These excursions are available at CY£30.00 per person. The price includes the services of a licensed and experienced English speaking guide; transport in fully air-conditioned bus; all entrance fees; and passenger insurance. Meals are not included. We reserve the right to make changes to the programme. Please note the excursions are subject to a minimum take-up of 15 persons.

1. Saturday 2 June 2007 – Paphos

Full day

A former capital of Cyprus, Paphos has a history dating back thousands of years. Innumerable ancient sites are to be found in the area of Paphos and these are included in UNESCO's list of World Cultural Heritage sites. Today, Paphos has an air of holiday charm combining the elegance of its classical-style buildings in the upper part of town and the harbour life in the lower part of the town, known as Kato Paphos. Here you will find fish tavernas, souvenir shops as well as several archaeological sites. Bordered by a lovely coastline, the Paphos area has many charming villages in its mountains where life has gone apparently unchanged over the years and country traditions have been kept alive.

The tour includes:

     -      A visit to the coastal town of Yeroskipou 3km east of Paphos with its remarkable 11^th century Byzantine church of Ayia Paraskevi
            containing frescoes dating from the 15^th century.

-     The famous Mosaics of the House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and the recently excavated House of Aion. The mosaic floors of these 3^rd century noblemen's villas are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mostly depict scenes from Greek mythology.

-    The Tombs of the Kings. This is a wide area containing underground tombs carved out of solid rock dating from the 4^th century BC. Many tombs are decorated with Doric pillars. Whether Kings were buried here or not, the magnificence of the tombs gave the area its name.

-     Free time at the picturesque port of Kato Paphos.

 

2. Monday 4 June 2007 – Troodos Mountains

Full day

Escape the heat of the coast with a visit to the Troodos mountains. The Troodos range stretches across most of the western side of Cyprus, offering cool sanctuary in its scented pine forests in summer and winter sports and skiing in winter. The area is characterized by one of the largest groups of churches and monasteries of the former Byzantine Empire, with 10 monuments included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The rich profusion of flora and fauna found on the mountains and the picturesque villages attract many outdoor enthusiasts every year.

The tour includes:

3. Tuesday 5 June 2007 – Limassol and surrounding area

Full day

Limassol is the second largest city with a population of around 168,000 and an important tourist and commercial centre. Since the crusades of the Middle Ages, Limassol has been known to traders for its wine and sugar cane – today one of the major festivals on the island is the 10-day Wine Festival held in Limassol each September. The city is famed for its splendid archaeological sites, fun-loving reputation, designer shops and allegedly the best nightlife on the island. 

The tour includes:

A visit to the Amphitheatre at Kourion, west of Limassol. Kourion is an important ancient city and one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the island where excavations are still bringing new treasures to light. The magnificent Graeco-Roman theatre was originally built in the 2nd century BC and is now fully restored and used for musical and theatrical performances. Other highlights include the House of Eustolios, a Roman villa complex with baths and a number of rooms with beautiful 5th century mosaic floors, and the mosaics in the House of Achilles and the House of the Gladiators.

        -    A visit to Kolossi Castle a few kilometres outside the city. More like a fortified tower and a castle, this fine example of military architecture was
             originally constructed in the 13th century and subsequently rebuilt in its present form in the middle of the 15th century. It served in the 13th    
             century as the Grand Commandery of the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and in the 14th century under the Knights Templar.

        -     A visit to the bustling Old Market in the picturesque old part of Limassol.  

        -     Free time to explore the city.