, Omodos village nestles within a quiet valley of vineyards. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and square surrounded by picturesque whitewash houses. The main focal point of the village is the Church of the Holy Cross, it is said that within a silver cross, which was donated by St Helen, is a piece of the original cross from the crucifixion of Jesus.

Sample the halloumi cheese, nuts, raisins and village wine at a local taverna and enjoy a little free time to shop for souvenirs, handicrafts and glassware.

From Limassol your convoy will head up the mountains towards the Pitsilia area. The roads wind uphill following the gorge covered with olive groves and carob trees, finally leading to tranquil pine forests.

Heading off road your journey takes you along dirt tracks to Ayios Mamas Village, where you can enjoy the spectacular views as you cross a small stream, pass fruit orchards and the chalk mines.

A stop will be made at Mesa Potamos to visit the waterfalls before your jeep climbs higher to the mountain resort of Platres. Sit back, relax and enjoy some refreshments on the terrace of a hotel, whilst admiring the views. From Platres to Kato Platres and onto Omodos, the cherry trees soon give way to vineyards, as you head into the island’s grape producing area. At Omodos Village you’ll have time for a stroll around the square or through the narrow, cobblestoned streets.

Just outside Omodos, on a slope facing Afamis Mountain, is the small Linos Winery. The owners of this family business will reveal the story of how the wine is made, before inviting you to taste the finished product.

Start your trip with a drive through Limassol town taking in the sights as you go. Your first stop is Kiti village where you will visit The Church of Angeloktisti, where tradition tells that the church was built by angels with its most famous feature being the mosaic of the Virgin Mary with Jesus Child that dates back to the 6th Century AD.

Next stop is The Hala Sultan Tekke and Salt Lake which is an Islamic shrine, unusual for the fact that it is dedicated to a woman. The Tekke overlooks a Salt Lake, a peaceful and beautiful spot for a mosque complex.

Continuing onto Larnaka, you will enter The Church of St Lazarous, which is built over the tomb of Lazarous, the beloved friend of Jesus, who after his resurrection, came to Cyprus and became the first bishop.

Finish the day at Lefkara, a popular day trip destination for locals and tourists alike, probably because it’s also the centre of Cypriot embroidery, which is known the world over for its intricacy and beauty. A number of lace, souvenir and coffee shops are located in the square and the nearby side streets. There will be ample time to explore the narrow streets and search for a bargain.

A soft drink and a snack of pitta with halloumi cheese will be offered to give you a taste of Cyprus.

Heading east across Limassol town you’ll join the motorway for Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. The modern city of Nicosia has developed around the old town, which is enclosed by the 16th century Venetian walls.

Your first stop is at Archbishop’s Palace Square for a visit to St John’s Cathedral, which dates back to 1660. The church is known for its impressive wooden iconostasi and frescoes of the 18th century.

Wander the charming winding alleys of Laiki Yitonia with traditional houses, shops, restaurants and galleries, all lovingly restored as typical examples of Cypriot urban architecture of a bygone age. Relax with a refreshment and snack consisting of grilled halloumi cheese in pitta bread before enjoying some free time to explore independently.

The Leventis Municipal Museum, is your final stop. Explore the numerous exhibits reflecting the ancient and modern history of Cyprus. The collection includes archaeological artifacts, costumes, photographs, maps, engravings, jewels and furniture. The museum is supported by the Leventis foundation, which sponsors many of the famous museums around the word, including the Louvre and the NY Metropolitan.

Situated in the centre of the island, Nicosia is the largest city of Cyprus. On the 3rd April 2008 the symbolic wall that divided Cyprus was removed, as part of the efforts to reunify the island. Nicosia, the Capital of Cyprus still remains the last divided capital in the world.

At Ayios Dometios, you will cross the ‘Green Line’ to Northern Cyprus. Heading east your first stop will be at Bellapais Abbey, set on the side of a mountain with spectacular views of the coast. Founded by the French Brotherhood of Premontre during the reign of the Latin Kings, this 14th century monastery is a fine example of Gothic architecture with its magnificent Cloisters. Today, the Lusignan Abbey and fine location creates an atmosphere of calm contemplation; enjoy a guided stroll through the church, refectory and inner courtyard.

Kyrenia is the most famous and popular town in Northern Cyprus, built around a pretty horseshoe shaped harbour and dominated by the Byzantine Castle. Enjoy some free time to have lunch and wander through the old town along the rambling narrow streets with its small shops, cafes and restaurants, some with tiny courtyards tucked away in the shade of the buildings.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as you head along the southwest of the island. En route you’ll pass the Phassouri plantations and Kolossi Castle in the distance. You’ll continue on through the lowlands with a short stop at the Stone of Romios, the birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love, before reaching the coast.

Upon arrival in Paphos you’ll have 3 hours of free time to explore independently. You may wish to visit the famous mosaics at the Villa of Dionysos. The mosaics cover nearly 5,985 square feet spread through 14 rooms, the small cubes of marble stone along with glass paste depict scenes from Greek mythology. Only a short distance away is the Tombs of the Kings. It is the resting place of 100 Ptolemaic aristocrats who died in Paphos between 3 BC and 3 AD. The structure consists of solid rock formations featuring Doric pillars and walls decorated with frescoes.

Alternatively, you may wish to take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque harbour front and relax in one of the many cafés or restaurants.