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Local Excursions |
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LOCAL EXCURSIONS (FROM LIMASSOL ONLY)
Troodos Mountains - Kykko MonasteryDiscover Troodos Mountains - the Green heart of Cyprus. A memorable day off the beaten track through idyllic mountain villages unchanged from generations. Our first stop will be just below Mount Olympus - the highest point in Cyprus with a peak of 1951 meters and take in the panoramic views in Troodos Square. We precede to “Throni”, to see the Tomb of Archbishop Makarios III, the first President of Cyprus. Enjoy the spectacular views of the countryside and pine forests as we drive to the famous Monastery of Kykkos, which was built in 1092 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It houses one of the three surviving icons painted by Agios Loukas. A break for lunch will be taken in a nearby restaurant. On our return we will move on to one of the many beautiful mountain villages for coffee. Please note that modest attire is required when visiting monasteries Price €35.00 per adult - Child under 12 years: €19.00 =========================================== Lefkosia & Lefkara villageThis is a drive to the island’s capital and the last divided city in the world. The city practically at the center of the island is the ideal place for you to find your holiday bargains. We enter Lefkosia by driving along the Green Line, the capital’s dividing line. Passing by the newly restored Famagusta Gate, we proceed to the Archbishop’s Palace where we visit St. John’s Cathedral and the Byzantine Museum, with its priceless collection of fascinating icons and religious relics. Our tour continues to picturesque old quarter of “Laiki Yitonia”, where you will have time for lunch and a stroll around the charming winding alleys lined with numerous traditional houses, shops and galleries. During this free time you also have the chance to stroll around the historical city center and to visit the border (also known as the Green Line) that divides the Cypriot capital of Nicosia into the southern Greek Cypriot region and the northern Turkish Cypriot region since the Turkish invasion in 1974. We leave Lefkosia and proceed to the village of Lefkara, which is famous for its handmade lace, known as “Lefkaritika”, and silverware. It is said, that Leonardo Da Vinci visited the village and bought an altar cloth, which he donated to the Milan Cathedral. Price €35.00 per adult - Child under 12 years: €19.00 ================================================ Pafos - KourionToday will be spent discovering the legends and history of one of the most beautiful parts of Cyprus. Our first stop on the route to Paphos will be at the ancient city of Kourion, an impressive, unspoiled site perched high on the cliff top. Admire the famous Greco-Roman theatre and mosaics, and enjoy the dazzling view. Our next stop will be at Aphrodite’s Rock. According to legend, the Goddess of Love and Beauty was born from the foam of the sea at this spot. Then join us and discover the remarkable history of Paphos. UNESCO World Heritage has added the entire town of Paphos to its World Cultural Heritage List. In “Kato” Paphos we will pass by the catacombs of St. Solomoni and see the Pillar of St. Paul. Then we will visit the house of Dionysos, and admire a series of beautifully preserved mosaics depicting scenes from the Greek Mythology. Ample time will be given for lunch or to wander around the harbor area. Finally, on our return we pass the 9th century Basilica of Ayia Paraskevi and we will stop at Yeroskipou village to sample the famous Paphos Delights ‘Loukoumia’. Price €38.00 per adult - Child under 12 years: €19.00 =============================================== KYRENIA – BELLAPAIS - North CyprusOur morning drive towards Nicosia, the island’s capital, brings us to the “Green Line,” the political divide between the Republic of Cyprus and the northern third of the island, an area occupied by Turkey since 1974. We make the routine crossing and enter into the less developed, yet supremely beautiful landscape of the Pentadaktylos (“Five Fingers”) Mountain Range. Our first stop in the North will be the must-see Bellapais Abbey, situated in the village of the same name, made famous in the novel Bitter Lemons by Lawrence Durrell. This monastery is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Gothic architecture on the island and is built almost entirely out of local limestone. The first settlers of the abbey were the priests of the Augustinian order who had migrated from Jerusalem. The first phase of the monastic complex was constructed between 1198 -1205. The balance of the day will be devoted to exploring the picturesque town of Kyrenia with its horseshoe-shaped harbour, its awesome medieval castle, and its maze of narrow streets with finely preserved stone houses. The most important monument inside the town is the Kyrenia Castle Museum, which houses, amongst other exhibits, the famous Kyrenia Shipwreck.This wooden ship dates to ca. 300 BC and was raised up from the seabed and preserved in a special environmentally controlled chamber, where it is proudly displayed today as the oldest shipwreck ever brought out of the water. During the day ample time will be given for lunch and coffee breaks, and you will be able to explore the picturesque harbour of Kyrenia Price €69.00 per adult - Child under 12 years: €39.00 ======================================== VILLAGE CULTURE - DONKEY RIDING(AFTERNOON & NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT TOUR) This unique experience gives you the chance to explore the majestic Cypriot countryside, where you can find out all about Cyprus village culture. Our journey will take us through villages which are still holding their traditional life styles. First stop will be at Kelokedara village. Experience a bygone era in the authentic village bus still in action today. Traveling through pathways, and picturesque orange groves we make our way to the “Xeros” river valley & the Argonaftis Donkey farm where tender loving care (shelter, veterinary attention & a healthy breeding program) is provided for our friendly Donkeys. Upon arrival you will be given the warmest of welcome. Sample village wine, “Zivania” and try some local delicacies such as “halloumi”cheese, olives, “sushukko” (an unusual tubular shaped concoction made of grape syrup and almonds), local oven bread, etc. Meet the friendly donkeys and enjoy a ride through some pretty countryside before we will arrive at an abandoned 14th century monastery, Panayia tou Sindi, which has been restored by UNESCO. In 1997 this restoration project was granted the prestigious EUROPA NOSTRA award and was recognised as a World Cultural Heritage monument. There we will try some seasonal fruits and enjoy the unique tranquillity of this spot. Back to the farm where a typical BBQ meal, accompanied by home-made specialities will be waiting for you with wine, zivania and juice for the children. When you have had you fill of eating and drinking a show of Cypriot folk dancing and music will begin. Price €65.00 per adult - Child under 12 years: €33.00 ============================ LUXURY GRAND TOUR – KYKKOSIt may be difficult to see the whole Troodos with its volcanic peaks and pine forests in one day, but we have designed an exclusive itinerary that includes all the major sites and allows you to experience all the different aspects of the Troodos Mountains in one action-packed sightseeing excursion. Step aboard our air-conditioned bus for a magic journey to these unforgettable destinations: Lefkara Village: Positioned right on the edge of the eastern Troodos, this village features
narrow streets, newly restored stone architecture, small coffee shops and great
shopping opportunities for traditional handicrafts such as silver jewelry and
the world famous “Lefkaritika” (hand-embroidered lace). The world-renowned Kykkos Monastery, not only the richest (golden mosaics, ancient icons, various religious relics), but also the largest and most prestigious active monastery in Cyprus. Don’t miss the famous icon of Panayia Eleousa (Most Merciful Virgin Mary), painted by St Luke and believed “to produce miracles.” A traditional village winery for free wine tasting and an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the whole winemaking process. On this tour, you will see and experience more of Cyprus in one day than many average tourists do in a week! Strongly suggested: Modest dressing is required when visiting monasteries and churches, i.e. no shorts and low-cut tops. Price €61.00 per adult - Child under 12 years: €35.00 ====================================
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