100% customisable travel idea

Ancient Cities, Peaceful Valleys, Golden Sands One Week in Cyprus

Cyprus - Larnaca - Nicosia - Troodos Mountains - Southwest Coast

Cyprus Revealed

From $2800 to $3900 per person for 8 days Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

Itinerary highlights

  • Set sail for a Cypriot getaway: disconnect in the hinterland, breathe easy on the coast.
  • A little-known island, bathed in sunshine all year round, easy to reach and full of delightful surprises.
  • Your guided tours in private to decipher historical remains and mythological legends.
  • Top recommendations, rental car, mobile app, concierge service: the extra Voyageurs touch
While it shares its language, along with part of its culture and cuisine with Greece, Cyprus is displaying an increasingly distinctive personality. Unlike Greece, the island’s sites, rugged coasts and divine mountains are all fitted into an area as small as a handkerchief. It is therefore possible to explore almost everything in a single trip - ideal for Voyageurs who are keen to explore but short on time, as we so often are. Take a trip to Cyprus and dive into mythology - and into the sea! - at Aphrodite’s birthplace: a majestic rock surrounded by azure waves. Pay homage to the ancient god Apollo at the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates. Worship Dionysus by tasting Commandaria, a sweet wine produced on the island. And surrender to the adoration of Aergia, goddess of laziness and leisure. Invoke all the deities as you climb Mount Olympus. In Nicosia, you’ll get a better grasp of the dichotomy that has affected the island since the arrival of Turkish troops in 1974. The Cypriot capital has two faces: one Greek, the other Turkish; and two eras: ancient and modern. On the way, you will have visited Larnaca: its seafront, lively little streets, and Orthodox church where Lazarus of Bethany lies. From there, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump to Kalopanayiotis in the Troodos Mountains. A change of scenery and atmosphere: this peaceful mountain village thrives on the charm of its old stone buildings, excellent traditional eateries, and above all, incredible natural surroundings, where hiking is an obvious choice. Then spend the last few days on the south-west coast. From your hotel on the seafront in Pissouri, you can explore at your leisure, enjoying the pleasures of relaxation as well as the richness of the ancient sites nearby. Cyprus truly deserves to be revealed.

Your Trip

Cyprus is so attainable, you’ll wonder why you didn’t go there sooner. Its mild climate all year round makes it a wonderful alternative to far-away sunny destinations, without the long-haul flight and big time difference. A hire car is already included in the trip, to allow you to travel from one stop to the next, with as many detours as you please. The roads are well maintained and journeys are never long. What’s more, you’ll drive on the left, a legacy of former British rule. Your accommodation is well located and in harmony with each stage, revealing the full breadth of Cypriot hospitality: a beautiful 19th-century building with a rooftop pool in Larnaca; a very central and attractively renovated early 20th-century hotel in Nicosia; a charming little inn perched on the mountainside in Kalopanayiotis; and, to finish, a fully-equipped hotel on the seafront in Pissouri. To share the history of Cyprus with you in the best possible way, we have arranged several tours with experienced private guides: the fortified city of Famagusta; the ancient city-state of Salamis; the impressive archaeological site of Kourion and the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, god of the forest. The rest of the time, you are free to improvise and take your time. And, if you have any last-minute requests or concerns, you can contact our on-site concierge at any time.
Kourion - Limassol - Chypre © Garden Guru - stock.adobe.com
Kourion - Limassol - Chypre © Garden Guru - stock.adobe.com
Famagouste - Chypre © Nataliia Tosun - stock.adobe.com
Famagouste - Chypre © Nataliia Tosun - stock.adobe.com
Chypre © Helga Csenki/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Chypre © Helga Csenki/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Chypre © Grant Harder
Chypre © Grant Harder
Pissouri - Chypre © Irina - stock.adobe.com
Pissouri - Chypre © Irina - stock.adobe.com
Kalopanayiotis - Chypre © Evgeni / Adobe Stock
Kalopanayiotis - Chypre © Evgeni / Adobe Stock
Mosquée Hala Sultan Tekke - Lac salé - Larnaca - Chypre © OT Chypre
Mosquée Hala Sultan Tekke - Lac salé - Larnaca - Chypre © OT Chypre
Pissouri - Chypre © Aleksandr Simonov - stock.adobe.com
Pissouri - Chypre © Aleksandr Simonov - stock.adobe.com
Nicosie - Chypre © Kirill Makarov/Getty Images-Istockphoto
Nicosie - Chypre © Kirill Makarov/Getty Images-Istockphoto
Salamine - Chypre © Marc - stock.adobe.com
Salamine - Chypre © Marc - stock.adobe.com
Mosquée Hala Sultan Tekke - Larnaca - Chypre © Getty Images / iStockphoto
Mosquée Hala Sultan Tekke - Larnaca - Chypre © Getty Images / iStockphoto
Chypre © gionnixxx/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Chypre © gionnixxx/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Upon arrival, welcome at the airport and private transfer. Overnight stay in a beautiful 19th-century building, where past and present blend elegantly. The colours, design and furnishings lean clearly towards the contemporary, yet the history of the place still shows through in the stone and wrought iron details In this spacious house with generous proportions, the sea breeze and Mediterranean light flow freely. You too.
Things to see and do - Visit Agios Lazaros, the 9th-century Church of Saint Lazarus, which houses the tomb of the man Jesus raised from the dead in Bethany; savour meze and grilled dishes in a traditional taverna; stroll along the Phinikoudes promenade by the beach; wander through the streets of the charming Turkish quarter of Skala; lay your towel on the sand and wait for golden hour…

