Cyprus Tours Excursions

It’s true, I admit it, I love wine and one of the reasons I chose to holiday in Cyprus last winter is because the Mediterranean Island is one of the most ancient wine-making countries in the world. I chose to stay in Limassol, as I knew the city was the most popular tourist resort on the island. My friends all went on and on about all the attractions they visited and the blue waters they swam. Also due to its location, it was easy to embark on tours and get to visit places outside Limassol.

Wine making

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Wine making in Cyprus is an old tradition that has been preserved through the passage of time till this day and I was thrilled to find out that there are multiple tours available where enthusiastic wine lovers like myself can take and not only explore the island’s rich countryside and historical sites, but also visit vineyards and wineries, sip on scrumptious local wine and actually witness the process of wine-making from start to finish!

I chose to book a full-day tour that would begin in Limassol and end in Paphos. The reason I chose the particular tour was because, besides stopping at various wineries, the itinerary included visits to a multiplicity of attractions which I was excited to visit.

The guide picked me up from my hotel in Limassol, where I got on the high-tech coach and met a group of wine lovers! We enjoyed a ride through the island’s lush and rich countryside while chatting to each other.

Kourion Theatre

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The Kourion Theatre was our first stop, which I fell in love with. The ancient Greco-Roman amphitheatre is actually built in to a hill by the coast and can hold as many as 3500 people. Till this day, performances are held where the theatres lighting, architecture and location exudes a magical flair. The guide, which is extremely informative, will fill you in with the details. All I remember is the incredible sensation I felt upon looking at it.

By the theatre, you will also visit the impressive Roman Palace of Eustolios where its elaborate mosaic floors will mesmerize you immediately. I never believed that I would be so interested in learning about a country’s culture and history. Believe me, Cyprus is a haven filled with magical sites that simply lure you.

Kolossi Castle

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We then visited the grand-like 15th century Kolossi Castle which was built by the brave Knights of St. John. We had time to explore the majestic-like castle and marvel at the view of the vineyards beneath us. In the past, the Colossi area was the region where sugarcane was cultivated in order to make the oldest Cypriot wine known to all of us as Commandaria. In fact, it was so popular that Richard the Lionhead had named it the wine of kings.

One of the most traditional wine-making villages on the island is Monagri Village, which immediately enchanted us all! we wandered through its stoned alleys till we reached a little traditional vineyard. The owner welcomed us as if we were old pals, treated us to some of his wine and even gave us some homemade olive-bread to taste. Delicious!

Omodos Village

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Omodos village was my personal favourite! It reminded me of a picturesque postcard with its traditional homes, blossoming flowers and cobbled-stoned streets. Omodos is yet another famed wine village on the island, hidden away in the foothills of Troodos Mountains. There we had time to visit a local winery where once again we were greeted by a friendly host who invited us to sample delicious fruity wines!

Most of my friends found it odd I chose to travel to Cyprus during the winter season. Cyprus is commonly linked to summer, golden beaches and shimmering waters. What few realise is that the island has been blessed with all year round sunshine, allowing visitors to explore, enjoy and tour the island anytime of the year.