Treasures of Cyprus

One of our most fascinating tours, combining visits to charming traditional villages, breathtaking natural sites, ancient monasteries and an insight into the Cypriot way of life. This excursion is a true treasure for the curious traveller.

Our tour begins in the silver village of Lefkara, renowned for its traditional crafts, where you will have the chance to visit an exhibition of silverware and lace and discover the secrets of a craftsmanship honed over centuries.

You will then head into the heart of the Troodos mountains to the 12th-century Machairas Monastery of the Panagia Machairiotissa, home to a miraculous icon of the Mother of God, painted by Saint Luke after the Dormition. The monastery resembles an old castle, surrounded by greenery.

The open-air museum village of Fikardou will introduce you to the traditional Cypriot way of life and 18th-century rural architecture, and immerse you in some of the island’s most fascinating history.

After visiting the village, you can have lunch at a picturesque tavern overlooking the mountains and village scenery. We recommend the traditional Cypriot meat meze with wine.

After lunch, you will visit two more fascinating sites: the Monastery of the Protomartyr Thecla (according to some sources built in the 15th century; the water from its holy spring and its miraculous clay are said to cure various skin conditions for good), and the Church of Panagia Chrysospiliotissa (the “cave church”). This church — its name translates as “Our Lady of the Golden Cave” — is a typical example of a hermit’s dwelling. It houses an icon of the Virgin Mary believed to bring rain, to which people turn for help during periods of drought.

This tour will reveal to you unexplored pages of history, Christianity and the natural wonders of Cyprus — spend this remarkable day with us and discover the true treasure of knowledge!

DAYS OF OPERATION: daily

EXCURSION DURATION: full-day excursion