100% customisable travel idea

In the Footsteps of Aphrodite Easter or Autumn Break in Cyprus with the Family

Cyprus - Larnaca - Troodos Mountains - Pissouri

There’s More to Cyprus

From $2400 to $3400 per person for 8 days Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

Itinerary highlights

  • A human-scale island, a wonderful sun-drenched playground all year round.
  • Trekking through forests, vineyards and orchards; basking on the sand; hiking in the footsteps of the gods.
  • Direct flights, short distances, kids’ clubs, activities and family-friendly accommodations: easy with children!
  • Rental car & GPS, mobile app, francophone concierge service: the extra Voyageurs touch
Although the island’s name is familiar, Cyprus remains shrouded in mystery, often seen as a small piece of Greece drifting in the eastern Mediterranean, with joyful disregard for Turkey, Lebanon and Egypt. So what is this small often-claimed land, with its lilting Greek accent and ancient cities brimming with history and legends? What are the secrets of these Troodos Mountains, carpeted with olive trees and vineyards and dotted with charming villages frozen in time? What is life like on this island, bathed in sunshine for much of the year, where people eat carob lokum and produce delicious oil and halloumi? Find out the answers as a family, during a week in which you’ll have plenty time to experience local culture and enjoy the natural attractions of this welcoming island of manageable size. Your first stop is Pano Platres, or simply Platres, a small village perched at an altitude of 1,100 metres (3,600 feet) in the heart of the Troodos Mountains. An ideal base camp for accessing other hamlets in this mountainous region and venturing into the adjoining forest park. The next stage of exploration is down at sea level in the charming village of Pissouri, from where archaeological sites and beaches are easily accessible. The entire trip is steeped in Greek mythology: Cyprus has its own Mount Olympus, where the gods are said to have lived; the island is also said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, at Petra Tou Romiou, an interesting rock formation bathed in turquoise waters just a few metres from a lovely beach. Along the way, take the Artemis Trail, following in the goddess of nature’s footsteps and enjoying divine views all the way to the coast. Wander along the pleasant seafront promenade in Limassol, a lively coastal city, or venture as far as Paphos, in the south-west of the island, where the shadow of Aphrodite still lingers over the site of the ancient city of Nea Paphos

Your Trip

From start to finish, this trip to Cyprus is officially stamped “no stress” with direct flights and comfortable, well-located accommodation . Your hire car is already included, complete with mobile app with GPS. The roads in Cyprus are well maintained, and distances are never too long. What’s more, people drive on the left. Explore Troodos mountain villages and local crafts at your own pace (why not sample some local cuisine too?) then enjoy a guided tour of Kourion, a remarkably vast and beautifully preserved ancient site. Your private guide will give you a marvellous insight into the island’s culture and history. Other adventures can also be arranged, of course. To do this, or to deal with any concerns, you can rely on our on-site concierge.

Cypriot Highlights

Snack on carob-flavoured lokum (Turkish Delight) and soutzoukos (a sausage-shaped sweet made with grape juice, walnuts or almonds, and dried in the sun); tuck into the endless array of meze that precedes any meal - or replaces it, depending on your appetite; the countless anecdotes shared by your guides about life in the Ancient World; imagine you are an ancient actor in the amphitheatre at Kourion or Pissouri; an aspiring botanist, spotting the island’s endemic species, such as the black pine that can live for several centuries; hike in the footsteps of the gods; and local cheeses - halloumi, feta and kefalotyri - delicious in a sandwich!
Pissouri - Chypre © Irina - stock.adobe.com
Pissouri - Chypre © Irina - stock.adobe.com
Chypre © Sarune Zurba - stock.adobe.com
Chypre © Sarune Zurba - stock.adobe.com
Pano Platres - Chypre © Droits réservés
Pano Platres - Chypre © Droits réservés
Réserve naturelle de Tripylos - Massif de Troodos - Chypre © Berthold STEINHILBER/LAIF-REA
Réserve naturelle de Tripylos - Massif de Troodos - Chypre © Berthold STEINHILBER/LAIF-REA
Chypre © Craig Hastings / Getty Images
Chypre © Craig Hastings / Getty Images
Cape Aspro - Pissouri - Chypre © framedventures - stock.adobe.com
Cape Aspro - Pissouri - Chypre © framedventures - stock.adobe.com
Kourion - Chypre © Günter Standl/LAIF-REA
Kourion - Chypre © Günter Standl/LAIF-REA
Chypre © Nevena Lukic
Chypre © Nevena Lukic
Kourion - Chypre © Günter Standl/LAIF-REA
Kourion - Chypre © Günter Standl/LAIF-REA
Pissouri - Chypre © Droits réservés
Pissouri - Chypre © Droits réservés
Monastère de Kykkos - Chypre © Aleksandr Simonov - stock.adobe.com
Monastère de Kykkos - Chypre © Aleksandr Simonov - stock.adobe.com
Chypre © Salva Lopez
Chypre © Salva Lopez

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Upon arrival, collect your rental car and take the fast road to Plátres. On the way, you can stop for lunch in the coastal city of Limassol and stroll along the pleasant seafront promenade. 
stay three nights in Plátres, a quaint village perched at 1,100 metres (3,600 feet) in the Troodos mountains, surrounded by forests and orchards. The village is divided into two parts, with the upper section offering stunning views across the island. Your balcony, in fact, overlooks the mountain. Your suite features a modern, light-filled design in soft, calming tones and is perfectly arranged for unwinding after a day of exploration. The restaurant serves modern international and local cuisine to suit all ages. 

