Travel through the fertile foothills where most of the country's vineyards and the orchards of the Phassouri citrus groves are found and past Kolossi Castle, a well-preserved stronghold standing three stories tall. You’ll arrive at the ancient ruins of the city of Kourion, an impressive Greco-Roman site where you can view remaining pavement mosaics.

Nearby is the Greco-Roman theater built in the 2nd century BC. Still used today for many performances, including ancient dramas, perched high on a cliff, this beautiful and unspoiled location offers spectacular views of the ruins and the sapphire sea below. A short distance away, you’ll find the Temple of Apollo with its stunning Cypro-Corinthian columns. The sanctuary is the largest and one of the most important religious centers on the island.

Leaving the Kourion area, you'll proceed to what is considered by many to be the most beautiful and picturesque of the old villages in Cyprus, Omodos Village, which is still preserved in its original state. Here explore the monastery of the Holy Cross with its wood carvings and old icons and see the restored wine press Lino. Visit some of the local homes, experiencing the history associated with them. Enjoy some free time to wander down the narrow streets and visit the quaint local shops, famous for their vitraux and hand-made pieces of traditional stained glass.

Nicosia, the largest town in Cyprus and capital since the 11th Century AD, has the distinction of being the last divided capital city in the world after the fall of the Berlin Wall. This remarkable city which is encircled by the old city walls, has managed to successfully blend its bustling modern day business and cultural centers with its historic heart while retaining its charming character.

Visit the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia, dating back to the 7th and 4th millennium BC. This very unique and well-preserved site consists of a cluster of dwellings situated on the slope of a hill overlooking the Maroni river valley and is considered one of the most important prehistoric sites of the eastern Mediterranean, the site is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Continue on to the Cathedral of St. John, built in 1662 by the Archbishop Nikiforos. View the 18th century frescoes that embellish the walls with colorful biblical scenes.

Drive by the Green Line checkpoint at Ledra Street where you’ll view the Turkish side, which occupied half of Nicosia and the northern territory of Cyprus. The tour proceeds through the impressive Venetian Walls into the old city via the Paphos Gate. Enjoy some free time in the restored 19th century neighborhood called Laiki Yitonia. The quaint, narrow pedestrian streets in this neighborhood are lined with traditional houses, craft shops, taverns and galleries, making for a delightful stroll or souvenir shopping.

Nicosia, the largest town in Cyprus and capital since the 11th Century AD, has the distinction of being the last divided capital city in the world after the fall of the Berlin Wall. This remarkable city which is encircled by the old city walls, has managed to successfully blend its bustling modern day business and cultural centers with its historic heart while retaining its charming character.

Stop at the Cathedral of St. John, built in 1662 by the Archbishop Nikiforos and see the 18th century frescoes that embellish the walls with colorful biblical scenes. Leaving the cathedral, continue on to the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, where the most significant collection of Cypriot antiquities is housed. Perhaps the most famous exhibit is the statue of Aphrodite from Soli - now the symbol of Cyprus.

Drive by the Green Line checkpoint at Ledra Street where you’ll view the Turkish side, which occupied half of Nicosia and the northern territory of Cyprus. The tour proceeds through the impressive Venetian Walls into the old city via the Paphos Gate. Enjoy some free time in the restored 19th century neighborhood called Laiki Yitonia. The quaint, narrow pedestrian streets in this neighborhood are lined with traditional houses, craft shops, taverns and galleries, making for a delightful stroll or souvenir shopping.

This tour brings you to the scenic seaside town of Paphos, a small harbor town and popular holiday resort, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll arrive at Petra tou Romiou, where legend tells us it was here that the goddess of Cyprus, Aphrodite, was born from the foam of the sea and carried by the sea's waves to the coast of Cyprus.

In the small harbor and popular holiday resort of Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, you’ll discover colorful Dionysos mosaics renowned throughout the Mediterranean, picturesque churches, medieval monasteries, museums, countless antiquities and a charming harbor guarded by a small castle.

While in Paphos, visit the House of Dionysos, famous for the mosaics unearthed during the excavation of a Roman nobleman's villa from the 3rd century AD, and mosaic floors showing Roman legends and characters mostly representing scenes from Greek mythology. The mosaics here are considered to be the finest mosaics in all the Mediterranean. Enjoy free time in the Limanaki area where you’ll find a wide array of international merchandise, or simply relax and enjoy the town's vibrant atmosphere.

