Travel through the fertile foothills where most of the country's vineyards and the orchards of the Phassouri citrus groves are found and past Kolossi Castle, a well-preserved stronghold standing three stories tall. You’ll arrive at the ancient ruins of the city of Kourion, an impressive Greco-Roman site where you can view remaining pavement mosaics.

Nearby is the Greco-Roman theater built in the 2nd century BC. Still used today for many performances, including ancient dramas, perched high on a cliff, this beautiful and unspoiled location offers spectacular views of the ruins and the sapphire sea below. A short distance away, you’ll find the Temple of Apollo with its stunning Cypro-Corinthian columns. The sanctuary is the largest and one of the most important religious centers on the island.

Leaving the Kourion area, you'll proceed to what is considered by many to be the most beautiful and picturesque of the old villages in Cyprus, Omodos Village, which is still preserved in its original state. Here explore the monastery of the Holy Cross with its wood carvings and old icons and see the restored wine press Lino. Visit some of the local homes, experiencing the history associated with them. Enjoy some free time to wander down the narrow streets and visit the quaint local shops, famous for their vitraux and hand-made pieces of traditional stained glass.

Delve into a world of ancient history with this primarily panoramic tour that makes photo stops at some of the sacred sites in the jasmine-scented Cypriot countryside.

Delve into a world of ancient history with this primarily panoramic tour that makes photo stops at some of the sacred sites in the jasmine-scented Cypriot countryside. You’ll arrive at Petra tou Romiou for a photo stop, legend tells us it was here that the goddess of Cyprus, Aphrodite, was born from the foam of the sea and carried by the sea's waves to the coast of Cyprus.

You’ll continue on a drive through a landscape of citrus groves and vineyards to several other significant sites from antiquity. There's the Apollo Hylates, known as the Sanctuary of Apollo of the Woodlands, which was severely damaged in a 3rd-century earthquake. Its enormous Roman columns make for an impressive picture.

Other ruins await you at nearby Kourion, an archaeological site famed for its 2nd-century Greco-Roman theater. Fully restored, it looks over the Mediterranean and provides an inspirational setting for modern-day musical and theatrical performances. Following this photo stop, you’ll return to Limassol, stopping briefly at Kolossi Castle, a medieval fortress once occupied by the Kings Templar before returning to your ship.

This tour brings you to the scenic seaside town of Paphos, a small harbor town and popular holiday resort, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll arrive at Petra tou Romiou, where legend tells us it was here that the goddess of Cyprus, Aphrodite, was born from the foam of the sea and carried by the sea's waves to the coast of Cyprus.

In the small harbor and popular holiday resort of Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, you’ll discover colorful Dionysos mosaics renowned throughout the Mediterranean, picturesque churches, medieval monasteries, museums, countless antiquities and a charming harbor guarded by a small castle.

While in Paphos, visit the House of Dionysos, famous for the mosaics unearthed during the excavation of a Roman nobleman's villa from the 3rd century AD, and mosaic floors showing Roman legends and characters mostly representing scenes from Greek mythology. The mosaics here are considered to be the finest mosaics in all the Mediterranean. Enjoy free time in the Limanaki area where you’ll find a wide array of international merchandise, or simply relax and enjoy the town's vibrant atmosphere.

Travel through the fertile foothills where most of the country's vineyards and the orchards of the Phassouri citrus groves are. You’ll arrive at the ancient ruins of the city of Kourion, an impressive Greco-Roman site where you can see remaining pavement mosaics. Nearby is the Greco-Roman theater built in the 2nd century BC. Still used today for many performances, including ancient dramas, perched high on a cliff, this beautiful and unspoiled location offers spectacular views of the ruins and the sapphire sea below.

You’ll visit the Kolossi Castle, a well-preserved stronghold standing three stories tall that was built by the Crusaders in the 13th century. Your guide will share with you how the castle served as both the Grand Commander of the Knights of St. John's Order of Jerusalem, as well as the Knights Templar.

Arriving back in Limassol, enjoy free time for shopping before returning to the pier. The wide array of shops that line the streets carry a variety of both international and local merchandise including jewelry, leather goods, clothing and local artifacts.

