Introduction to Paphos (half day)
Today you'll travel the short distance to the village of Yerouskipou to visit a small maker of the confectionary, loukoumi – also known as Turkish (or in this case) Cyprus delight. You'll be able to see how the sweets are made, and even sample some of the different flavours, along with sugared almonds and coconut slices – a real highlight if you happen to have a sweet tooth!
You'll then head to Paphos, where you'll pass its market area, the Catacombs of Solomoni and the Pillar of St Paul. It is believed St Paul was tied to the pillar and lashed before he converted the Roman Governor to Christianity.
Finally, you'll be taken to the town's harbour, where you may wish to visit the House of Dionysus – famed for its beautifully preserved, ornate floor mosaics, or you can visit Paphos Fort, which was built by the Turks and dates from 1592. Alternatively, you could take some time out in one of the cafés on the edge of the harbour before returning to your hotel.
Panayia Village (half day)
Your first stop on this excursion takes you north of Paphos to Chrysoroyiatissa, a 12th century monastery founded by a monk called Ignatius and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, or the Cypriot 'Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate'. The present building dates from 1770 and sits at an altitude of 2,700 feet.
It is famous for its excellent wines created from the monastery's own vineyards. After some time here, a short drive takes you to Panayia, the birthplace of Archbishop Makarios III, who became the first president of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960.
His humble home has now become a museum, celebrating his life and role in the island's history. Your final stop will be Vouni Panayia, a family-owned winery, where you'll be given a tour of the premises to see the wine production, visit the cellars and taste some of the
delicious wines
Plus on holidays of 14 nights or longer:
Days Gone By (half day)
You'll head along the coastline to Aphrodite's Rock, where legend states the Greek goddess of love and beauty was born out of the foaming waves. You'll continue to Kourion, an ancient city set on a cliff which enjoys spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The city's sights include an agora, or market place, and an early Christian basilica and a large amphitheatre where gladiatorial games were held during the Roman times. There are also beautiful examples of Roman floor mosaics, many of which can be found in the house of
the Achileas.
After some time here you'll visit Kolossi Castle, a fine example of military architecture which was originally built in the 13th century, however the building you see today was built in the middle of the 15th century.
Cyprus Sweets (full day)
This excursion is sure to make your mouth water! You'll first travel to the quaint village of Anoyira. Here you can visit the Mauros Chrysos Carob Museum, which recounts the history of the carob in Cyprus, which are abundant on the island. Their ripened black pods are used to create a sweet syrup or powder which are useful ingredients in baking – often providing a replacement to chocolate.
During your visit to the museum you'll be able to taste pastelli toffee, made from carob. Next, you'll head to an olive park where the museum and visitors centre will shed light on the production of top quality organic olive oil – from tree to bottle. There will be some time to enjoy refreshments before continuing to the Platres Chocolate Workshop, situated in the pine-clad village of Pano Platres.
Opened in 2008, the workshop specialises in creating delicious handmade chocolates using the local produce of Cyprus – such as almond, citrus, grape and rosewater. The owner, John, will give you a demonstration on how he creates these chocolates and infuses them with the flavours, and you'll have the opportunity to buy some as a souvenir (just try not to eat them all on the coach ride home). You can enjoy the fresh mountain air during a stroll around this lovely village before heading back to Limassol.
You then head to the mountain village of Doros and the Katerina Cyprus Sweets Factory and showroom, where you'll be able to watch the sweets being made from behind the glass before being let loose to sample some of the many varieties made here.
Afterwards, perhaps pop into the gift shop to buy a traditional Glika tou Koutaliou or 'spoon sweet', which consist of fruits gently boiled with sugar (in some cases for days) until the syrup sets – a real Cypriot delicacy. After this indulgent trip, you return to the hotel.