Nat Geo Day Tour: Two Sides, One Story: Co-Existence in Cyprus
Get a fresh perspective on the latest events in Cyprus on this National Geographic Day Tour led by two journalists, one Greek-Cypriot and one Turkish-Cypriot, who will give you rare, behind-the-scenes insights. Start by exploring the restored village of Moutallos. Immerse yourself in its stories as you meander through the narrow alleys and witness the transformation of the area, with rehabilitated buildings that bear remnants of Turkish names, symbolizing respect for the other community. Pause for a photo stop at the historic Agia Sophia mosque, formerly a Christian church. The tour then leads you to Ibrahim's Khan, a refurbished Ottoman inn. It now houses craft units and a theater. The main entrance showcases exquisite creations of embroidery, jointly made by women from both communities, illustrating their desire for cooperation and reunification. In the courtyard of the Khan, engage in an interactive debate directed by your two journalist guides —one Greek-Cypriot and one Turkish-Cypriot. Together, you'll explore Cyprus' recent past, investigating the causes behind the enduring division and contemplating potential paths toward unity. See the contrast between old and new as you embrace the mix of vendors and workshops in the Khan's surroundings. Then, admire the renovated Ottoman Baths, part of a heritage preservation project. Conclude by savoring the simple yet true flavors that are offered in family homes, accompanied by a cup of Cypriot, Turkish, or Greek coffee, served in the oldest coffee establishment in Paphos.
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Caledonia Waterfalls Tour with Lunch
The lush, cool forest that carpets the Troodos Mountains is an ideal escape near Paphos. A perfect contrast to the beach, you'll journey along a scenic route into the hills, where your destination is the village of Platres. Here, you'll set off on a 3km hike along the stream to the Caledonia Falls, followed by a traditional lunch at Psilo Dendro restaurant. Andri, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘You'll enjoy the journey as much as the destination on this hike, which follows and criss-crosses a stream over a series of little bridges all the way to the waterfall.'We'll get the tour started on a refreshing note with a stop at Kolossi Fruit Garden. Here you'll have the chance to try some fresh lemonade and buy fruit before continuing further into the mountains to the pretty hilltop village of Platres. This is the starting point for the nature trail, which traces the bubbling Kryos Potamos stream through the trees. You'll be glad of sturdy footwear as you head along the scenic trail, which is quite uneven in places with some rocks, roots and rivulets to keep it interesting.It's a forest walk in dappled shade, leading through a variety of gnarly trees including pines and strawberry trees. Once you reach the Caledonia Falls, you'll be able to take a break - and have a paddle if you wish - at the shaded freshwater pool, then continue to the famous Psilo Dendro restaurant with its very own trout farm. Relax over lunch – needless to say, trout is a speciality – and end the day on a high.
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Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner
Tasty meze, live music and dancing – this trip has all the ingredients for a right old Cypriot night. And if that wasn't enough, it all comes after sunset at Aphrodite's Rock – where, according to legend, the goddess of love was born. Join us for a knees-up to remember in one of the area's best tavernas.
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Kourion Ruins, Kolossi Castle and Winery Guided Visit
The myths of Cyprus come to life on this tour. You'll see where a legend was born, visit the ruins of Kourion, venture to the village of Omodos and cap off the day with a tasting at a family-run winery. Eva, one of our local guides, says of this excursion, ‘You'll wander through layers of history, culture and mythology, and learn about Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The rituals connected with her as well as the plants and seashells associated with her.'You'll dive straight into the past to see Petra tou Romiou, a sea stack where, local legend has it, the goddess Aphrodite was born. The ancient past takes on a more tangible form at Kourion, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Cyprus. Visit its Roman baths and amble into its centrepiece, the Greco-Roman theatre. It's still used for concerts. And up next is the Crusader-built Kolossi Castle, where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre.Lunch is in a family-owned restaurant. It's as famed for its country fare made from locally sourced ingredients as it is for its scenic location in the hills. Then, we'll head to the mountain-nestled village of Omodos, where you'll have free time to wander around skinny cobbled streets lined with Byzantine buildings. And to round off the day, we'll visit the winery. After a tour of the production area, sample some of its award-winning wines, including the commandaria variety, which Richard the Lionheart baptised as the ‘wine of kings and the king of wines'.