Pick up your rental car and drive towards Nicosia. ,
Scheduled, on the way - Visit the medieval ruins of Famagusta. With a private guide, you cross the demarcation line on foot, separating southern Cyprus from the north, under Turkish occupation. From there, you head to the ruins of theancient city-kingdom of Salamis. The island’s capital during Roman times, the city was adorned with monumental structures, as shown by the impressive remains of the gymnasium and the theatre. Next, you will visit Famagusta and its 3 km (2 miles) medieval walls, which reach up to 15 metres (49 feet) thick in some places. Built in the 16th century by the Venetians, it features deep moats and 14 bastions. You can also visit St Nicholas Cathedral, where the rulers of Cyprus were crowned. It is one of the most impressive Frankish structures on the island.
In Nicosia, spend the night at a hotel built in 1912. In some areas, the original stonework and beams have been left exposed, lending this decidedly modern establishment an old-world charm. It offers around fifty comfortable rooms, blending sleek contemporary white design features with classic furnishings. Some have a balcony, which is perfect to make the most of the good weather. The restaurant also has a charming terrace, where traditional Cypriot cuisine is served on pretty gingham tablecloths. Just a few steps away, the streets are filled with shops, taverns and bars where you can experience the pulse of the city.
Optional - Visit Kyrenia, the “jewel of the North”, a charming town overlooking the Mediterranean.

Drive to the Troodos mountains and the pretty village of Kalopanayiotis, perched on the mountainside in the Marathasa valley. Kalopanayiotis, literally “good Panayiotis”, takes its name from one of the area’s earliest inhabitants. He had built his house right next to the Agios Ioannis Lampadistis Monastery, which you can still visit today. Its 9th and 15th century frescoes have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This peaceful village is known for its traditional architecture, cobbled streets and stone houses. It is also famous for its Venetian bridge and watermill. Many hiking trails let you explore the surrounding area and take in panoramic views of the region.
Stay two nights at a charming small accommodation in the heart of the village. The building has been beautifully renovated, while preserving the elegance of the original structure with stone walls and exposed wooden beams. The rooms are cool, bright, cosy, and furnished in an eclectic style. The place is full of character, offering clear views of the surroundings from every corner. For moments of relaxation, you can unwind at the pool or spa, or savour a drink on the charming terrace while gazing at the horizon. In the evening, enjoy the typical local restaurants nearby.
Things to see and do - Stroll and dine in the charming, picturesque village of Kakopetria, just a 30-minute drive from Kalopanayiotis.

