A full itinerary exploring the ancient island of Aphrodite’s scenic splendour and cultural heritage
Kyrenia - 4 nights
Limassol - 3 nights
Relaxation of the border between North and South Cyprus allows a tour of all Cyprus – guides from North and South present both sides of the history and heritage of this divided island including both parts of Nicosia, Europe’s only divided capital. Whilst previous visits involved choosing between North and South, the interested traveller may view both sides of the story and enjoy the best of both.
Throughout the millennia the island has been of great political importance. It was invaded many times and the Romans, Persians, Crusaders and Venetians all left their legacy on the island.
The sites of ancient Cyprus include the Roman port of Salamis and Roman Curium. Medieval Cyprus is represented by Crusader castles, Venetian castles and abbeys. Many invaders and perhaps an aspiration to get closer to heaven led Orthodox monks to build small Byzantine churches in the remote Troodos Mountains. In a privileged position in the southern Mediterranean, this isle of Aphrodite has a fine year-round climate and rich, cultural heritage.
Enjoy Cypriot cuisine in local restaurants: a lunch and dinner at Kyrenia Harbour; lunch by the beach at Salamis; and a traditional mezze lunch in Paphos.
Day 1 Fly from your chosen airport. Transfer to Kyrenia for four nights at the 3-star Onar Village Hotel. (D)
Day 2 Visit St. Hilarion Castle (steep climb), Bellapais Abbey and Kyrenia Castle. Kyrenia Harbour lunch. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Travel to ancient Salamis and Famagusta to visit St. Nicholas’ Cathedral, Othello’s Tower and the city walls. Lunch by the beach and return via the monastery of St. Barnabas. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Visit North Nicosia, St. Sophia Cathedral, the covered bazaar, a caravanserai and the Whirling Dervishes Museum. Kyrenia harbour dinner. (B, D)
Day 5 Cross the border to South Nicosia to visit the Archaeological Museum, St. John’s Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace and Byzantine Museum. Continue to Limassol for three nights at the 4-star Mediterranean Beach Hotel. (B, D)
Day 6 Travel to the Troodos Mountains. Visit picturesque villages, UNESCO-protected Byzantine churches, Kykkos Monastery and the Tomb of Archbishop Makarios. (B)
Day 7 Visit ancient Curium with its Greek theatre, early Christian basilica and sanctuary. View Aphrodite’s Rock and in Paphos, visit the harbour, catacombs, Ayia Kyriaki Church and St. Paul’s Pillar, and the mosaics of the House of Dionysus. (B, L)
Day 8 Return flight. (B)
Notes
St. Hilarion Castle on Day 2 involves many steps with steep climbs.
Situated in the foothills of the Kyrenia mountain range above Kyrenia town, about five minutes drive from the city centre. The hotel has a unique, panoramic view overlooking the Mediterranean coastline and the ancient town of Kyrenia. A 3-star hotel with restaurant, bar, pools, WiFi (free) and 64 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, satellite TV and balcony or terrace.
A 4-star hotel 8 kilometres from Limassol centre (regular public buses operate nearby), 500 metres from the ruins of Amathus and a short walk from local restaurants. Restaurants, bars, indoor and outdoor pools, gym, spa, beach and WiFi (free). 291 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and balcony or terrace. A sea view room is included.
Mondays
per person in a twin room/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £110
(Feb/Mar/Nov £80)
Flight Options
British Airways Club Europe
from £385
easyJet from Gatwick – nil
Jet2 from Birmingham
(Sep – Oct) – nil
Extension Options
Extra nights - Limassol
Mediterranean Beach Hotel
(per night) £75
(Sep-Oct £95; Nov £60)
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
(limited availability on all departures)
Single supplement thereafter £20
(Sep-Oct £25; Nov £15)
Departure transfer £40
Privately Guided
Add £1195 per person
Independent Arrival
Save £250
Arrival transfer £55
Departure transfer £40
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 7 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 5 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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VAT No. 805146159
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