Gateway to the Continents

 
This Eurasian Island in the Eastern Mediterranean, which stands at the crossroads among three continents, has always been a religious stronghold for the various powers who have held control of it throughout the ages.
It was in Cyprus that Saint Paul (and Barnabus) first travelled in their quest to promote the word of God to the Gentiles (Jews). The stone column where legend holds that Paul was flogged in AD 45 before converting the Roman governor still stands. Many fine examples of Byzantine art survive here and hidden away among the pine forests the walls and aspes of the churches are
painted with stunning frescoes – ten of which are now on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

There is such a wealth of sites to experience and enjoy in Cyprus and the surrounding regions of Egypt and the Holy Land, that we have devised the following extra-special travel choices for your group. We have put together a basic eight-day tour of Cyprus, but if you extend your stay to nine (or ten) days you have an additional option to spend the last two (or three) nights on a marvellous cruise.

We offer a basic eight-day tour of Cyprus, but if you extend your stay to 9 (or 10) days you have an additional option to spend the last 2 (or 3) nights on a marvellous cruise to Egypt or the Holy Land.

8 Days Footsteps of St Paul Pilgrimage from only £749pp* travelling November 2010

Morning Afternoon Evening Day 1 Fly to Larnaca or Paphos. Transfer to the hotel. Free time subject to flight times. Day 2 Full day guided visit to Famagusta, to visit the archaeological site of Salamis (St Paul landed in this area and joined St Barnabas), Tomb of Saint Barnabas and Monastery (built on an ancient basilica), Fort of Famagusta and St. Nicolas Cathedral. Day 3 Full day guided visit to Nicosia, following the route that St Paul travelled through the mountains. En route passing Venetian Walls, the Green Line, the Famagusta Gate, the Statue of Liberty and the Archbishop's Palace. Visit St. John's Cathedral, Byzantine Museum, the Tomb and the Monastery of Agios Herakleidios. Day 4 Full day guided visit to the Troodos mountains, visiting Agros village in the valley of Pitsilia (famous for its roses), 12th Century Church of Panayia tou Araka in Lagoudera village and the Church of Panayia tis Asinou (1106 A.D.) in Nikitari village. Returning a different route, you will see the valleys of Solea and Kourris and visit Laneia village. Day 5 Full day guided visit to Paphos, to visit Petra tou Romiou (the birthplace of the Goddess Aphrodite), Ayios Neophytos Monastery (the 12th Century Enclistra Hermitage and the nearby 16th Century monastery), St. Paul's Pillar and the ruins of the Basilica of Chrysopolitissa (where Paul was lashed), the House of Aion and Theseus, (archeological site), the Palace of Proconsul Sergius Paulus, (where Paul miraculously converted the Proconsul). Free time in the picturesque harbour of Paphos. Day 6 Full day guided visit to a different area of the Troodos mountains, starting with the south west wine villages. Visit Omodos, famous for its monastery, dedicated to the Holy Cross, the 11th Century Church of Ayios Nikolaos (another World Heritage Site), Kakopetria village and Panayia Podithou (early 16th Century church – World Heritage). Day 7 Free day at leisure, or optional excursion to Larnaca: Larnaca Excursion: VisitKiti village, (to see Angeloktisti Church, with its magnificent 6th Century mosaics made of semi precious stones and gold), Church of St. Lazarus, built over his tomb during the 9th Century, Pierides Museum (treasures from Neolithic to Medieval times), Ayios Georgios Alamanos Convent and some free time for shopping. Day 8 Free time subject to flight times. Fly home.

*Subject to availability.

Extend your tour with a fascinating visit to Egypt or the Holy Land. These mine-cruise with sightseeing extensions depart from Limassol.