Depart from hotel for Troodos Mountain village of Kalopanayiotis 70km from Nicosia.
The village is in the evergreen valley of Setrachos river on the northern slopes of the Troodos range. It is one of the fourteen villages of the Marathasa area, the most mountainous area of Cyprus.
Your guide will explain the history of this unique village. Enjoy a short walking tour to see the traditional houses built in the old mountain village traditional style. Many of the old houses are built in this manner and the department of Antiquity has declared them “monuments” or “properties for preservation”. These houses are being gradually restored in co-operation with the antiquities department.
Visit the Venetian bridge, constructed in traditional stone masonary consists of a single span arch and dates to the Venetian times (16th century). Until recently it served as the only access between the village and the monastery. Nearby is the point where, according to tradition, St. Paul and St. Barnabas baptized St. Heracledios the first Bishop of Cyprus.
See the nearby sulphur springs of the village which have healing properties of its sulphur-containing waters have been known since antiquity.
Next, we visit Agios Ioannis Lampadistis Monastery (UNESCO heritage), situated on the east side of the Setrachos river opposite the old village center. A total of 10 chapels are UNESCO heritage, 6 of which are in Troodos range. The monastery with its well-preserved frescos, icons, wood carved doors is one of the most interesting byzantine sites of Cyprus.
After the tour, walk to the Casale Panayiotis hotel for a delicious lunch.
After lunch, visit Marathasa winery located on the hilltop of the village. Enjoy the fresh mountain air, stunning views, and peaceful surroundings.
An expert wine host will escort you on a scenic walking tour around the winery to the adjacent vineyards. Enjoy a stroll through the vineyard and see the origins of these delicious wines. Then return to the winery for a short introduction to vinification and a guided tour of four Marathasa wines. Here you’ll have the opportunity to delve deep into the flavours, hear about each grape, make notes on your favourites, and enjoy wine tasting accompanied with village bread & olives. Return to Nicosia, drop off at hotel.
(Sequence of visits may change)
Note:
A large bus cannot reach this area, therefore a minibus vehicle is used for this tour up to 20 persons in minibus. If more than 20 persons will use 2 minibuses (1 local guide for all persons on tour).
