Cyprus: Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Larnaca and transfer to your hotel in Limassol for check-in. Limassol is Cyprus' second-largest city with a population of about 132,000. Main attractions are Limassol Castle and its medieval museum. Other sights to see include the public gardens, a small zoo and an archaeological museum. Limassol also has a busy music scene, with everything from bouzouki taverns to jazz. The coastal area to the east is very scenic. Regional vineyards and wineries abound – there's a two-week wine festival in September. The balance of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Day 2: Take a full day excursion to Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. Visit the Archbishopric and the Cathedral of St. John, housing some outstanding frescoes. Drive past Liberty Monument and the Venetian Walls surrounding the old part of town to visit the Cyprus Archaeological Museum. Also visit the Tomb of Makedonitissa and Laiki Yitonia - a 19th century quarter lovingly restored to its former glory with houses, shops and tavernas lining the cobbled streets. Return to Limassol for overnight.

Day 3: Time for another full day excursion to Troodos Mountain and Kykko Monastery. There are tours that take you just below the highest point on the island, Mount Olympus, standing 6400 feet above sea level. Then moving onto Throni Peak, to see the tomb of Archbishop Makarios, the first President of the Republic of Cyprus. From there you can visit the island’s most famous monastery, Kykko, where Makarios was a novice. Among the many items of interest here you will be able to admire the miraculous icon of Christ and the Virgin Mary painted by St. Luke himself. On the return journey you can also visit the delightful artist’s village of Lania.

Day 4: One final full day’s excursion to Paphos. Paphos is one of the most beautiful parts of the island. Drive through the vineyards of Phassouri to Aphrodite’s Rock, the birthplace of the Goddess of Love, who according to legend arose from the foaming waves at this very spot. Arriving in Paphos head first to the Tombs of the Kings, deep underground in solid rock. Pass by St. Paul’s Pillar and the Byzantine Castle of Forty Columns to reach Paphos harbour, where we you can see the House of Dionysus, with its stunning mosaics – some of the finest in the Mediterranean. Finish the sightseeing by visiting the Christian catacomb of Saint Solomon. Return to Limassol for your last night.

Day 5: Transfer to Larnaca airport for your departing international flight.