Day 01: Arrive Nicosia

Kopiaste (Welcome) to Cypurs. Upon arrival at Larnaca airport (LCA), we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel in the capital city, Nicosia. Remainder of the day free to relax or start discovering this beautiful city. Nicosia, also known as Lefkosia, is the divided capital city of Cyprus. South of the border, on the Greek side, the Cyprus Museum has archaeological finds from the Neolithic to Byzantine periods, including the Aphrodite of Soloi statue. Nearby, the old city’s 16th-century Venetian walls include the Famagusta, Kyrenia and Paphos gates. Inside the walls, a marble mausoleum sits next to 19th-century Faneromeni Church.

Overnight: Cleopatra Hotel, Nicosia (3 nights)

Day 02: Nicosia/Kyrenia/Bellapais/Nicosia (Drive)

We start our Cypriote fact finding adventure by exploring Nicosia. Half Greek Cypriot and half in Turkish Cypriot, the city is divided by the Green Line, a demilitarized zone maintained by the United Nations. We cross the Green Line to enter the Northern territories known as Occupied or Turkish Cyprus.

We first explore the Castle of St. Hilarion, a medieval fortification first created by the Byzantines and upgraded by the Lusignans. Interesting to know that Wald Disney used the ground plan from this castle to draw up the prototype of the castle in the file “Snow White & the Severn Dwarfs”.  There are over 900 steps to climb, some quite steep (not for the faint-hearted), but once you reach the summit, the views are spectacular, overlooking Kyrenia town and the Mediterranean Sea (The climb is optional). Even from the lower reaches of the castle complex, visitors can still enjoy the amazing view of the coastline.

Next, descend to the picturesque harbour town of Kyrenia, whose 16th century Venetian castle is built on the remains of a Crusader fortification. Today, the castle houses the landmark Kyrenia Shipwreck Museum, whose main exhibit is a 4th century BC Greek merchant ship, one of the oldest vessels ever recovered. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town of Kyrenia.

Continue to Bellapais Abbey, the ruins of an Augustinian monastery that was built in the 13th century. Enjoy the astounding view of Kyrenia harbour and the clear, blue Mediterranean. (B, L)

*Passports required for checkpoint crossing.

Day 03: Nicosia

Start the day with a visit of the Cyprus Archaeological Museum (closed Mondays), a historic building dating back to British colonial rule where most of the treasures of Cyprus past are housed.  We next experience the old city within the Venetian walls, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral of St John the Theologian, with colourful frescoes mostly inspired by stories of the Bible.  East of the city is the impressive Famagusta Gate, which is one of the entrances into the Old city of Nicosia. We then pass by the House of Hajiyiorkatzis Kornessios, which houses the Cyprus Ethnological Museum. This two-story mansion is considered to be the most important example of Cypriot urban architecture in the last century of Ottoman occupation (1779-1878).

We cross the “Green Line” via the checkpoint at Ledra Street to enter into Northern Occupied area of north Nicosia (passports required). Continue our visit of the divided old city  beginning with Büyük Khan (Great Inn/Caravanserai), built in 1572 by the first Ottoman governor of Cyprus, Muzaffer Pasha. Next, explore Selimiye Mosque, historically known as Cathedral of Saint Sophia and today is the Turkish community’s main mosque. Its magnificent external stone carvings resemble medieval French cathedrals. Return to our hotel in Nicosia. (B, L)

Day 04: Nicosia/Troodos (Drive)

Depart from Nicosia to the Troodos Mountain range. Here we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Painted Churches of the Troodos Region*, where some of the most important monuments in the history of Byzantine painting have survived.

We first see the church Panagia Forviotissa, better known as Panagia of Asinou. Here, we find some of the finest examples of Byzantine wall painting on the island, dating back to the early 12th century. We next explore the painted 11th-century church of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis (“St. Nicholas of the Roof” - closed Mondays). The church is the only surviving Middle Byzantine katholikon in Cyprus. We also enjoy a walking tour exploring the picturesque medieval mountain village of Kakopetria with its water mill and restored houses. We may have time to walk along the scenic river here if time permits.

In the village of Pedoulas, we visit the Church of Archangel Michael, decorated with wall paintings from 1474. The local village museum houses clothing, furniture and agricultural tools that provide a snapshot of the culture, customs, and history of the Marathasa region.

