Hafen
Limassol

OVERVIEW

Spend a carefree day at a spectacular beach on the island’s southern shore, where you can relax most anyway you please. It won’t take long to reach this idyllic stretch of sand, giving you all the more time to enjoy the beachfront setting. You might take a refreshing swim in the turquoise sea, stretch out on a towel and bask in the radiant sun, stroll along the lengthy shore or simply lie back and gaze out over the gorgeous scenery. No matter what beach is chosen, it should be easy to find your own slice of paradise on it. Many of the beaches on the southern shore of Cyprus have earned a Blue Flag eco-designation for the high quality of their water and strict environmental preservation. Chances are, restaurants, bars and shops will be in easy walking distance, which will make the experience all the more pleasurable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax however you wish on a beautiful stretch of sand on Limassol’s southern coast.
• Spend the time however you please, whether swimming in the sea or just relaxing on shore.
• Take comfort in knowing that most beaches have earned a Blue Flag eco-designation.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit three 21st-century projects that have reshaped the skyline of Limassol and the city’s vision for the future. Even from far away, you can recognize the Oval. It is not only the tallest office building in Cypress but also features an eye-catching double-curved shell clad with nearly 10,000 aluminum panels that gleam in the sunlight. One Limassol is just as dazzling as it is the tallest residential seafront tower in Europe and like the Oval engineered to be environmentally friendly. The Trilogy Seafront Limassol – a collection of three luxury towers – stands nearby. As you will discover, their design is extraordinarily innovative to withstand wind, vibrations between floors and even earthquakes. The way these new icons have changed the face of Limassol will be even more apparent after visiting Limassol Castle’s surroundings, a medieval-style fortification in the heart of the city’s historical district. Free time for dining on your own in Limassol Agora rounds out the experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold three ultra-modern building projects that have transformed Limassol’s waterfront.
• Gain an understanding of the projects’ innovative designs and construction challenges.
• Visit the 16th-century Limassol Castle for a historical perspective of the city’s architecture.
• Explore Limassol Agora, a repurposed and redesigned historical building, on your own