Travel through the fertile foothills where most of the country's vineyards and the orchards of the Phassouri citrus groves are. You’ll arrive at the ancient ruins of the city of Kourion, an impressive Greco-Roman site where you can see remaining pavement mosaics. Nearby is the Greco-Roman theater built in the 2nd century BC. Still used today for many performances, including ancient dramas, perched high on a cliff, this beautiful and unspoiled location offers spectacular views of the ruins and the sapphire sea below.

You’ll visit the Kolossi Castle, a well-preserved stronghold standing three stories tall that was built by the Crusaders in the 13th century. Your guide will share with you how the castle served as both the Grand Commander of the Knights of St. John's Order of Jerusalem, as well as the Knights Templar.

Arriving back in Limassol, enjoy free time for shopping before returning to the pier. The wide array of shops that line the streets carry a variety of both international and local merchandise including jewelry, leather goods, clothing and local artifacts.

View astonishing remnants of antiquity in the seaside town of Paphos and at the ancient ruins of Kourion, enjoying a typical Cypriot lunch in Pissouri Village. Glide through vineyards and the Phasouri citrus groves to stirring Petra tou Romiou, symbol of Paphos and the legendary site where Aphrodite, ancient Greek goddess of Beauty and Love, was birthed from the foamy waves. You’ll discover that modern-day Paphos is a quaint resort town, but in Hellenistic and Roman times, it was the grand capital of Cyprus. Moving from the picturesque fortress guarding the harbor to the enchanting mosaics in the 3rd-century House of Dionysos, you’ll quickly learn why this is a revered UNESCO World Heritage site. Savor free time to shop or explore picture-perfect Paphos before a lovely lunch of Cypriot specialties near the ancient city of Kourion, blanketed with intricate mosaics, which also boasts a superb Greco-Roman theater built in the 2nd century BC, still in use today. You’ll appreciate the spectacular views of the ruins and sapphire seas from the theater’s cliff-top location, an ideal vantage point from which to contemplate Cyprus’ vital role in the classical age.

Drive into the gorgeous countryside and meet the owners of a winery and a restaurateur who will demonstrate how to make traditional products. You will first visit the 12th-century monastery Agios Neophytos and observe the founding monk’s cave that he hand-carved. The interior is covered with extraordinary Byzantine frescoes. This remote area is also ideal for winemaking because the stony, free-draining soil forces the grape roots to grow deep and absorb character from the earth. To further understand the terroir, you will visit the winery Tsangarides in nearby Lemona. After touring the vineyards and observing the production process, you will sample a selection of wines. Next stop, Sofia's Traditional House. You will be fascinated by the warm welcome. Get the opportunity to discover demonstration of bread and halloumi making. Enjoy a traditional brunch consisting of halloumi, bread, fruit of season, olives, eggs, ravioles, salad, marmalades, butter, xerotigana.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Observe the interior of a cave that a 12th-century monk hand-carved from solid rock.
• Tour a winery to understand the challenges of growing grapes there and to sample wines.
• Savor an organic lunch before watching how Cyprus bread and marmalades are made.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore some of Limassol’s most historical and popular coastal attractions before relaxing on one of the finest beaches nearby. While walking along the seafront promenade – which stretches from the Old Port to the Amphitheatre of Molos – you will soon encounter an open-air sculpture park with inspiring works from Cypriot, Greek and international artists. The setting couldn’t be lovelier as towering palm trees standing all along the promenade and the sparkling sea rims the entire park. Just one block inland, you will find the 19th-century Agia Napa Cathedral, the narrow atmospheric Agiou Andreou – the oldest commercial street in Limassol – a bustling municipal market and Limassol Castle, an imposing centuries-old fortification that overlooks the Old Port. Before long, you will reach Kebir Mosque, a 16th-century landmark in the old Turkish quarter. You will have seen plenty to reflect upon as you head to a lovely beach to relax as you see fit.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk along Limassol’s seaside promenade and admire the art in an outdoor sculpture park.
• Gain an understanding of the religious diversity while passing a cathedral and a mosque.
• Meander down the medieval street Agiou Andreou and by historical Limassol Castle.
• Spend free time relaxing at one of the city’s most spectacular beaches.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.