Our final stop is the nearby village of Kalopanayiotis, where we visit St John Lampadist church. The spa waters in this region have been known throughout history for their healing properties.

Overnight: Casale Panayiotis, Troodos (1 night) (B, L)

Day 05: Troodos/Kolossi/Kourion/Paphos (Drive)

After breakfast, we continue to the southern Troodos Mountains, stopping at the picturesque village of Omodos en route. Enjoy a walking tour among the cobbled streets. We’ll see the medieval wine press and have the opportunity to taste local wine, as well as buy local produce (when available).

Next stop is the Crusader castle of Kolossi, where the Knights of St John ruled in the 13th century. The castle stands by the vineyards where the Knights made their famous sweet, port-like wine known as Commandaria, one of the world's oldest named wines, still in production today.

At Kourion, an important ancient city and the most impressive archaeological site on the Island, we will see some of the fascinating finds including a magnificent Greco-Roman theatre originally built-in 2nd century BC, and the Roman house of Eustolios, with extensive baths, courtyards and halls.

We now take the coastal scenic route to Paphos, stopping to admire the panoramic view of Petra tou Romiou, (Aphrodite’s Rock). It is here where the legendary goddess of love Aphrodite is said to have been born from the sea.

Our final stop is Yeroskipou village, with its 9th century Byzantine Basilica of St Paraskevi. This village is known for its traditional sweets, and we will have the chance to sample some of them here.

Overnight: Anemi Hotel & Suites, Paphos (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 06: Paphos

Another very interesting day which starts with a visit to the Archaeological Park of Nea Paphos*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remains of the Greek, Roman and Byzantine cities that were once here. Of particular note are the extensive Roman floor mosaics, which are some of the most beautiful in the world.

Explore also the Tombs of the Kings. Here, impressive underground tombs dating back to 4th century BC were carved out from solid rock.

Continuing into history, we visit the newly renovated and expanded Paphos District Archaeological Museum. The museum displays artefacts that were unearthed in the Paphos region, dating from the Neolothic period to the 17th century Aceramic Neolithic period.

We journey to the hills above Paphos to visit the Byzantine Monastery of Ayios Neophytos, where we discover the hermit’s cave with fine examples of Byzantine wall paintings from the 12th to 15th centuries. Then, end our day with a visit of the scenic harbor area. Paphos offers some of the best cuisines in Cyprus. (B, L)

Day 07: Paphos/Khirokitia/Larnaca (Drive)

We take a step back into pre-history as we visit the Neolithic site of Khirokitia-Vouni (7000 BC)*. As one of the best examples of collective farming, the remains of the settlement found here are one of the most important archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, we visit a renovated traditional house from 1850’s. It has been converted into a Basket Weaving Museum. Here, we will also learn how traditional halloumi cheese is made before enjoying a local lunch, where we will sample some local products made at the farmhouse.

Continue on to the church of Panayia Angeloktisti, constructed in the 11th century above the ruins of an earlier Christian basilica. The apse of the original basilica has survived along with one of the finest pieces of Byzantine art on the island, a rare 6th-century golden mosaic depicting the Virgin Mary and Child.

We stop for a brief visit to Hala Sultan Tekke, a mosque built next to the tomb of Umm Haram, an important Muslim pilgrimage site. She was the wife of Ubada bin al-Samit, a companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and a foster sister of Muhammad's mother, Aminah bint Wahb.

Continue to Larnaca, for a short orientation walk along Larnaca’s seafront to view the well-preserved architecture from the British colonial period and the church of St Lazarus. We also view the Larnaca Fort, originally constructed by the Byzantines during the 12th century. Today, the castle consists of a complex of buildings remodeled by the Ottomans around 1605. It was here in Larnaca Bay, directly in front of the fort, that the first armada of British ships arrived in July 1878 at the command of Queen Victoria to take over administration of the island from the Ottomans, who had ruled Cyprus since 1571.

Overnight: Sunhall Hotel, Larnaca (1 night) (B, L)

Day 08: Depart Larnaca

After our fascinating exploration of Cyprus, we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. Consider extending your stay in Cyprus or to some the Mediterranean countries nearby. (B)

Optional additional stay in Larnaca is possible if preferred.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 12 participants

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.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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