The Archaeology of Ancient Cyprus 7942
The Archaeology of Ancient Cyprus 7942
The Archaeology of Ancient Cyprus 7942
8 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Limassol, Khirokitia, Nicosia, Paphos, London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BCYP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the rich archaeological tapestry of Cyprus with "The Archaeology of Ancient Cyprus 7942" tour. This immersive experience takes you to the heart of ancient history, starting with the Neolithic village of Khirokitia and the intriguing settlement of Tenta. Explore the Amathous Archaeological Site and the vibrant capital, Nicosia, with its extensive collection of Cypriot artifacts. Discover the ancient city-kingdom of Kourion, the Sanctuary of Apollon Hylates, and the legendary Aphrodite's Rock. In Paphos, delve into the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Park and Museum, and the Tomb of the Kings. Enjoy comfortable coach travel, professional guidance, and delightful local cuisine, all while staying in well-appointed accommodations. This tour promises a seamless blend of history, culture, and relaxation, offering free days to unwind and explore at your own pace. Conclude your adventure with a farewell dinner, celebrating the timeless allure of Cyprus.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Limassol
Accommodation Name: Mediterranean Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from London to Cyprus and upon our arrival we transfer to our hotel in Limassol. Later this evening, we reconvene for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2
Location: Khirokitia
Accommodation Name: Mediterranean Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the site of Khirokitia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This exceptionally well-preserved Neolithic walled village is home to over 60 stone round houses. Following this we visit the village of Kalavasos, situated on the west bank of the Vasiliko River. Here the settlement of Tenta is of special interest, an aceramic Neolithic settlement that dates back to 7000BC and is one of the most significant sites on the island. According to local tradition its name dates to 327AD when St. Helen – mother of Constantine the Great stayed in a tent (tenta) at this location during her visit to the island following the discovery of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. Our last visit of the day is to the Amathous Archaeological Site, which has yielded some interesting finds such as the Agora, public baths, the Temple of Aphrodite, early Christian Basilicas and several tombs.
Day 3
Location: Nicosia
Accommodation Name: Mediterranean Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we have a full day discovering the Cypriot capital of Nicosia. A settlement since the Bronze Age, the city has been continuously inhabited for almost 5000 years. We have a visit to the Cyprus Archaeological Museum which is home to the world’s most extensive collection of Cypriot archaeology. We have lunch in a local taverna with wine included, followed by some free time to explore the old town, including the well-preserved Venetian walls, built in an (ultimately futile) attempt to defend the city from the Ottoman invasion. There is also the chance to cross the green line into Turkish Cyprus at the Ledra check point.
Day 4
Location: Nicosia
Accommodation Name: Mediterranean Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to spend at your leisure.
Day 5
Location: Paphos
Accommodation Name: Mayfair Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we check out of our hotel and head to our first visit of the day, the Kourion Archaeological site which is one of Cyprus’s most important city-kingdoms from antiquity. Built on a hillside, overlooking the valley of the River Kouris, the site has revealed evidence that suggested the inhabitants of Kourion believed they were descendants of Argean immigrants. This once thriving kingdom was decimated in a severe earthquake in 365AD. The centrepiece of the site is the impressive Greco-Roman theatre that was built in the 2nd century BC and further extended during the 2nd century AD. Other remains include the private villa ‘House of Eustolios’ where we can see the remains of 5th century mosaic floors and a bathing complex. More impressive mosaic floors can be found in the ‘House of Achilles’ and the ‘House of the Gladiators’ – named after the images depicted in the mosaics.
Our next visit is to the Sanctuary of Apollon Hylates (God of the Woodland). The sanctuary was built around 100AD and was one of the most important religious centres in Cyprus.
The final stop of the day is Aphrodite’s Rock, the goddess’s mythical birthplace. According to legend the Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty (known to the Romans as Venus), was born from the sea foam here and was escorted on a shell to the beach, an iconic scene frequently depicted in Western art.
We later head to our hotel in Paphos where the evening is at leisure.
Day 6
Location: Paphos
Accommodation Name: Mayfair Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we have a long but rewarding day. Our first visit after breakfast is the Archaeological Park at Kato Pafos (Paphos), which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1980. Here we discover sites and monuments from the 4th century through to the Middle Ages, while most of the remains date to the Roman period. There are four Roman villas which house intricate mosaic floors to discover, as well as the Asklepieion, the Odeon, the Agora and the Saranta Kolones Castle.
We then head to Paphos Archaeological Museum. Here we explore the collection of finds from the region dating from the Neolithic Age to 1700 AD. Separated into five rooms covering different periods of time, the first room covers the Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Bronze Age, the second the Iron Age and classical period and the third presents the Hellenistic and Roman periods. In the fourth room we find items from the late Roman and Christian periods and the final room showcases artefacts from the Byzantine periods and Middle Ages.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we depart for the Tomb of the Kings, near Paphos, an elaborate rock-cut necropolis which dates from the 3rd century BC and features frescoed walls and Doric columns. Another of Cyprus’s most significant sites that has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage site list since 1980.
This afternoon we visit Lemba Archaeological Project, home to prehistoric projects in western Cyprus for over 30 years.
Day 7
Location: London
Accommodation Name: Mayfair Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is yours to spend relaxing. Later this evening we enjoy a farewell dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 8
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our return flight to London
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is included as part of the tour package.
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Meals as per the itinerary
Meals are provided according to the itinerary, including some lunches and dinners.
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
Travel throughout the tour is provided by comfortable coach, ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey between the various archaeological sites and attractions.
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All visits as outlined in the itinerary
All visits to the archaeological sites and attractions mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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Services of a professional tour manager
A professional tour manager will accompany the group to provide guidance and assistance throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
Accommodation details are not provided in the tour information.
Mode of Transport
Travel throughout the tour is provided by comfortable coach, ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey between the various archaeological sites and attractions.
Accommodation
Accommodation details are not provided in the tour information.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
Travel throughout the tour is provided by a comfortable coach, ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey between the various archaeological sites and attractions.
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What is included in the tour package?
The tour package includes accommodation, meals as per the itinerary, comfortable coach travel throughout, all visits as outlined in the itinerary, and the services of a professional tour manager.
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What can I expect on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will depart from London to Cyprus and upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Limassol. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
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What activities are planned for the day in Nicosia?
In Nicosia, you will visit the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, have lunch in a local taverna, and have free time to explore the old town, including the Venetian walls. There is also an opportunity to cross the green line into Turkish Cyprus at the Ledra checkpoint.
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What are some of the key archaeological sites visited on the tour?
Key archaeological sites visited include the Neolithic village of Khirokitia, the Amathous Archaeological Site, the Kourion Archaeological site, the Sanctuary of Apollon Hylates, Aphrodite’s Rock, the Archaeological Park at Kato Pafos, and the Tomb of the Kings.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is a day allocated for leisure on Day 4, and the evening of Day 5 is also at leisure. Additionally, Day 7 is a day for relaxation before a farewell dinner in the evening.
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.