Often considered the
“Berlin of the Mediterranean”
with its famous green line, the last witness to a real Greek tragedy that has been playing out on the island for centuries, Cyprus is the unloved of the region.
Tourists prefer its Greek or Italian neighbors… wrongly!
Because if the divide exists, it is above all the last witness to an
exceptionally rich history
, made up of conquests, cultural and religious exchanges, unlike any other.
From the ancient site of Kourion to the Archaeological Museum of Limassol, via the Selimiye Mosque, discover Cyprus in a new light... accompanied by the best guide on the island!
Program
Day 1
Tuesday September 28, 2024
PARIS • CYPRUS
Meet your
Figaro
escort at Paris-Orly airport.
10:50 a.m
.: Departure from Paris-Orly airport* aboard a direct Transavia flight to Larnaca-Cyprus.
4:05 p.m.:
Arrival at Larnaca-Cyprus airport.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local guide who will accompany you to your hotel, the Royal Apollonia*****, located in Limassol.
After taking possession of your room, you will be invited to a welcome cocktail as dictated by the rules of Cypriot hospitality.
Dinner at the hotel in buffet style.
Night at the Royal Apollonia*****.
Day 2
Sunday September 29, 2024
PAPHOS
In the morning, you will visit the ancient site of Kourion.
The latter houses the ruins of the eponymous city, founded in the 12th century BC by the Achaeans.
This city was prosperous for several centuries before being destroyed by earthquakes in the 4th century.
The hundreds of years during which it was an economic and cultural center for Cyprus are reflected in the diversity of the ruins: a Greco-Roman theater, the villa of Eustolios with its paleo-Christian mosaics...
You will then make a stop at the rock of Petra Tou Romiou.
If legend is to be believed, it was here that the goddess Aphrodite was born.
According to Hesiod's
Theogony
, Cronus castrated Ouranos, then threw his testicles into the waters of the Mediterranean.
Beaten by the waves, they formed foam.
From this foam, the beautiful and revered goddess took shape and emerged from the waves.
Lunch at a local tavern.
You will continue with a visit to the archaeological park of Paphos.
Home to the ruins of the ancient capital, the site is often considered the richest on the island.
This is evidenced by the impressive site of the Tombs of the Kings, a series of underground royal tombs from the 3rd century BC. You will also discover the remains of the basilica, dating from the beginning of the Christian era, and its famous column of Saint -Paul.
According to legend, it was here that the apostle was scourged before convincing the Roman governor of the time, Sergius Paulus, to convert to Christianity.
In the process, you will be able to admire the mosaics of the ancient city of Nea Paphos.
You will pass by the houses of Dionysus, Aion and Theseus.
The day will end with a visit to the monastery of Ayios Neophytos.
Founded in 1200 by the Cypriot hermit and writer Neophytos, this splendid monument houses the Egkleistra, a cave carved into the mountain, decorated with paintings dating from the 12th to 15th centuries.
Some of these paintings are among the finest specimens of Byzantine wall painting.
Dinner at the hotel in buffet style.
Night at the Royal Apollonia*****.
The rock of Petra Tou Romiou Adobestock
Day 3
Monday September 30, 2024
LEFRAKA • LARNACA
Start the day with a visit to the archaeological site of Khirokitía.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Neolithic site is a veritable historical millefeuille and perfectly illustrates the diversity of cultures and religions that have crossed Cyprus over the centuries.
You will continue with a visit to Léfkara, a charming village with stone houses, renowned for its lace, the famous
lefkaritika
, as well as for its silver work.
Petros, master cheesemaker, will be waiting for you to discover the secrets of halloumi, this delicious Cypriot specialty whose recipe dates back to the year 395!
At that time, goats and sheep were the only livestock on the island.
It was only in the 20th century that cows were introduced and their milk was added to this ancestral recipe.
You will then discover the village of Kiti and its Byzantine church dating from the 11th century.
Inside, admire a mosaic representing the Virgin and Child between two archangels from the 6th century, a work of art in a rare state of conservation.
Lunch at a local tavern.
