The Archaeology of Ancient Cyprus

Departing: March 2027 - March 2027

There’s still time to discover in 2026. Selected departures are still available – simply call 1-800-759-7715 to find out more.

The Mediterranean island of Cyprus boasts a rich prehistoric, classical, and medieval heritage. Recent research indicates that the earliest human occupation of the island dates back over 10,000 years. Over the millennia, the Cypriot people have cultivated their own unique artefacts, architecture, art and culture. With its mild spring weather, Cyprus is an ideal destination to escape the cooler climates at home, offering a comfortable environment for exploration and discovery. Key highlights include three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Khirokitia, the Archaeological Park and the Tomb of the Kings in Paphos. Additionally, visitors can explore numerous other fascinating locations, such as the legendary site where the newborn goddess Aphrodite is said to have emerged from the sea in her shell – a scene famously depicted by classical painters.

Included

⦁ Explore Khirokitia & Nicosia, with entrance fees included
⦁ All other visits as outlined in the itinerary
⦁ Professional Tour Manager
⦁ 4 nights at the Mediterranean Hotel, Limassol & 3 nights at the Mayfair Hotel, Paphos (or similar)
⦁ 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 2 dinners
⦁ Wine with dinner
⦁ Private air-conditioned coach travel

Highlights

The exceptionally well-preserved Neolithic walled village of Khirokitia
A visit to Amathous Archaeological Site
A full day discovering the Cypriot capital, Nicosia
Visits to Kourion Archaeological site, Sanctuary of Apollon Hylates and Aphrodite’s Rock
Archaeological sites in Paphos, including the Archaeological Park and Museum and the Tomb of the Kings

Clive Warsop

An Environmental Archaeologist. He lectured and tutored at the University of Edinburgh for 10 years on the Archaeology of Scotland and aspects of European Archaeology and has supervised and directed excavations in Scotland and France.

Tour Itinerary

Join our arrival transfer from the airport or meet your tour manager and fellow travellers that evening at our hotel.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Mediterranean Hotel, Limassol

After breakfast, we depart for the site of Khirokitia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This exceptionally well-preserved Neolithic walled village is home to over 60 stone round houses. Next, we visit the village of Kalavasos, situated on the west bank of the Vasiliko River. The settlement of Tenta is of special interest, an aceramic Neolithic settlement that dates back to 7,000BC and is one of the most significant sites on the island. According to local tradition, its name dates to 327AD when St Helen, mother of Constantine the Great, stayed in a tent at this location during her visit to the island following the discovery of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. Our last visit of the day is to the Amathous Archaeological Site, which has yielded some interesting finds such as the Agora, public baths, the Temple of Aphrodite, early Christian Basilicas and several tombs.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mediterranean Hotel, Limassol

We have a full day discovering the Cypriot capital of Nicosia. A settlement since the Bronze Age, the city has been continuously inhabited for almost 5,000 years. We enjoy a visit to the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, home to the world’s most extensive collection of Cypriot archaeology. Afterwards, we have lunch in a local taverna with wine included, followed by some free time to explore the Old Town, including the well-preserved Venetian walls, built in an (ultimately futile) attempt to defend the city from the Ottoman invasion. There is also the chance to cross the green line into Turkish Cyprus at the Ledra checkpoint.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation; Mediterranean Hotel, Limassol

Today is yours to spend at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mediterranean Hotel, Limassol

This morning, we check out of our hotel and proceed to our first destination of the day, the Kourion Archaeological Site, one of Cyprus’s most significant ancient city-kingdoms. Perched on a hillside overlooking the valley of the River Kouris, the site has uncovered evidence suggesting its inhabitants believed they were descendants of Aegean immigrants. This flourishing kingdom was tragically destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 365 AD. The highlight of the site is the remarkable Greco-Roman theatre, originally constructed in the 2nd century BC and expanded in the 2nd century AD. Additional noteworthy remnants include the private villa known as the House of Eustolios, which features 5th-century mosaic floors and a bathing complex. Further impressive mosaic floors can be admired in the House of Achilles and the House of the Gladiators, named after the figures depicted in the mosaics.

Next, we visit the Sanctuary of Apollon Hylates, dedicated to the God of the Woodland. Constructed around 100 AD, this sanctuary was among the most significant religious centres in Cyprus. The final stop of the day is Aphrodite’s Rock, the mythical birthplace of the goddess. According to legend, the Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty, known to the Romans as Venus, emerged from the sea foam here and was carried on a shell to the beach – a scene immortalised in Western art. Later, we travel to our hotel in Paphos, where the evening is free.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mayfair Hotel, Paphos

We begin our day at the Archaeological Park at Kato Pafos (Paphos), which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1980. Here we discover sites and monuments from the 4th century through to the Middle Ages, yet most of the remains date to the Roman period. There are four Roman villas which house intricate mosaic floors to discover, as well as the Asklepieion, the Odeon, the Agora and the Saranta Kolones Castle.

Next, we head to Paphos Archaeological Museum. Here, we explore the collection of finds from the region dating from the Neolithic Age to 1700 AD. Separated into five rooms covering different periods of time, the first room covers the Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Bronze Age, the second the Iron Age and classical period and the third presents the Hellenistic and Roman periods. In the fourth room, we find items from the late Roman and Christian periods and the final room showcases artefacts from the Byzantine periods and the Middle Ages.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we depart for the Tomb of the Kings, near Paphos, an elaborate rock-cut necropolis which dates from the 3rd century BC and features frescoed walls and Doric columns. Another of Cyprus’s most significant sites has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage site list since 1980. This afternoon, we visit Lemba Archaeological Project, home to prehistoric projects in western Cyprus for over 30 years.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Mayfair Hotel, Paphos

Today is spent at leisure to relax or explore local sights. In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Mayfair Hotel, Paphos

After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airport where your tour ends.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation

On the south-western shores of Limassol Bay in Agios Tychonas, the Mediterranean Beach Hotel enjoys sea views and direct access to a sandy beach, with the archaeological site of ancient Amathus nearby. All en-suite rooms include air conditioning/heating, flatscreen satellite TV, safe, hairdryer, mini bar, telephone and balcony or terrace, with free Wi-Fi throughout. The hotel also has swimming pools, a spa and wellness centre, fitness centre, restaurants and bars.

Set in a quiet part of Kato Paphos, the Mayfair Hotel is around a 15-minute walk from the harbour and close to the city’s historic area. All en-suite rooms include air conditioning/heating, satellite TV, mini fridge, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa and wellness centre, gym and restaurants.