Drive to the south-west of the island and stay for three nights just outside the town of Pissouri, in a modern coastal hotel inspired by traditional architecture. The spacious rooms are elegant and fully equipped. Enjoy the beautiful garden and its large infinity pool as well as the spa too, with its promise of sheer relaxation. On site, a wide range of activities is available to guests, from tennis and water sports to relaxing on the beach below.

The picturesque town of Pissouri, set above its eponymous bay, is the perfect base for combining relaxation at the beach with historical and natural exploration. From here, you can easily go hiking or cycling, explore the surrounding vineyards and olive groves, tackle the hills, visit nearby villages, and find beautiful coastal spots such as Cape Aspro or Petra tou Romiou, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. The village' small theatre is an ideal spot to admire the surroundings and start planning your day. From this vantage point, vast stretches of forest roll across the mountains, shading a network of trails where botanical enthusiasts will find endless inspiration.

Scheduled - Visit ofKourion. To the west of Limassol, Kourion is one of Cyprus’s archaeological highlights. While it boasts superb ancient mosaics (the finest dating from the 5th century), its most iconic feature is its majestic Greco-Roman theatre with 2,000 seats, overlooking the Mediterranean. Among the principal monuments of the site are the remains of the agora, the public baths, the House of Eustolios, the House of the Gladiators, the House of Achilles, and the amphitheatre. Two kilometres north-west of Kourion lies the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, famous for its beautiful columns, and also well worth a visit. For centuries, it was one of the main places of worship for the god known as Hylates, the deity of the forest. Layers of Archaic, Ptolemaic and Roman remains still stand here, bearing witness to eight centuries of worship. With a private guide, you can uncover the site’s architectural and historical significance and revisit fascinating episodes from Greek mythology along the way.

Drive to Larnaca airport and return the car, then take a direct flight back.

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.

Visit Kyrenia, the “Jewel of the North”

A charming, picturesque town in northern Cyprus, Kyrenia has lots to see, including the ruins of Bellapais Abbey, a 13th-century monastery. Built 220 metres (720 feet) above sea level, it offers a spectacular view of the harbour and Mediterranean Sea. During this private guided tour, you will also discover Kyrenia Castle (or Girne Kalesi in Turkish) at the end of the old harbour, built by the Venetians in the 16th century on top of an earlier Crusader fortification. Inside, there is a 12th-century Byzantine church, two museums, and the famous “Kyrenia Shipwreck”, a Greek merchant ship from the 4th century that was discovered off the coast.

Add a few more days to visit Polis Chrysochous

Staying in Polis Chrysochous, on Chrysochou Bay on the west of the island gives you easy access to the beautiful Akamas Peninsula and its National Forest Park. This is a tranquil stop immersed in nature, made for relaxation, with its natural hot springs.

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

The estimated budget for this trip is $2,800 to $3,900 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

  • Direct international flight with 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)
  • Welcome at the airport on arrival
  • Private transfer on arrival
  • Car rental for seven days on departure from Larnaca
  • One night in Larnaca, in a double room with breakfast included
  • One night in Nicosia, in a double room with breakfast included
  • Two nights in Kalopanayiotis, in a double suite with balcony and breakfast included
  • Three nights in Pissouri, in a double suite with a view and breakfast included
  • Private guided tour of Famagusta and Salamis
  • Private guided tour of Kourion and the Sanctuary of Apollo
  • Our on-site Concierge service
  • A travel booklet containing a wealth of useful information (your day-by-day itinerary, your hotel details, a selection of personalised recommendations with GPS locations, etc.), also available as a mobile app.
  • Our recommendations and reservations at selected restaurants
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