APHRODITE'S ROCK

• Attractions not to be missed
• Excellent photo opportunities
• Purchase of souvenirs

An attraction that you should in no case miss is Aphrodite's Rock. The Greek name is Petra tou Romiou or "Greek Rock". This place is incredibly picturesque, nested on the coast between Limassol and Paphos. Legend has it that Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, rose out of the waves in that strikingly beautiful place. There are several versions of the goddess’ appearance to the world, but the most famous one tells that Aphrodite rose naked out of the sea on a scallop shell near the island of Cythera, but it was so tiny that Aphrodite moved on and at the end of her journey reached Cyprus, where she remained to live in Paphos. The worship of Aphrodite was the basis of the religious life of the Cypriots of the pre-Christian era; many temples and sanctuaries were built in her honor on the island. Nowadays, Cyprus is considered the island of love. Also the rock of Aphrodite is often visited by newlyweds for wedding photo shoots or wedding ceremonies.

According to the myth, if you swim around Aphrodite's Rock, you will be blessed with eternal beauty. However, the water around the rock is so stormy that tourists are unable to swim there. Aphrodite's Rock is one of the most recognizable rocks in the world, so you should definitely visit this place.

Not far from Aphrodite's Rock there is an eponymous beach, and nearby you can find a souvenir shop and a restaurant where you can get acquainted with local cuisine.

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ANCIENT KOURION

• Greco-Roman amphitheater
• Mosaics in the House of Gladiators, the House of Achilles and the House of Eustolius
• Nymphaeum

One of the most interesting archaeological sites in Cyprus is the Kourion Archaeological Park, located on the site of an ancient city. This ancient city was founded in the 12th century BC and used to be one of the most wonderful cities in the Mediterranean. Partially destroyed by the earthquake and abandoned by the inhabitants after the raids, the city was never fully restored. Now Kourion is an architectural park. Its grandiose Greco-Roman amphitheater has been completely restored, and the audience who attended a theatrical or musical performance in this pristine arena will not remain indifferent but receive a lot of unforgettable impressions. Nowadays, the amphitheater is one of the main venues for the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama.

Visitors to the architectural and historical complex of Kourion can see numerous ruined old houses of the late Roman period with mosaic floors, get acquainted with the way of houses of the ancient Romans. The House of the Gladiators, the House of Achilles and the House of Eustolius are just some of the monuments of the early centuries. The floors in these houses are paved with mosaics. Of particular interest are the mosaics on the floors of the buildings that are mostly covered with them. Among the mosaics of the House of the Gladiators that adorn the eastern and southern wings of the courtyard, the most important are those that depict the battle scene of gladiators.

An early Christian basilica, the ruins of a large complex of buildings, dates back to the 5th century AD. The basilica was destroyed in the 7th century and most of its marble sculptures were moved elsewhere.

One of the majestic and famous structures in Kourion is the Nymphaeum, dedicated to the water nymphs. It was built in the 1st century AD and is a sacred place where rituals and worship were probably performed.

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KOLOSSI CASTLE

• Historic site
• Military architecture

Kolossi Castle is one of the most notable architectural structures in Cyprus, a fine example of military architecture. The castle was originally built in the 13th century, but acquired its present appearance in the middle of the 15th century after reconstruction. Today Kolossi Castle attracts tourists with a beautiful view of the surroundings from the observation deck.

Initially, the castle served as a command and defensive post for the Knights Templar, and after the fall of Acre in 1291, it was the headquarters of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem for several years. The castle is a historical reminder of the reign of the Knights of St. John in the 13th century, who began to produce wine and process sugar cane in the commandery that stood on this land. The famous Cypriot Commandaria wine owes its name to this place. Tourists can still see the ruins of the sugar factory and the remains of its plumbing system.

Kolossi and its castle are directly linked to a number of important events that constitute various interesting milestones in the centuries-old and turbulent history of Cyprus.

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ERIMI WINE MUSEUM

• Journey through 5500 years of Cypriot winemaking
• Wine tasting

The Cyprus Wine Museum is situated in the village of Erimi near Limassol and tells visitors about wine-making traditions and history of winemaking on the island, which have already been kept over 150 years old. The museum started its activity in November 2004, after 6 years of arduous work on the restoration and expansion of the mansion. The building was originally a hotel where winemakers from the villages of Limassol and Paphos met and stayed overnight on their way to the main market of Limassol.

The Cyprus Wine Museum, using traditional and modern methods, represents a fascinating journey through the centuries-old history of Cyprus wine. Ancient jugs and vases, medieval drinking vessels, tools, elements of a privately-owned collection of Anastasia Gai, ancient documents and tools illustrate how wine was produced, stored and enjoyed in the past. Photophones and audio-visual equipment help visitors become familiar with all aspects of winemaking, from cultivation to production.

The museum has an excellent collection of the best wines of Cyprus, which can be tasted and optionally purchased..

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Tour price: up to 4 people 120 € / up to 6 people 150 €

Please note that prices shown are based on transfer from Paphos. If you need to be picked up from another location, please contact us.