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Drive into the gorgeous countryside and meet the owners of a winery and a restaurateur who will demonstrate how to make traditional products. You will first visit the 12th-century monastery Agios Neophytos and observe the founding monk’s cave that he hand-carved. The interior is covered with extraordinary Byzantine frescoes. This remote area is also ideal for winemaking because the stony, free-draining soil forces the grape roots to grow deep and absorb character from the earth. To further understand the terroir, you will visit the winery Tsangarides in nearby Lemona. After touring the vineyards and observing the production process, you will sample a selection of wines. Next stop, Sofia's Traditional House. You will be fascinated by the warm welcome. Get the opportunity to discover demonstration of bread and halloumi making. Enjoy a traditional brunch consisting of halloumi, bread, fruit of season, olives, eggs, ravioles, salad, marmalades, butter, xerotigana.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Observe the interior of a cave that a 12th-century monk hand-carved from solid rock.
• Tour a winery to understand the challenges of growing grapes there and to sample wines.
• Savor an organic lunch before watching how Cyprus bread and marmalades are made.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Gain an appreciation for some of Cyprus’ crafts and foods by visiting a traditional baker, beekeeper and basket weaver. Your first stop will be the village of Larnaca, where you will stop at the Byzantine church Agios Lazaros and at a bakery for a snack of koupes, a traditional street food stuffed with minced meat and spices. Cyprus is known for its extraordinary honey, which you will hear about from a beekeeper in the rustic village Valva. You will also taste the honey, which may reflect a bouquet of flora such as thyme, eucalyptus and orange blossom. Once you arrive in the village of Choirokotia, artisan Petros Nicolaou will demonstrate the art of basket-weaving, a trade he learned from his grandparents. It takes about three hours to make a single basket from water reeds, and it is a fascinating process. While observing Nicolaou’s artistry, you will sample local delicacies that include halloumi cheese made in a basket.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Stop in a historical village to snack on a traditional street food known as koupes.
• Sample honey that reflects the flavors of the local flora in another village.
• Watch a basket weaver demonstrate his prodigious talents as you snack on local cheese.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an authentic taste of Cyprus by sampling locally made products, wines and dishes that reflect the island’s Mediterranean climate. At the Carob Museum in the village of Angogyra, you will gain insight into how the locals ground caffeine-free carob pods into flour that replaces chocolate in recipes. You will also sample yogurt topped with carob syrup. As an introduction to Cypriot wine, family members from two boutique vineyards will lead behind-the-scenes tours to show you how they make the most of their terroirs. Both wineries will offer tastings of wines produced with indigenous grapes. Another glimpse into Cypriot gastronomy awaits you at the Apsiou Tavern in a small mountain village, where the owner and chef will demonstrate how to prepare traditional dishes such as koupepia. Feel free to join in and help to stuff the vine leaves with locally sourced ingredients such as minced pork, tomatoes and rice. A meze lunch follows.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Gain insight into the local cuisine and wines by touring family-owned businesses.
• See the importance of carob as a substitute for chocolate in local recipes.
• Sample yogurt with carob drizzle and several wines made from indigenous grapes.
• Help a chef prepare a local dish before dining on a traditional meze lunch.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover the lesser-known side of Limassol at attractions that will take on new meaning once you hear the stories behind them. You will first follow a local guide to Heroes Square, a former red light district that has been dramatically transformed with the addition of trendy cafés, street art and shops. The revitalization of the entire area is inspiring, especially since it has renewed interest in historical sites nearby such as Panagia Kathoki Church and the Agia Napa Cathedral. Despite public protests, the latter was constructed after the Ottoman rule ended in Cyprus. The origin of the name Agia Napa is also somewhat controversial as there are differing opinions of what it refers to. Browsing the Lanitis House can shed light on Limassol’s history and architecture in the 19th century. Built as a consulate for foreign countries, it features a neo-baroque façade.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit attractions known mostly to locals and hear their fascinating backstories.
• Learn how Heroes Square has been transformed and revitalized the neighborhood.
• Gain an insight into the religious architecture of Limassol at a church and a cathedral.
• Browse the neo-baroque façade and surroundings of Lanitis House, a building that is an architectural work of art.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Recognize how Limassol’s architecture has evolved through the centuries by visiting landmarks that were built during different time periods. Although Limassol Castle was originally medieval, the Ottoman-built version that stands today dates to the late 16th century but still lends great insight into ancient fortifications. As you meander narrow Agiou Andreou – the city’s oldest and longest commercial street – you will come upon many neoclassical buildings from the 18th and early 19th centuries. Nearby Agia Napa Cathedral was constructed a bit later over the ruins of a Byzantine church. The urban landscape will turn dramatically modern along the waterfront, where you will find the Oval, One Limassol and the Trilogy Limassol Seafront, three bold projects that have come to symbolize the city’s vision for the future. Free time follows at Limassol Marina, another innovative venture that besides accommodating yachts has become a hub for shopping and dining.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View landmarks with a guide that will describe their designs and historical significance.
• See an array of buildings constructed between the 16th and 20th centuries.
• Behold three ultra-modern building projects that have transformed Limassol’s waterfront.
• Spend free time shopping, dining or whatever you please at Limassol Marina.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Travel through the fertile foothills where most of the country's vineyards and the orchards of the Phassouri citrus groves are. You’ll arrive at the ancient ruins of the city of Kourion, an impressive Greco-Roman site where you can see remaining pavement mosaics. Nearby is the Greco-Roman theater built in the 2nd century BC. Still used today for many performances, including ancient dramas, perched high on a cliff, this beautiful and unspoiled location offers spectacular views of the ruins and the sapphire sea below.