On the way to Larnaca, you will stop at Tekké Hala Sultan, on the edge of the salt lake.
According to some researchers, the site is the fourth most important holy site for pilgrimages for Muslims after Mecca, Medina and al-Aqsa in Jerusalem.
Once in Larnaca, you will visit the magnificent stone church of Agios Lazaros, built in the 9th century.
Within it rests the remains of Saint Lazarus, risen from the dead and first bishop of Kition.
You will end this day's visit with a walk on Avenue des Palmiers, to soak up the atmosphere of the city.
Return to the hotel at the end of the afternoon.
Dinner at the hotel in buffet style.
Night at the Royal Apollonia*****.
Larnaca Kirill Makarov / kirill_makarov - stock.adobe.com
Day 4 Tuesday October 1, 2024
TROODOS MASSIF
In the morning, you will take the road towards the Troodos massif.
With its villages with traditional stone houses, its vineyards and its rolling landscapes, it is one of the most picturesque regions of the island.
In the heart of the woods, many monasteries were born.
Among those which are still visible today, ten are classified as UNESCO heritage sites.
Kykkos Monastery is one of them.
Founded in 1100 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was for several centuries the most famous and richest monastery in Cyprus.
Inside, discover one of the three icons still existing and attributed to Saint Luke.
Lunch at a local tavern.
You will continue with a visit to the village of Kakopetriá, nestled on the heights of the hills and offering splendid views of the Karkotis valley and its pine forests.
The historic center, with its cobbled streets and low stone houses, forms a true picture frozen in the medieval era.
A detour to the church of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis (Saint-Nicolas-du-Toit) will allow you to admire the magnificent murals which adorn its interior.
Before returning to the hotel, you will make a final stop at the charming Galata church, whose atypical architecture is worth a look!
Figaro Privilege: Dinner at the Artima Bistro restaurant. Four times awarded for its Mediterranean cuisine by the Time Out Eating Awards, the establishment shines with the excellence of its dishes with unique character and flavors.
Night at the Royal Apollonia*****.
Kykkos Robnaw Monastery - stock.adobe.com
Day 5
Wednesday October 2, 2024
NICOSIA
Starting this new day by visiting the Archaeological Museum is a great way to delve into Cyprus' turbulent past.
Like a series of conquests and cosmopolitan influences extending from the Neolithic to the present day, the history of the island is complex but fascinating.
The different artifacts – pottery, jewelry, sculptures, coins, etc. – are exhibited in chronological order in the galleries.
You will find there the centerpieces of these different collections: the cruciform idol from the Chalcolithic period, pottery from Vouni dating from the early Bronze Age, gold jewelry from Egkomi dating from the Late Bronze Age and the statue of Aphrodite from Soloi, from the 1st century BC.
You will continue with the discovery of the Cathedral of Saint John the Theologian (Agios Ioannis).
Built in 1662, this imposing religious building houses magnificent frescoes illustrating scenes from the Bible.
The adjoining archbishopric palace has been converted into a museum dedicated to Byzantine art.
There you can admire a collection of icons dating from the 8th century to the 17th century.
Lunch at a local tavern.
In the afternoon, you will explore the picturesque district of Laïki Yitonia.
The numerous taverns, small craft shops and houses with flowery facades will give you a glimpse of the crazy charm of this small Mediterranean island.
You will cross the historic Green Line, a demilitarized zone controlled by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus and which, since 1974, divides the island of Cyprus between the northern third of occupied Cyprus, controlled by Turkey, and the Republic of Cyprus.
Once on the Turkish side, you will visit the Selimiye Mosque.
This ancient cathedral built in the 12th century, the Saint Sophia Cathedral, was the coronation place of the Lusignans, a historic dynasty which reigned in Cyprus until 1464. After the Ottoman occupation in 1570, the cathedral was converted into a mosque and named Selimiye , in homage to Sultan Selim II.
You will end this day by exploring the bazaar.
Between colorful stalls and an oriental atmosphere, it's a completely different side of Cyprus that you will have the opportunity to explore.