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Troodos Mountains Tour with Kykkos Monastery and Lunch
The journey into the Troodos Mountains is a journey to another Cyprus. Rustic stone villages dot tree-clad valleys where traditional ways of life still hold sway. This tour takes you into the spiritual heart of the highlands, the Kykkos Monastery, as well as up to Throni Hill. Alexia, one of our local guides, says, ‘The icon of the Virgin Mary at Kykkos is considered miraculous, so at least once a year, it's important for Cypriots to visit the church.'As you go into the depths of the Troodos, you'll encounter luxuriant landscapes which contrast with the arid coast. You'll head to the Kykkos Monastery first. Perched on Mount Kykkos, it's laden with religious treasures, and you won't be able to keep your eyes off the golden icons and frescoes – except for the icon of the Virgin Mary. It's kept under wraps, with the last known viewing being hundreds of years ago. You'll also have free time to wander around the grounds and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains. What's more, your visit helps the preservation of this important heritage site.We'll then visit the hilltop tomb of Archbishop Makarios III. Superb views greet you before the drive down to the village of Pedoulas. Here, you'll enjoy a typical Cypriot lunch made from locally sourced ingredients in a family-run restaurant. There's time for an optional walk up to the richly decorated Orthodox church of the Holy Cross, then we'll head back with a coffee stop at Pano Platres en route.
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Troodos Mountain Villages Tour with Lampadistis Monastery
Cyprus is full of hidden treasures, and you'll explore some of the island's rural highlights on this full day excursion into the Troodos Mountains. You'll drive into the countryside – where most say the trip is worth it for the views alone – to Lampadistis Monastery and Kalopanayiotis, with a few pleasant surprises in between.
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Ancient Kourion, Kolossi Castle, Omodos & Winery Small Group Tour
Cyprus is all rolling hills dotted with pretty villages. On this adults-only tour, you'll see where a legend was born, visit the ruins of Kourion, venture to the village of Omodos and cap off the day with a wine tasting. Eva, one of our local guides, says of this excursion, ‘You'll wander through layers of history, culture and mythology, and learn about Aphrodite. The rituals connected with her, as well as the plants and seashells associated with her legacy.'You'll dive straight into the past to see Petra tou Romiou — a sea stack where, according to legend, love goddess Aphrodite was born. We keep the theme ancient at Kourion, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Cyprus. Visit the Roman baths and amble into the site's centrepiece, the Greco-Roman theatre. Concerts are still held to this day. The 15th-century Kolossi Castle is up next. This Crusader-built fortress is surrounded by blooming plants.Then, we'll head for a local lunch in a family-run taverna before visiting mountain-fringed Omodos, where you'll wander around skinny cobbled streets lined with Byzantine buildings. It's Eva's favourite village. She says, ‘The charm of the stone houses, the tranquillity and peacefulness – it's as if it has sprung from a fairytale. I love dropping into one of the cafés and seeing locals have philosophical discussions, political arguments and a bit of gossip.' Plus, there's a wine tasting, where you'll learn all about sweet commandaria wine.