You’ll visit the Kolossi Castle, a well-preserved stronghold standing three stories tall that was built by the Crusaders in the 13th century. Your guide will share with you how the castle served as both the Grand Commander of the Knights of St. John's Order of Jerusalem, as well as the Knights Templar.

Arriving back in Limassol, enjoy free time for shopping before returning to the pier. The wide array of shops that line the streets carry a variety of both international and local merchandise including jewelry, leather goods, clothing and local artifacts.

Travel through the fertile foothills where most of the country's vineyards and the orchards of the Phassouri citrus groves are found and past Kolossi Castle, a well-preserved stronghold standing three stories tall. You’ll arrive at the ancient ruins of the city of Kourion, an impressive Greco-Roman site where you can view remaining pavement mosaics.

Nearby is the Greco-Roman theater built in the 2nd century BC. Still used today for many performances, including ancient dramas, perched high on a cliff, this beautiful and unspoiled location offers spectacular views of the ruins and the sapphire sea below. A short distance away, you’ll find the Temple of Apollo with its stunning Cypro-Corinthian columns. The sanctuary is the largest and one of the most important religious centers on the island.

Leaving the Kourion area, you'll proceed to what is considered by many to be the most beautiful and picturesque of the old villages in Cyprus, Omodos Village, which is still preserved in its original state. Here explore the monastery of the Holy Cross with its wood carvings and old icons and see the restored wine press Lino. Visit some of the local homes, experiencing the history associated with them. Enjoy some free time to wander down the narrow streets and visit the quaint local shops, famous for their vitraux and hand-made pieces of traditional stained glass.

You will be picked up from port and head to the Rock of Aphrodite, the mythical birthplace of the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty. Many legends are linked to this particular place. The site is an interesting geological formation of huge rocks along a beautiful coastline. Free time will be provided to take the perfect picture from a view point. Participants will also be transferred on the beach, where the rock of Aphrodite is located, in order to take more photos. Hop back on board and head to Limassol old town for a walking tour. A map and road book of Limassol old town will be provided, indicating the hotspots and allowing you to navigate in the old town in your own pace. An English speaking escort may help you with directions if needed. Some of the suggested places for photos will be the following.

Your tour will start with a drive to the Rock of Aphrodite. Your tour will have designated selfie stops at: • Limassol Municipal University Library where you will have the opportunity to take photos outside the building. The impressive building is unlike any other in Limassol and dates back to 1919.
• The popular sea side Multi-Functional Park, also called Molos by the locals. It is a buzzling with life, park that includes jetties, piers, fountains, open-air sculpture park, green areas, piers and play areas making it the perfect setting for Instagram photos and stories.
• Limassol Old Port. The renovation project has recently turned the traditional fishing port into a destination full of life, with trendy cafes, restaurants. The picturesque pier, which stands since 1880, offers the perfect spot for romantic walks, relaxation, endless sea and town views and the perfect photo! During your time in Limassol old town, take a break to enjoy a Cyprus coffee in a typical kafenio.

