Trekking Tour in Cyprus

Initial region Cyprus

Duration 8 Days

Language English

Price € 1.275 _{/ person}

Steeped in mythology, Cyprus is a beautiful island to visit year round.

Discover its varied landscapes, rich cultural heritage and colourful wild flowers while trekking in the Troodos Mountains and on the remote coastal Akamas Peninsula.

• Troodos Mountains - Trek through traditional mountain villages and pine scented forests
• Wildlife - Look out for wild moufflon and myriad species of migrant bird
• Archaeological sites - Discover 12th century Byzantine churches and explore the Tombs of the Kings in Pafos

DAY 1 - Join trip in Larnaka

Our trip begins in Larnaka, a busy seafront town with a palm-fringed promenade, lots of cafes, tavernas, shops and a relaxed, leisurely atmosphere on the south of the island.

For those arriving on time, our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7.30pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Larnaca at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Larnaka Airport (Cyprus LCA). It is a short ten minute transfer to our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Guide will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

It's worth heading to Tassos Mitsopoulos Avenue running between Finikoudes (Palm Tree) promenade and Mackenzie Beach. There are several excellent dining options to choose from including traditional Cypriot dishes such as souvlakia (small chunks of grilled meat, kebab) and Kleftiko, a delicious lamb dish marinated in oregano, tomatoes and bulgar wheat, as well as fish restaurants.

Day 2 : The Saint Hilarion Castle,-Karmi village-Malatya village trail on  the Kyrenia mountains.

St hilaion castle built by romans on 7th century. Originally a hermitage site, the monastery and church were built in the 10th century and later fortified. The site consists of three main parts, linked by steep staircases; the lower section was for the stables and men of arms, the middle section was home to the church and the upper section was for use by only royalty. The stunning views from the upper level are well worth the climb!(14km)
We will spend some time exploring the castle and enjoying the magnificent views of Kyrenia, before starting our walk through the hills to Malatya village. The first part of our walk is through the forest, following an old riverbed with some loose rocks underfoot. We then reach an old dirt track which we follow into the village, with stunning views of the coast ahead of us and the impressive Saint Hilarion Castle up on the hills behind us. We will walk through several small villages today, getting a good sense of local life along the way. We’ll stop for lunch in a square in one of these villages.
 
Day 3:  Buffavento Castle - Bellapais village trail
We start our day with a 30-minute transfer to the magnificent Buffavento Castle. Standing at 970m, it is the highest Crusader castle on the island and a highlight of the Cyprus. Buffavento was built in the 8th century as a part of the island's defenses against the Arabs, and also controlled an important mountain pass. The dramatic location offers glorious views over Kyrenia and the Five Finger Mountains.
This afternoon we will walk from the castle taking the footpath which leads us down to Bellapais village. We will have our lunch at the top of the mountain where you will see both sides of the Five Finger Mountain. Our route takes us along a narrow path, which is a bit rocky underfoot, passing between the mountains, and offering us stunning views in both directions.(14km} 
 
Day 4 : Geçitköy Water Reservoir Walking trail
We will drive to the Geçitköy Dam water project, which is connecting the island via an 80 km long underwater pipeline with Turkey (Anamur). At the moment the 3 biggest cities in North Cyprus (Famagusta, Nicosia and Kyrenia) are supplied with water by this project, which will soon extend to the Mesaoria plain farming area as well. This project is calculated to eliminate North Cyprus’s water problem for the next 50 years.
While we are walking around the dam, we have chance to see beautiful view of reservoir and forest. also we will see many different kind of orchids and wild flowers. We may also have a chance to see some wild animals such as foxes and a variety of birds. Picnic lunch included. (15km)
 
 
Day 5 : Lapta-alsncak forest-ilgaz village trail
During this easy walk through pine tree forest, on mostly forest tracks, starting point of the walk is historical part of the lapta baspinar area. her we have chance to see old Greek orthodox church and old water  mill. On the walk we will pass through the old Greek farming areas and see lots of wild flower (spring only). Great panoramic views upon the Lapta coastal region. We may be able to collect some wild sage and thyme while walking. Our walk will finish at the vineyards with beautiful winery of the pretty village of Ilgaz, located on a hillside. Here you have the opportunity to rest and try some locally produced wine  before returning by bus to the hotel. Picnic lunch included (14 km)
 
