Cyprus with Luxury & Style (5 Days): Sample Itinerary Outline
ID #: DT-C-5-3-28-11-RAIJ
DAY
1: Arrive Limassol, CYPRUS
You are met upon arrival and taken to your resort hotel in Limassol.
Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to relax and enjoy the amenities
at your resort or explore this seaside region. The resort is your home
for your four nights on Cyprus. ►Suggested hotel: Grand Resort,
Limassol
DAY 2: Nicosia, CYPRUS
Today, travel to the center of the island of Cyprus and explore Nicosia,
a modern city with a well-preserved center that dates back to the Bronze
Age. Visit the archaeological museum with its fascinating collection of
Cypriot antiquities and treasures and the Byzantine museum with its
exceptional collection of Byzantine icons. See the Cathedral of St. John
the Evangelist and its 18th century wall paintings depicting scenes from
the Bible. Drive past the Venetian walls of the old city and Famagusta
Gate, to explore “Laiki Geitonia,” an old and colorful Cypriot
neighborhood. After lunch in a traditional tavern, stroll along Ledra
street with its enchanting and inviting shops. Return to Limassol by the
late afternoon. ►Suggested hotel: Grand Resort,
Limassol
DAY 3: Paphos, CYPRUS
Depart Limassol, driving alongside the sea front, past the citrus
plantations, to visit the medieval Kolossi Castle, built in 1210 and
once the headquarters of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. Your next
stop is to visit the ancient Kingdom of Kourion, with its open- air
theatre. See Petra tou Romiou, the legendary Petra tou Romiou –
Birthplace of Aphrodite birthplace of the Goddess Aphrodite where she is
said to emerge from the sea. Then continue on to today’s main
destination, the city of Paphos – a leading cultural center with history
so rich the whole town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy lunch in a
seaside tavern, overlooking the Byzantine castle. Next, visit catacombs
at the famous Tombs of the Kings,an exclusive Cypriot monument from the
3rd century and burial site for the aristocrats. See the impressive
Roman Villas of Aion, Dionysus, and Theseus, with their magnificent
mosaics inspired by Greek Mythology. Explore the Church of
Chrysopolitissa and St Paul’s column, marking the spot where the Apostle
was arrested while preaching Christianity in Roman times. The last stop
on your tour today is in the village of Yeroskipou to see the Ayia
Paraskevi Church, built in the 10th century AD, with five domes
decorated with frescoes. Enjoy a tasty visit to a traditional loukoum
(or Turkish Delight) factory before returning to Limassol in the late
afternoon. ►Suggested hotel: Grand Resort,
Limassol
DAY 4: Troodos Mountains, CYPRUS
Today, travel to the Troodos Mountains, whose peaks dominate the central
and western part of Cyprus. This is a unique geological area with deep
green pine forests and beautiful native wild flowers and plants. Drive
through picturesque villages, stopping to explore their celebrated
UNESCO protected Byzantine churches, renowned around the world for their
wall paintings (frescoes). Hidden in the Troodos region, we visit the
isolated Kykkos Monastery. Founded in the 11th century AD, it is the
richest and most important monastery on the island. From there, take a
short stroll to Throni to visit the tomb of the late Archbishop Makarios
III, first President of the Republic of Cyprus. After a relaxing lunch
in the mountains, enjoy the scenic drive back to Limassol and your
luxurious resort. ►Suggested hotel: Grand Resort,
Limassol
DAY 5: Depart Limassol, CYPRUS
Today you are taken to the Larnaca airport for your flight home or on to
your next destination.