AMBLING IN ANCIENT & SCENIC CYPRUS

Transcription

1 AMBLING IN ANCIENT & SCENIC CYPRUS A specially designed for groups walking holiday 7 nights half board 4* hotel 5 contrasting walking days 4 included light lunches following walks Included wine with dinner 2 drinks receptions Time at leisure in places of interest Sun drenched Cyprus occupies a highly strategic position in the Eastern Mediterranean, and as such it has been of interest both as a trading centre and military outpost to almost all of Europe s major empires. A meeting point also for Christianity and Islam, and a key pilgrimage destination in the Hellenic world as the alleged birthplace of Aphrodite, it offers a wealth of cultural fascination. Much of its Greco Roman heritage is to be found in the vicinity of Paphos, an early regional capital city and a major ancient world port, whilst Nicosia, Cyprus s capital since the 10 th century, embodies iconic architecture from Norman, Venetian, Ottoman and British imperial periods. In terms of scenery Cyprus presents an interesting variety due to the richness of its geology, various parts of it having been pushed to the ocean s surface at different times due to the underlying actions of two tectonic plates that join just to the south of the island. Largely articulated by its dominating central Troodos Mountains and the somewhat smaller yet highly dramatic Kyrenia range on its northern coast, it also features a large central plain and various areas of coastal plain. Vast tracts of the interior are also heavily wooded, and further scenic variety is afforded by agricultural lands and wine growing areas. This itinerary explores both the historic and scenic contrasts that the island offers and is based in the ancient capital of Paphos. Included professionally guided walks explore the ancient cities of Paphos and Nicosia, the Troodos Mountains, the Akamas Peninsula, and the central valleys. There are no overly strenuous ascents or descents, all the featured walking surfaces are good, and none of the walks lasts for more than half a day (2½ to 3½ hours walking). There is also a rest day midway through the week. The social aspect of the holiday is assisted via drinks receptions and included wine with dinner, and an included light lunch in an attractive location follows the longer walks (local specialities will be offered where possible). There will be time at leisure to explore places of interest and aspects of local culture and history will also be discussed. Although the precise itinerary of this holiday will depend on local conditions at the time of travel the following walks are all possibilities.

2 The View From Mount Olympus Admiring The Akamas Peninsula

3 The Monuments & Mosaics Of Ancient Paphos: A morning meander that begins with a delightful coastal stroll from our hotel to Paphos Harbour, where we will enjoy a coffee break prior to exploring the main Paphos archaeological site, especially renowned for the quality of its mosaics. We will then visit the site of the Roman Christian Basilica and the pillar to which St. Paul was allegedly tied to be lashed prior to viewing the delightfully picturesque Chrysopolitissa Church that was later constructed on the basilica s ruins. From The Baths Of Aphrodite To The Amorous Spring: This gently undulating walk follows a coastal path on the Akamas Peninsula and offers beautiful views over the Northern coast of Cyprus. The Baths Of Aphodite are rock pools in a grotto where Aphrotite was said to have bathed and the Amourous Spring (Fontana Amorosa) is in fact a picturesque bay, from which we will either take a boat trip to the fishing village of Latchi or retrace our footsteps back to the Baths Of Aphrodite, depending on weather conditions. Smygies Nature Trail: This uncomplicated circular nature trail offers us the opportunity to enjoy views of the Akamas Peninsular from a higher altitude whilst avoiding the necessity to climb very much on foot, circumnavigating hilltops at an altitude of over 250 metres. Beginning and ending at a well known picnic spot, it is a popular family stroll to work up an appetite for a long weekend lunch. The Oak Trail: This trail begins at an altitude of 700 metres in the delightful 19 th century village of Fyti. Before beginning the walk itself we will pay a brief visit to the village folklore museum, which is largely themed around the village s weaving industry. The trail itself offers wonderful views of a large inland valley that is dotted with ancient oak trees, before levelling out at approximately 200 metres and skirting the banks of wildlife rich Lake Evretou. Nicosia South & North: This walk explores the main sights of Cyprus s capital city since the 10 th century, currently the world s only divided capital, with the south administered by a Greek administration and the north by a Turkish one. We will visit monuments reflecting both cultural heritages, walk on both sides of the so called green line that divides the city, and lunch in a delightful tavern in the old city. Olympus & Omodos: We will walk at a fairly high elevation on the tallest mountain in Cyprus. The precise trail that we explore (the Artemis Trail or the Atalanta Trail) will depend on the weather conditions and the condition of the trails on the day. Wonderful views can be enjoyed from either. After lunch we will enjoy a short woodland stroll to the picturesque Caledonian Falls prior to enjoying time at leisure in the highly photogenic wine producing village of Omodos. A Paphian Mosaic Of Dionysos & Icarus

