Individual tours in Cyprus

South Troodos

The beginning of our trip takes us high up into the Troodos mountains where you can learn how to prepare authentic Cypriot sweets and get to taste them too. Imagine drinking fresh coffee on the shaded veranda of Catherine’s Taverna. Lania village will envelope you with tranquility and its streets paneled with old photographs of both locals’ and artists' workshops, allowing you to go back in time to a world of beauty. You will enjoy the freshness of the small " Millomeri " waterfall which seems to have got lost in the mountain’s  majestic pines. Next, the road will take you to the highest point of Cyprus - Olympus, where you can enjoy the beauty of the mountains and feel at one with the Olympic Gods. Afterwards we will go to the famous monastery of Kykkos, which houses the miraculous icon of the Virgin, painted and blessed by St. Luke during the life of the Virgin. In the monastery you can venerate the icon, give notes, and light a candle for health and repose. In addition you may acquire a special room which house the relics of the saints. Then our path takes us to the holy abode Trooditissa - monastery, where, in addition to the icon of Panagia Trooditissa, you will find the stored Belt of procreation that helps heal infertility. Finally, at the end of the excursion, will be a walk amongst the cozy streets of Omodos village where there is a Temple of the Holy Cross, which was founded, according to legend, by Queen Helena. There you can also visit a very old wine press and taste the fine wines of Cyprus , including the famed  Commandaria, the fiery drink  zivania  and, of course , olives, carob syrup , pure chocolate spread and the local sweet bread Arcatena . Furthermore, the village is famous for its fine lace and handmade silver jewelry. Omodos will have something for everyone and will leave everybody impressed.

Larnaca’s Shrines

The tour begins with a visit to the newly built church in the village Afienu. Here you will be able to touch the shoes of St. Spyridon, helping in commercial matters, as well as those who need to resolve property issues. After that, we will go to the heart of Larnaca – the promenade along which grow majestic palm trees, located close to the main shrine - the Church of St. Lazarus. According to legend, after his resurrection by Jesus, St. Lazarus came to Cyprus and became the first bishop of Larnaca. He lived there for 30 years. Then we proceed to the charming small convent of St. Thecla.  Thecla was a disciple of the Apostle Paul and she suffered during the 1st century because of her faith but was revered all over by the holy women of the early church. From ancient times the monastery was famous for its healing mud and waters which help to cure skin diseases. Then we go to the monastery Stavrovouni - one of the oldest monasteries in Cyprus .It was founded by St. Helen, the mother of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine, and interestingly, it houses a particle of the Holy Cross on which Jesus was crucified. This is possibly the strictest monastery in Cyprus, so only men can visit the monastery whilst women may visit the chapel. There are beautiful views of the mountain which is almost 700 meters above sea level. On our way back we will drop by the ‘olive’ village, Skarinou, where you can try many different varieties of olives, olive oil, carob syrup and other Cypriot delicacies. After a delicious break we head to the picturesque mountain village of Lefkara, famed for its lace work, embroidery and silver ware, interspersed with narrow cobblestone streets, cozy coffee shops and other such shops.

The coast and mountains

This unusual journey we begin with a visit to the Monastery of St. Nicholas or ‘cat’s Monastery’ as it is known. It is the oldest monastery in Cyprus, founded, according to the legend, by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine the Great. In the monastery you can pray, look at the old icons and feed the cats who glorified this place. Next stop will be the Medieval castle of the crusaders at Kolossi- a magnificent example of medieval military architecture. Later on, we proceed to the Archaeological Park of Curion, where you will see the theater of Greco-Roman era, which is the greatest of its kind for historical and cultural value as well as Evstolia house with its well-preserved mosaics and Roman baths. In ancient times, Curion was a major city-state so it’s intriguing to envisage. Our next stop takes us to the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty, who was highly revered in ancient times in Cyprus. According to the legend, it was here, in this beautiful place, that she stepped ashore. You will have an opportunity to plunge into the world of Greek mythology, take pictures and swim in the sea, which brings youth and beauty. The unique mountain village of Omodos, where lies the Temple of the True Holy Cross, will be our last stop. We shall visit the old wine press, where you can learn about the process of wine making, along with an invite to a tasting of the famous wines of Cyprus. Of further interest Omodos is famous for wonderful bread, lace and handmade silver jewelry.

North Troodos

Our trip will start at the parish church of St. Cyprian and Justina in the village Menico. In the church are the relics of these great Saints, which for many centuries has had the healing power against witchcraft and the evil eye and the priests there make the rite of exorcism - or cleansing so to speak. Then our journey winds through the mountain villages of Troodos. Our next stop is Kakopetria-one of the most beautiful villages in Cyprus, where you can stroll through the narrow stone streets of the village’s cosy old center. Afterwards we will visit the Church of St. Nicholas Tis Stegis (which translates as ‘under the roof’) - one of the most important churches of Cyprus and which is included in the catalog of the world cultural heritage UNESCO. It has some of the most well-preserved frescoes of the 11th century. Then we go on to the famous monastery of Kykkos, which houses the miraculous icon of the Virgin, painted and blessed by St. Luke during the life of the Virgin. In the monastery you can venerate the icon, give notes, and light a candle for health and repose. You may also acquire a special room housing the relics of the Saints. Then our path leads to the monastery Trooditissa, where, besides of the icon of Panagia Trooditissa, is stored also the zone of procreation which helps heal from infertility. Then we finish off at a farm where they produce trout. In the restaurant there, you can enjoy a meal of freshly caught trout.

