Day 3
Güzelyurt, Soli & the Palace of Vouni - You'll be treated to views of peaceful villages and untouched countryside as we head northwest this morning. Our first destination, is Güzelyurt, the "fruit basket of Cyprus." Nestled in the majestic foothills of the Trodos Mountains - an ancient formation that rose from the sea 90 million years ago - this enchanting area boasts an abundance of trees bearing soft fruits, citrus and nuts.
Even in this small town, the cultural changes that occurred during the population exchanges between Greece and Turkey following World War I when Christians departed and Muslims arrived, are evident. The confusingly named 'Church Mosque' (also known as the Church of St. Gregorius) highlights this complex history. Despite the upheaval, there are still many well-preserved ancient sites to uncover, such as the Agios Mamas Church and Monastery, which was built upon a site once dedicated to Aphrodite.
The Museum of Archaeology and Nature also invites exploration, showcasing significant artefacts from the Neolithic period and Bronze Age, each piece a testament to its long history.
Later, we'll visit one of the most impressive sites on the island: the ancient city of Soli. This ancient settlement is one of the ten ancient kingdoms of Cyprus, dating to the 6th century BC. Believed to have been founded by the Athenians returning from the Trojan Wars, what remains today dates back to the late Roman and early Byzantine times. It offers fantastic insights into daily life.
Soli was one of the most important Greek capitals of Cyprus, with an abundance of copper deposits, a good water supply, fertile soil and a protected harbour. It's also of great importance to Christianity: this is the site where St Mark was baptised.
The ruins of ancient architectural structures - including the ruins of the Roman theatre, a nymphaeum, the temple of Athena, a palace, a necropolis, and a great basilica with marvellous 4th-century mosaics - are ripe for exploration. And, although only part of the site has been excavated, they've already uncovered so much - the gold jewellery that was discovered here is on display in the museum Güzelyurt.
After a short drive, we'll arrive in an idyllic location by the Mediterranean to explore the remains of the Palace of Vouni. Situated atop a hill with stunning views of the sea, the palace had a relatively brief existence. It was built in early 500 BC by the pro-Persian city of Marion to overlook Soli, which supported the Greek cause. Unfortunately, its life was cut short when the city was destroyed by fire in 380 BC, leading to its abandonment.
The ruins indicate that its inhabitants enjoyed a life of wealth and luxury, featuring the remains of a great hall, a sophisticated plumbing system, and a temple dedicated to Athena.
Our last stop for the day will be the historic town of Lefke, situated alongside the Green Line. With roots tracing back to the Neolithic period, its buildings - some dating to the 7th century - tell the story of its rich legacy. This charming town shines with its bustling university, flourishing copper mines, and the fragrant Jaffa orange groves.
Day 4
St Hilarion - Today, we'll visit St Hilarion Castle, which many say is allegedly the inspiration for two fairytale castles: Bavarian King Ludwig's Neuschwanstein Castle and, by extension, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White’s castle in Disneyland.
Named for the monk who fled persecution in the Holy Land and was said to have lived and died in a cave in these mountains, St Hilarion was originally a watch tower built to warn of approaching pirates and remained of strategic importance for some time before eventually becoming the summer resort of the Lusignan nobility. The castle is built on three distinct levels; each one was designed to be self-sufficient and self-contained. The lower and middle levels served economic purposes, while the upper level housed the royal family.
During our visit, if you are fairly mobile, you can enjoy time to explore inside. Look out the Gothic-style queen's window on the second floor of the royal apartment for scenic views of the northern coast, especially the plains of Lapithos - it's well worth the climb! Otherwise, you can relax and take in the breathtaking views from the easily accessible viewpoint at the entrance or from the castle's café.
After a lovely morning sightseeing, we'll return to Kyrenia in the early afternoon for time at leisure.
Later this afternoon, we'll head into the pine-clad mountains of Northern Cyprus to visit a unique winery where artisan vintners are passionately crafting exceptional wine - it's so exclusive that they export it off the island. But don't worry, you'll have the opportunity to buy a bottle or two to squirrel away in your suitcase!
We'll begin with a guided tour of the winery, diving into the rich culture of winemaking, from the nurturing vines to the final production, and of course, we will savour the wines! The experience culminates in a delicious dining experience in the vineyard's boutique restaurant, where the chef prepares dishes to delight the palate.