Day 6 : Cinarli village-Incirli Cave trail
Today we are heaving our walk in very interesting part of north Cyprus cinarli village. We starting our walk from akatu pass and walking in cinarli mountains and forest while we walk we have chance to see beautiful forest and inland of the Cyprus on this walk. Most interesting wild flowers and interesting olive trees we will also see on this walk. Passing true very traditional Cypriot village, we will see old traditional Cypriot houses and farm houses here before we finish our walk at the incirli cave. we will visit Incirli cave, the largest lime stone cave on the island,(85 meter long) which contains an amazing collection of stalactites and stalagmites, (14 km)

Day 7  - The remote Akamas Peninsula. Walk along the west coast stopping on the way at Avagas Gorge

Transfer to the village of Kathikas on the Laona Plateau from where we walk down to the west coast fishing hamlet of Agios Georgios tis Pegeias. The quiet tracks, mostly through carob trees and low juniper forests offer good views of the rugged west coast and Agios Georgios tis Pegeias and Geronisos, its offshore island. The area is characterised by densely wooded gorges, most notably the Avagas Gorge, with their steep canyon walls allowing little natural light into the dark valleys. We will walk up to the entrance of Avagas to view into it as the gorge is not safe for walking through.

Today's 18 kilometre walk is expected to take around six hours with 175 metres of ascent and 750 metres of descent.

Day 8  The remote Akamas Peninsula. Baths of Aphrodite walk

The Akamas Peninsula is a protected wilderness area where nature has taken over. Walking in this unspoilt region affords wide sweeping views down to the craggy coast. Today we'll visit the Baths of Aphrodite, where the goddess Aphrodite bathed after her liaisons with Adonis. We'll also follow a circular nature trail around the Baths. The region is host to a number of the 300 species of birds to be found on the island, many of which are migratory stopping on their route between Eurasia and Africa during the spring and autumn migratory periods.

Today's 12 kilometre walk is expected to take around four hours with 575 metres of ascent and descent.

Day  9  Drive to Larnaka via Pafos and Kourion

Today we leave traditional rural Cyprus and head first to the seaside town of Pafos. It is now a busy town but reminders of its ancient history are still in evidence. Aphrodite, the Goddess of Spiritual Love and Sensual Lust, was born 16 miles off the coast, out of the foaming waves of the sea to the sound of thunder claps. She would meet the youthful Adonis in the hills round Pafos and when he was killed by a wild boar while hunting, her tears of sorrow turned into abundant springs and waterfalls, whilst his blood became the red anemones that colour the hills.

We'll visit the Tombs of the Kings, the ancient necropolis of Nea Pafos. Belonging to the wealthier people of Pafos and hewn from the sandstone, the tombs date from the 4th century BC, when Cyprus was governed from Alexandria and held by the Ptolemies.

Next we'll visit the Roman remains at the House of Dionysos where the best mosaics on the island are to be found. Leaving Pafos we head for Larnaka but first make a stop at Kourion, the most spectacular archaeological site on the island, where excavations are still bringing new treasures to light. A magnificent Greco-Roman theatre built in the 2nd century BC commands a wonderful view out to sea.

We arrive back in Larnaka in the late afternoon.

DAY 10 - Trip ends in Larnaka

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Larnaka.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Larnaca at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Larnaka Airport (airport code LCA), a short ten minute transfer away.

• Overland Travel licesed trekking guide throughout the trip.
• Private vehicle and driver.
• All transfers at destination specified in the program.
• Hotel accommodation and breakfasts.
• Entrance fees to sites
• Travel assistance, rescue and accident insurance.

• International flight
• Cancellation insurance (+ € 38)
• Unforeseen expenses caused by uncontrollable circumstances such as flight cancellations or delays, blocked roads, atmospheric conditions, natural disasters, etc ...
• Supplements for individual overnight stays (subject to availability).
• Any supplementary or additional aspect not included in the program
• Personal Expenses
• Drinks
• Tipping