Culture & history in Paphos
Kyrenia & Bellapais Abbey Tour
Thirty years after the border into the occupied northern part of Cyprus closed, it's once again open to visitors. Oozing with history and culture at every turn, on this full-day trip you'll journey through the hills to Kyrenia for lunch and free time, before a visit to 13th-century Bellapais Abbey for a guided tour. Leaving Paphos behind, you'll travel towards the Ayios Dometios checkpoint, driving past the Venetian Walls of Nicosia. Once we're across the border into occupied northern Cyprus, we'll head straight through the scenic Pentadaktylos Mountains to reach Kyrenia. Here, you'll have some free time to explore the seaside town as well as a guided walk around Kyrenia Castle and lunch at the harbour.Next up is a visit to the ruins of the Gothic Bellapais Abbey. The setting on a mountain slope is as beautiful as the views down to Kyrenia and the Mediterranean. It was in the village of Bellapais that Lawrence Durrell lived and wrote his novel, Bitter Lemons.
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Famagusta City Tour with Salamis and Varosha 'Ghost Town'
This full day tour to the occupied northern part of Cyprus takes you to three of the country's most intriguing spots – the ancient city of Salamis, the old town of Famagusta and the ‘ghost town' of Varosha. Your journey into the past starts all the way back in classical times at Salamis.
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Kykkos Monastery and Troodos Mountains Small Group Tour
The drive into the Troodos Mountains is a journey to another Cyprus. Rustic stone villages dot pine-studded valleys and traditional ways of life still hold sway. This small group, adults-only tour takes you into the spiritual heart of the highlands, the Kykkos Monastery, as well as the hilltop tomb of Makarios III. Eva, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Troodos Mountains are where I find my soul. There are villages where time has stood still, where people still care about one another, where you enter as a guest and leave as a friend.'Ascending into the wild landscapes of the Troodos Mountains, you'll stop for a coffee break in a typical village. Then it's on to the star of the show, the beautiful Kykkos Monastery, perched on top Mount Kykkos. The interior is richly decorated, and you won't be able to keep your eyes off the icons and frescoes. You'll hear the legend of why its most famous icon, ‘the Golden Girl', remains half-hidden. And you'll also have some free time to wander around the grounds and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains.We'll then visit Throni Hill and the elaborate 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 Orthodox church of the Holy Cross, then we'll head back with a photo stop at Prodromos viewpoint and a coffee break en route.
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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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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.
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Baths of Aphrodite, Latchi and Blue Lagoon Cruise
Nothing screams holiday more than a relaxing trip out to sea. And on this tour from Paphos, you'll get just that, and much more. With star turns on every corner, you'll see the iconic Baths of Aphrodite, spend some free time in Latchi before cruising to the Blue Lagoon for a swim.First up are the Baths of Aphrodite – legend has it that the Greek Goddess of Love met her lover Adonis in this beauty spot, after he drank the water of the baths and fell in love. Then, it's off to the harbour town of Latchi. With its quaint seafront, you'll have free time here to go for a stroll, sunbathe on its beach or grab a bite to eat – the seafood is a must.It'll be soon time to power up the engines as you cast off towards Akamas Peninsula, to the highlight of the day – the Blue Lagoon. Take a dip in its bright, turquoise waters – ideal for snorkelling in – or continue to top up your tan surrounded by the sea.
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Afternoon Tour to Agios Neophytos Monastery with Wine Tasting
If you can tear yourself away from the sun-kissed beaches of Paphos for an afternoon, this adults-only tour is just right for you. You'll venture to Ayios Neophytos Monastery for a look around, before heading to the village of Kathikas for a spot of wine tasting. What's more, you'll have both the morning and evening to yourself, arriving back just in time for dinner.First up is a visit to the Ayios Neophytos Monastery. It's here you'll find the Enklistra, a unique chapel carved into the mountainside by the founder of the monastery. Inside, you'll find some of the finest Byzantine frescoes, showcasing the monastery's rich history and cultural significance. Next, we'll take you on a scenic drive to the Sterna Winery in Kathikas. Here, you'll sample some of the local vino with a tasting session as you take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hillsides and vineyards. And if you're interested in winemaking, there's a small museum on-site to learn more about the history and techniques used by the winery.
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North & South Nicosia Walking Tour
As the last divided capital in the world, Nicosia is a fascinating city to explore – offering you a glimpse of two very different worlds. This tour starts in the Cypriot southern sector and crosses the Green Line buffer zone to explore the Turkish-occupied north.
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On this trip, you'll explore the Akamas peninsula by land and sea. And, rather than your typical coach set-up, you'll be in a 4x4 vehicle. The area is known for its natural beauty, so you're in for a real treat. Star turns include Lara Beach, a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon and the Baths of Aphrodite.
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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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