 DAY 1:
Arrival at Larnaca airport. Pick up the car at the airport and drive to the hotel in Larnaca, where you spend the night.
DAY 2:
You can start your tour in Larnaca by visiting St. Lazarus Cathedral, built by Emperor Leo VI in the IX century, followed by a tour to the remains of the ancient city-kingdom of Kition which dates back to the XII century B.C.
Then, drive towards, Larnaca airport and visit the nearby Hala Soultan Tekke, a mausoleum built in memory of Umm Haram, believed to be Mohammed's aunt who died at this very spot in 649 during the first Arab raids. Continue further west, to the village of Kiti to the Angeloktistos church and admire the fine VI-century Byzantine mosaics. Overnight in Larnaca.
DAY 3:
Departure to Troodos Mountains through Nicosia, where you can start your tour by visiting the Archaeological Museum with its large collection of Cyprus priceless antiquities. Then proceed to St. John's Cathedral and to the Makarios Byzantine Museum where you can admire a large collection of icons from all over the island. A short drive within the Venetian walls which surround the old city and you arrive in Laiki Yitonia, a charming neighbourhood, which has been, recently restored to its turn-of the century grandeur. Then drive along the “green line” which divides the city into two parts. Overnight in a mountain hotel.
DAY 4:
A day in the Troodos Mountains can start with a visit to Kykko monastery; Cyprus' largest and most famous monastery, built by the Byzantines in 1092 A. D. Close by is the Tomb of Archbishop Makarios, the first President of the Cyprus Republic.
From here you can also explore some of the most attractive mountain villages. Kakopetria with old houses and winding alleyways, and Platres, a pretty resort dating back to 1940s, are well worth visiting. Meanwhile, nature lovers can stroll along the nature trail to the Caledonia Falls and enjoy some of the island's most stunning views. Then drive to Paphos where you will overnight.
DAY 5:
Start your day by visiting the surroundings of Paphos. First stop the nearby 12 th century monastery of St. Neophytos with its fascinating frescoes.
The monastery is named after the hermit who lived there for more than sixty years after an adventurous early life.
Then, scenic drive takes you along roads with stunning views down to the sea and through the small town of Polis and fishing shelter of Latchi. The Baths of Aphrodite of Love and Beauty used to bath and refresh herself. Beneath the spring is a popular beach where you can swim and relax.Overnight in Pafos.
DAY 6:
Start your tour to this historic town by visiting the Tombs of the Kings, which date back to the 3 rd century B.C. Then proceed to the House of Dionysos and to the villa of Theseus and admire some of the finest mosaics in the Eastern Mediterranean. You can also visit the Lusignan castle of Saranda colones and St. Paul's Pillar, where according to tradition St. Paul was flogged. Stop at Petra Tou Romiou, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, before driving to Limassol where you will overnight.
DAY 7:
Drive through Episkopi, one of the British bases in Cyprus, you will arrive at Curium, one of the island's most important archaeological sites. Here you will find the Greco-Roman Amphitheatre and its stunning sea view, the baths and the 2 nd House of Eustolios. Continue on to Kolossi castle, built by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. Then, driving through the Phasouri plantations, you arrive back to Limassol. There, you can visit the Limassol Castle, where Richard the Lionheart married Benengaria of Navarre. Overnight in Limassol.
Day 8:
Drive to the airport and leave the car at the airport car park. Take the flight back home. |
Holidays
