DAY 3 - TROODOS - KYKKOS
 

Breakfast and depart for full day of Troodos Mountains which houses one of the largest groups of churches and monasteries of the former Byzantine Empire. Drive towards the Marathassa valley and visit Kykko Monastery, the most famous of the island. The iconostasis of the chapel includes the Icon of Virgin painted by St. Luke. 

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Then visit Throni, the place where the late Archbishop Makarios III was buried and enjoy finally the breathtaking view of the North coast.

Continue to the health resort village of Kakopetria. The old quarter of the village has been declared protected area by Unesco. Passing through the Solea valley you reach Ayios Nikolaos Tis Stegis which is covered entirely in wall paintings dating from the 11th to the 17th centuries and is considered one of the most interesting Byzantine churches of the island. The church is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

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Monasteries and churches may be visited only in proper attire, that is no bare shoulder and low cut dresses and shorts. 

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Day 4 - PAPHOS

After breakfast take the coastal route to the ancient city-kingdom of Curium with its well preserved mosaics in the house of Eustolios, its theatre and basilica. Stop at Petra Tou Romiou, the legendary birthplace Aphrodite, where the goddess rose from the waves. In Paphos, admire the mosaics in the Archaeological Park dating back to the 2nd century.

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The mosaics of Nea Paphos grouped into three houses: Dionysos, Theseus and Aion. They are considered the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. Free time at the fishing harbour near the medieval fort. 

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Day 5 - NICOSIA

Breakfast and today visit Nicosia (both sides). The heart of Nicosia is surrounded by Venetian walls from the sixteenth century. Passing by the Famagusta gate one of three that gave access to the city and the only one that was well restored, one reaches the Cyprus Museum, which is located in the modern part of the city. All the objects on display come from excavations made on the island. The oldest date from the Neolithic. 

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The museum houses the famous statue of Aphrodite, the symbol of the island. Later visit to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, with its well-preserved frescoes of the eighteenth century. Thereafter participants will have the possibility to stroll through the inviting, narrow streets of Laiki Yitonia, the traditional, restored quarter of old Lefkosia and admire the traditional shops, the souvenirs and handicraft articles that are exposed there. In the afternoon walk over to the Green Line, the infamous line that divides the island in two.

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Having crossed over the Green Line at Ledra street checkpoint a walk through the picturesque and narrow streets of the old Turkish part of Lefkosia will follow. Walking over to Büyük Han – a former Caravanserail (inn) built by the Turkish Governor Muyaffer Pasha. This Han, with its 67 rooms, its small Mosque in the middle of the yard, is a typical example of Ottoman architecture. Today the Han hosts artists, handicraft workers, painters and a number of souvenir shops. See the cathedral of Agia Sophia (outside view only), which was built by the Lusignans in French-gothic style in the period 1209-1326.

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It is considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in the Middle East. The Ottomans converted the Cathedral of Agia Sophia to a mosque by adding two minarets, a Mimber and a Mihrab altar. Having seen Agia Sophia the excursion comes to its end and one walks over to Ledra street checkpoint in order to cross over the green line and drive back to your hotel in Limassol.

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IMPORTANT NOTE : Please do not forget your passport or ID. European Union citizens may cross over by using merely their identity cards. Crossing the line without one of these documents is not possible. Tourists who cross border gates must have at least two months validity on passports for European Union citizens & six month validity on passports for citizens of other countries. If passport validity is less than two months (European Union citizen), six months (other Countries citizen) then crossing the line will not be possible.

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Day 6 - LIMASSOL

Breakfast and day at leisure for personal sightseeing.

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Day 7 - LEFKARA - LARNACA

Breakfast and morning drive to the picturesque village of Lefkara. The village has a rich history in producing exquisite handicrafts such as the world renowned ‘Lefkaritika’ which are items created by a traditional lace, and filigree silverware.

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According to tradition, Leonardo da Vinci visited the village and bought an altar cloth, which he donated to the Milan cathedral. Wander around its narrow streets and explore its pleasant architecture. Wander around its narrow streets and explore its pleasant architecture. Proceed in the direction of Larnaca and the village of Kiti with the Angeloktisti Church; one of the best examples of Byzantine art. There you can see mosaic dating back to the 6th century of the Virgin Mary and Child between two archangels. See Hala Sultan Tekke on the Salt Lake (stop only) the mosque is an important place of Moslem pilgrimage as the tomb of Umm Haram, allegedly a relative of Prophet Mohammed, is there. 

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Then visit St. Lazarus Church from the 9th century, which was erected over the tomb of St. Lazarus, and the iconostasis is an excellent example of baroque woodcarving. Free time at the Palm Tree Promenade before returning to your hotel.

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Day 8 - LIMASSOL – MALTA

Breakfast and transfer to Airport for your flight to Malta.