There is more to Cyprus than the beaches and mountains. The island boasts of a great history dating back to the times before and during Alexander the Great. What’s best is that most of the ancient sites remain to this day – which is why most of the tours of Cyprus are focused towards enjoying these amazing historical areas and structures. If you’re going to Cyprus on vacation or the holidays, we suggest taking the following day tours of the island.

There is a day tour that goes to the Troodos Mountains and the Holy Monastery of Kykkos. Troodos is the largest mountain range in Cyprus, considered as the Green Heart of the island. You start your journey at the foot of Mount Olympus, the highest peak in the range at 1,952 meters. Then you make your way to Throni Mountain, the site of the Tomb of Archbishop Makarios III – archbishop and primate of the Cypriot Orthodox Church and the first and fourth president of the Republic of Cyprus. Next stop is nearby Kykkos Monastery, the wealthiest and most famous monastery in the country, founded way back in the 11^th century. After lunch you head to Omodhos, one of the most beautiful villages in the country famous for its great wine and wine festival in August. On you’re your way there you will pass by Trooditissa Monastery, founded in 990. Last stop is Monastery of the Holy Cross, famous for its important collection of ecclesiastical artifacts.

Another great day tour goes to the ancient city of Kourion, which has been around since the Middle Ages. In there you will find a standing Greco-Roman theatre that has been around ever since the city was built, as is their public baths, their market place, the nympheum, and their beautiful floor mosaics. Next in line is the town of Paphos and your first stop there is Aphrodite’s Rock, which according to legend was the birthplace of the Goddess of Love and Beauty herself. The entire coastal city of Paphos is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from the scenic and peaceful fishing docks, the town is also full of wonderful sites like the catacombs of St. Solomoni and the Pillar of St. Paul, which you will get to see in this tour. Then you will head on to the House of Dionysus, the god of wine. After lunch you will go to the Basilica of Ayia Paraskevi and on your way back your last stop will be at Yeroskipou Village, there you get to sample the famous Loukoumia, known all over the world as the Turkish delight – a jelly-like confection made of starch and sugar usually flavored with lemon and rosemary.

One famous tour goes to Nicosia, the Cyprus capital which happens to be the only remaining divided city in the world (controlled by both the Turkish Cypriots in the north and the Greek Cypriots in the south). First stop there is the Saint Hilarion Castle on the Kyrenia mountain range. The view from the castle is absolutely amazing. Then you will visit nearby Bellapais Abbey, a monastery famous for its Gothic Art pieces. After lunch you head on to the town of Kyrenia. There you will get to see the horseshoe shaped Kyrenia harbor and the famous Kyrenia castle, thought to have been built in the 7^th century. Inside the castle is a museum dedicated to the Kyrenia ship, a 4^th century BC Greek merchant ship which was believed to have sailed in the Mediterranean during the time of Alexander the Great.

Before basking in the great beaches of Cyprus, we recommend that you take these tours of the island. Be amazed in the preserved beauty of the ancient times. Take in the scenic adventure beyond the clear blue waters of Cyprus.