Paphos, Cyprus 

Mountain Villages - Troodos Mountains Tour 

Shortly after we leave Paphos we visit the 2nd largest Dam of Cyprus before continuing uphill northwards and through some little villages. We arrive at Salamiou Village where people have a chance to taste the Cyprus coffee together with homemade halloumi cheese, cucumber tomato olives and pitta bread. Also zivania is offered for a taste. Then a beautiful ride towards the forest and a stop at a view point where you can take amazing photos of the whole region of Troodos including the little dam of Arminou. The next point will be the famous Venetian Bridge for a short break and photos. Then off road through the beautiful forest of Troodos and and the next stop will be the waterfalls. 

 

An opportunity will arise after this to visit a family workshop at the village of Phini in order to visit a little family workshop to see and taste the only one of its kind sweet Phini Delights. Then on to Omodos Village for some free time before heading for a taste of blue wine! On the way back we make a stop at the birthplace of Aphrodite before returning to the hotel. Cost: Approximately Euro 75.00 

Akamas Jeep Safari This full day excursion will take us to The Akamas Peninsula is a nature preserve that forms the south-western tip of the island. In this magical and unexplored countryside, we will admire the beautiful landscape and coastal area. Akamas is a nature preserve: 168 species of birds, 12 mammals, 20 reptiles and 16 butterflies have been identified there. We will visit: Aphrodite`s Birthplace. Aphrodite`s rock According to legend, the Goddess of Love and Beauty was born from the foam of the sea at this spot - next to the rock of Petra tou Romiou. Avakas Gorge One of the island`s natural wonders, with 30 meters high limestone walls. Have a little walk deeper inside and you will be surprised at the breath-taking view of the natural beauty. 

 

Lara Bay Well known as the breeding ground of the famous Green Turtles of the Mediterranean. Beautiful views of the bay, and information stands regarding the turtles. The Cyprus Government was one of the first in Mediterranean, to protect the turtle population and beaches where they nest. Baths of Aphrodite Hidden among the lush vegetation, this is where the Goddess of love bathed with her lover, Adonis. Don`t forget to wash your face at the source of rejuvenation and next day you will wake up 10 years younger. We will stop at a traditional Cypriot tavern, which is situated on the beautiful beach of Latsi. You may try a typical Cypriot Meze or a mix of local and international cuisine. (Lunch is optional and is not included in the price). During this stop, you will have the opportunity to swim. Cost: Approximately Euro 85.00 

Larnaca & Nicosia This full day excursion will take us to Finikoudes Promenade (Larnaka Waterfront) where the famous Palm Tree lined seafront with many cafes and restaurants. It is also very popular with local Cypriots. We then move on to Ayios Lazaros Church. The magnificent church was built by Emperor Leo VI, in the 9th century. Restoration carried out in the 17th century, keeping faithfully to the original plan, and the church can be called one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture. The tomb of St. Lazaros, who after he was raised from the dead in Bethany by Christ, came to Cyprus and lived here for another thirty years and was consecrated as the Bishop of Kition by St. Barnabas and St. Mark, can be seen under the sanctuary. 

 

We will then move on to Nicosia where we will visit: Archbishop Palace. Built in the early fifties and much fighting took place there during the invasion of 1974, when it came close to being completely destroyed. Rebuilt in the eighties, the Archbishop's Palace is once again a grand building and particularly to see the bust of Archbishop Kyprianos outside, a religious leader executed by the Turks in the 1820s. St John’s Cathedral (Ayios Ioannis) was built in 1665 within the courtyard of the archiepiscopal palace. Look for the 18th-century murals illustrating important moments in Cypriot religious history and including a depiction of the tomb of St. Barnabas. Laiki Geitonia (shopping) traditional neighborhood houses with narrow winding streets and craft shops. 

 

It is a very popular area for both locals and tourists and there are many cafes and restaurants in the area for lunch or a snack during free time. The Leventis municipal museum of Nicosia View the impressive and significant collections, with unique objects from the history of the town, which are also highly treasured sources of information on the history of Cyprus. Ledras Street (Shopping area) The most lively part of the old city with narrow streets, boutiques. View Point Shacolas Building (11th floor) Take your passports with you and you can cross over (optional) between the Cypriot southern and northern Turkish occupied parts of Cyprus which barrier has been opened since April 2008 Cost: Approximately Euro 60.00