Cape Greco

The tour begins in the village of Lefkara with its beautifully decorated stone houses. Lefkara is famous for its lace ‘Lefkaritika’ and for its silver ornaments. We then visit the Cathedral of St. Lazarus. This majestic stone church was built in the IX century as was the tomb of Saint Lazarus. Moving on and passing the Salt Lake, you will follow to Sultan Tekke Mosque - a major Muslim shrine on the island. Driving on through the agricultural areas of Kokkinohorya (which means ‘village with red earth’), we will come to the medieval monastery of Ayia Napa which was dedicated to the Virgin forests. Once in Ayia Napa you will go to Cape Greco-a nature reserve where you can admire the magnificent views and mysterious sea caves. Next stop - the village of Ayia Napa, where you climb up to the old church of the Prophet Elijah. It is built on a high hill with a wonderful view of the entire coast. Do not forget to tie a rope to the ‘Tree of Wishes’ near the church so that your wish will be granted! From here, if visibility is good, you can see the ghost town of Famagusta.

Cedar Valley

The tour begins at the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, from where, according to legend, Aphrodite emerged from the sea. You will be able to take photos and swim in the sea, which brings the youth and beauty of Aphrodite herself. Then we go up to the Troodos Mountains and visit the monastery Hrisoroyatissa which was built in honour of the miraculous icon of the Virgin of Golden Grenade. Once there, you will visit a quaint and quiet abode with a small museum which will allow you to escape from all worldly things and plunge into the spiritual world. Then, after passing through the streets of the lovely mountain village of Panagia- the birthplace of the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III- we go to Cedar Valley, where you shall walk amongst the majestic cedars and enjoy the clean mountain air. Afterwards we move on to the famous monastery of Kykkos, which houses the icon of the Virgin, painted by St. Luke during the life of the Virgin. In the monastery you can venerate the icon, give notes and light a candle for health and repose. A special room can be acquired, where there are relics of the saints. Following this, our path heads towards the holy Trooditissa monastery, where in addition to the icon of Panagia Trooditissa, is the Zone of procreation, which helps heal from infertility. Finally, at the end of the excursion, will be a walk along the quaint streets of Omodos village, where there is a Temple of the Holy Cross, founded, according to the legend, by Queen Helena. Omodos, famed for its fine lace work and jewelery, houses a very old wine press and you will have the pleasure of tasting the fine wines of Cyprus, including the famed " Kommandariya ", the fiery drink - zivania, and, of course , olives, carob syrup , pure chocolate spread and the local sweet bread Arcata .

Ancient and Christian Cyprus

This trip will take you on an ancient and early Christian trip of Cyprus’ heritage. You will have the pleasure of visiting the beautiful Medieval Castle of the Cavaliers in Kolossi, built by the Byzantines in the XIII century. Then we go on to the Archaeological Park of Curion where you will see the magnificent Greco-Roman theater, which is the greatest of its kind for historical and cultural value. You will also get to visit Evstoli’s house with its well-preserved mosaics and Roman baths. Our next stop will be at the ancient birthplace of Aphrodite, the highly revered Goddess of Love and Beauty. According to the legend, it was here, in this beautiful place, that she stepped ashore. Then we continue on to the village Yeroskipou, which in Greek means ‘sacred gardens.’ Here you can enjoy traditional Cypriot sweets – ‘Lukumi’ and see the five-dome stone church of St. Paraskeva, erected in the IX century. From there you will head to Paphos’ Archaeological Park, a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit the House of Dionysus – A Roman villa with superbly preserved floor mosaics that tell the story of the heroes of Greek mythology. Then we will visit the catacombs of St. Salomon and go to the column of St. Paul, who was sentenced to a public flogging. After you will visit Paphos’ Tombs of the Kings where you can explore the whole complex of underground tombs, many of which date back to the IV century BC. Nearby, is the Monastery of St. Neophytos, dedicated to one of the most revered saints of Cyprus, simply known as ‘The Recluse’. According to the legend of St. Neophytos, who lived in the 12th century in Cyprus, he hollowed a cave in these rocks and then allowed the most devout of his followers to stay as close as novices, giving rise to a new monastery.

