PROGRAM

1st Day Arrival and transfer to the hotel in  Ayia Napa/Protaras

CURIUM – PAPHOS ► Distances

The drive to Paphos reveals ever - changing scenery from vineyards and citrus groves to archaeological sites, all in a beautiful Mediterranean frame.

Driving along the coast we head to the prominent archaeological site of Kourion. It is home of a magnificent Greco-Roman Theatre, stately villas and an early Christian Basilica with a baptistery attached to the north face, dating to the 5th century, which probably was the Cathedral of this city kingdom.

Next stop is at Petra tou Romiou, regarded since ancient times as the birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love and fertility. Once in Paphos we head to the church of Panagia Crysopolitissa , built in the 13th century over the ruins of the largest Early Byzantine basilica on the island. Within the compound one can see St. Paul's Pillar, where, according to tradition, Saint Paul was flogged before the Roman Governor Sergius Paulus was converted to Christianity.

Next to the picturesque harbor, in the Houses of Dionysus, we have the chance to admire some of the finest Roman mosaics dating the 3rd to the 5th century AD. This restored  Roman villa probably belonged to a member of the ruling Roman class or to a local wealthy  family. 

We finally visit the Tombs of the Kings. Spread over a vast area, these impressive underground tombs date back to the 4th century BC. They are carved out of solid rock with some being decorated with Doric pillars.

Returned to your hotel late afternoon.

3rd Day NICOSIA NORTH AND SOUTH -  

Meeting with the guide and departure for Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, whose city centre is hedged by majestic Venetian walls.

It is renowned for the archaeological and artistic treasures collected in its museums and, especially, to be the last city in the world divided by a wall.

First visit at Archbishopric complex, which hosts the famous Byzantine museum, one of the most important museums in Europe of its kind, featuring the largest collection of icons on the island, and the Cathedral of St. John the inside contains a fresco cycle dating 1731.

Through the Venetian Walls, via Famagusta Gate, we get to the Archaeological Museum where you can admire the fascinating collection of Cypriot artefacts and treasures of inestimable value.

We continue to the old town of Nicosia (Laiki Yitonia), across the check-point, we will be guided to the Caravanserai, Buyuk Han, one of the best preserved Ottoman architecture. The Buyuk Han stands in the centre of the traditional market, within the walls, nearby the Selimiye Mosque, known formerly as the St.Sophia Cathedral.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon.

4th Day TROODOS - Byzantine Churches

(San Nicolaos, Kakopetria, Podithou, Asinou)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure to the Troodos mountains and guided tour of some of the famous Byzantine churches, included in the 'UNESCO "World Heritage list: the Church of Ayios Nicolaos, completely painted with frescoes ranging from the eleventh to the seventeenth century , and the Byzantine church of Panagia of Pothithou.

Free time for lunch.

We continue our journey visiting the Panagia Tis Asinou Church, in Nikitari village, one of the ten UNESCO World Heritage churches on the Troodos. Built in a pine-clad area, it has some of the finest examples of Byzantine wall painting on the island.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon.

​

5th Day Departure , check-out and transfer to the airport

Rates from  Ayia Napa/Protaras  Pygmalion Tour*

€338