Archaeology tour to Cyprus

Brief Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival Larnaca Cyprus
Arrive in the Republic of Cyprus.  Transfer to Nicosia, the Capital.
Check into hotel, located in the City center.
Overnight in Nicosia.

Day 2:
Nicosia, the divided Capital
Visit Nicosia, currently the only divided Capital City in the World, divided by the green line, a demilitarized zone maintained by the United Nations.  Visit the Cyprus Archaeological Museum where most of the treasures of Cyprus past are housed with artefacts discovered during numerous excavations on the Island as well as an extensive collection of Cyprus antiquities.  Depart for the old city withing the Venetian walls, from the East is Famagusta gate, which is one of the three entrances into old Nicosia.  Visit St John’s cathedral and its colorful frescoes. and the nearby Byzantine Art Museum, with its stunning collection of Byzantine icons. Visit the Laiki Yitonia (old folk neighborhood) with winding alleys lined with shops and galleries. Visit the observatory for a panoramic view of the city.  
Overnight at Hotel in Nicosia

Day 3:
Ancient Salamis – Kyrenia
Explore the North starting with the ancient city of Salamis on the Eastern shore. Explore the Roman city with its elegant colonnade, hypocaust, mosaics & monuments. Continue along the peninsula to Kyrenia via Bellapais Abbey, a beautiful set of ruins overlooking the Mediterranean. Here Lawrence Durell was inspired to write his book “Bitter Lemons”. Finally arrive at the picturesque harbour town of Kyrenia. Explore the Byzantine Castle on the sea front which is well preserved.  See the original shipwreck of the Kyrenia ship exhibited within the castle.  Overnight in Nicosia

Day 4:
Troodos
This morning will visit the Unesco world heritage protected churches listed for their architecture and murals. Visit St John Lampadist byzantine church. Will continue our drive through the Troodos mountain villages via Pedhoulas, see the Archangel Michael UNESCO church followed by St Nicholas of the roof ending in Platres village at the foothills of the mountain.
Overnight in Platres

Day 5:
PalaePaphos
Driving down the Valley we will head for Paphos.
Visit Palaepaphos, once the capital of the city state of Paphos.
Explore the Sanctuary of Aphrodite and the museum.
Visit the tombs of the kings, a world heritage site with impressive underground tombs of the Hellenistic period.
Ending in Paphos for overnight

Day 6:
Paphos
Visit the ancient sites of Nea Paphos, tour the remarkable houses.
Explore the Roman Palaces of Nea (Modern) Paphos, the houses of Dionysos, Aion, Theseus mosaics, a series of beautifully preserved mosaics depicting scenes from Greek mythology.
Overnight in Paphos

Day 7:
Kourion
Departing from Paphos to Limassol, visiting en route the Petra tou Romiou, (the legendary of Aphrodite – goddess of love) said to be the Aphrodite’s birthplace. View the amazing landscape. Visit the sanctuary of Apollo Ylatais. Continue South to Kourion, a city kingdom during the iron age. Explore the amphitheatre, the roman houses with mosaics and the basilica.
Continue to Kolossi castle famous in the medieval times for Commandaria (famous Cyprus sweet wine).
Overnight at hotel in Limassol

Day 8:
Amathus
This morning head to Limassol castle – related with Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria’s wedding.
Short drive to visit Amathus where we will explore the ruins of the ancient city. Will then continue east to Kalavasos Tenta and to Khirokitia which are the remains of Neolithic villages – settlements dating back from 8000-5500bc.
Overnight in Limassol

Day 09:
Departure transfer for Larnaca airport.
(Optional on the way to Larnaca airport, time allowing, a visit to Panayia Angeloktisti in Kiti village and/or Hala Sultan Tekke mosque) or St Lazarus church.