Panoramic bus tour
Especially enjoyed the stop at the olive oil press and the extensive wide ranging knowledge of our guide. Lunch at the Stavros restaurant was disappointing - hot food barely warm, staff off-hand/rude, and drinks order did not arrive. TUI need to find a more welcoming alternative. Staff at the afternoon coffee stop at Orosimo Platres by contrast were very welcoming despite being busy.
The drive into the Troodos Mountains is a journey to another Cyprus. Rustic stone villages dot pine-studded valleys and traditional ways of life still hold sway. This small group, adults-only tour takes you into the spiritual heart of the highlands, the Kykkos Monastery, as well as the hilltop tomb of Makarios III. Eva, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Troodos Mountains are where I find my soul. There are villages where time has stood still, where people still care about one another, where you enter as a guest and leave as a friend.'
Ascending into the wild landscapes of the Troodos Mountains, you'll stop for a coffee break in a typical village. Then it's on to the star of the show, the beautiful Kykkos Monastery, perched on top Mount Kykkos. The interior is richly decorated, and you won't be able to keep your eyes off the icons and frescoes. You'll hear the legend of why its most famous icon, ‘the Golden Girl', remains half-hidden. And you'll also have some free time to wander around the grounds and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains.
We'll then visit Throni Hill and the elaborate tomb of Archbishop Makarios III. Superb views greet you before the drive down to the village of Pedoulas. Here, you'll enjoy a typical Cypriot lunch made from locally sourced ingredients in a family-run restaurant. There's time for an optional walk up to the Orthodox church of the Holy Cross, then we'll head back with a photo stop at Prodromos viewpoint and a coffee break en route.