Cyprus - Aphrodite's Island
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28 March - 4 April 2009 with Mike Clegg |
Cyprus: island of legend; island of history; island of beauty. For more than ten thousand years man has dwelt here, but rarely master of his own fate. To the Mycenaeans of the 12th century BC is owed the predominantly Greek character of Cyprus. Here the goddess Aphrodite came ashore at Paphos and her temple became a famous place of pilgrimage. Apollo too was worshipped at a sanctuary that remained in use for more than 1,000 years. Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians and the Ptolemies held sway in Cyprus before Rome annexed the island in 58 BC. The magnificent mosaics of Paphos, where St. Paul converted the Roman Governor, and the spectacular cliff-top city-site of Kourion are legacies of Roman rule.
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As western and eastern halves of the Roman Empire drifted apart, Cyprus became a part of the Byzantine Empire whose wonderful art survives in churches high in the beautiful Troodos Mountains. With the arrival of Richard the Lionheart, Byzantium gave way to the west once more; Richard is said to have married Berengaria in the castle of Limassol, while at nearby Kolossi castle the Knight's Hospitaller set up their headquarters. In 1571 Western rule was overthrown by the conquering Ottomans, the cross being overshadowed but not displaced by the crescent. Next came the British who held sway until independence in 1960. However, the story did not end then as the Turkish invasion of 1974 divided Cyprus. Now talks are taking place, working towards a less confrontational situation and the history of Cyprus is still changing.
We stay in the friendly Columbia Beach hotel in the quiet village of Pissouri. All the rooms have a view of the sea and the sound of the waves soothes you to sleep. You can enjoy the pool and many spa treatments, walk on the beach, have a drink in the spacious bar lounge or out on the terrace. There will also be a chance to sample some of the local restaurants.
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 Mike Clegg BA(Hons) DIP CI Stud (Open)
A NADFAS lecturer, leading tours to many areas of the classical world. He has been delighting Holts travellers for many years with his knowledge.
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Itinerary
| Day 1 |
(Saturday): We begin with Titan's VIP Home Departure Service™ to the airport. Fly London - Larnaca. Transfer to the Columbia Beach hotel for a 7 night stay. Dinner in the hotel. |
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| Day 2 |
We travel to Paphos, visiting Aphrodite's Rock, the monastery of St. Neophytus and the Tombs of the Kings. Lunch break in Paphos. In the afternoon to the Archaeological Park to view Roman villas with their magnificent mosaics. Dinner in the hotel. |
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| Day 3 |
This morning we go to the Church of Panagia Angeloktistos at Kiti, the mosque of Hala Sultan Tekke and the church of St. Lazarus. Lunch break in Larnaca. In the afternoon we learn about some of the earliest inhabitants of Cyprus at the Neolithic settlement of Khirokitia and the ancient city of Amathus. Dinner in the hotel. |
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| Day 4 |
We have a full day in Nicosia where there is much to see, including the National Archaeological Museum with treasures from all over the Island, the Cathedral of St. John and the Byzantine Icon Museum. Own dinner arrangements.
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| Day 5 |
We look today at the Roman legacy; at Kourion with its Sanctuary of Apollo, theatre and early Christian basilica, and then the medieval castles of Kolossi and Limassol. Lunch break in Limassol. Dinner in the hotel.
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| Day 6 |
Up to the Troodos Mountains with time to wander through the village of Omodhos and see the Byzantine paintings in churches of St. Nicholas of the Roof and Asinou. Group lunch. We return by the scenic route across mountains down to our hotel on the coast. Own dinner arrangements.
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| Day 7 |
Today's visits include the royal chapel at Pyrga, the house of Hagigeogakis and the Almeira mosque. Or you can of course spend the day at leisure, relaxing in this beautiful place. Group dinner.
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| Day 8 |
Return flight from Larnaca to London. At the Airport Titan staff will greet you and transfer you to your Titan transport for the return journey home to your front door.
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