Excursions around the island of Cyprus Ayia Napa - Famagusta area In the centre of Ayia Napa visit the town’s 16th century Venetian monastery, and working fishing harbour close by. See some of the finest golden sandy beaches on the Island, one of which is known as Fig Tree Bay and take time out to swim in the crystal clear blue Mediterranean. At Derynia village take time to view the ghost town of Famagusta, once the island’s most popular holiday destination. Limassol Limassol is the second largest town of the island with a bustling cosmopolitan way of life. Close to the old harbour visit the sponge factory and the 14th century castle where Richard the Lionheart married his Queen Berengaria.. Visit one of the largest wineries where you will be able to see how wine is produced and have the opportunity to sample some of the famous brands of Cypriot wine. To the west of Limassol there is the Ancient Curium an impressive Greco-Roman site, which includes mosaics and a superb amphitheatre. Nicosia The Capital of the island Nicosia, is the only divided capital in the world since the Berlin wall came down. The old town is surrounded by a Venetian wall and a stroll in the 19th century area of Laiki Yitonia with its interesting shops and tavernas is well worth a visit to enjoy lunch or dinner. The Cyprus Archaelogical Museum houses priceless collections of Cypriot antiquities and art treasures. See Archbishop Makarios palace and the Cathedral of St. John. The new town offers excellent high street shops where you can shop ‘till you drop! Paphos At the harbour visit the Byzantine Castle of Forty Columns and nearby you will find the House of Dionysos and admire the most impressive mosaics depicting familiar scenes from mythology. Take time to see the tombs of the Kings hewn deep underground in solid rock. St. Paul’s Pillar is on the site of Ayia Kyriaki and where Anglican and Catholic weddings take place. Between Paphos and Limassol is Petra tou Romiou the very spot where the legendary goddess of love emerged from the foaming waves. Troodos Mountains Mount Olympus is the highest point on the island, and close by you will find Kykko Monastery, the largest and most famous monastery on the island. Founded in 1092 by the Byzantines, this impressive building, set among the pine trees of Troodos, is where Archbishop Makarios, the first President of Cyprus, trained as a novice and nearby at Throni Peak is where you will find his tomb. There are excursions to visit timeless mountain villages and to visit the many wineries, try the “Kommandaria” the best desert wine of Cyprus. Visit the picturesque village of Lefkara, famous for its silverware and intricate handmade lace. The charming village of Omodhos, built around one of the most ancient monasteries in Cyprus, the Holy Cross with its white washed houses is a wonderful way to spend time walking through the narrow cobbled streets.