FROM PAPHOS: Island Roundtrip (Lefkara, Nicosia, Larnaca)

Discover Cyprus’s Charms in a Full-Day Island Tour

This full-day tour from Paphos offers an engaging way to see some of the most memorable sights in Cyprus. Priced with a focus on convenience, it includes round-trip transportation and a live English-speaking guide, making it ideal for visitors eager to cover Lefkara, Nicosia, and Larnaca in one day. With a duration of 9.5 hours, this tour balances sightseeing with free time, giving you a genuine taste of the island’s diverse landscapes and cultural highlights.

While the tour offers a well-rounded experience, some stops are brief, which suits those interested in a quick overview rather than in-depth exploration. The tour’s highlights include Lefkara’s lace village, the Green Line in Nicosia, and the St. Lazarus Church in Larnaca. Expect to see notable landmarks, enjoy some shopping, and capture photos at scenic spots like the Salt Lake’s flamingo habitat in winter.

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Key Points

• Full-day guided tour covering Lefkara, Nicosia, and Larnaca with round-trip transport from Paphos
• Includes visits to Lefkara village, Nicosia’s Green Line, and St. Lazarus Church
• Duration of 9.5 hours, with scheduled stops and 2 hours of free time in Nicosia
• Photo stops at Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque and Salt Lake, especially scenic in winter
• Suitable for those interested in Cyprus’s history, culture, and landscapes; not ideal for wheelchair users
• No entrance fees, meals, or drinks included, so plan accordingly

Starting from Paphos: Convenient Pickup Locations

This tour departs from multiple pickup points in Paphos, including Athena Beach Hotel, Louis Phaethon Beach, and Coral Beach Hotel. Travelers staying in apartments should select the closest pickup point due to accessibility limits. The tour begins early in the morning, with all guests advised to be ready 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup. Some hotels in Paphos offer a 5-minute drive for pickup, simplifying access for many.

Transport is by comfortable bus or coach, with a total driving time of around 4.5 hours across the day’s itinerary. The journey is punctuated by guided commentary and scenic views, setting the tone for a comprehensive exploration of Cyprus.

Exploring Lefkara’s Lace and Silver Village

First stop is Pano Lefkara, a village renowned for lace-making and silver craftsmanship. The guided visit lasts about an hour, allowing a close look at how Lefkara laces are created. Visitors can purchase original Lefkara products, known for their fine embroidery and traditional style.

The village’s narrow streets and local shops offer a glimpse into Cyprus’s artisanal heritage. Expect to see artisans at work and shop for souvenirs such as handmade lace or jewelry. The quiet charm of Lefkara makes it a highlight for those interested in traditional crafts.

Nicosia’s Green Line and the Capital’s Unique Divide

The tour’s next major stop is Nicosia, the island’s capital city, where a guided tour of the Green Line introduces visitors to the dividing boundary between the Greek Cypriot south and Turkish Cypriot north. Your guide provides context about the Cyprus conflict and the significance of the United Nations Buffer Zone.

You get 2 hours of free time to wander the Old Quarter, especially Laiki Geitonia, a lively street lined with cafes, shops, and local crafts. This walk offers opportunities to browse lace, pottery, and local delicacies, making it perfect for a relaxed exploration. The time is enough to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed, and there are options for shopping and enjoying a leisurely lunch at nearby tavernas or cafes.

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Larnaca’s Byzantine Heritage and Religious Sites

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to Larnaca, home to the St. Lazarus Church, a prime example of Byzantine architecture. This church is dedicated to St. Lazarus, who, according to Christian tradition, was raised from the dead by Jesus. Visitors can admire its combination of Byzantine, Gothic, and Frankish architectural elements.

The guided tour of Larnaca lasts about an hour, with opportunities to explore the church’s interior and learn about its historical and religious significance. The church remains an active religious site and a key part of Cyprus’s spiritual identity.

Scenic Photo Stops at Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque

A brief photo stop at the Salt Lake offers views of winter flamingos, a favored sight in this season, although the lake is less spectacular outside of winter. The Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, situated on the lake’s edge, is another notable landmark. This stop provides scenic photos and a chance to appreciate the peaceful landscape that makes the Salt Lake a unique feature of Larnaca.

The stops last about 15 minutes, giving enough time for photos and observing the tranquil environment, especially if flamingos are present.

Efficient Route Covering 480 Kilometers in a Day

Throughout the day, the itinerary covers approximately 480 km, with brief stops for sightseeing, photo opportunities, and refreshment. The total driving time is around 4.5 hours, balanced with guided explanations and free time in Nicosia.

The schedule is designed to maximize sightseeing while maintaining a comfortable pace. However, travelers should be prepared for some walking at each stop and short durations in villages and markets.

Practical Info: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price includes round-trip transportation, a live English-speaking guide, and photo stops at the Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque. However, entrance fees, meals, and drinks are not included. Travelers should budget for lunch in Nicosia and any additional purchases at villages.

Guests are advised to bring passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, and carry sunscreen, water, and a hat. The tour does not accommodate non-folding wheelchairs, and food in the vehicle is not permitted.

The Experience According to Feedback

This tour’s strengths include the knowledgeable guides who explain the history of Nicosia’s division and the crafts of Lefkara. The scenic views at Salt Lake and the cultural insights amid the villages add value. Some reviews praise the efficient organization and quick arrangements for last-minute bookings, making it accessible even on short notice.

However, the tour’s short stops and tight schedule mean that not all locations can be explored in depth. Some find the time in villages a bit rushed, but overall, the tour delivers a comprehensive snapshot of Cyprus’s highlights.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This guided roundtrip is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see key sites in a single day. It suits those interested in local crafts, history, and religious sites, and who prefer organized transportation and commentary.

Travelers with limited time in Cyprus will appreciate the efficient itinerary, but those seeking a more relaxed experience might prefer longer visits or private tours. Since wheelchair access is limited, alternative arrangements may be necessary for some guests.

The Sum Up: A Well-Structured Day to Discover Cyprus

This 9.5-hour tour from Paphos offers a reliable way to see Lefkara, Nicosia, and Larnaca in a single day, combining cultural sites, scenic spots, and local traditions. The guided commentary enriches understanding of Cyprus’s history and current landscape, while the free time in Nicosia allows some personal exploration.

While the pace can be brisk, the tour provides a good overview for those eager to experience different facets of the island without the hassle of organizing transportation or guides. The scenic stops, local crafts, and historical insights make it a worthwhile choice for first-time visitors or those with limited time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While the tour involves walking and some time on the bus, it can suit families with children comfortable with a full day of sightseeing. Physical accessibility is limited for non-folding wheelchairs.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring your passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, and carry sunscreen, water, and a hat. Photography is encouraged at scenic spots, but food in the vehicle is not permitted.

Are meals included in the tour price?
No, meals and drinks are not included. There are options for lunch in Nicosia at your own expense.

How long is each stop?
Stops in Lefkara and Larnaca are about an hour each, with 2 hours allocated for free time in Nicosia. The Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke stop lasts about 15 minutes.

What are the pickup and drop-off points?
Pickup is available at several hotels in Paphos, with some pickups within a 5-minute drive for accessibility. Drop-off points are the same as the pickup locations.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your plans.

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