A full itinerary exploring the whole island’s scenic splendour and cultural heritage
(limited dates/availability)
Relaxation of the land border in Cyprus allows a tour of the island of 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 the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus, 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 London Heathrow to Larnaca and transfer to Kyrenia for four nights at the 3-star Onar Village Hotel. (D)
Day 2 Full-day tour visiting the dramatically sited St. Hilarion Castle (involves a steep climb), romantic Bellapais Abbey and Kyrenia Castle. Lunch at the picturesque harbour. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Visit ancient Salamis and Famagusta, visiting 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 Morning tour to 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 From Limassol you quickly reach 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. Enjoy a traditional Cypriot mezze lunch. (B, L)
Day 8 Travel to Larnaca for the return flight. (B)
Notes
St. Hilarion Castle on Day 2 involves many steps with steep climbs.
Situated on the outskirts of the Kyrenia mountain range, about five minutes drive from the city centre and in the foothills above Kyrenia. The hotel has a unique, panoramic view overlooking the Northern Cyprus 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
(limited dates/availability)
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
All dates 2019
(limited availability)
Single supplement £95
Flight Options
British Airways Club Europe from £385
Extension Options
Extra nights - Limassol
Mediterranean Beach Hotel (per night) £75
(Nov £55; Sep/Oct £90)
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
(limited availability on all departures)
Single supplement thereafter £20
(Nov £15; Sep/Oct £25)
Departure transfer £35
Privately Guided
Add £1195 per person
Independent Arrival
Save £250
Arrival transfer £50
Departure transfer £35
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.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
