a. The following activities are Included in the Registration fee
- Night out with live music on 4 November
- Gala Dinner with live music at Venue Hotel on 5 November
- Afternoon excursion on 5 November
b. Optional Excursions:
3 November: Full day Jeep tour to Troodos Mountains and Kykko Monastery with lunch:
€57,00 per person (Minimum / maximum number of participants: 8 per jeep
The price includes:
- The jeeps with drivers are 10-seaters and the price is based on minimum / maximum number of persons: 8 in each jeep)
- One of the drivers is acting as a guide at the sites of interest
- Lunch including ¼ bottle of wine per person
Description of the tour: The Troodos safari is one of the most memorable trips, reaching some of the most remote places of the island as well as breathtaking views from the highest peaks of the Troodos Mountains.
Start the upward journey through the foothills of Troodos Mountains with views of rugged hills and valleys. We continue to climb until we reach the picturesque village of Omodhos, one of the main vineyard regions of Lemesos (Limassol). Stroll around the cobbled streets of the village or enjoy a coffee at the ‘kafenion’.
Then a thrilling off-road drive through the forest leads us to the Venetian Bridge of ‘Gelefos’. Enjoy a short walk to admire the natural beauty of the area. Continue off-road, to the village of Milikouri and then to Kykko Monastery, which is the highlight of the day. Built in the 11th century the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It possesses one of three surviving icons ascribed to Saint Luke. Through the centuries Kykko has become one of the biggest and most important monasteries on the island.
Lunch is taken at a traditional mountain village restaurant.
Relaxed and with more energy, we head towards Mount Olympus, the highest peak of the Troodos Mountains at 1951m above sea level. At the throne of the ancient gods, we marvel the panoramic views.
The tour continues through villages and pine forests as we make our way to the Waterfalls. The lush vegetation, the cool spring waters and lovely scenes will relax both body and soul.
Return to the hotel passing through traditional villages.
4 November: Full day Larnaca and Lefkara village with lunch:
€57,00 per person (Minimum number of participants: 15).
The price includes:
- Private bus
- Professional, English speaking guide
- Entrance fees at mentioned sites
- Lunch including ¼ bottle of wine per person
- Minimum number of participants: 15
Larnaca is built on the site where Kition once stood and it is the successor of one of the ancient city-kingdoms of Cyprus and the seat of Christianity from its earliest years. Kition was the birthplace of Zenon, the Greek philosopher, who founded the stoic school of thought and the second home of Jesus’ Friend, Lazarus.
Our today’s visit includes the church of Angeloktisti. This 11th century Byzantine church was erected over the ruins of the Early Christian basilica. The original apse of the basilica has survived together with one of the finest pieces of Byzantine art, a rare 6th century mosaic of Virgin and Child between the two archangels Michael and Gabriel.
We then, drive to the old part of Larnaca town to visit the magnificent 9th century stone church of St. Lazaros. Built by Byzantine Emperor Leo VI in the 9th century, it was restored in the 17th century. The church is one of the most remarkable examples of Byzantine architecture in Cyprus. St. Lazaros came to Cyprus after being resurrected by Jesus, was ordained as Bishop of Kition by the Apostles Barnabas and Marcos and lived here for 30 years. His tomb can be seen under the sanctuary. The iconostasis is a superb example of baroque woodcarving.
We next visit the Pierides Museum, a remarkable private exhibition of Cypriot antiquities.
After lunch, we continue to visit the picturesque village of Lefkara, known for its “Lefkaritika” lace and for its silverware. Legend has it that Leonardo da Vinci himself came here and bought an altar cloth of the traditional lace, which he donated to the cathedral of Milan. The village maintains its traditional architecture with its picturesque stone houses.