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Mosteiro de Kykkos e excursão para grupos pequenos nas montanhas Troodos
A viagem até às Montanhas Troodos é uma viagem a outro Chipre. Aldeias rústicas de pedra pontilham vales repletos de pinheiros e os modos de vida tradicionais ainda prevalecem. Esta excursão para pequenos grupos, apenas para adultos, leva você ao coração espiritual das terras altas, o Mosteiro de Kykkos, bem como ao túmulo de Makarios III no topo da colina. Eva, uma de nossas guias locais especializadas, diz: 'As montanhas Troodos são onde encontro minha alma. Há aldeias onde o tempo parou, onde as pessoas ainda se preocupam umas com as outras, onde você entra como convidado e sai como amigo.'Subindo pelas paisagens selvagens das montanhas Troodos, você fará uma parada para um café em uma vila típica. Em seguida, siga para a estrela do show, o belo Mosteiro de Kykkos, situado no topo do Monte Kykkos. O interior é ricamente decorado e você não conseguirá tirar os olhos dos ícones e afrescos. Você ouvirá a lenda de por que seu ícone mais famoso, 'a Garota de Ouro', permanece meio escondido. E você também terá tempo livre para passear pelos jardins e apreciar as vistas panorâmicas das montanhas.Em seguida, visitaremos a Colina Throni e o elaborado túmulo do Arcebispo Makarios III. Vistas soberbas o cumprimentam antes da viagem até a vila de Pedoulas. Aqui, você desfrutará de um almoço típico cipriota feito com ingredientes de origem local em um restaurante familiar. Haverá tempo para uma caminhada opcional até a igreja ortodoxa da Santa Cruz, depois voltaremos com uma parada para fotos no mirante dos Prodromos e um coffee break no caminho.
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The mesmerising Blue Lagoon is Mediterranean perfection. On this full day cruise, you'll sail along the Akamas peninsula to swim, snorkel and have a barbecue lunch in one of the most idyllic locations in Cyprus. What's more, there's a live performer onboard.First up is the star of the show – the Blue Lagoon. Take the plunge with your snorkelling equipment to spot crabs and starfish just under the surface. Then, refuel with a tasty barbecue.Making our way towards Paphos, you'll spot sea caves and secluded bays roll by as well as St George's Isle. Admire the picturesque coastline of the Akamas peninsula while you relax and soak up the sunrays. And on the way back, we'll stop for a swim at either Lara Bay – a beach that's home to turtles – or the islet of Geronisos, depending on the weather.
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Ocean Flyer Elite Cruise Adults Only
This full day adults-only boat trip has luxury stamped all over it. Not only will you cruise along the west coast of Cyprus in a mega yacht, but you'll be welcomed on board with a glass of bubbly, have cold towels delivered to you, and a buffet lunch for you to tuck into.Step on board the Ocean Flyer in Paphos Harbour, hold out your hand for a glass of chilled champagne and your crew will sort the rest. You'll set sail into the glittering water, skirting alongside the coast, to your first destination at Coral Bay. There'll be canapés and nibbles served along the way, too.Then use the on-board snorkels and canoes to explore, and at the second stop you'll have a hot and cold buffet laid out for you with the open bar declared open. Your captain will steer the boat towards St George's Island and the sea caves as you make your way back. Then toast your day with a brandy and freshen up with a cold towel before stepping back on dry land.
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Spanning vast meadows, orchards and thick forests filled with birdlife, the landscapes of the Troodos Mountains are ever-changing. And there's no better way to explore them than by 4x4. On this full-day tour, you'll see Omodos, Aphrodite's Rock and much more.The day starts with a quick stop by the Big Rock, before journeying deep into the Troodos Forest to visit the photogenic Tzelefos Bridge. Here you can join an optional mini forest hike. Then, stop at a traditional 'kafenion' to taste an authentic Cypriot coffee, before whizzing by a 20m waterfall for some Instaworthy snaps. Once you've built up an appetite, lunch will be served in a nearby tavern.Afterwards, you'll head to the village of Omodos, right in the heart of Limassol's wine growing region. Drop into a café or visit the 17th-century Monastery of the Holy Cross. Rounding the day off is a visit to Petra tou Romiou, better known as Aphrodite's Rock, where you can take a swim or kick back on the sprawling sands.
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Nestled between the exotic blue hues of the southern Mediterranean and the towering Troodos Mountains, the city of Limassol offers a living, breathing contrast between old and new. Tour the old town at your pace, see all the sights or kick back at a cafe between shopping sprees, the choice is yours.
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