Day 3: Nicosia the divided Capital, Byzantine & Archaelogical Meuseum
An opportunity to visit Nicosia, the island’s capital, the only divided capital in the world, a modern city with a well-preserved centre that dates back to the Bronze Age . Passing by the newly restored Famagusta Gate, we stop at the Archbishopric and the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, its late 17th century 18th century wall paintings and outstanding frescoes from the Bible and painting that depict the discovery of the tomb of St Barnabas at Salamis who was the founder of the Church of Cyprus. Then we visit one of Europe’s most ipmortant and famous Byzantine museum of its type, featuring the largest collection of icons on the island. A short drive, past Liberty Monument and the Venetian Walls surrounding the old part of town we will explore city’s excellent shopping center / Laiki Yitonia, a 19TH century quarter lovingly restored to its former glory with houses, shops and taverns lining the cobbled streets. After lunch in a traditional tavern, stroll along Ledra street with its enchanting and inviting shops. Driving out along the Green Line which divides city into two, we will cross green line through Ledra street and visit occupied by Turks since 1974 North part of Nicosia and we will visit Buyuk Han, Ayia Sophia church that turned in to Selimiye Mosque at occupied Nicosia. Next visit will be the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, and you will be shown round the priceless collection of Cypriot antiquities and art treasures and your guide will be giving you an insight into the island’s rich history from the development of Cyprus’ civilization from the Neolithic Age to the Early Byzantine period (7th century). The museum’s collections are comprised of finds from extensive excavations from all over the island that have helped the development of Cyprus’ archaeology, as well as its research into the cultural heritage of the Mediterranean.
Day 4: Troodos Mountain Villages – Kykkos Monastery – UNESCO & Fresco Churches
Our journey will head towards Troodos Mountains, we stop at Virgin Mary of Assinou Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with amazing frescoes 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, 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. 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.
Day 5: Medieval Kolossi – Ancient Kourion – Apollo Hylates – Omodhos – Limassol
Driving along the beautiful shore, our first stop will be at the Medieval castle in the heart of Limassol, where Richard the Lion heart married Berengaria. We will have some free time near old /new harbor area. Continuing our journey, we visit the Crusader Castle of Kolossi famous in the medieval times for Commandaria (famous Cyprus sweet wine), which was built in the 13th century. Next stop will to see the ancient Kourion, Greco-Roman theatre and the mosaics, the basilica, a city kingdom during the iron age. then continue to The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates. We then will continue to one of the most beautiful villages in Cyprus: the village of Omodhos, which is famous for its true Cypriot architecture, its wine press, and the Monastery of the Holy Cross, well known for its collection of interesting ecclesiastical objects.
Day 6: Paphos – Aphrodite Birth place – Mythology- Archeology & UNESCO heritage
You can discover the legends and history of one of the most beautiful areas in Cyprus, our first stop en route will be at the Petra tou Romiou, (the legendary of Aphrodite – goddess of love) said to be the Aphrodite’s birthplace. Our next stop will be at Palaipaphos , the Sanctuary of Aphrodite and its ancient remains date back to the 12th century BC. Our journey will continue to the ancient sites of Nea Paphos, tour the remarkable houses. Explore at Paphos archeological park the Roman Palaces of Nea (Modern) Paphos, the houses of Dionysos, Aion, Theseus, Achilles, and mosaics, a series of beautifully preserved mosaics depicting scenes from Greek mythology which are listed among the most beautiful in the world, Visit the tombs of the kings, a world heritage site with impressive underground tombs of the Hellenistic period. We then pass by the catacombs of Ayia Solomoni, the Byzantine castle of forty columns and St. Paul’s pillar near Chrysopolitissa Church. Free time will be given to stroll round the picturesque harbor and Paphos castle area.
