Included Excursions
Paphos (half day)
We enjoy a guided city tour of spectacular Paphos, once the capital of Cyprus and a worshipping spot for Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love. The city is now like an open museum, with history and stunning relics of the past around every corner of the protected UNESCO town. Highlights include the remarkable Tombs of the Kings, a fascinating collection of burial chambers which date back to 323-31BC, the harbourside Paphos Castle and the Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa with its intricate mosaic floors.
Ayios Neophytos Monastery, Cat Sanctuary & Tala Village (half day)
A delightful time awaits at the peaceful Ayios Neophytos Monastery, nestled in the sun-soaked Cypriot countryside. Hundreds of years ago, Saint Neophytos transformed what was a natural cave into a spiritual retreat and carved a quaint chapel in 1159. It is still standing proud today, and you can find out more about its history in the museum, where treasures include ancient manuscripts, garments, jewellery, pottery and more.
Sweet little cats have lived around the monastery for years but they now have a lovely home at our next destination, the nearby Tala Monastery Cat Park, a lovely sanctuary which cares for approximately 950 cats! We round off our trip with time in Tala Village, surrounded by rolling vineyards and citrus, olive and almond trees. Home to a Byzantine church, Tala is also the ancestral village of the world-famous singer, Cat Stevens.
Polis, Latchi & Baths of Aphrodite (half day)
The quaint villages of Polis and Latchi have retained all of their Cypriot charm. You can expect a laidback atmosphere, tavernas selling fresh fish and local delicacies plus a picturesque harbour in Latchi. Our next stop is the mythical Baths of Aphrodite, believed to bring serenity and peace to all who visit. This is where the Greek goddess once bathed, according to local legend, and the exact spot where Adonis fell in love with her at first sight. The famous spot looks like a scene from a storybook; with water flowing down the moss-covered rock to create a peaceful pool beneath an old fig tree.
Paphos Gardens Holiday Resort, (JG3+ rating)
Located in Kato Paphos and set in its own gardens, the locally-rated 4-star Paphos Gardens Holiday Resort is just 300 metres from a lovely sandy beach and offers everything we need for a relaxing stay. The 200 comfortable en-suite rooms feature a balcony with views of either the gardens or pool, air-conditioning, satellite TV, radio and a hairdryer, while other hotel facilities include a lobby bar, pool bar, restaurant, two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, gym, tennis court mini market, launderette and a spa with sauna, steam room and whirlpool (spa treatments and tennis courts are available at an extra cost).