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.
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