We would like to recommend that guests bring their own selfie sticks and charges to ensure that they are compatible with their devices. As Intercruises Cyprus, we will have 5 basic selfie sticks just in case needed. No chargers will be provided.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a scenic drive through Limassol that presents a wealth of attractions, including historical ones from medieval times and new skyscrapers whose designs push the envelope. As you travel up the coast, you will pass the city’s popular seaside promenade and continue on into another revitalized area with landmarks you can’t miss, even from a distance. One Limassol has the distinction of being the tallest residential seafront tower in Europe. It represents the epitome of luxury island living, much like Trilogy Limassol Seafront, a trio of towers that is the largest mixed-use skyrise development in the Mediterranean. Seeing the iconic Agia Napa Cathedral, built more than century ago, shows that Limassol still deeply respects its past as it eyes the future. During free time in the Limassol Agora – a sprawling indoor food mall – you will notice that the shell of the building is historical but the interior has been repurposed.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the gorgeous views while driving along Limassol’s beautiful coast.
• Behold One Limassol, Europe’s highest residential tower on the sea.
• Be awed by the Trilogy Limassol Seafront, three boldly designed mixed-use skyscrapers.
• Spend free time independently exploring the indoor food mall Limassol Agora.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore some of Limassol’s most historical and popular coastal attractions before relaxing on one of the finest beaches nearby. While walking along the seafront promenade – which stretches from the Old Port to the Amphitheatre of Molos – you will soon encounter an open-air sculpture park with inspiring works from Cypriot, Greek and international artists. The setting couldn’t be lovelier as towering palm trees shade much of the promenade and the sparkling sea rims the entire park. Just one block inland, you will find the 19th-century Agia Napa Cathedral, the narrow atmospheric Agiou Andreou – the oldest commercial street in Limasso – a bustling municipal market and Limassol Castle, an imposing centuries-old fortification that overlooks the Old Port. Before long, you will reach Kebir Mosque, a 16th-century landmark in the old Turkish quarter. You will have seen plenty to reflect upon as you head to a lovely beach to relax as you see fit.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk along Limassol’s seaside promenade and admire the art in an outdoor sculpture park.
• Gain an understanding of the religious diversity while passing a cathedral and a mosque.
• Meander down the medieval street Agiou Andreou and by historical Limassol Castle.
• Spend free time relaxing at one of the city’s most spectacular beaches.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Nicosia, the largest town in Cyprus and capital since the 11th Century AD, has the distinction of being the last divided capital city in the world after the fall of the Berlin Wall. This remarkable city which is encircled by the old city walls, has managed to successfully blend its bustling modern day business and cultural centers with its historic heart while retaining its charming character.

Visit the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia, dating back to the 7th and 4th millennium BC. This very unique and well-preserved site consists of a cluster of dwellings situated on the slope of a hill overlooking the Maroni river valley and is considered one of the most important prehistoric sites of the eastern Mediterranean, the site is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Continue on to the Cathedral of St. John, built in 1662 by the Archbishop Nikiforos. View the 18th century frescoes that embellish the walls with colorful biblical scenes.

Drive by the Green Line checkpoint at Ledra Street where you’ll view the Turkish side, which occupied half of Nicosia and the northern territory of Cyprus. The tour proceeds through the impressive Venetian Walls into the old city via the Paphos Gate. Enjoy some free time in the restored 19th century neighborhood called Laiki Yitonia. The quaint, narrow pedestrian streets in this neighborhood are lined with traditional houses, craft shops, taverns and galleries, making for a delightful stroll or souvenir shopping.

Nicosia, the largest town in Cyprus and capital since the 11th Century AD, has the distinction of being the last divided capital city in the world after the fall of the Berlin Wall. This remarkable city which is encircled by the old city walls, has managed to successfully blend its bustling modern day business and cultural centers with its historic heart while retaining its charming character.

Stop at the Cathedral of St. John, built in 1662 by the Archbishop Nikiforos and see the 18th century frescoes that embellish the walls with colorful biblical scenes. Leaving the cathedral, continue on to the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, where the most significant collection of Cypriot antiquities is housed. Perhaps the most famous exhibit is the statue of Aphrodite from Soli - now the symbol of Cyprus.

Drive by the Green Line checkpoint at Ledra Street where you’ll view the Turkish side, which occupied half of Nicosia and the northern territory of Cyprus. The tour proceeds through the impressive Venetian Walls into the old city via the Paphos Gate. Enjoy some free time in the restored 19th century neighborhood called Laiki Yitonia. The quaint, narrow pedestrian streets in this neighborhood are lined with traditional houses, craft shops, taverns and galleries, making for a delightful stroll or souvenir shopping.

Delve into a world of ancient history with this primarily panoramic tour that makes photo stops at some of the sacred sites in the jasmine-scented Cypriot countryside.

