Your first glimpse of Limassol from the cruise ship is its shiny, modern marina, filled with row upon row of yachts and fishing boats. You'll be greeted by busy bars and restaurants that make optimum sunset-watching settings, but walk further along the never-ending seafront promenade, Molos, and Limassol's past will soon reveal itself.
You’ll start this half-day tour in the historic center of Limassol, where your guide will take you on an illuminating walk past some of the city’s main sights. Look around the old harbor area and by the 14th century medieval fort, where legend has it that Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre. Then, you’ll have free time to explore the old city at your own pace or sit down for a coffee ready for the next step of the tour at Curium Archaeological Park. This important ancient city-kingdom, and one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the island, boasts treasures that evoke stories from times gone by. Peek inside the House of Efstolios, originally a private Roman villa with a network of baths and ornate mosaic floors, and admire the jewel in the crown, the Greco-Roman theater. By the end, you’ll know Cyprus’s history like the back of your hand.
On the southwest coast of Cyprus lies a city whose entire center is UNESCO-listed, and this full day tour unveils Pafos’ archaeological gems and brings its legends to life. Travelling over from Limassol, your first photo opportunity is one of the island’s most iconic sights – Petra tou Romiou, or Aphrodite’s Rock – birthplace of the Goddess of beauty and love, according to Greek mythology. Next, you’ll visit the vast Tombs of the Kings, an ancient necropolis of underground tombs carved out of solid rock. Your journey back in time continues at Kato Pafos Archaeological Park where you’ll meander amongst towering ancient ruins including the House of Dionysos, House of Aion and House of Thysseus. Their mosaic floors are considered some of the finest in the eastern Mediterranean. Lastly, you’ll have some free time in the old harbor of Pafos where you can watch the comings and goings of fishing boats and sip on a refreshing aperitif.
The magnificent ancient city-kingdom of Curium is the first stop on this full day island excursion, and it’s an impressive first impression of Cyprus, too. The Greco-Roman theater is the masterpiece of all the ruins in Curium Archaeological Park, and as you wander around with your guide you’ll spot details that make this one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the island. Mosaics dating back to the 5th century AD, the House of Efstolios and stunning views out over the valley of river Kouris and the sea, all add to the drama. Afterwards, it’s time to relax amongst Limassol’s vineyards, specifically the picturesque village of Omodos – the most beautiful on the island - where you’ll have time for lunch and to visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross, a medieval wine press and even savor a wine tasting at a cellar. A panoramic drive along the coast of Limassol city center marks the end of the tour.