or call us on 1800 804 006
Explore beyond the sun-drenched beaches to appreciate the natural beauty, historical treasures and innate hospitality of this magical island. Discover compelling archaeological sites and picture-book villages and delight in the dazzling coastlines and delicious cuisine. Experience the pine-scented Troodos Mountains, the wine-growing regions and the delightful capital Nicosia.
Depart the UK for your flight to Larnaca Airport. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a welcome dinner.
After breakfast take a drive to the lovely village of Lefkara, famed for its fine embroidery and silversmithing. Visit a needlecraft workshop and the magnificent 14th-century church dedicated to the Holy Cross. Continue on to Choirokitia village, admired for its beautiful stone and wood architecture and also noted for its UNESCO-listed Neolithic Settlement. See the world-famous Halloumi cheese being made, whetting your appetite for an authentic Cypriot brunch. Return to Larnaca and enjoy some time before dinner.
Today takes you to Nicosia, the ancient capital divided in 1963 by the 'Green Line' separating the Turkish North and Greek South. Explore the Greek Old Town of narrow streets enclosed by Venetian walls including St John's Cathedral and the Famagusta Gate, before passing through to the Turkish controlled portion of the city and Northern Cyprus. Here you will visit the ancient Buyuk Han, once a traveller's inn and now a vibrant cluster of shops and cafes, and the mammoth Selimnye Mosque, formerly a 13th century Roman Catholic cathedral. Before lunch, visit the beautiful village of Bellapais, home to the medieval 'Abbey of Peace', a ruined monastery once a refuge for Augustinian monks. Journey to the picturesque town of Kyrenia, famed for its harbour and impressive Lusignan castle.
The pine-clad Troodos Mountains beckon this morning. The first stop on the drive is the UNESCO listed Church of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, with walls entirely covered by Byzantine paintings. Continue to Kakopetria for a walk around this charming village. After lunch drive to the rustic village of Platres, known as the birthplace of the island's famous Brandy Sour. Visit the Lambouri winery, noted for its Xynisteri and Chardonnay grapes before checking into your hotel to relax before dinner.
Today begins with a visit to the village of Omodos, renowned for its pretty narrow alleyways and colourful houses. Embark on a short tour taking in the Monastery of the Holy Cross, established around 330 AD, and the village's medieval wine press. You'll also be able to taste the famous Arkateno bread which is only baked in Omodos. Travel on to Limassol and the spectacular archaeological site of Ancient Kourion, perched high on a hill looking down to the sea. Continue on towards Paphos, pausing for a photo opportunity at Petra tou Romiou, an amazing geological formation of huge rocks where, according to legend, Aphrodite was born.
Paphos brims with archaeological and mythological fascination. Today's tour takes in the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, including the world-famous mosaics in the House of Dionysos. Before a relaxing lunch in the beautiful and serene harbour at Latchi, visit the nearby Akamas Peninsula and the mythical Baths of Aphrodite. Legend has it that this natural grotto, shaded by a fig tree, is where Aphrodite used to bathe and met her lover Adonis when he stopped for a drink while hunting. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore before dinner back at the hotel.
Enjoy a day at leisure exploring Paphos or embark on an optional tour of Limassol (at a supplement). In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel.
Transfer to Larnaca airport for your return flight to the UK or on to your chosen extension.
A visa is not required for your trip to Cyprus. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of €49pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Your initial flight is to Larnaca, Cyprus with British Airways departing from London Heathrow Terminal 5.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.
Each passenger is entitled to 23KG of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding (Max 7kg - 50cm/37cm/ 25cm) in size and 1 personal item such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop case. Weight restrictions will be finalized on E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check in. Check-In should be at least 3 hours before departure.
If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves climbing of steep stairs and getting on and off coaches. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 15, and the maximum will be 40. If in the unlikely event there are less than 15 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date, then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is an escorted tour, meaning you will have the services of an English-speaking guide during each excursion ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
The currency in Cyprus is the Euro (?), most towns and cities do have cashpoints, banks and Bureau de change.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, drinks and snacks. Approximately £200-£300 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour. Please also bear in mind that there will be several shopping opportunities throughout your tour.
It is customary to tip both your driver and guide approximately 2 Euros per person per day in total. Tips will be collected at the end of your tour.
| Depart UK | Arrive UK | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Dates | |||
| 14 Jan 2020 | 21 Jan 2020 | €895.00 | |
| 03 Mar 2020 | 10 Mar 2020 | €1040.00 | |
| 21 Apr 2020 | 28 Apr 2020 | €1085.00 | |
| 05 May 2020 | 12 May 2020 | €1164.00 | |
| 02 Jun 2020 | 09 Jun 2020 | €1231.00 | |
| 16 Jun 2020 | 23 Jun 2020 | €1298.00 | |
| 13 Oct 2020 | 20 Oct 2020 | €1164.00 | |
| 10 Nov 2020 | 17 Nov 2020 | €1040.00 | |
All of the 2020 departures listed above are also departing in 2021. Be amongst the first to book to guarantee your place and price today! To take advantage of this great early booking offer please call 1800 804 006.
Euro
4½ hours
12 °C / 27 °C
Greek, English
Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.
Wine tasting - purely sales pitch nothing to see, no history of vineyard or information as well as expensive.
receiving loaf of bread pointless donated to a local.
Call our experts 1800 804 006
Book 2021 departures at 2020 prices
Be amongst the first to book to guarantee your place and price today!
Extend your tour with a 3 night stay in Paphos on Half Board. Additional upgrades are available at a supplement such as All-Inclusive and Pool/Seaview rooms.
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