… that will take your breath away with their beauty. Will continue our journey towards Galata village and visit the Panayia (The Virgin) Podhithou, and Stavros (Holy Cross) Ayiasmati, then our next stop will be Kakopetria Village, Kakopetria is a beautiful, traditional village located 55 kilometers south west of the capital, Nicosia, on the foothills of the Troodos Mountain. It stands at an altitude of 667 meters and it is the highest village in the Solea Valley.You will visit the old Kakopetria area, with the stone paved roads and the well-maintained traditional Cyprus houses. Afterwards we will visit the Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis (St. Nicholas of the Roof), continuing our tour towards Pedoulas village with visit the Archangelos Michael (Archangel Michael), Our next stop is Troodos Mountains Square, situated right in the green heart of the island, this location offers some of the most breath taking mountain views in Cyprus, free time will be given, return back to hotel.
Day 3: Chrysospiliotissa – Ayios Irakleidios – Machairas Monastery – Lefkara Village
Begin our journey of faith, history and culture, first stop will be at the church “Our Lady of the Golden Cave’ Chysospiliotissas” dedicated to the Virgin Mary which is located near Kato Deftera village. Then will continue our guided tour via Tamassos and Politiko village and will visit the Μonastery of Agios Irakleidios, a women’s monastery, contains wonderful 13th and 16th century frescoes and the most ancient wooden iconostasis in Cyprus which is ornamented with heraldic historical beasts such as the Byzantine eagle and the Lusignan lion, and with the armory of various Latin knights. Saint Irakleidios, a pupil of the Apostles Paul, Barnabas and Mark, who was ordained by them as the first Bishop of Tamassos, and His tomb dated back to the 1st century has been subsequently credited with the performance of a number of miracles till recently. Following our tour, the renowned Μonastery of Panagia tou Machaira is the next stop of the route. We will have the opportunity to see one of the most significant monasteries of Cyprus – built in the 12thcentury with funds from Byzantine Emperors. Therein lies the miraculous icon of Panagia (Virgin Mary) of Machairas which is attributed to Agios Loukas the Evangelist (the Apostle Luke). Your guide will make sure you learn all the facts and legends linked with this holy place. we will continue our trip via Vavatsinia village with next stop at the famous Lefkara Village for its silverware and intricate handmade lace, known as “Lefcaritika”. It is an architecturally protected village with picturesque houses built with stone walls, red tiled roofs and inner courtyards. Return back to hotel.
Day 4: Troodos Mountains & Kykkos Monastery & Omodhos Village
Discover Troodos mountains – the Green Heart of Cyprus. A memorable off the beaten track through idyllic mountain villages unchanged from generations. Our first stop will be just below ( close to the peak ) Mount Olympus – the highest point in Cyprus with a peak of 1951 meters and take in the panoramic views in Troodos Square. 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 1080 and dedicated to Virgin Mary. It houses one of the three surviving icons painted by St. Loukas. We will move on to one of the most beautiful villages in Cyprus: the village of Omodhos, which is famous for its true Cypriot architecture, and the Monastery of the Holy Cross, well known for its collection of interesting ecclesiastical objects and Apostol Philippos Sain’t Skull. Return back to Hotel.
Day 5: Paphos Christinity & Unesco Cultural Heritage visits
You can discover the legends and history of one of the most beautiful areas in Cyprus. The day begins with a visit Petra tou Romiou, the very spot where the legendary goddess of love emerged from foaming waves, next stop will be at the 3rd century Houses of Dionysos ( Paphos Mosaics ) where you can admire the excellent mosaics depicting familiar scenes from mythology. We then pass by the catacombs of Ayia Solomoni, the Byzantine castle of forty columns and St. Paul’s Pillars where the Apostle was bound and flogged. It is surrounded by the remnants of an early Christian basilica constructed in the 4th Century.. pass from the picturesque harbor. The next stop is the Monastery of St Neophytos. In 1159 a monk by the name of Neophytos cut this hermitage in the rock with his own hand. The Neophytos Rock-Grotto contains fine frescoes from the 12th to 15th Century…we begin our return journey to Larnaca.
Day 6: Larnaca – Salamina ( St. Pauls, St. Varnavas, St. Lazaros and …)
Tour will start from Larnaca towards the Biblical Salamis were St Pauls & St. Barnavas began their witness to the Island, visit the Roman ruins and the church and monastery where Barnavas, the founder of the church of Cyprus is buried. Then our tour will continue to Larnaca and visit the St. Lazaros Catherdal and traditional Tomb of St. Lazaros,too, free time will be given at Larnaca’s beautiful boulevard road then we will continue to Panagia Angeloktisiti, the oldest known church in Cyprus dating back to the 6th century. Back to hotel. (passport is needed to cross borders to occupied areas ‘Salamina’ since 1974).
Day 7: Free on Leisure or add any other optional tour or activity in Cyprus or join Cyprus visit with duo or multi Destination tour package i.e. Jerusalem ‘Holly Land’, which is just few minutes fly from Cyprus and …
Day 8: Free on Leisure or add any other optional tour or activity in combination with Day 7 …
Day 9: – Day on Leisure – Journey Back Home
Free Time on Leisure. Departure transfer for Larnaca airport, or extent your stay for additional days …
Notes:
1) Please note that No tank tops or shorts allowed for men or women when visiting religious places.
2) Free time for optional lunch will be given during the tour.
3) Tour proposal for occupied areas ( i.e. Salamis ) and crossing the borders is subject that might change, upon your group request you will be adviced if borders crossing points will be open and if any restrictions will exist.
4) Entrance fees touring the tour can be pre arranged at optional cost.
5) Multilingual professional guiding choice is available.
Remarks:
‘Cyprus is a wealth of beauty, archaeology, Byzantine art, Biblical and Early Church history’… Above sample Itinerary program it is just for orientation, each group is unique with specific needs and interests, our multilingual team experts will tailor made the most suitable program after listening some info and wishes about your group request as to: What is your interest? , what is your group size?, when do you plan to visit Cyprus and for how many days you wish to stay in Cyprus?, do you have any preferred accommodation or destination in Cyprus?, in what language do you prefer your guiding, at what airport / port to you plan to arrive in Cyprus? …
For exclusive pilgrimage package info / quotation please contact us, … we will be glad to welcome and serve you in Cyprus!
