8 NIGHTS/9 DAYS
DAY 1: DEPART U.S.A
Depart USA on an overnight flight to Cyprus
DAY 2: CYPRUS / LEMESSOS
Welcome to Cyprus. You are greeted by your tour escort
and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy this
beautiful island, take a swim and became acclimated to a new time zone. Overnight in Lemessos. (D.)
DAY 3: FAMAGUSTA
After breakfast we begin our first excursion to Famagusta, the town of
Saint Barnabas . We visit the Monastery
dedicated to the Saint, to see his tomb and monastery, built on an
ancient Basilica. We will then visit Salamis Greek ancient site gymnasium,
roman baths and theatre. After the optional lunch, we will visit the fort of
Famagusta and the gothic architecture style Cathedral of St. Nicholas. We will
then return to our hotel. Overnight in Lemessos. (B.D.)
Our full day visit takes us to Lefkosia, the island's Capital. First
stop at the tomb and monastery of Agios Herakleidios, on the outskirts of Lefkosia. Then we will be driven to the Archbishopric,
the center of the Orthodox Church and the Cathedral of St. John, hosting some
outstanding frescoes. We will also visit a famous Byzantine museum with a
large variety of very well preserved icons from the 8th to the 18th century.
Icons are the painted devotional images of the Orthodox Church which reflect
the Byzantine Christian soul for a millennium. A short drive passing in front
of the Liberty Monument and the Venetian Walls surrounding the old part of
town, takes us to the Laiki Yeitonia restored area with houses, shops and taverns lining the cobbled streets. We have
time for relaxing and shopping before heading back along the Green Line which divides the city
in two. We return to out hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations
(B.D.)
DAY 5: LEMESOS- AGROS-LAGOUDERA-NIKITARI-LANEIA
Our full day excursion includes a visit to Agros village,
famous for the the hundreds of rose varieties it grows and used by
locals in very innovative ways. We then
visit the 12th century church of Panagia tou Araka in the village of Lagoudera, also the church of
Panagia tis Asinou in Nikitari Village. Both churches are listed in the
catalogue of UNESCO as World Heritage sites, and part of the unique Painted
Churches of Cyprus. After lunch we will continue through the valley of Solea
and through Saittas village, lower, to the valley of Kourris. Our last stop is
Laneia. Another traditional village, famous for the local Cypriot wine
commandaria and other products. Here we have a wine tasting and an opportunity
to explore the village. We return back to our hotel for dinner and overnight
accommodation (B.D.)
DAY 6: LEMESOS -OMODOS- KAKOPETRIA
Today we explore the most picturesque village, Omodos,
famous for its monastery, dedicated to the Holy Cross. We continue with
World Heritage Sites and visit the Church of Agios Nicolas followed by a
walk in the old part of Kakopetria village. Before we return to our hotel
we visit another church, also listed in UNESCO, Panagia Podithou in Galata
village.We return back to our hotel for dinner and overnight
accommodation (B.D)
DAY 8: LEMESOS - PAFOS
Let us take you to the Baths of Aphrodite, The Goddess of
Love and Beauty. Later we visit Agia Paraskevi Church in Geroskipos
village, a byzantine church dating to the 10th century with a vaulted
basilica.On the way we seel the 12th century monastery of
Saint Neophytos with its fascinating frescoes. We visit St. Paul's Pillar, the ruins of the Basilica of
Chrysopolitissa. In the afternoon we visit the House of Dionysus, Aion
and Theseus. Rest of the day is leisure time to explore on your own the
sea front area and the picturesque harbor with fishing boats. We return back
to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation (B.D.)
DAY 9: RETURN TO U.S.A
Following breakfast we return to USA
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:
- Round trip airfare NYC/Cyprus/NYC
- Comprehensive sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Transportation by a deluxe air-conditioned motor coach
- English speaking tour escort
- Baggage handling of one suitcase per person
- Select International Travel Portfolio
Call 1-800-842-4842 for dates and prices