CYPRUS: ONE ISLAND TWO CIVILISATIONS
A cultural tour of North & South Cyprus

Cyprus is like stepping into history. A civilization that goes back to over 10,000 years and history is still in the making here. From Alexander’s generals, to the visit of St Paul setting the foot for Christianity here. Before the Ottoman influence, there were the famous stops made by Richard the Lion Heart en route to the Crusade wars in Palestine. Independence from British rule came at an end in 1960, only for the sate to break up into two parts in 1983 – based on ethnic differences. The two parts are now referred to as the Greek part (Southern Cyprus) and Turkish Cyprus (Northern Cyprus). This journey into Cyprus: One Island Two Civilizations captures beautifully the history and culture of both states of this unique and rich island.

Day 01: Larnaca
We arrive at Larnaca Airport, where we are warmly received and transferred to our hotel in Limassol. The hotel is a resort type having it’s own private beach and swimming pool.
Overnight: Louis Apollonia Hotel, Limassol (4 nights)

Day 02: Paphos and Aphrodite's birth place (drive)
We start with a visit to the Omodhos village and then to the beautfiul Agia Paraskeyi church at Yeroskipou. Greco-Roman architecture offers it’s very own pecuilarity which we witness also at Paphos when we visit St. Paul pillar, the Mosaics of Paphos, house of Dionissos, House of Theseus and the house of Aion and finally the harbour of Paphos. On our return to Limassol, we visit the legendary birth place of Aphrodite. (B)

Day 03: Troodos / Kykkos (drive)
Discover Troodos mountains – the Green Heart of Cyprus. A memorable off the beaten track through idyllic mountain villages unchanged from generations. The first stop is at Mt. Olympus – the highest point in Cyprus with a peak of 1951 meters. 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 1092 and dedicated to Virgin Mary. It houses one of the three surviving icons painted by St. Loukas. On our return we visit the village of Omodos and the Holy Cross Monastery. (B)

Day 04: Akamas (drive)
Today we discover the mysterious and unexplored territory of Akamas and make our way through the Avagas Gorge with it’s sheer limestone walls rising above us. Our short drive ends at Lara Bay – one of the last breeding grounds for the large Green Backed Turtles. After an adventourous morning we move onwards the edge of the northern peninsula and visit the Baths of Aphrodite where, according to legend, Aphrodite bathed with her lower Adonis. We then drive to Chrysochou Bay for a swim in the cool tranquil water. Our last stop is at Skou village where, at a small extra fee, you can see an interesting collection of endemic snakes and reptiles.

Day 05: Lemessos / Kourion / Nicossia (drive)
Driving along the beautiful shore, our first stop of the day will be outside the medieval castle in the heart of Limassol, where Richard the Lion heart maried Berengaria. We will have some free time to see the beautiful old harbor area before vising one of the largest wineries in the region where we will be able to taste the local wines. Continuing our journey we visit the the Crusader Castle of Kolossi, which was built in the 13th cuntury. Next stop will to see the ancient Kourion, Greco-Roman theatre and the mosaics. Our tour of the day culminates by visiting Aphrodite’s Rock – the birth place of the Goddess of love and Beauty.
After this tour we are driven to the divided capital city of Nicosia.
Overnight: Holiday Inn, Nicosia (3 nights) (B)

Day 06: Nicosia
The Capital city is divided between two “states” – the north under the domain of “Turkish” Cyprus and the south, “Greek” Cyprus. Walking the narrow streets of the old town, it is a scene almost from the Arabian Nights. We view the various craftspeople outside shops crafting different artifacts including jewellery. Next is the Arcaheolical Museum giving us an insight into the island’s rich history. Later the tour takes us to the Green Line – the border between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turish Cyprus state. The Gren Line divides the two parts of the countrries and is always manned by UNO forces. Our Nicosia tour takes us to the Archbishopric and we also visit the famous Cathedral of St. John. PM free to enjoy the many attractions that Nicosia offers. (B)

Day 07: Kyrenia (drive)
Today we cross the “Green Line” to the other side of Nicosia and wind our way up and over the Pentadaktylos Mountains with their spectacular views to visit the famous gothic Abbey of Bellapais. Spend time with in the picturesque and historic port of Kyrenia including a tour of its medieval fortress and take in the sights and sounds as you wander round the harbour area where free time is given for exploring.

Day 08: Nicosia / Larnaca Airport
After an interesting tour of one island that has two civilisations, cultures, langauges, and two countries, yet a history so intertwined makes us wonder, is it two countries? or one country with a divese and rich culture coming from two rich civilisations? With this in mind we are transferred to Larnaca Airport for our flight back home or continuing on to enjoy one of the other equally diverse destinations of Bestway Tours & Safaris.

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Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Daily
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotel accommodation with all taxes Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast) All tours and transfers as per itinerary on SIC basis with English speaking guide Speaking guides & drivers. Entrance fees to Monuments visited International airfares and departure/airport taxes Insurance / Visas / Tips
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2010 US $ 2995 US $ 350
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast US $ 1000
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 12 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.