Tour of Cyprus

Why choose a custom tour in Cyprus?

Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Cyprus offers exceptional diversity perfectly suited for a custom tour. This Mediterranean island of 9,251 km² harbors treasures that deserve to be discovered at your own pace and according to your interests.

An island with a thousand historical treasures

Your tour in Cyprus will immerse you in over 10,000 years of history. The island is home to ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, witnesses to the civilizations that have succeeded each other there. The 2,000-year-old Roman mosaics in Paphos rival in beauty with the painted Byzantine churches of the Troodos mountains, dating from the 11th century. The Neolithic site of Choirokoitia, one of the oldest permanent human settlements in the world, offers a fascinating journey to the origins of our civilization.

Cyprus' treasures are not limited to ancient ruins. Nicosia, the last divided capital of Europe, presents a striking contrast between its Greek and Turkish quarters, separated by the green line since 1974. This unique geopolitical feature significantly enriches the cultural experience of your stay.

Diverse landscapes between sea and mountains

A discovery tour of Cyprus reveals the surprising geographic variety of the island. The Troodos mountains, peaking at 1,952 meters at Mount Olympus, offer a stark contrast to the golden beaches along the coast. These mountains host forests of black pines and centuries-old cedars, as well as wine-producing villages where Cypriot wines have thrived since antiquity.

The Cypriot coastline stretches over 648 kilometers of varied shores. The wild Akamas peninsula, a protected nature reserve, harbors the nesting beaches of green and loggerhead turtles. Conversely, Fig Tree Bay in Protaras ranks among the most beautiful beaches of the Eastern Mediterranean, with its crystal-clear waters and characteristic rocky islet.

Highlights of your tour in Cyprus

Each region of Cyprus has its own riches, allowing for a well-balanced itinerary between culture, nature, and relaxation. Our Travel Planners select the most remarkable sites according to your preferences.

Paphos and its UNESCO sites

Paphos, ancient capital of Cyprus during Roman times, concentrates an exceptional density of archaeological sites. The archaeologiс park of Kato Paphos houses the finest mosaics of the Eastern Mediterranean, notably in the houses of Dionysus, Theseus, and Aion. These art pieces from the 2nd to the 5th century depict mythological scenes with remarkable finesse.

The Tombs of the Kings, a Hellenistic and Roman necropolis carved into the rock, impress with their monumental architecture. Despite their name, they housed the remains of high dignitaries rather than sovereigns. The site also offers a panoramic view of the Mediterranean.

Not far from there, the rock of Aphrodite (Petra tou Romiou) marks, according to legend, the birthplace of the goddess of love. This spectacular natural site, where waves break against imposing limestone rocks, is one of the island's most photographed landscapes.

Nicosia, a capital rich in history

Your tour of Cyprus would not be complete without a visit to Nicosia, the only European capital still divided. The old town, surrounded by Venetian walls from the 16th century, is best explored on foot through its cobblestone streets. The Cyprus Museum displays the island's richest collection of antiquities, from Neolithic figurines to Roman bronzes.

The demarcation line, marked by Ledra Street, allows you to move from the Greek south to the Turkish north in just a few steps. This unique experience provides a striking glimpse of the two Cypriot communities. On the north side, the former Saint Sophia Cathedral, converted into Selimiye Mosque, reflects the island's religious transformations.

The Troodos mountains and their monasteries

The Troodos mountains are the spiritual and natural heart of Cyprus. This mountainous region is home to ten painted Byzantine churches, classified at UNESCO for their exceptional frescoes from the 11th to the 16th centuries. The church of Panagia tou Araka, near Lagoudera, presents a complete cycle of 12th-century wall paintings of remarkable artistic quality.

The Kykkos monastery, the most famous on the island, stands at 1,318 meters altitude. Founded in the 11th century, it houses an icon of the Virgin attributed to Saint Luke and is an important pilgrimage site. The surrounding villages, like Omodos or Lefkara, perpetuate age-old artisanal traditions: embroidery, lace, pottery, and winemaking.

Our suggestions for personalized tours in Cyprus

Vialala offers various tour packages adapted to your desires and budget. Our local Travel Planners design bespoke itineraries incorporating your specific interests.

Cultural discovery tour

This grand tour of Cyprus lasts 8 to 10 days and prioritizes major historical and cultural sites. The itinerary typically starts in Larnaca with its Church of Saint Lazarus, then moves to Nicosia for a dive into contemporary history. Paphos and its archaeological treasures are the next stop, followed by the discovery of the Troodos monasteries.

The treasures tour also includes authentic experiences: tasting Cypriot wines in family-owned cellars, meeting artisans in mountain villages, participating in a traditional cooking class. This formula is particularly suitable for those passionate about Mediterranean history and culture.

Self-guided Cypriot tour

For travelers preferring autonomy, the self-guided Cypriot tour offers total freedom of organization. Our Travel Planners prepare a detailed road book with stage suggestions and good addresses, while leaving you in control of your schedule.

This free Cyprus formula allows you to explore the wine route at your own pace, linger on the beaches of your choice, or extend your visits according to your favorites. Accommodation varies between charming hotels, traditional villas, and seaside resorts, depending on your preferences.

The Cyprus without borders tour includes the option to discover the northern part of the island, with Kyrenia and its picturesque harbor, the Gothic Bellapais Abbey, and the wild beaches of the Karpas peninsula. This extension significantly enriches your understanding of the island and its recent history.

Organize your tour in Cyprus with our Travel Planners

Our local Travel Planners, experts on Cyprus, fully customize your stay according toORAGE_ID = -1001395180439 your expectations. Based on the island, they possess deep knowledge of must-visit sites as well as confidential addresses. Their expertise guarantees you an authentic journey, far from tourist-beaten tracks.

Whether you desire a Cyprus riches tour focused on heritage, a Cyprus discovery favoring natural landscapes, or a relaxation stay combining culture and beaches, our experts design the ideal itinerary. They select the most appropriate accommodations, from boutique hotels in the heart of historic cities to seaside resorts like Pernera Beach.

Customization extends to the activities offered: a cooking class with a Cypriot family, guided hiking in the Troodos trails, private cruising along the wild coasts of Akamas, or an introduction to wine tasting in traditional cellars. This tailor-made approach transforms your trip into a unique and memorable experience.