ECC 2018 TOURS
 

Half Day walking tour of old Limassol, Friday 15/6/18, Start Time: 09:00, End Time: 12:00

  

This is a stroll through the historic part of the Old Town of Lemesos. We will first visit the Medieval Castle and Museum. The castle was built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier Byzantine castle. It is here that according to tradition, Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England. In the surrounding area there are interesting stone - built warehouses, many of which have become restaurants and exhibition halls. Some of the buildings of the 1930s were used a carob storage houses and mills. Traditional blacksmiths' workshops add to the atmosphere of the area, which was the trading center of the city. The Great Mosque or Kepir Mosque is a sign of the coexistence of the two communities of Lemesos (Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots). Built in Ottoman times, on the ruins of a previous Byzantine and a later Gothic church, it is an example of the different historic phases Cyprus went through. The Cathedral of Agia Napa stands proudly in the heart of the residential and shopping area of Lemesos. A building of the 19th century with traditional Byzantine architectural elements. The surrounding area is a blend of old and new, showing recent developments close to the buildings of the late Ottoman Period with balconies and arched entrances with decorated walls, featuring a post baroque influence.

Price per person: €25 (Price includes bus transfer, professional guide and entrance fees to Medieval Castle)

Full Day Kourion – Paphos, Aphrodite’s Birthplace), Saturday 16/6/18Start Time: 09:00, End Time: 17:00

  

Today you can discover the legends and history of one of the most beautiful areas in Cyprus. Driving through the vineyards and citrus plantations of Fasouri our first stop will be the ancient city of Kourion, an impressive Greco-Roman unspoiled site which includes mosaics and a superb amphitheater. From this beautiful, unspoiled spot perched high on a cliff, enjoy the dazzling view of the ruins and the sea below. The next stop will be at Aphrodite’s Rock, where according to legend the Goddess of Love and Beauty was born from the foam of the sea. Your journey continues to Paphos where you will discover one of the most beautiful places on the island. Paphos, with its pleasant harbour and Medieval Fort, combines a cosmopolitan holiday resort, spectacular countryside and historical sites. It was the capital of Cyprus for 600 years in ancient times and its archaeological legacy is such that UNESCO put the whole town on its World Cultural Heritage List. Our next visit will be at the Paphos Mosaics. House of Dionysos, House of Theseus, House of Aion and the House of Orpheas . The mosaic floors of these Houses date from the 3rd to the 5th century AD and are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They depict scenes from Greek Mythology and are considered masterpieces of mosaic art. Lunch will be offered at a Traditional Taverna.

Price per person: €60  (Price includes bus transfer, professional guide, entrance fees to Kourion and Paphos Mosaics and lunch with 1 drink).


Full Day Tour to the Wine Villages of Lemesos (Krasochoria Lemesou), Sunday 17/6/18, 

Start Time: 09:00, End Time: 17:00

 

Driving through the citrus groves of Phassouri we arrive at the Kolossi Castle. Built by the Crusaders in the 13th century, this well preserved building stands three stories tall and it is a good example of military architecture of that period. We continue our tour with a visit to the Wine Museum of Cyprus. Here in a nicely constructed building with stone and tiles you can learn about the history of winemaking in Cyprus, taste and buy a range of Cyprus wines. As we drive on upwards passing by pretty villages and beautiful countryside we will then stop at Ayios Ambrosios village for wine tasting at a local winery and an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating winemaking process. One of the most picturesque villages is Omodos surrounded by vineyards, famous for its true Cypriot architecture with beautifully restored buildings, its old wine press, known as “Linos”, and the monastery of the Holy Cross. Standing by the stone paved square, the monastery is known for its collection of interesting ecclesiastical objects. You will have time to stroll around the narrow streets of the village, visit the old wine press and taste some local wines. In the village there are small shops famous for their “vitraux”, handmade pieces of stained glass, icons, handmade jewels and embroidery all traditionally made. Lunch will be offered at a Traditional Tavern. On the return journey we will stop at Lania, the traditional artists’ village.

Price per person: €65 (Price includes bus transfer, professional guide, entrance fees to Kolossi Castle and wine museum, wine tasting and lunch with 1 drink).