Cyprus - the Southern Tour

In a privileged position in the southern Mediterranean the isle of Aphrodite has a fine year-round climate allowing for a relaxing, culturally rewarding stay in Paphos on the south west coast. Kourion (ancient Roman Curium) was founded by the Greeks in the 14th-century BC and even came to the attention of Pharaoh Ramses III. Today it is a walk through history from Hellenistic, Roman and early Christian periods with its Greek theatre, early Christian basilica and Sanctuary. Many invaders and perhaps an aspiration to get closer to heaven led Orthodox monks to build great abbeys and Byzantine churches in the remote Troödos Mountains. These churches have now been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The southern part of the divided capital, Nicosia, reveals much of the island’s heritage and the Cyprus Museum houses a fine archaeological collection spanning 7000 years of history. The treasures of the Archbishop’s Palace include the cathedral of Agios Ioannis and Byzantine Museum with its collection of icons.