OVERVIEW

Wish you were here in old Limassol, when a coastal fortress, narrow streets and small churches were slowly shaping the city that stands by the sea today. Standing by Limassol Castle, you picture the late 16th-century Ottoman walls that rose over earlier medieval fortifications, built to defend the harbor and the life within. From there, the route unfolds on foot as you walk from the castle toward Ayia Napa Cathedral, following Agiou Andreou, the city’s oldest and longest commercial street. Its narrow lanes and neoclassical façades from the 18th and early 19th centuries make it feel as if you’re standing between eras—caught midway between an older Mediterranean town and a modern city. Nearby Agia Napa Cathedral was constructed a bit later over the ruins of a Byzantine church. The urban landscape will turn dramatically modern along the waterfront, where you will find the Oval, One Limassol and the Trilogy Limassol Seafront, three bold projects that have come to symbolize the city’s vision for the future. Free time follows at Limassol Marina, another innovative venture that besides accommodating yachts has become a hub for shopping and dining. By the end, it feels like time travel for the soul—from the Limassol you wish you could have seen centuries ago to the skyline and seaside lifestyle unfolding in front of you today.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Step into the Limassol you wish you could have seen, as you walk from Limassol Castle along Agiou Andreou to Ayia Napa Cathedral, tracing centuries in just a few streets.
• View the exterior of landmarks from the 16th to the 20th century as your guide connects each façade to the era it was built in.
• Behold three ultra-modern building projects that have transformed Limassol’s waterfront.
• Spend free time at Limassol Marina, where the modern waterfront setting lets you reflect on how far Limassol has come.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Spend a carefree day at a spectacular beach on the island’s southern shore, where you can relax most anyway you please. It won’t take long to reach this idyllic stretch of sand, giving you all the more time to enjoy the beachfront setting. You might take a refreshing swim in the inviting sea, stretch out on a towel and bask in the radiant sun, stroll along the lengthy shore or simply lie back and gaze out over the gorgeous scenery. It should be easy to find your own slice of paradise on it. Many of the beaches on the southern shore of Cyprus have earned a Blue Flag eco-designation for the high quality of their water and strict environmental preservation. Relax in comfort on a sunbed under a shared umbrella, and let your worries melt away.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax however you wish on a beautiful stretch of sand on Limassol’s southern coast.
• Spend the time however you please, whether swimming in the sea or just relaxing on shore.
• Take comfort in knowing that most beaches have earned a Blue Flag eco-designation.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore some of Limassol’s most historical and popular coastal attractions before relaxing on one of the finest beaches nearby. While walking along the seafront promenade – which stretches from the Old Port to the Amphitheatre of Molos – you will soon encounter an open-air sculpture park with inspiring works from Cypriot, Greek and international artists. The setting couldn’t be lovelier as towering palm trees standing all along the promenade and the sparkling sea rims the entire park. Just one block inland, you will find the 19th-century Agia Napa Cathedral, the narrow atmospheric Agiou Andreou – the oldest commercial street in Limassol – a bustling municipal market and Limassol Castle, an imposing centuries-old fortification that overlooks the Old Port. Before long, you will reach Kebir Mosque, a 16th-century landmark in the old Turkish quarter. You will have seen plenty to reflect upon as you head to a lovely beach to relax as you see fit.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk along Limassol’s seaside promenade and admire the art in an outdoor sculpture park.
• Gain an understanding of the religious diversity while passing a cathedral and a mosque.
• Meander down the medieval street Agiou Andreou and by historical Limassol Castle.
• Spend free time relaxing at one of the city’s most spectacular beaches.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a scenic drive through Limassol that presents a wealth of attractions, including historical ones from medieval times and new skyscrapers whose designs push the envelope. As you travel up the coast, you will pass the city’s popular seaside promenade and continue on into another revitalized area with landmarks you can’t miss, even from a distance. One Limassol has the distinction of being the tallest residential seafront tower in Cyprus. It represents the epitome of luxury island living, much like Trilogy Limassol Seafront, a trio of towers that is the largest mixed-use skyrise development in the region. Seeing the iconic Agia Napa Cathedral, built more than century ago, shows that Limassol still deeply respects its past as it eyes the future. During free time in the Limassol Agora – a sprawling indoor food mall – you will notice that the shell of the building is historical but the interior has been repurposed.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the gorgeous views while driving along Limassol’s beautiful coast.
• Behold One Limassol, Cyprus's highest residential tower on the sea.
• Be awed by the Trilogy Limassol Seafront, three boldly designed mixed-use skyscrapers.
• Spend free time independently exploring Limassol Agora.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

You will be picked up from port and head to the Rock of Aphrodite, the mythical birthplace of the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty. Many legends are linked to this particular place. The site is an interesting geological formation of huge rocks along a beautiful coastline. Free time will be provided to take the perfect picture from a view point. Participants will also be transferred on the beach, where the rock of Aphrodite is located, in order to take more photos. Hop back on board and head to Limassol old town for a walking tour. A map and road book of Limassol old town will be provided, indicating the hotspots and allowing you to navigate in the old town in your own pace. An English speaking escort may help you with directions if needed. Some of the suggested places for photos will be the following.

Your tour will start with a drive to the Rock of Aphrodite. Your tour will have designated selfie stops at: • Limassol Municipal University Library where you will have the opportunity to take photos outside the building. The impressive building is unlike any other in Limassol and dates back to 1919.
• The popular sea side Multi-Functional Park, also called Molos by the locals. It is a buzzling with life, park that includes jetties, piers, fountains, open-air sculpture park, green areas, piers and play areas making it the perfect setting for Instagram photos and stories.
• Limassol Old Port. The renovation project has recently turned the traditional fishing port into a destination full of life, with trendy cafes, restaurants. The picturesque pier, which stands since 1880, offers the perfect spot for romantic walks, relaxation, endless sea and town views and the perfect photo! During your time in Limassol old town, take a break to enjoy a Cyprus coffee in a typical kafenio.

We would like to recommend that guests bring their own selfie sticks and charges to ensure that they are compatible with their devices. As Intercruises Cyprus, we will have 5 basic selfie sticks just in case needed. No chargers will be provided.

Enjoy enlightening tours of vineyards that grow ancient Cypriot grape varieties and sample wines much like those that were produced centuries ago. The family-owned Zambartas winery is credited with re-discovering a dozen lost varieties and you will sample several of those wines, some of which may be organic. Similarly, Mallia Estate is dedicated to restoring ancient Cypriot grape varieties such as the Maratheftiko, which was mentioned in documents as far back as the Middle Ages. The wine has been re-introduced and may be among the ones you sample there along with local delicacies. If so, be sure to note its distinct aromas of violet and black cherries. You will also visit the Gerolemos winery, another family-owned operation that produces traditional Cypriot wines. Chances are, you will sample a fruity Morokanella and a Riesling that is often served as an aperitif. It is known for its nose of limes and lemons and nuances of fresh grapefruits.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit three wineries that have resurrected Cypriot grape varieties known in ancient times.
• Discover how the grapes were brought back and how they reinvigorated the local industry.
• Sample wines that reflect the terroirs of the three vineyards.