Program
DAY 1 – DEPART TO CYPRUS
At the end of this afternoon or late evening, you will depart for Larnaca, Cyprus where you will arrive early in the morning.
DAY 2 – ARRIVAL LARNACA, CYPRUS – LIMASSOL (D)
Today you arrive early morning at the largest city in Cyprus, Larnaca. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel in Limassol. After check-in at your hotel, you will enjoy some free time. Then late afternoon, you will be expected in one of the most beautiful rooftop bars in the city with a sea view and preferably a beautiful sunset. After this you are expected for Diner in a wine restaurant located just behind the medieval castle of Limassol, right in the historical centre of the city. This chic tavern serves traditional Cypriot dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. A stone, modern tavern with simple yet stylish décor, which used to be part of the old Carob Mill and has now been turned into a renowned restaurant. Weather permitting, dine al fresco on the cobblestones surrounding the medieval castle of Limassol.
Overnight.
DAY 3 – LIMASSOL – CASTLE OF KOLOSSI – AGIOS AMVROSIOS – OMODOS – LIMASSOL (B, L)
Cyprus is known not only for its sandy beaches and the Mediterranean blue sea, but also for its numerous villages, varied wine selection and small-scale wine estates. After breakfast, depart for the medieval castle of Kolossi, a fine example of military architecture originally built during the Crusades in the 13th century. After the siege of Akko in 1291, it served as the Grand Commandment of the Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem; thus, giving its name to the world famous Commandaria wine, which is still produced in the area. Next, you will head to a wine estate in the Krasochoria (wine villages) region of Agios Amvrosios village which opened in 2007 and has since received some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. Here you will be offered a guided tour and a wine tasting. Then you will visit a second wine estate located on the hills of the village of Omodos with beautiful views of the vineyards. This modern winery proudly maintains the Mediterranean winemaking traditions, combining high-tech equipment with quality manual winemaking and great dedication from both winemakers and oenologists. Here you can enjoy a tour of the facilities and a wine tasting with different wines. Today’s final stop is in the traditional village of Omodos, a typical Cypriot wine-producing village that was once owned by Sir John De Brie, Prince of Galilee. The village is also known for its holly cross monastery which stands by the cobbled square. Aside from the Byzantine-era icons, it contains excellent carvings and other ecclesiastical objects of interest, as well as a small national museum. Omodos has a long tradition of wine making. A traditional wine press, known as Linos, has been preserved there. Here you will taste local wines and liqueurs including a selection of white and red wines, the famous Commandaria dessert wine and of course Zivania. A traditional lunch is served in a local tavern in the village of Omodos. After lunch, you can stroll through the winding streets of the village and mingle with the locals, walking around to shop in the various small shops selling traditional Cypriot items such as handicrafts, lace and local delicacies. In the afternoon you will return to your hotel in Limassol. Diner at your own leisure.
Overnight.
DAY 4 – DISCOVER PAPHOS WITH WINE TASTING (B, L)
After breakfast today you will discover Paphos which, according to legend, was home to Aphrodite, goddess of beauty and love. Still captivated by the goddess, this area retains its magic and has remained intact over time. On the way to Paphos, stop at Petra tou Romiou, the legendary birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite Cypria. A spectacular beach with awe-inspiring views, this golden stretch of sandy coast where the Greek goddess of love rose from wave and foam. Short break to admire the beautiful view and take some memorable photos. The next stop is the village of Yeroskipou, just outside Paphos; where the Ayia Paraskevi church stands with beautiful frescoes. While in Yeroskipou, visit a traditional Loukoumi factory and taste this famous local delicacy, a typical Cypriot Delight made from water, sugar and starch. Afterwards you will drive through traditional villages towards one of the first local wineries of Cyprus, founded in 1993. This successful winery makes excellent quality wines in the Kathikas and Akamas Laona areas of Paphos. Then continue to the second winery today where you will be served a delicious lunch at the winery’s restaurant serving tasty, seasonal, traditional dishes. At about 1,000 m above sea level, surrounded by a pine forest, spread over 25 hectares of the family’s vineyard, here you can enjoy a short tour of the winery and taste local wines. Return to your hotel in Limassol. Diner at your own leisure.
Overnight.
DAY 5 – HONEY AND WINE (B, L, D)
Breakfast at your hotel in Limassol. Afterwards you will visit a honey factory where you will have a unique opportunity to learn more about the honey preparation process and become a honey maker! Upon arrival at the apiary farm, enjoy an outdoor picnic with farm produce such as halloumi and anari cheese. Beekeeper protective suits will be provided so that you can see the hives at your leisure and learn about the different processes of honey making. Then we continue to the honey extraction and bottling laboratory and you will taste different types of honey. During this visit the following activities can be added (optional):
- Beeswax workshop aromatic candles.
- Walking in the area with a collection of wild plants
- Halloumi demonstration by a local resident
Then you will visit a local winery. Cyprus has a wine tradition of over 4,000 years and has an extensive variety of wines to try. Tasting a variety of local wines while relaxing in the traditional winery atmosphere is sure to be the highlight of the day. Your journey continues to the village of Lefkara, known for its unique architecture, charming narrow streets and limestone houses. Lefkara is known for its beautiful lace work. Here Leonardo Da Vinci bought the masterpiece of lace cloth with which he decorated the altar of Milan in 1481. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. After lunch, discover the narrow winding streets around the silversmiths and lace makers, whose designs follow the time-bound traditions of their ancestors. You can also enjoy a Cypriot coffee in one of the village’s coffee shops, called “KAFENION” in Greek. In the afternoon you will return to the hotel in Limassol. Enjoy some free time on arrival at the hotel. This is followed by Diner at a restaurant in the marina of Limassol with a variety of fish and seafood. This restaurant combines a unique gastronomic experience with the breath-taking view of the coastline. Then you return to your hotel.