Dinner at the hotel.
Night at the Royal Apollonia*****.
Laïki Yitonia - Nicosia Adobestock
Day 6 Thursday October 3, 2024
LIMASSOL
Start this day with a visit to the Limassol Archaeological Museum.
Unlike other museums on the island, the collections presented here are constantly enriched thanks to discoveries made at the neighboring sites of Amathus and Kourion.
You will continue with a walk in the old town.
A succession of narrow streets and medieval facades will lead you to Kolossi Castle.
Surrounded by impressive Venetian walls, this magnificent building was built in the 13th century, then modified in the 15th century.
These latest modifications give the whole thing a military fort look.
Adjacent to the castle, an old sugar factory recalls the island's merchant past.
Lunch at a local tavern.
You will then take the road towards Krassochoria, a region in the hinterland.
Along the way, you will notice the presence of vines.
Indeed, it is on these lands that the famous commandaria sweet wine is produced, named in homage to the commander of the Templars of the island.
A stop at the village of Omodos, built on the hilly slopes of the Troodos, will be an opportunity to taste this delicious golden nectar.
At the end of the afternoon, you will return to your hotel for some rest time before dinner.
Figaro Privilege: Cypriot gourmet dinner at Dionysus Mansion. If the menu alone is worth the detour, the setting is not to be outdone: the restaurant room combines modernity and luxury, thus honoring the imposing stone manor which houses it.
Night at Royal Apollonia*****
Day 7
Friday October 4, 2024
SALAMINA • FAMAGUSTA
This day will be dedicated to exploring the Turkish part of the island.
After crossing the Green Line, you will head towards the ancient site of Salamis.
On site, discover real ancient treasures: the theater, one of the most imposing in the Mediterranean basin, the gymnasium and the palaestra, the Byzantine cistern... A treat for history buffs!
You will then pass by the monastery of Saint Barnabas, the patron saint of Cyprus and the founder of the island's Orthodox church.
According to legend, the monastery housed his final resting place.
Lunch at a local tavern.
You will continue with a visit to Famagusta, a charming town renowned for its impressive ramparts erected by the Lusignans and consolidated by the Venetians in the 16th century.
You will enter the fortified city through one of its two main gates: the Country Gate and the Sea Gate. Inside, discover the magnificent citadel known as "Othello's Tower" because it is said to have inspired his eponymous masterpiece to William Shakespeare.
You will end this day full of visits with the Lala Mustapha Pasha mosque.
This is again an example of a cathedral converted into a mosque during the Ottoman conquest.
Return to the hotel at the end of the afternoon.
Figaro Privilege: Dinner at the Pyxida Limassol restaurant. Offering a breathtaking view of the new marina, it offers a menu of specialties, based on local products and the catch of the day.
Night at the Royal Apollonia*****.
The Lala Mustapha Dudlajzov Mosque - stock.adobe.com
Day 8
Saturday October 5, 2024
LIMASSOL • CYPRUS • PARIS
If you wish, you will be invited for a final visit to the old town of Limassol.
Your local French-speaking guide will tell you the history of the city through its most emblematic buildings and places: the marina, the castle, the old port...
Discover a small town with a picturesque atmosphere and take the opportunity to do your last shopping before leaving!
Lunch at the hotel.
Private transfer to Cyprus airport.
4:50 p.m.:
Flight to Paris-Orly on a direct Transavia flight.
8:30 p.m.:
Arrival at Paris-Orly airport.
The price includes
Paris/Larnaca round trip air transport, on Transavia company flights
Air taxes €85 to date
Taxes and local services • transport by air-conditioned coach
Accommodation in a double room in the mentioned hotel
Full board from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 8
Drinks at lunches and dinners: 1 glass of wine or 1 glass of beer, water, coffee or tea
Tipping: guides/drivers/hotels
Visits/excursions/entrances, according to the program
Local French-speaking guides
Carrying luggage to the hotel
A travel diary
Health – accident – repatriation – baggage insurance Mutuaide Assistance
A Figaro accompaniment