Park Beach Hotel, Limassol, Cyprus - All Inclusive - 21 nights

After a short drive along the Limassol coastal road, we find ourselves at the Sea Sponge Exhibition Centre, where visitors can see how these famous natural sea sponges and loofahs are cleaned and made ready for use. With beautiful handmade natural soaps and olive oil beauty products also available, take the chance to do some souvenir shopping here.

We then enjoy a stroll past Limassol Castle, where it is said that Richard the Lionheart married his Princess Berengaria, visit the old mosque and the beautiful Ayia Napa Cathedral, a symbol of the country's rich heritage. There are lots of lovely handicraft shops in this area too and the local square is a lovely spot for a coffee before we return to the hotel.

We take a drive inland to the beautiful village of Lefkara, famed for its lace (Lefkaritika), silverware and traditional embroidery. A common sight in the village is groups of women sitting in the narrow village streets working on their fine embroidery, just as they have for centuries. According to local legend, Leonardo da Vinci visited the village in 1481 and purchased a lace cloth for the main altar of the Duomo di Milano.

The village is known for its skilled silversmiths who produce fine filigree work too, and there is also a small Cyprus delight factory, where generations of the same family have been making these traditional sweets known as loukoumi. Or the folklore museum is well worth a visit, which shows visitors what life was like in Cyprus a hundred years ago. Set around a large courtyard with an outdoor oven and pomegranate and citrus trees, the museum is located in a restored house and exhibits the furniture and effects of a wealthy family, along with local costumes and examples of the Lefkara lace and silverwork.

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 15^th-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 12^th 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.