








From north to south, mountain to shore, this tour charts the history and heritage of ‘Aphrodite’s Island’ via classical temples, Byzantine chapels, Venetian castles, and hidden villages
Kyrenia - 4 nights
Limassol - 3 nights
“A golden green leaf thrown into the sea”, is how Cypriot poet Leonidas Malenis described this beautiful island, but the leaf was thrown to a politically strategic position which invited invasions by Roman and Persian, Ottoman and Venetian empires, along with Crusader campaigns, all leaving their legacy on the landscape and heritage of Cyprus.
The country’s most recent occupation, the 1974 Turkish invasion, split the island, leaving Nicosia as ‘the world’s last divided capital’. With local guides in each area, the tour takes you to the most intriguing and impressive ancient and medieval landmarks, visiting northern sites from formidable Crusader forts to tranquil Bellapais Abbey, the sea-view ruins of Roman Salamis, Famagusta’s citadel, and Kyrenia’s harbour castle.
We visit monuments and museums on both sides of Nicosia’s divide, and learn of myths and miracles in a tour of the south, to the peace of the Troodos Mountains, the spectacular remains of Roman Curium (Greek Kourion), legendary Aphrodite’s Rock, and the catacombs and colourful mosaics of Paphos.
Cultural & Countryside Tour
Jules Verne Sightseeing
2 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Local Guides Throughout
No Single Supplement
Solo Group Departure
Day 1 Fly from your chosen airport to Larnaca, and transfer to Kyrenia for four nights at the 3-star Dome Hotel. (D)
Day 2 Full-day tour to St. Hilarion Castle, the largest of three crusader fortresses in the mountain range. Continue to the beautiful village of Bellapais, made famous by Lawrence Durrel in his 1950s book ‘Bitter Lemons of Cyprus’, and little changed since; and visit the 12th-century Bellapais Abbey. Return to Kyrenia to visit the Venetian castle. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Start in the ruins of ancient Salamis. Continue to Famagusta, recently re-opened to visitors. Visit the 14th-century St. Nicholas Cathedral (now a mosque), the medieval citadel ‘Othello’s Tower’, and the old city walls. After lunch by the beach, visit the Monastery of St. Barnabas, Cyprus’ patron saint. (B, L, D)
Day 4 A half-day tour to the northern sector of Nicosia includes visits to the iconic St. Sophia Cathedral (now Selimiye Mosque), the Covered Bazaar, the caravanserai, and the 17th-century monastery, Mevlevi Tekke, now the Whirling Dervish Museum. Dinner in Bellapais. (B, D)
Day 5 Cross the border to South Nicosia, to visit the Cyprus Museum, with the statue of Aphrodite and relics from the royal tombs of Salamis; the 17th-century St. John’s Cathedral, within the old city walls, and the neo-Byzantine style Archbishop’s Palace, housing the collection of 9th to 19th century art and icons of the Byzantine Museum. Continue to Limassol for three nights at the 4-star Mediterranean Beach Hotel. (B, D)
Day 6 Travel into the Troodos Mountains, visiting picturesque villages and UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches, and reaching Kikkos Monastery of the Virgin Mary on its 1,300m-high peak, built on the site of a medieval monastery. Within the monastery’s estate, we visit the tomb of the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, who began his ecclesiastical life here. (B)
Day 7 Visit ancient Curium (Kourion), founded in the 12th-century BC and inhabited as a Greek, Roman and Christian town up to the early Middle Ages. Travel along the coastal road to Aphrodite’s Rock, the mythical birthplace of the goddess of love. Continue to Paphos to visit the harbour area and its medieval fortress; the haunting 2nd-century BC catacombs of Saint Solomoni; the 14th-century Ayia Kyriaki Church, and the House of Dionysus, its mosaics are the jewel in the archaeological park’s crown. (B, L)
Day 8 Transfer to Larnaca airport for your return flight. (B)
Notes
St. Hilarion Castle on Day 2 involves many steps with steep climbs.
The Dome Hotel offers a superb sea-front setting, right in the heart of Kyrenia town, situated in the city centre within walking distance from main downtown attractions while providing the peaceful atmosphere inside the hotel. A 3-star hotel with restaurant, bar, pool, WiFi (free) and 160 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, minibar, satellite TV, safe and balcony.
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 hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and balcony or terrace. A sea view room is included.
2023
Mondays
per person in a twin room/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
2024
Mondays
per person in a twin room/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
13 November 2023
11 November 2024
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Solo Group Departure
(No Single Supplement)
2023: Nov 13
Single supplement £140 (Sep/Oct £175)
Flight Options
easyJet from Gatwick - On request
British Airways Club Europe - On request
Extension Options
Extra nights - Limassol
Mediterranean Beach Hotel
(per night) £75 (Sep-Oct £95)
Single supplement £30 (Sep-Oct £40)
Departure transfer add £40
Privately Guided
Add £1195 per person
Tour Only
Save £250
Arrival transfer add £55
Departure transfer add £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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