Paphos Gardens Holiday Resort, Cyprus - All Inclusive - 28 nights

We enjoy a guided city tour of spectacular Paphos, once the capital of Cyprus and a worshipping spot for Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love. The city is now like an open museum, with history and stunning relics of the past dotted throughout the protected UNESCO town. Highlights include the remarkable Tombs of the Kings, a fascinating collection of burial chambers which date back to 323-31BC, the harbourside Paphos Castle and the Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa with its intricate mosaic floors.

Enticing visitors to explore the old neighbourhood, The Hani of Ibrahim is a building complex recently restored to combine modern architecture and traditional brickwork. Housing travellers and traders in the past, it now hosts unique workshops with distinctive crafts and local products, with paintings, silk, porcelain and wood workshops. Browse the special jewellery inspired by Italian culture, ancient Greek mythology and the sea here or try some local delicacies such as exceptional carob syrup, traditional marmalades, honey, sweets and Cypriot cheese.

We also make a stop at the significant Pillar of St Paul, where he is believed to have been captured by the people of Paphos, tied to the pillar and flogged. The tour then ends at the harbour, the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee while watching the world go by.

Enjoy a beautiful morning in Episkopi, a lovely village built on the west side of the Ezousas River, known for its beautiful landscape and abundance of citrus trees. The traditional core of the village remains unchanged: the old stone drinking fountain with its characteristic arches still stands, the narrow streets follow the natural gradient of the land and the houses are built in the local limestone. We visit the environmental information centre, surrounded by a botanical garden full of significant plants of the area and organised in thematic groups (habitats, endemics, bulbs, rare plants). There's also time to visit the local coffee shop, which has an amazing view of the valley.

Embark on a captivating journey through two of Cyprus' most significant historical sites: Kourion and Kolossi Castle. This excursion offers an immersive experience of ancient civilizations, medieval history and the rich cultural heritage of the island. Our first stop is Kourion, one of the most important archaeological sites in Cyprus. Perched on a hill overlooking the azure-blue waters of the Mediterranean, Kourion was a city-state that flourished from the Hellenistic period through Roman times but was destroyed by an earthquake in 365AD. It's fascinating to be transported back in time to the grandeur of ancient life here.

Next, we head to Kolossi Castle, a 15th-century fortress located in the south-western part of the island and once a historic sugar factory. Originally built by the Knights Hospitaller during the Crusades, this well-preserved medieval castle provides a unique insight into Cyprus' role during the Crusader era.

Omodos is a picturesque and charming village nestled in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains in Cyprus, renowned for its traditional Cypriot character, rich history and scenic beauty. Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets, where traditional stone houses, colourful flower pots and charming shops offer a glimpse into rural Cypriot life. The centrepiece of the village is the Holy Cross Monastery, one of the oldest and most significant religious sites in Cyprus. The monastery, dating back to the 12th century, is home to a revered relic, a fragment of the True Cross. Explore its beautiful courtyards, intricate frescoes and religious artifacts before enjoying the tranquil ambiance and panoramic views of the surrounding hills from the monastery grounds.

Omodos is in the heart of the Limassol wine region, and a visit to one of the local wineries is a must! We take a guided tour of one of the local wineries and learn about the ancient traditions of the Cypriot winemaking process. Of course, there is also the chance to taste some of the region’s finest wines, including local varieties like Maratheftiko and Xynisteri to round off our lovely day out.