Overnight.
DAY 6 – TROODOS MOUNTAIN WINERIES AND COOKING ATELIER (B, L)
After breakfast you will visit a beautiful pine and cedar forest dotted with picturesque villages; The Troodos Mountains and Mount Olympus are 1,952 meters above sea level. This unique geological complex dominates the central and western part of Cyprus. Troodos is home to beautiful native wildflowers and vegetation. Your first winery you will visit today was founded in 1988 just outside the village of Pelendri in the Troodos Mountains, in the Pitsilia wine region. After a short tour you will enjoy a wine tasting, including the new style wines from the Commandaria and Zivania for which the winery is known. Then you will go to the village of Pelendri where you will participate in a cooking workshop in a local tavern. All recipe ingredients are picked and harvested in the nearby gardens so you can expect to prepare a fantastic traditional meal. Of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without enjoying that delicious lunch you made yourself. In the afternoon, visit a new winery in the Pitsilia area with 12 hectares of vineyards recently planted with Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes. In addition, this winery buys the grapes from local producers and winegrowers from Kilani and into the Paphos region. The wines of this area are known for their superior quality. The sandy clay soil, the steeply sloping terrain, the favourable mild temperatures, which are unique to the region, and the large differences in height form a perfect environment for the production of excellent wines. Here you will enjoy a tour of the facilities and get a wine tasting with some of their best wines. Then you return to Limassol. Diner at your own leisure.
Overnight.
DAY 7 – VISIT TO KOLOSSI CASTLE AND THE CYPRUS WINE MUSEUM (B)
After breakfast, travel towards the medieval castle of Kolossi. Along the way you will pass the beautiful citrus plantations of Fassouri. The castle is a fine example of military architecture originally built in the 13th century during the Crusades. After the siege of Acre in 1291, it served as the Grand Commanderie for the Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, thus giving its name to the world-famous Commandaria wine, which is still produced in the area. After this, visit the village of Erimi and the local Cyprus Wine Museum, which is housed in a beautifully renovated stone building. On the ground floor is the museum that gives visitors insight into the history of wine-making in Cyprus. In Ilarion Hall you will find wines from more than 32 vineyards of Cyprus. Here you will have the opportunity to taste some of these wines accompanied by light snacks. Then you will travel towards the old town of Limassol with a history dating back to the Middle Ages at the time of the ancient kingdom of Kourion and Amathus. The medieval castle of Limassol is where, according to tradition, after the conquest of the island in 1192, King Richard of England married Princess Berengaria of Navarre in the small chapel of the castle. The castle itself is surrounded by winding shopping streets of the old town with many small shops and coffee shops. Limassol’s harbour and marina, with its many luxury shops and restaurants, is a short walk away. Here you can easily walk into a local restaurant for delicious local dishes. We are happy to make recommendations. After lunch (not included), return to your hotel. Free afternoon and evening. Diner at your own leisure.
Overnight.
DAY 8 – SPOON SWEETS & VISIT WINE HOUSES (B, L)
After breakfast, travel to the village of Trimiklini, where you will stop to taste local spoon sweets, jams, marmalades and made according to ancient recipes and cooking methods with fruits and vegetables from Cyprus. Then continue towards the village of Koilani, located in the heart of the “Krasochoria”, the traditional wine villages at the foot of the Troodos Mountains. Located at an altitude of 900 meters, and thanks to the local climate and soil, production here is ideal for quality wines. Here you will visit a unique winery. The vineyards in this region are hundreds of years old. Here you will enjoy a wine tasting and meet the owners. Next, head to a modern winery that was completed in 2012. Set in a contemporary building that blends in perfectly with the landscape, this winery is set on an 8-hectare plot surrounded by its vineyards. Here you have a perfect overview of the processes that take place from grape to wine. Of course, a visit to this winery is not complete without a wine tasting of some of their best wines. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before returning to Limassol. Diner at your own leisure.
Overnight.
DAY 9 – DEPARTURE (B)
After breakfast, and depending on your flight times, you will get a transfer to the airport for your flight back home… or an extension of your trip to one of the other wine countries nearby which are easily accessible from Cyprus such as Romania or Greece. Ask us about the possibilities for a non-binding customized quote.
Included / Excluded
What’s included / not included in this wine tour ?
Included
- 11 wine tastings
- International flights
- Transfer airport – hotel – airport
- 7 nights in a standard double room in good quality hotels
- Meals where indicated (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = Diner)
- Transport as described in the program
- Experienced English-speaking guide unless otherwise stated, other languages on request
- Entrance fees for the listed sights
Excluded
- Specialized wine guide
- Single room surcharge
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks unless explicitly stated
- Meals other than mentioned in the program (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = Diner)
- Tips
- Cancellation and travel insurance (we can arrange this for you if desired)
- Taxes to be paid locally, such as the tourist tax
- Everything that is not reported under the heading including
Request a quote for this wine tour and we can work with you to determine what will and will not be included. The choice is yours.
All flights (international and domestic), hotels and rental car are always subject to availability until the time of final booking with signing the sales file. The booking is made and recorded after receipt of the deposit on our bank account.
Prices are always subject to change and are signed up to the sales file without prior notice and / or evidence. The reasons, which are not exhaustive, can be seasonality and availability.
