10 Nights in Cyprus

About the destination: With beautiful villages surrounded by vineyards and cities full of trendy art galleries, spas and restaurants, to shipwreck diving, skiing on snow-covered mountains and strolls around fabulous archaeological sites, colourful Cyprus is every inch a sophisticated Mediterranean destination. The island, which legend has it was where Aphrodite - the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty - was born, lies on the fringes of Europe at a point where Asian, Middle Eastern and European cultures merge. While giving the island a rich mix of traditions, cuisine and music, Cyprus’s strategic position has also made it desirable to countless powers over millennia. All have left their mark. Nicosia is the capital and, famously, the only remaining divided city in the world. The south of the city, known as Lefkosia, is a modern metropolis and the governmental, business and financial hub of the Republic of Cyprus, while the north (Lefkoşa) is considered the capital of the "self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus". Since the Turkish invasion of 1974, north Cyprus is internationally considered an occupied territory. South Nicosia is characterised by wide boulevards lined with designer fashion shops, pavements cafés, offices and museums. It is dominated by huge city walls that separate its old town full of Venetian houses and the shiny new city around Eleftherias Square. Nicosia is a popular day excursion from the island’s other cities, Larnaca (Larnaka), Limassol (Lemesos) and Paphos (Pafos).

About the destination: Kyrenia is a harbour town in Northern Cyprus. Among the most popular tourist attractions are, Kyrenia Castle, Old Harbour, The Shipwreck Museum, and St. Hilarion Castle. Kyrenia Castle has been standing since the 7th Century and many believe it was built to protect the town against raids from the Arab lands and is a beautiful site in this city.

About the destination: Larnaca is a city in Cyprus. The town of Larnaca is built over the ancient city kingdom of Kition, a rich sea port and major center of the copper trade and later a Phoenician stronghold. Larnaca is certainly a notable resort and its attractions cater well for the needs of holiday makers and sightseers, although most are fairly modern and commercial. Amidst all of the bars, beaches and clubs, there are some really good museums scattered around central Larnaca.

About the destination: Limassol is the second largest city of Cyprus. After the Turkish invasion in 1974, it became the principal sea port and has also developed into a significant tourist destination. Limassol Castle occupies a dominant position in the landmark and tourist attractions in the city. In Limassol, shore excursions offer a unique experience of exploring the city's various monuments and landmarks amidst the elaborate luxury of a cruise. Shore excursions take tourists to places and attractions in and nearby Limassol, including Kolossi Castle, Troodos Mountains, Omodos Village, Larnaka and Lefkara, Paphos and Nicosia.

About the destination: Situated on the south west coast of Cyprus, Paphos holds great appeal to visitors of all ages. Steeped in history, with a wealth of ancient sites, some dating back to the 4th century BC, Paphos is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Paphos is renowned as the birthplace of Greek goddess Aphrodite. Modern-day Paphos is divided into two parts, the upper area, known as Ktima, being the commercial centre and the old centre of Paphos, which lies inland on a high rocky edge and overlooking the second part. The second part is known as Kato Paphos containing the main archaeological points of interest, like medieval baths, catacombs and a simple fishermen’s church, as well as the Paphos Archaeological Site, which houses a number of attractions, including the House of Dionysos and the House of Theseus, both ruins of large Roman villas famous for their mosaics. The surrounding area is countryside, rich in vegetation with banana plantations, citrus groves and vineyards which lead on inland to the gentle foothills of the Western Troodos Mountains. Paphos is a fascinating city with all sorts of ancient ruins and areas of exquisite natural beauty. It is also a fantastic holiday resort where to enjoy beautiful beaches and lovely taverns offering delicious food.