CYPRUS:
ONE ISLAND TWO CIVILISATIONS
A cultural tour of North & South Cyprus
Cyprus is like stepping into history. A civilization
that goes back to over 10,000 years and history is still in
the making
here. From Alexander’s generals, to the visit of St Paul
setting the foot for Christianity here. Before the Ottoman influence,
there were the famous stops made by Richard the Lion Heart en
route to the Crusade wars in Palestine. Independence from British
rule came at an end in 1960, only for the sate to break up into
two parts in 1983 – based on ethnic differences. The two
parts are now referred to as the Greek part (Southern Cyprus)
and Turkish Cyprus (Northern Cyprus). This journey into Cyprus:
One Island Two Civilizations captures beautifully the history
and culture of both states of this unique and rich island.
Day 01: Larnaca
We arrive at Larnaca Airport, where we are warmly received and transferred
to our hotel in Limassol. The hotel is a resort type having it’s
own private beach and swimming pool.
Overnight: Louis Apollonia Hotel, Limassol (4 nights)
Day 02: Paphos and Aphrodite's birth place (drive)
We start with a visit to the Omodhos village and then to the beautfiul Agia Paraskeyi
church at Yeroskipou. Greco-Roman architecture offers it’s very own pecuilarity
which we witness also at Paphos when we visit St. Paul pillar, the Mosaics of
Paphos, house of Dionissos, House of Theseus and the house of Aion and finally
the harbour of Paphos. On our return to Limassol, we visit the legendary birth
place of Aphrodite. (B)
Day
03: Troodos / Kykkos (drive)
Discover Troodos mountains – the Green Heart of Cyprus. A memorable off
the beaten track through idyllic mountain villages unchanged from generations.
The first stop is at Mt. Olympus – the highest point in Cyprus with a peak
of 1951 meters. We then proceed to “Throni” to see the Tomb of Archbishop
Makarious III, the first president of Cyprus. Enjoy the spectacular view of the
countryside and the pine forest. We then drive to the famous Kykkos Monastery,
which was built in 1092 and dedicated to Virgin Mary. It houses one of the three
surviving icons painted by St. Loukas. On our return we visit the village of
Omodos and the Holy Cross Monastery. (B)
Day 04: Akamas
(drive)
Today we discover the mysterious and unexplored territory of Akamas and make
our way through the Avagas Gorge with it’s sheer limestone walls rising
above us. Our short drive ends at Lara Bay – one of the last breeding
grounds for the large Green Backed Turtles. After an adventourous morning we
move onwards the edge of the northern peninsula and visit the Baths of Aphrodite
where, according to legend, Aphrodite bathed with her lower Adonis. We then
drive to Chrysochou Bay for a swim in the cool tranquil water. Our last stop
is at Skou village where, at a small extra fee, you can see an interesting
collection of endemic snakes and reptiles.
Day 05: Lemessos / Kourion / Nicossia (drive)
Driving along the beautiful shore, our first stop of the day will be outside
the medieval castle in the heart of Limassol, where Richard the Lion heart
maried Berengaria. We will have some free time to see the beautiful old harbor
area before vising one of the largest wineries in the region where we will
be able to taste the local wines. Continuing our journey we visit the the
Crusader Castle of Kolossi, which was built in the 13th cuntury. Next stop
will to see the ancient Kourion, Greco-Roman theatre and the mosaics. Our
tour of the day culminates by visiting Aphrodite’s Rock – the
birth place of the Goddess of love and Beauty.
After this tour we are driven to the divided capital city of Nicosia.
Overnight: Holiday Inn, Nicosia (3 nights) (B)
Day 06: Nicosia
The Capital city is divided between two “states” – the
north under the domain of “Turkish” Cyprus and the south, “Greek” Cyprus.
Walking the narrow streets of the old town, it is a scene almost from the
Arabian Nights. We view the various craftspeople outside shops crafting different
artifacts including jewellery. Next is the Arcaheolical Museum giving us
an insight into the island’s rich history. Later the tour takes us
to the Green Line – the border between the Republic of Cyprus and the
Turish Cyprus state. The Gren Line divides the two parts of the countrries
and is always manned by UNO forces. Our Nicosia tour takes us to the Archbishopric
and we also visit the famous Cathedral of St. John. PM free to enjoy the
many attractions that Nicosia offers. (B)
Day
07: Kyrenia (drive)
Today we cross the “Green Line” to the other side of Nicosia and
wind our way up and over the Pentadaktylos Mountains with their spectacular
views to visit the famous gothic Abbey of Bellapais. Spend time with in the
picturesque and historic port of Kyrenia including a tour of its medieval fortress
and take in the sights and sounds as you wander round the harbour area where
free time is given for exploring.
Day 08: Nicosia / Larnaca Airport
After an interesting tour of one island that has two civilisations, cultures,
langauges, and two countries, yet a history so intertwined makes us wonder,
is it two countries? or one country with a divese and rich culture coming from
two rich civilisations? With this in mind we are transferred to Larnaca Airport
for our flight back home or continuing on to enjoy one of the other equally
diverse destinations of Bestway Tours & Safaris.
Departure Dates
2008
English Speaking Departures Daily
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes
Tour Price Does Not Include
Hotel
accommodation with all taxes
Meals as specified in the itinerary
(B=Breakfast)
All tours and transfers as per itinerary on SIC basis
with English speaking guide
Speaking
guides & drivers.
Entrance fees to Monuments visited
International
airfares and departure/airport taxes
Insurance
/ Visas / Tips
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America).
Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate.
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast
CA $ 1300
USA - West Coast
US $ 1200
Canada - East Coast
CA $ 1000
USA - East Coast
US $ 800
Participants
This
tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 12 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary
If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.
Foreign Language Departures
Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures.
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.
CYPRUS:
ONE ISLAND TWO CIVILISATIONS
Day
03: Troodos / Kykkos (drive) 
Day
07: Kyrenia (drive) 
