Aphrodite's rock

Local legend says that precisely in here Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty has emerged from the sea-foam on to shores of Cyprus. That's why Cyprus is known as the island of love.

Legend says that whoever circumnavigates around the Rock of Aphrodite three times during the full moon will be forever young and beautiful.

In this legendary place, bus will stop for a short while. During that time you will be able to admire local scenery and take some photographs of this beautiful place. As we leave from the Rocks of Aphrodite and move away from the coastline we will begin to climb upwards and stop in the famous mountain village of Omodos.

Omodos

A picturesque village in the region Commandaria, which is known on the island for centuries for making delicious wine from grapes grown in here. Grapes are being dried in the sun to gain wonderful aroma. Its pleasing taste is reflected in each bottle of that wine. On the local market, in addition to tasting of local wine and Zivania (type of vodka), you will be able to buy many local delicacies mostly derived from grapes, nuts and olives. The village is also famous for the Monastery of St. Cross where you can see the relics of the Holy Cross framed in gold. You will have about half an hour of free time to explore near surroundings and do some shopping at the local market.

Mountains of Troodos

Next, we will depart from the mountain village to continue our travel into the Mountains of Troodos where a breathtaking view of a beautiful forests of pine and cedar are visible - within them there's a hidden monastery. Travelling through the mountains you can draw your attention to the phenomenon that distinguishes the mountains of Cyprus from the typical European mountains . As we travel upwards the vegetation becomes increasingly richer than from individual trees to the whole forests - that's to the richer rainfalls in those parts of the mountain. The guides will provide you with a lot of information about the fauna and flora and the geological structure of the tallest mountain range in Cyprus.

Galata

As you will travel down the mountain we will reach the other side of Troodos where bus stops briefly at a picturesque mountain valley where lies historic village of Galata. The most valuable monument here is located in the heart of a small medieval stone church of Panagia Podithou. It was built in the early twelfth century and is dedicated to St. Eleanor. Inside is a beautifully preserved wall paintings / frescoes / decorating the walls of the temple, presenting scenes from the New Testament.

INTERESTING FACT: One of the fresco presents Mother of God during pregnancy, rest of those paintings shows images of Holy Mother with her child in her hands.

Further part of our journey runs along the Green Line or the border separating North ( Turkish Cyprus) from southern (Greek Cyprus) part of Cyprus where just after an hour we will arrive to the Capital of Cyprus - Nicosia.

Capital of Cyprus - Nicosia

Nicosia - the capital of Cyprus - currently is the only capital in the world that since 1974 was divided into 2 parts called the Green Line - A boundary where a wall between two parts of the city was built. In the city center there is a street which is called Ledra. That's the place where you can cross the boundaries between two parts of Cyprus. The procedure is done very smoothly, all you need to do so is present yourself with a passport or identity card. This street is also the tourist centre with numerous cafes, restaurants, famous shops and small souvenir stalls, great place where you can spend your free time. On the same street there is a building where Debenhams is located. After paying a small fee you can enter to the elevator which takes you to the 14th floor. From the terrace you can see the whole panorama of Nicosia.

INTERESTING FACT: From the terrace you can see the world's largest Turkish flag which is located on the mountains near Nicosia.

Most of the monuments such as the Cathedral of St. John, the Archbishop's Palace is located in the old part of the city located within the old Venetian fortification walls. The last and very interesting highlight of this trip is the city of Larnaca.

Larnaca

The city is primarily known to all tourists thanks to the located nearby international airport. The second city where there is an airport is Paphos - situated some 150 km to the west. Larnaca is also a historic city. It is in here that the Holy Lazarus, who came to Cyprus after his miraculous resurrection, lived here for the rest of his life, he held the position of Bishop of Kition (present Larnaca). According to the Cyprus Orthodox Church a temple was build above the tomb of St. around the 9th century. That temple was dedicated to him. Later in the 17th century church was renovated by local community. After sightseeing main parts of Larnaca, you will have approximately 30min of free time, during which you can visit the scenic streets of the harbour. The expected return to Paphos is around 17.00 pm.