Day 5
Bellapais Village - Spend the day in the beautiful village of Bellapais. Sitting on a natural terrace in the leafy Five Finger Mountains that rise south of Kyrenia, the village is serenity itself. Its name 'Bellapais' comes from the French 'belle paix' - which translates as 'beautiful peace'. You can retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern times in its quiet, whitewashed lanes.
Its crown jewel of the village is its medieval 'Abbey of Peace', the ruins of a monastery that once offered shelter to Augustinian monks who were expelled when Jerusalem fell to Saladin. It's a remarkable example of monastic Gothic architecture that showcases its grandeur for miles around. The site also houses a museum, and the abbey's Gothic refectory serves as a unique venue for concerts and lectures.
Day 6
Famagusta, Salamis & St Barnabas - Today, we'll embark on a full-day tour of northeastern Cyprus, starting with the Monastery of St Barnabus. Once one of the most prominent Christian sites on the island, the church is built over the tomb of St Barnabus, one of the very earliest followers of Jesus, a leader of the early church and the founder of the Cypriot Church.
The monastery you'll see today was reconstructed from the original ruins of a Byzantine church in the 18th century. Within its walls, it houses a religious icon and archaeological museum. As we explore, we can visit a mausoleum believed to be the final resting place of St. Barnabus himself and see a fresco that illustrates the legend of how the tomb was discovered.
Continuing, we'll pass numerous historic relics - including the 7th-century Royal Tombs of the Kings - before arriving at one of the most thrilling highlights of our tour – ancient Salamis.
Believed to be the capital of Cyprus as far back as the Bronze Age, this is one of the island's most significant archaeological sites - made even more impressive by the scenic beachside setting. During Classical Greek and Roman times, Salamis was a chief cultural centre, as well as the richest and one of the most important cities on the island. You can still see evidence of its wealth in the ruins of the amphitheatre, the gymnasium built by Emperor Hadrian, the Greek and Roman baths, and wonderful mosaics.
Next, we'll visit Famagusta for a guided walking tour. As we wander the town, we'll see the massive Othello’s Tower, the ruins of the Venetian palace, and the impressive city walls, where British officers played golf in the 1930s along the tops. One of the most prominent landmarks in the town is the 14th-century Lala Mustafa Paşa Mosque, which was originally a church modelled after the French cathedral in Reims. Threading between the photogenic remains of ruined churches are plenty of shops and restaurants.
Lastly, we'll visit Varosha, once a lively resort dubbed the ‘Monte Carlo of the Middle East’, frequented by celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, but it was abandoned during the war in 1974. Though abandoned since the war in 1974, the haunting beauty of its 'modern' ruins serves as a poignant reminder of the island's rich history and legacy.
After a fantastic day of sightseeing, we’ll return to our hotel in Kyrenia.
Day 7
Free day - You have a full day at leisure, and Kyrenia is the perfect place for further discovery. Why not take a stroll through town or a boat ride from the harbour? Perhaps go shopping at the Bandabuliya for a good selection of souvenirs and gifts, from textiles to pottery and jewellery. If you prefer to relax, take a refreshing swim in the rooftop pool or indulge in some pampering at the hotel spa.
Day 8
Nicosia & Paphos - Today, we'll say goodbye to our coastal haven - Kyrenia - and head inland to Nicosia (also known as Lefkosia), the largest city and the capital of North Cyprus. Known as Europe's last divided capital, the two communities have been segregated into the north and south for over 50 years.
Although the city is compact and very walkable, Cyrpus's capital still has lots to see and do. We'll split into smaller groups and discover its sites with a knowledgeable local guide.
The Venetian walls surrounding the older parts of the city in a snowflake-like shape are one of the city's highlights with almost half carefully restored to their former glory, while others form part of the dividing Green Line. We'll see the superbly preserved Kyrenia gate, adorned with inscriptions left by past rulers, including the British, and the staggering Venetian column, transported from the ruins of Salamis. You can stop to explore the beautiful central square, Plateia Eleftherias, and the Bandabuliya (covered bazaar). It's hard to miss the mammoth Selimnye Mosque, which is visible from both sides of the capital and its most historically significant mosque. If it looks remarkably like a church, it's because it was formerly St Sophia, a 13th-century Roman Catholic cathedral, before the Ottoman invasion introduced the twin minarets that tower above.