Charming villages with shaded lanes and vibrant artisanal traditions cling to the ancient Troodos mountains. As you wander from one to another, you'll meet confectioners, rose water producers and winemakers. You will have the opportunity to taste some of their products and fill your suitcase with a few local specialities. 
Optional - The Troodos Mountains with a private guide.

Not to be missed - The Artemis trail, in the heart of Troodos National Forest Park>. This beautiful hiking route is relatively easy, covering seven kilometres (4 miles) in about 3 hours. It leads to the summit of Olympus, at just over 1,800 metres (5,900 feet) above sea level - yes, Cyprus also has its own sacred mountain! The trail forms a loop, alternating between shaded sections and open stretches, with breathtaking views of the mountains and, on clear days, glimpses of Paphos and Limassol along the coast. Along the way, you will also see the ruins of Palias Choras de Teisia,a 16th-century Venetian fortress built to defend against the Ottomans. Aspiring botanists will appreciate the different endemic plant species, including black pines that are sometimes several centuries old. Near Plátres, you can also explore the Troodos Geopark, set on the site of the former Amiantos mine. Here, visitors learn about endemic species in the botanical garden and the geological history of the mountains through interactive content - including a video that retraces the “birth” of the island.

A short drive takes you to the coastal town of Pissouri where you will check in for four nights at an accommodation that refreshes traditional standards with flair. The rooms are spacious, elegant and fully equipped. On the sea side, a large swimming pool promises hours of fun in the water. The property is ideal for families. Children have their own menu at the restaurant, dedicated activities at the kids’ club. They are treated as guests in their own right! Meanwhile, the parents can unwind at the spa. Everyone gathers at the beach, just a few steps away.

Scheduled - Private tour of the Kourion archaeological site. With a guide, you journey back in time to Kourion, an important city-state until 365 AD, when it was destroyed by a devastating earthquake. Once forgotten and later rediscovered, it now reveals its former glory to the world, including magnificent ancient mosaics depicting scenes of daily life from that era (the finest date from the 5th century). Not to be missed, are the remains of the agora, the public baths, the house of Eustolios, the house of Gladiators and the house of Achilles, all truly remarkable. But they will never match the iconic Greco-Roman theatre, open to the Mediterranean and able to accommodate up to 2,000 spectators! Two kilometres (1 mile) to the north-west, the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates,with its beautiful columns, is also worth a visit. For centuries, it was one of the main places of worship for the god, revered here as a deity of the forest. Layers of Archaic, Ptolemaic and Roman remains still stand here, bearing witness to eight centuries of worship. At the archaeological museum, you can admire some of the objects found during the temple excavations. It's a delightful visit and a chance to explore some fascinating episodes from Greek mythology as a family.

The picturesque town of Pissouri, perched above the bay of the same name, is an ideal stop to combine seaside pleasures with historical and natural discoveries.
Things to see and do - Start your day by admiring the forests and mountains waiting to be explored from the town's small theatre; from Pissouri, go hiking or cycling through the surrounding vineyards and olive groves; visit nearby villages; discover beautiful coastal spots such as Cape Aspro or Petra tou Romiou, the legendary birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite.
Optional - Visit an olive grove and enjoy a tasting.

Drive to Larnaca, return the car, then take your direct international flight home.

À la carte

This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.

Private tour of the Troodos Mountains

Accompanied by a guide, explore several picturesque villages clinging to these ancient mountains and sample some of the region’s artisanal specialities along the way. First, Lofou, where people have lived since the Bronze Age, with charming little streets lined with stone houses and inviting craft shops. Next you’ll head to Lania, specialised in wine production. Legend has it that when the Champagne vineyards were destroyed by disease, King Henry I of France chose vine plants from Lania to replace them. As you wander, why not pop into a shop to find a wine fountain? It’s also an opportunity to sample and purchase some specialities. The last village on your route is Agros, renowned for growing roses. Here you’ll visit a rose water workshop before giving in to temptation and trying some traditional local sweets.
Optional - With a private guide

Private tour of an olive grove

Olive oil is an integral part of Cypriot life and cooking. Explore an olive plantation with a guide. This type of tree is particularly fond of the island’s climate, where olive cultivation dates back to time immemorial. During the tour, you’ll stroll through sun-drenched olive groves, observe harvesting and cultivation techniques, and taste fresh olives produced on site. 

Why visit Cyprus with Voyageurs du monde?

Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)

Let us create your trip

A few of the advantages of travelling with us to Cyprus

  • CO2 absorption

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Estimated budget

Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

Based on 2 adults and 2 children
The estimated budget for this trip is $2,400 to $3,400 per person.

A fixed price is rarely applicable to a bespoke journey. The final cost depends on various factors, such as the level of service, travel dates, and booking lead times. The only definitive price will be the one provided in your personalized proposal.

The average price for this trip is $3,300 per person

Included in this suggestion

  • International flights on a scheduled airline
  • Airport taxes and fuel surcharges
  • Carbon absorption contribution for your trip's CO2 emissions through reforestation projects (via our Philippe Romero Insolite Bâtisseur Foundation)
  • Car hire for seven days
  • Three nights in Pano Platres, in a quadruple suite with breakfast included
  • Four nights in Pissouri, in a quadruple room with breakfast included
  • Private guided tour of Kourion Archeological Site
  • Our on-site Concierge service
  • $wifi
  • A travel booklet with useful information (your day-by-day itinerary, hotel contact details, a personalized selection of our recommendations, etc.)
  • Our recommendations and reservations at selected restaurants
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