LIMASSOL, CYPRUS

This relaxing tour will take us to one of the most picturesque villages in Cyprus, and enable us to see a part of the islands agricultural countryside where forests give way to extensive vineyards.

This relaxing tour will take us to one of the most picturesque villages in Cyprus, and enable us to see a part of the islands agricultural countryside where forests give way to extensive vineyards. By coach we pass through the village Zakaki and the Phassouri plantations, with their citrus groves and advocado groves, and travel by Kolossi Castle. We will then continue uphill amid Carob and olive trees through to a love pine forest, onto the vineyards of Omodos. The vineyards of Cyprus have produced wines for many years due to the rich and fruitful surrounding countryside. Omodos village is situated at the foothills of the Troodos Mountain range, nestling in a quiet valley. As we walk through the narrow cobblestone streets and square, surrounded by picturesque white-painted houses, we are sure to feel an atmosphere of days long gone, that time has left untouched. We will see an old ‘Linos’ wine press, and visit the church of the Holy Cross. It is said that within the silver cross here, there is a piece of the cross of the crucifixion of Jesus, donated by St Helen. There is also a fine ‘iconostasi’ (icon alter) to admire. Time permitting we should have free time to browse around the local village shops that sell handicrafts, glassware and wine. Our final stop before heading back to our ship will be a local taverna, where we can taste haluemi cheese and sample the local wine for which the Omodos region is famous.

There is approximately 45 minutes of walking involved in this tour, over cobblestone pavements and uphill at times; there are also a few steps to negotiate. Conservative clothing should be worn to visit the church.