Wine and Gastronomy tour

This themed itinerary will begin in the Eastern Troodos mountains. You will visit the village Agros, which is famous for the magnificent gardens of fragrant roses and damask rose water production. You will have the opportunity to try the pink liquor and cosmetics produced there. Nearby, in the workshop, they serve traditional Cypriot sweets - fruits in sweet syrup and ‘soutsukos’. Also in the village, you will visit a small family smokehouse and can taste delicious local meat delicacies: lounza - smoked pork meat, loukanika - pork sausages with spices and chiromeri - smoked pork marinated in wine sauce. Heading out of the village, you will take in the majestic scenery of the mountain and the valleys of Pitsiliya where they grow grapes, almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts in the abundant orchards. Amazing scenery, a variety of natural forms and a bright color palette makes this area one of the most attractive in Cyprus. Later on, in the village of Platres, you will enjoy hand crafted chocolate with various delicious fillings and a delicious hot chocolate drink as well. The tour wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the winery and a tasting of the traditional Cypriot wines, including the famous Commandaria and the fiery drink - zivania. In the village of Omodos, you can taste olives, olive paste, healthy and tasty carob syrup, pure chocolate spread, the local sweet bread Arcatena, nuts and mountain honey. Omodos has something to offer everybody, not least because of its fine lace embroidery and silver jewellery.

Kerynia

Beginning, we will visit one of the most beautiful places in Cyprus - Hilarion Castle, which was built on top of a mountain range in the 8th century and later served as a royal residence. We will reach a spectacular panorama which will take us into the past. Then we will go to Bellapais Abbey - a unique sample of Cypriot Gothic style, brought to the island by Frankish knights. This is the first Catholic monastery in Cyprus, founded by the Augustinian Order in the early 13th century and it is the majestic place with a magnificent view of the Northern coast of Cyprus. We continue our journey towards Kyrenia, a town with old houses, a medieval castle and a picturesque bay in a horseshoe shape, reminiscent of the coastal towns in the south of France. Here we will visit the fortress, which was built in the 2nd century to protect the town from enemy raids. Over time the fortress expanded and strengthened. Inside in the fortress, is located the church of St. George, the Venetian tower, a dungeon and a museum housing a sunken ship of which you can see the skeleton of a merchant ship of the 4th century BC and the remnants of his load. It is possibly the oldest merchant ship that has ever been found. You will have free time to stroll through the picturesque port, have a snack or a cup of coffee before the return trip. NOTE: Make sure to bring your passport!

Famagusta

We will visit Famagusta – a city of contrasts -where nearby the crowded historic center is a district, which in former times had been bustling with many tourists who stayed in luxurious hotels there-a reflection of a bygone era. The tragic events of 1974 transformed this part of the city in a "ghost town", empty and deserted, surrounded by a high barbed wire fence. During the day we will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the historical heart of Famagusta, take a walk through the town and see the fortress. The town will impress you with its powerful Venetian fortress walls and the famous tower of Othello. We can see the port’s gate of Famagusta, stroll through the narrow streets of the town, learn about the history of one of the most beautiful Gothic churches of Cyprus - the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, where the ceremony of the coronation of kings took place. This perfectly preserved temple now is the current Muslim mosque La Mustafa Pasha. Then we will visit the ancient city of Salamis. The most famous monument of Salamis is a magnificent gymnasium with Roman baths and an amphitheater. In the center of the gymnasium, surrounded by marble columns, is the indoor stadium ‘Palestra,’ where professional athletes and citizens could engage in sporting activities. The baths here were decorated with marble statues of gods and heroes that have partially survived to the present day, renovated by archaeologists. The antique theater here, built during the reign of Augustus, was one of the largest theaters in the entire Eastern Mediterranean and could accommodate up to15, 000 spectators. At the end of our tour you will see the tomb of St. Varnavas, the first Christian preacher in Cyprus, as well as the church museum. You will also have free time to spend looking in the local shops, taste oriental sweets, enjoy aromatic oriental coffee and swim in the azure waters off the coast of Salamis

Akamas

You will adventure expedition to the Akamas peninsula, a natural park. This combined tour includes a trip by car and boat trip to the Blue Lagoon. First we will visit the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite - one of the most beautiful places on the coast of Cyprus. According to the legend in this point Aphrodite emerged from the sea. You can take photos and swim in the sea, which brings youth and beauty. Then we go up to the Troodos Mountains and visit the monastery, which was built in honor of the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary Hrisoroyatissa- Virgin of Golden Grenade. Cozy quiet abode with a small museum will allow you to escape from all worldly things and plunge into the spiritual world. After passing through the streets of lovely mountain village Panagia - the birthplace of the first President of Cyprus Archbishop Makarios III, we will visit tthe wonderful winery, where you can see the wine making process, go down to the wine cellars and taste wonderful local wines. And then we go to the northern coast of Cyprus - Akamas Peninsula, where first we will visit the Baths of Aphrodite - the legendary refreshing source where Aphrodite took baths, waiting for her lover Adonis. Then we will make an exciting boat trip to the Blue Lagoon. Along the way we explore the bays and small islands, enjoy incredibly clean, turquoise water and stop in the beautiful bay for swimming and diving. Hopefully we will meet sea turtles in our way, whichcome to the coast of Cyprus in the summer to lay their eggs in the warm sand.