Day 7: Free on Leisure or Day reluxing cruise and or ‘Cyprus Night’ folkloric event
Enjoy your day at your own leisure at your own way, or spoil yourself and enjoy one of our day relaxing cruise along Cyprus shores during the 1st half of the day and later afternoon enjoy CYPRUS NIGHT event at Local Tavern Join our very special Cyprus Night for great entertainment in true Cypriot style, including an amazing floor show of Greek and Cypriot folk dancing & music, which in the end you will surely be tempted to join in. You will be served a typical Cypriot Meze, which consists of innumerable little delicacies which form a very satisfying and complete meal.
Day 8: FAMAGUSTA & SALAMIS ( occupied areas )*
A trip that gives you the chance to visit the beautiful coastal town of Famagusta and to go as near as possible to the fenced and sealed-off part of the town that is known all around the world as the ‘Ghost Town of Varosha’! The first stop is the Monastery of Saint Barnabas, the founder of the Cypriot Orthodox Church. There you will also have the chance to visit the Icon Museum of the Monastery as well as the tomb of Saint Barnabas who martyred in the area in 52AD. Our trip continues with a visit to the ancient city-kingdom of Salamis, founded right after the Trojan War by the archer Teucer who came from the Greek island of Salamis. Time will be given there for a guided tour around the archaeological site which includes a beautiful ancient Greek theater and marble columns, Roman Baths and a Gymnasium. We then drive back to Famagusta Old Town Center, where free time will be given for lunch (optional extra) and sightseeing. During your free time there, we highly recommend a walk around the Venetian Walls that surround the old part of the town and a visit at the Gothic Church of Saint Nicolas and Othello Castle (optional extra) which is mentioned by William Shakespeare in his play “Othello”. Your last stop will be the beach located right next to the ‘Ghost Town of Varosha’. There, you will have the chance to swim in the crystal clear blue waters of the beautiful golden sand beach of Famagusta, whilst taking in the eerie sight of the abandoned buildings which have been desolate since the Turkish invasion in 1974. On our way back we drive right next to the “Ghost Town of Varosha”, where you can see exactly how the area, that was once the best tourist resort of the island, now looks like! Passports or European Union ID Cards are needed on the day of the excursion to cross to occupied areas by Turks since 1974.
Day 9: Kerynia – Agios Hilarion – Bellapais ( occupied areas )*
Morning, start our tour by crossing the borders and head towards the Kerynia & Pentadaktylos (five fingers) mountains at the North side of Cyprus. Our first visit will be at Agios Hilarion castle dating back to 8th – 10th century AD. An impressive castle built on the top of Pentadaktylos mountain range overlooking Kerynia. Its enchanting historical background and the wonderful views will take you back to bygone times. Then we will visit the Bellapais Abbey. The monastery, one of the unparallel samples of Gothic Art, is situated on the flanks of the Pentadaktylos – (Kerynia) Mountains. The first settlers of the monastery were the priests of the Augustinian order who had migrated from Jerusalem. The first monastery building was contracted between 1198-1205. Then we shall drive to Kerynia with its horseshoe- shaped harbour, its medieval castle, snow- white houses between archways which open on to narrow streets, it resembles a coastal town in the south of France. We will go on to visit the Kerynia Castle. The castle is thought to have been constructed to protect the town against the Arab raids in the 7th century. Inside the castle is located also a museum, which contains the original cargo and equipment from the ancient ship of Kerynia. A merchant ship dating from 300 BC rose from the sea bed of the Mediterranean near Kerynia castle. The ship is probably the earliest trading vessel yet discovered. Ample time will be given for coffee or to stroll in the picturesque harbour of Kerynia. Passports or European Union ID Cards are needed on the day of the excursion to cross to occupied areas by Turks since 1974.
Day 10: Day on Leisure – Journey Back Home
Free Time on Leisure. Departure transfer for Larnaca/Paphos Airport.
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. Kerynia & Famagusta) 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, Civiliazation, Culture, Archeology, Mythology, UNESCO & long History to enjoy and visit the most beautiful places in Cyprus with local professional guide’… 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 private package 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 your exclusive Cyprus Culture & Archaeology Private Tour package info / quotation please contact us, … we will be glad to welcome and serve you in Cyprus!
