Monument visits in Larnaca

Full-day guided tour of Fikardou, Machairas and Lefkara

You'll leave no stone unturned as you explore Cyprus's hidden corners. This exclusive excursion takes in remote highland villages, dramatic landscapes and a revered monastery. It also includes a traditional Cypriot lunch. Stavroula, one of our local guides on this tour, says, ‘Fikardou village is an excellent example of rural mountain life, where the 19th-century architecture is in complete harmony with the environment.' A real taste of what's to come.Heading inland, you'll arrive mid-morning at rustic and laidback Fikardou. All cobblestones and historic houses, time seems to have frozen here. And with free time to explore, you'll find that ancient traditions still hold their way. It's so well-preserved that it's on UNESCO's tentative list of world heritage sites. Next, you'll head to the 12th-century Macharias Monastery, which is located on a remote hillside. Its lavishly decorated interior houses a sacred icon of the Virgin Mary.Then, it's time for a traditional Cypriot lunch, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served at a family-run restaurant on the way to Lefkara. The tour ends on a high in charming Lefkara, a village famed for its handmade lace and embroidery. ‘Women, young and old, can be seen seated outside their homes and shops making lace,' says Stavroula. ‘For hundreds of years, the men from the village have travelled all over Europe to sell it, even Leonardo da Vinci bought some.'

Ancient Kourion tour with Paphos Harbour visit

Cyprus is home to some hugely important ancient Greek and Roman sites. On this tour, you'll take in Aphrodite's Rock, ancient Paphos and the Tombs of the Kings, visit Kourion – and enjoy free time in the Paphos harbour area. Andreas, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Tombs of the Kings offer us a valuable insight into ancient Mediterranean culture. There are very similar tombs in Alexandria, demonstrating the strong ties between the two cities in ancient times.'After a coffee pit-stop along the way, you'll stop by Kourion archaeological site to see landmarks such as the theatre – dating from the 2nd century BC – and the Agora. En route to Paphos, there's a photo stop at Petra tou Romiou – or Aphrodite's Rock – where, legend has it, the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty emerged from the sea foam. Andreas says, ‘At Kourion, you see the ruined house of Eustolios and find out what life was like here before the city was destroyed by an earthquake in the 4th century.'Next, we'll head to ancient Paphos for a guided visit of the Tombs of the Kings, the House of Dionysos and its well-preserved mosaics. Andreas says, ‘The rock-hewn Tombs of the Kings were not actually intended for royalty, but instead the aristocracy and island governors were laid to rest here. The name reflects the sheer grandeur of the necropolis.' Later, you'll enjoy some free time to shop and wander around Paphos Harbour. Maybe you can stroll along the waterfront or grab a bite to eat at one of the many terrace cafés.