After our guided tour, there’ll be some free time to explore. You can choose to keep to the north of the city – perhaps visit Büyük Han, the great 16th-century inn that was once used by the British as a prison and now houses a vibrant collection of shops and cafés.
Alternatively, you can wander along the Green Line seeing the bunkers and barricades that still divide the city, and look at how residents cope with five decades of division. If you wish to cross into the south of the city, to see the differences between them, just remember to have your passports on hand for inspection at the checkpoints!
We'd recommend spending time at the world-class Cyprus Museum, a remarkable treasure trove of artefacts that truly stands out as the island's best. Or perhaps, you'll take the lift up Shacolas Tower. Soaring at 11 storeys, it is the tallest building in south Nicosia and a former lookout over the Buffer Zone. Your expert Tour Manager is at the ready to offer you other suggestions during your time at leisure here.
Later this afternoon, we'll leave the north heading southwest to the coastal city of Paphos, where we'll spend the next four nights.
Day 9
Paphos - Starting the day with a guided tour on foot and by coach, we'll spend the day in Paphos including a visit to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kato Paphos. This extensive park is only partly excavated, however, there is plenty to see, from the Asklepieion - a temple dedicated to the god of medicine, the Odeon (amphitheatre) and the Agora (forum). The crown jewels of the site are the mosaics - dating back to Roman times (more than 2,000 years ago) they are incredibly well-preserved displaying scenes from Greek mythology. Most famous of them all is the floor mosaics at the House of Dionysos, depicting Orpheus among the beasts, Hercules with the Lion of Nemea and an Amazon with her horse. It's considered one of the finest in the eastern Mediterranean, with intricate designs and vibrant colours.
We'll end our tour near the restaurant-lined little harbour facing out onto the Mediterranean Sea. The ideal place for a spot of lunch! You can spend the afternoon continuing to explore the charming old town full of restored historic buildings, open public spaces and paved streets lined with shops and cafés - they’re great some people watching. (The city is as romantic as you'd expect for the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite - goddess of love.)
Alternatively, you can head back to the hotel and spend the afternoon taking advantage of the facilities or enjoying a drink in the hotel bar.
Day 10
Free day - Today is yours to spend at leisure in Paphos and there's still plenty to see.
You could wander the Tomb of Kings - a maze of grand burying spaces that are set within a series of caves and sandstone underground tombs that date back to the 4th century. Or explore behind the walls of the Byzantine fort that once protected the harbour from invaders and climb the ramparts for camera-worthy views of the harbour.
Those with an interest in religious history may wish to visit St Paul's Pillar, a place of pilgrimage. It's said to have been the pillar that St Paul was tied to and flogged for preaching Christianity. The pillar stands next to the ruins of Pangia Chrysopolitissa, a monumental basilica at its time.
You could spend the day on one of the local beaches, perhaps wander to see Aphrodite's Rock - in ancient times, people believed this was the exact spot from which she emerged. Even if you take that story with a pinch of salt, the giant geological formation of rocks stands out on the pristine coastline and is the perfect place for a scenic walk - or at least a photo!
Or why not spend the day relaxing at the hotel taking advantage of its amenities, including the pool, and getting started on that book you've been meaning to read? The day is yours to spend as you wish.
Day 11
Omodos Village - We'll begin today's exploration with a scenic ride into the Troodos Mountains. Home to the highest point in Cyprus, the peak of Mount Olympus, our journey shows us a different side of Cyprus, one of rustic stone villages and tree-clad valleys where traditional ways of life still hold sway.
Nestled in the mountains is Omodos, a traditional village in a region that’s renowned for producing wine. Our first stop is to the oldest monastery in Cyprus, which sits at the very heart of the village. This 12th-century Holy Cross Monastery is home to a relic that is said to be a piece of the rope used to bind Jesus to the cross. You'll have time to see the relic as well as its church and museum before lunch along one of the village's many quaint cobbled streets.
This afternoon, we discover what makes this picturesque region the perfect setting for wine production on a visit to a local winery. We'll have the opportunity to meet the owners, find out more about the history and traditions of wine-making in Cyprus and taste wines from the south side of the island, accompanied by local produce chosen to enhance their flavours.
We'll return to our hotel in Paphos later this afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
(Please note modest clothing is required to enter the church of the Holy Cross Monastery.)