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Contrasts of Cyprus

From sun-drenched sandy beaches and secluded hideaway coves to forested mountain slopes and lively coastal resorts, Cyprus, the dazzling 'island of Aphrodite', basks in a wealth of culture, history and legend.

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Itinerary
Map
Hotels

Protaras Beach
Protaras Beach
Troodos Mountains
Kakopetria
Mosque, Famagusta
Crusader castle, Kyrenia
Kyrenia harbour

DAY 1: UK - Larnaca - Limassol.

Fly to Larnaca where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Limassol for seven nights. (D)

DAY 2: Limassol.

A cheerful and cosmopolitan seafront town, Limassol offers up a lively resort centre packed with shops, restaurants, cafés and tavernas, a choice of man-made beaches and a delightful Old Town. Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and enjoy the highlights of Limassol, perhaps doing some souvenir shopping, enjoying the beaches or exploring the town further. (B, D)

DAY 3: Kyrenia and Bellapais Abbey excursion.

Today's included excursion takes you to Northern Cyprus and through the picturesque Pentadaktylos Mountain Range to the idyllic Mediterranean town of Kyrenia. An area rich in history and culture, enjoy a stroll around the town, perhaps admiring the tiny yet charming harbour set against the backdrop of the majestic Five Fingered Mountain range, or the old Crusader castle, which now houses the remains of one of the oldest shipwrecks in the world. After lunch, continue to the 12th century Bellapais Abbey. In a charming mountainside location, the abbey is a fantastic example of Gothic architecture and offers up some delightful 15th century Italian frescoes as well as spectacular views over the town and the island's glorious northern coastline. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Famagusta, Choirokoitia and Kingdom of Salamis.

Your first stop today is the ancient site of Choirokoitia, a Neolithic settlement dating back to 9000 BC. After time to explore this well-preserved archaeological wonder, continue to the island's pristine eastern coast and the idyllic town of Famagusta, renowned for its golden sand beaches and pretty Venetian walls. Akin to an open-air museum, the city is rich in history and its Old Town hosts some fine examples of medieval architecture and a patchwork of cobbled streets lined with artisan shops and cafés. Admire the renowned Gothic architecture of the former Cathedral of St Nikolaos, built in the 14th century but converted to the Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque in the 16th century, before heading outside of the city to the site of the 12th century Kingdom of Salamis. Once a mighty Greek city, Salamis offers up an intriguing wealth of columns, an agora and an amphitheatre. After time to explore, pass the 'ghost city' of Varosha on your way back to Limassol. (B, D)

DAY 5 to 6: Limassol.

Enjoy two full days at leisure to really make the most of this bustling town, perhaps visiting Limassol Castle, shopping on St Andrews Street, visiting the imposing crusader Castle of Kolossi or the ruins of Curium, an ancient Greek city with mosaic tiled floors and an immense amphitheatre. Or why not venture further afield and drive along the picturesque coastal road to Aphrodite's Rock, where legend tells the goddess of love and beauty was born? (B, D)

DAY 7: Larnaca - Panagia Podithou - Omodos.

This morning, head to Larnaca for a stroll along the palm-lined promenade and a visit the magnificent Byzantine Church of Saint Lazarus. After lunch in the delightful Old Town area of Nicosia, the island's bustling capital, head to Galata for a visit to Panagia Podithou, one of nine 'painted' churches in the Troodos region, famed for their beautiful Byzantine frescoes. Continue into the foothills of the Troodos Mountains for a visit to Kakopetria. A well-preserved, 14th century hilltop village, Kakopetria is famed for its old mill and many quaint, traditional houses. Enjoy the cool, tranquil reaches of the Troodos as you journey amidst the richly forested, fruit and pine-scented slopes, studded with terraced vineyards and charming villages, to the blissful village of Omodos. Dating back to the 4th century, Omodos is built around the Holy Cross Monastery, the oldest in Cyprus, and is well renowned for its wine production. (B, D)

DAY 8: Limassol - Larnaca - UK.

Transfer to Larnaca airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

Note: You will be required to take your passport with you on the excursions on days 4 and 7.

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Contrasts of Cyprus

Kanika Pantheon

Offering spacious, comfortable accommodation and a wealth of amenities to choose from, Kanika Pantheon is a popular hotel with a friendly, welcoming ambience. Ideally located alongside the Olympic Promenade, the hotel offers easy access to local shops, restaurants and tavernas as well as the beach and the resort centre.

Location: Set in a prime location between Limassol resort centre and the tourist zone, just 50m from the beach and within 1km of the resort centre. There is also a choice of local bars and restaurants nearby.

Facilities: Swimming pool; pool bar serving snacks; Diana buffet restaurant; Lido taverna; O'Brien's pub and restaurant; piano lobby and terrace; internet access; table tennis; fitness room; Jacuzzi; sauna; steam bath; 2 lifts; safety deposit box, Wi-Fi access, tea and coffee making facilities (on request) and minibar in bedrooms.

Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; air-conditioning; satellite TV; telephone; radio; hairdryer.

Options: Single room; full board; sea view.

Official category: 3 star.

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