Biblical Cyprus

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN LARNACA – NICOSIA – LIMASSOL

• Arrive at Larnaca International Airport, meet with our representative and drive on to the city of Larnaca, which has flourished as a tourist seaside resort over the past twenty years. We will have a short visit of the Church of Agios Lazaros, the city’s most impressive old building. Continue to Nicosia and enjoy time for lunch at leisure. Later, we start for a walking tour of Lefkosia (Nicosia) along the old city’s main streets. In the evening we drive to Limassol and check-in at the hotel overlooking a ‘Blue Flag’ sandy beach in the ancient Amathus area.

DAY 2 – FULL DAY TO PAPHOS – AGHIOS NEOPHYTOS MONASTERY

• Today we visit the archaeological site of Paphos. According to the biblical Acts of the Apostles, after landing at Salamis and proclaiming the Word of God in the synagogues,[17] the prophets and teachers, Barnabas and Saul of Tarsus, traveled along the entire southern coast of the island of Cyprus until they reached Paphos (46-48 AD). At Nea Pafos (the ancient site), we will see: a column near the basilica of Agia Kyriaki (Chrysopolitissa), known as Apostle Paul’s Pillar (Acts 13:6-13). In the House of Dionysos we see the superb Roman mosaics, the Agora, the Asklepeion, the Odeon Amphitheater, and more. After some free time for lunch, we visit Agios Neofytos Monastery. On the way back to Limassol we make a short photostop at the seaside of Petra tou Romiou, the modern mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.

DAY 3 – LIMASSOL – HALF DAY VISIT OF KOURION

• This morning we enjoy our half day tour of Limassol visiting the ancient city of Curium or Kourion: one of the most important archaeological sites on the island. As one of the principal city-kingdoms of Cyprus, Curium was once prosperous and busy, especially in Roman times. We see the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates with its temple, the Greco-Roman Theater, the Stadium, the Episcopal Precinct, the Kolossi Castle, built in the 15th century by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. After some free time at the old part of Limassol, we return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 4 – FULL DAY TO SALAMIS/FAMAGUSTA

• Drive to the North-Eastern coast of Cyprus (occupied area by Turkey) and visit Salamis. On his first journey 46-48 AD, Paul, the Apostle, landed there and preached in the synagogues (Acts 13:5), before proceeding further in the island. The Cypriot-born Saint Barnabas, who figures prominently in the Acts of the Apostles, brought Christianity to Cyprus in the first century AD. Salamis was abandoned during the Arab invasions of the 7th century and its inhabitants moved to Arsinoë (Famagusta). The ancient city was near the modern Famagusta, by the river Pedieos, on a plain. Today, one can see the gymnasium, pools, baths, frescoes, the Roman Theater and more. We continue with a visit to the Monastery of the Apostle Barnabas, where the founder of the church is buried. In the evening, return to Limassol.

DAY 5 – FULL DAY TO TROODOS MOUNTAIN & MONASTERY OF KYKKOS – OMODOS

• We start for an outgoing day trip which will be a truely memorable experience! Passing through picturesque, traditional mountain villages, we drive to the heart of Cyprus. Our first stop is Troodos Square for a coffee or refreshment. We pass Troodos mountain range situated in the center of the island and arrive just below Mt. Olympus. Experience a spectacular view of the countryside and the forest stretching below. Proceed via Prodromos to the wealthiest royal Monastery of Kykkos and last visit will be “Omodos” village famous for its vineyards and annual Wine Festival. Here, you can enjoy free time for lunch before returning to Limassol.

DAY 6 – LIMASSOL – LARNACA – DEPARTURE

• Meet with our local representative and transfer to Larnaca International Airport for the return flight.