• BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL

VISIT TO PAPHOS

Grasp the spirit of ancient history by visiting the archaeological attractions of Paphos. Your journey will begin at the Rock of Aphrodite, a large Jurassic-era coral limestone. It is believed to mark the place where the goddess of love, once widely worshiped in Cyprus, was born from the sea foam. You will continue to the Paphos Archaeological Park (Nea Paphos) (interior visit) to explore what remains of early Greek and Roman civilizations. The archaeological complex is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and you will see why. Just marvel at the astonishing mosaic floors of Roman villas and contemplate the fates of 100 Ptolemaic aristocrats buried in the Tomb of the Kings (interior visit). As you continue exploring, the Paphos Castle (exterior view) will vie for your attention. It still bears the marks of its multiple owners: Byzantines, Lusignans, Venetians, Ottomans… Next, you will find yourself at a site popular with pilgrims (exterior view): the archaeological complex of St. Paul’s Pillar. Legend has it that it is here the Saint was tied up and whipped for preaching Christianity. The complex is renowned for Agia Kyriaki Church and Agia Solomoni Church (exterior view), both of which you will explore on your visit. The tour will conclude in Geroskipou, a coastal village that is famous for the production of the sweet delicacy called “lokum.” You will learn that it is good enough to satisfy the most demanding sweet tooth!

• LUNCH AT TRADITIONAL TAVERN

VISIT TO KOURION

Time-travel to the unique and ancient civilization of Kourion that no longer exists.. Kourion (interior visit) was an influential city state until 365 AD, when a horrible earthquake put an end to its flourishing and rendered it into oblivion. You will marvel at the imposing Greco-Roman theater that was later restored to its former glory and mosaic floors depicting scenes from ancient life. Alongside the ruins of an early Christian basilica, you will discover the Sanctuary of Apollon Hylates (interior visit) who was worshiped by Kourionians. Some of the items that were found in the temple are exposed in the Kourion Archaeological Museum.

• OVERNIGHT IN THE HOTEL