4 Paphos Harbour Fort Chrysopolitissa Church In Paphos

5 Paphos & The 4* Aloe Hotel Paphos as a place first attracted attention as the home of a fertility goddess cult as far back as pre Grecian times. It then seems as though the attributes of this already well established goddess were recast as the basis for the myth of Aphrodite, which gave rise to an extremely popular religious cult throughout the Mediterranean region in pre Christian antiquity. People would travel from all over the Greek speaking world to attend rites and ceremonies in Aphrodite s honour, and Paphos was firmly planted on the map. Following Ancient Rome s adoption of Christianity this cult fell into decline, as did Paphos, both as a port and city. The resurgence of Paphos began extremely recently on this sort of timescale, with its development as a significant tourism resort having taken place as a direct result of the division of the island in 1974 into Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot administered areas. Prior to 1974 Paphos had been something of a sleepy predominantly agricultural region. Vast tracts of coastal farmland were given over to tourism development, and many spacious, fairly luxurious hotels were constructed. Today, Paphos the genteel and relaxing resort, and Paphos, the fascinating archeological site, sit side by side, in enchantingly close proximity. Our hotel for this holiday, the Aloe, was one of the hotels accorded an extremely generous plot of land for its development following the division of the island. This has allowed for two full size outdoor pools (one free form and in the style of a lagoon, and one for lane swimming) and an extremely pleasant lawned garden surrounded by shrubs and bushes. Equally appealing is the fact that the historic centre of Paphos lies within easy walking distance, as does a wide selection of bars, restaurants, and other facilities. Rooms: 272 comfortable bedrooms with ensuite bath/shower and a balcony. All rooms have direct dial telephone, hairdryer, heating/air conditioning, satellite TV, mini bar, and complimentary safe. Other Features: Main restaurant serving a variety of themed buffet dinners, separate breakfast restaurant serving full buffet breakfasts, Moonlight Bar with live evening entertainment, 2 large outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool (winter only), 2 floodlit tennis courts, a small health club, a hotel shop, entertainment/live music several evenings a week, complimentary wi fi in both the hotel s public areas and bedrooms. The Hotel Aloe s Pool Area

6 A Traditional Cypriot Lunch Inclusions Maximum group size: 25 people Duration & board basis: 7 nights half board with wine included at dinner Flights available from: Gatwick or Manchester (Other departure airports may be available at a supplement. Please contact our office for details) Price based on sharing a twin room. Twin rooms for sole occupancy available at a supplement Additional inclusions: 5 professionally guided half day walks, airport transfers, transportation on walking days, 4 light lunches in local restaurants, 2 drinks receptions, time at leisure in places of interest (which ones will depend upon which walks are operated), local guides where applicable (this will also depend on which walks are operated), the services of a Personal Touch tour guide Holiday Insurance (premiums valid until ) AGE GROUP 7 NIGHTS OPTIONAL EXCESS WAIVER (NB. Age at date of travel) years years years years and over How To Book: The deposit plus the insurance premium if applicable should be sent, together with a completed booking form, to Personal Touch Holidays, Anvil House, West Street, Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 9HW. T: office@personaltouchholidays.com The air holiday packages shown are ATOL protected, since we hold an Air Travel Organisers Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL5961. Please see our booking conditions for more information.