Knowing Cyprus

Cyprus isn't the only place in the world where you can take blue skies, sparkling waters, miles of beaches and sun-drenched days for granted.

But it is absolutely the only Mediterranean island where Aphrodite was born Richard the Lionhearted was married and Shakespeare set Othello.

Let us introduce you to an island that is large enough to offer groups limitless choice and space, but small enough to allow visitors to experience a sense of familiarity and place. Whether you most enjoy exploring archaeological sites and museum hopping or perhaps you are a nature lover or outdoor sports enthusiast, the clean air and golden light will equally impress. So will the partically non-existent crime level and the heartfelt Cypriot welcome you are sure to enjoy.

Just look beyond the sea and sun. You know, you l find more of what you're after in Cyprus.

While in Cyprus do not miss the opportunity to visit the Troodos mountains. You will always remember the spectacular scenery and breathtaking views from the lofty heights of mount Olympus, the highest peak in Cyprus (1952m. above sea level). The mountain roads pass through delightful peaceful picturesque villages including Lania, Platres, Prodromos, the village with the highest altitude in Cyprus (1380m. above sea level). Proceed to visit the Kykko monastery, the largest in Cyprus founded in 1080 AD by a Byzantine emperor where a miraculous golden icon of the virgin Mary, that is believed to have been painted by the Apostle Luke, is kept. At Throni, close to the Monastery, the tomb of the late Archbishop Makarios IIl can be seen.


 Villages and wine testing

A tour into the peaceful Cypriot countryside and the enchanting wine producing villages in the southern slopes of Troodos. The first stop is at Lania village, famous for its traditional architecture, its old wine press and the numerous artists who have turned it into a hive of artistic activity. Then visit the charming Omodos village, with its unique pebbled central square, next to the old monastery of Stavros (Holy Cross) with its outstanding icons and woodcarvings. Stroll through the narrow streets of the village and visit the old wine press and
the traditional houses. Home made wine and other grape- based delicacies can be tasted at the village. Finally, visit a local winery to learn about the techniques of wine production and taste the Cypriot lovely wines.

 

 A taste of Cyprus

Join the night's excursion to the typical Cyprus village of Omodos where you will be offered home-made spirits and wines as well as other tasteful delicacies. Then proceed in a local Taverna in Platres village, the popular summer mountain resort, where delicious local dishes, "meze", and wines will be served under the sounds of the unique Greek music. Guests are encouraged to join the dancing with live music and folkloric dancers who will demonstrate how it should be done!

Boat Trips

Such trips are being organised from all resorts from April to November.
From the old port in Limassol sail eastwards and drop anchor at Ladies Mile sandy beach. Lunch and drinks are being served on board. There is plenty of time to soak up the sun from deck, enjoy a range of water sports or go ashore.
From Paphos sail eastwards along the coast towards the famous Akamas peninsula with its beautiful bays of Coral Bay, Korallia Bay and Lara Bay, the natural nesting area of the green turtle caretta_caretta. Lunch with local wine is served on board.
From Ayia Napa sail past the sea caves to the glorious golden sandy beaches of Protaras. There is plenty of time to soak up the sun or take a dip in the crystal waters.


Jeep Safaris

From Paphos and Limassol. Drive through the local traditional villages to the Akamas peninsula earth roads in four-wheel drive jeeps. Drive by the Lara Bay, Fontana Amorosa, turtle nesting place, to the Avakas CANYON. On the way you will enjoy your lunch in the heart of the Akamas forest and have time to swim in the crystal sea waters of the area. Alternatively, clients may join the mountains safari with panoramic views and glimpses of local traditions and rural life in the surrounding mountain villages.


City Tours

Half day comprehensive city tours are being organised from all resorts. From Limassol drive through the citrus groves and arrive at the Kolossi castle built in the 13th century by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. From there drive to the ancient Greco-Roman city kingdom of Curium, with its excellently preserved mosaic floors of the house of Eustolios and its amphitheater which hosts performances to this day. On the way back, a large producing wine factory is being visited for a tour and wine tasting. From Paphos the rich history and tradition of Paphos is being discovered during this tour. The exquisite Paphos Mosaics at the Roman Villa of Dionysos are being visited. Then drive by the rock-carved Tombs of the Kings, the Forty Columns Byzantine fortification, the Paphos Fort and the Pillar of St. Paul. Then the Byzantine church of Ayia Paraskevi in Yeroskipou is being visited, before returning to the hotel.
From Ayia Napa / Protaras drive through the red soil villages of the area to the picturesque Liopetri river with its colorful fishing boats. From there drive on, through Liopetri to Sotira where a basket -making workshop is being visited and then continue on to Derynia check-point from where the ghost town of Famagusta can be seen.