Delve into a world of ancient history with this primarily panoramic tour that makes photo stops at some of the sacred sites in the jasmine-scented Cypriot countryside. You’ll arrive at Petra tou Romiou for a photo stop, legend tells us it was here that the goddess of Cyprus, Aphrodite, was born from the foam of the sea and carried by the sea's waves to the coast of Cyprus.

You’ll continue on a drive through a landscape of citrus groves and vineyards to several other significant sites from antiquity. There's the Apollo Hylates, known as the Sanctuary of Apollo of the Woodlands, which was severely damaged in a 3rd-century earthquake. Its enormous Roman columns make for an impressive picture.

Other ruins await you at nearby Kourion, an archaeological site famed for its 2nd-century Greco-Roman theater. Fully restored, it looks over the Mediterranean and provides an inspirational setting for modern-day musical and theatrical performances. Following this photo stop, you’ll return to Limassol, stopping briefly at Kolossi Castle, a medieval fortress once occupied by the Kings Templar before returning to your ship.

Enjoy enlightening tours of vineyards that grow ancient Cypriot grape varieties and sample wines much like those that were produced centuries ago. The family-owned Zambartas winery is credited with re-discovering a dozen lost varieties and you will sample several of those wines, some of which may be organic. Similarly, Mallia Estate is dedicated to restoring ancient Cypriot grape varieties such as the Maratheftiko, which was mentioned in documents as far back as the Middle Ages. The wine has been re-introduced and may be among the ones you sample there along with local delicacies. If so, be sure to note its distinct aromas of violet and black cherries. You will also visit the Gerolemos winery, another family-owned operation that produces traditional Cypriot wines. Chances are, you will sample a fruity Morokanella and a Riesling that is often served as an aperitif. It is known for its nose of limes and lemons and nuances of fresh grapefruits.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit three wineries that have resurrected Cypriot grape varieties known in ancient times.
• Discover how the grapes were brought back and how they reinvigorated the local industry.
• Sample wines that reflect the terroirs of the three vineyards.

Möchten Sie mehr über die Küche Zyperns erfahren? Zunächst geht die Fahrt in eine Weinkellerei. Sie verkosten einige der hier hergestellten leckeren Tropfen. Danach geht es weiter in ein kleines Dorf. Hier heißt es "Kopiaste" (willkommen) und Ihnen werden in gemütlicher Runde die typischen Mezze serviert, eine reichhaltige Folge von lokalen Vor- und Hauptspeisen. Ein absolutes Muss: Kleftiko - Lammfleisch über mehrere Stunden im Holzofen gegart. Während des Abendessens wird unbegrenzt lokaler Wein gereicht und zu begleitender zyprischer Live-Musik lassen sich danach die Kalorien wieder abtanzen.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Ca. 45-minütige Busfahrt zur Winzerei
• Rund 30-minütige Weinprobe inkludiert
• Weiterfahrt in ein kleines Dorf
• Gut 2-stündiges Abendessen mit zypriotischem Wein und Live-Musik inkludiert

Auf dem Weg zum Ausgangspunkt Ihrer Wanderung fahren Sie mit dem Bus an Petra tou Romiou vorbei. Der Sage nach handelt es sich um den Geburtsort von Aphrodite. Ihre anschließende Wanderung führt Sie entlang von Gärten mit Zypressen und Oleander sowie durch dramatische Passagen, die durch herabgestürzte Felsbrocken charakterisiert sind. Die Sie umgebenden Kreidefelswände erreichen hier erstaunliche Höhen von bis zu 300 m. Am Ende dieser an botanischen und landschaftlichen Sehenswürdigkeiten reichen Tour verwöhnt Sie Ihr Reiseleiter mit einer kleinen Erfrischung.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Insgesamt gut 1,5-stündige Busfahrt zum Ausgangspunkt der Wanderung
• Unterwegs Fotostopp und kurze Pause an der Küste, am Geburtsort der Aphrodite
• Rund 2-stündige Wanderung
• Kleiner Snack und 1 Flasche Wasser pro Person inkludiert