Larnaca Lefkara Vavatsinia

The tour to Larnaca, the city of palm trees, built on the site of the ancient kingdom of Kition Archaeological Museum. The Museum Houses the oldest and richest private collection of Cypriot antiquities on the island, treasured by five generations of the Pierides family. it represents all aspects of civilisation and cultural heritage in ancient Cyprus.
Then drive on to the village of Kiti to visit the 16th century church of Panayia Angeloktisti (built by the Angels) with its famous mosaics. Time will be allowed for a coffee break before proceeding to Khiirokitia, where the ruins of the oldest remains of the Neolithic period in Cyprus were excavated revealing one of the earliest cultures in the world (6800BC).
This tour continues to the typical small village of Vavatsinia for a stroll and lunch and a visit to Lefkara, a village famous for its laces, embroideries, silverware and jewellery.

Limassol

The second largest town in the island that has been known since the middle ages, when the Crusaders held Cyprus under Richard the Lionheart, for its wine and sugar cane plantations.
A sponge processing factory is visited to see how sponges are picked by divers from the depths of the sea, and the process until they find their final form is demonstrated.
The Limassol Medieval castle is the next stop, which houses a medieval museum and where according to legend, Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England in 1191.
Time will be available for shopping and a visit the colorful vegetable and fruit market.
Then the ancient city kingdom of Amathus lying east of the town will be visited, where remains of Archaic, Roman and early Christian times can be seen.


Famacousta gate

One of the three entries of the Venetian Wall surrounding Nicosia. The so called 'Famagusta Gate' has been restored and is now the Municipal Culture Centre. The large gates lead into a long passage with a central cupola, which cuts through the walls and comes out in the moat. On both sides are high, stone-walled rooms which together with the passage are used for exhibitions, conferences, lectures and various performances for 50 to 150 participants.
 

Laiki yitonia

A restored pedestrian area within the walled city. Charming winding alleys with traditional houses and shops, restaurants and gallories, all lovingly restored as typical examples of Cypriot urban architecture of by gone days. A picturesque place for cocktails reception or dinners from 20-200 participants.

Limassol Castle

The garden and the road outside this castle built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier Byzantine castle. According to tradition Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England here in 1911. A nice place for a cocktail reception from 50-200 participants.

Kolossi Castle

A fine example of military architecture, originally constructed in the 13th century and subsequently rebuilt in its present form in the middle of the 15th century. After the fall of Acre in 1291, it served as the Grand Commandery of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. In the 14th century it came for a few years under the domain of the Knights Templar. Nearby are the ruins of a sugar mill dating to the 14th century.


Kourion

An important ancient city-kingdom, and one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the island where excavations still bring new treasures to light. The magnificent Graeco-Roman Theatre was originally built in the 2nd century BC and is now fully restored and used for musical and theatrical performances. The House of Eustolios, originally a private Roman villa, became a public recreation centre during the Early Christian period. It consists of a complex of baths and a number of rooms with beautiful 5th century AD mosaic floors. The Early Christian basilica dated to the 5th century, was probably the Cathedral of Kourion with a baptistery attached to the north face. The House of Achilles and the House of the Gladiators have beautiful mosaic floors. The Nymphaeum, dedicated to the water nymphs, is an elegant Roman structure. The Stadium lies 1km to the west on the right side of the road to Pafos and is dated to the 2nd century AD.

Omodos village square

A picturesque village with a long wine making tradition, a spacious cobbled village square headed by the Monastery of Stavros. In the summer season the square is an ideal setting for village fiesta from 50-500 participants.

The village is situated in 11 km southwest of Platres. A wine producing village, once the property of Sir John De Brie, Prince of Galilee, with the Monastery of Stavros, 'Holy Cross', standing by the stone-paved square. The monastery contains old icons, excellent wood carving and other ecclesiastical objects of interest, as well as a small National Struggle Museum. A traditional wine press known as 'linos', has been restored in an old house. A festival is held in the village every August, and there is a large religious fair on the 14th of September.