mountain Christmas villages tour

Explore Cyprus’s Charming Mountain Christmas Villages for €77.82

The mountain Christmas villages tour offers a festive journey through some of Cyprus’s most picturesque mountain towns during the holiday season. Priced at $77.82 per person, this 8-hour guided excursion departs from Larnaca and promises scenic views, charming markets, and traditional holiday cheer. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with pickup included and a mobile ticket option, making it convenient to join. While lunch is not included, the stops at notable villages like Lefkara, Fikardou, Agros, and Kyperounta provide plenty of sightseeing and photo opportunities.

This tour emphasizes cultural highlights, local markets, and beautiful mountain scenery, making it ideal for visitors seeking an authentic Cypriot Christmas experience. A key strength is the friendly, informative guide who also serves as the driver, ensuring a smooth and engaging day. However, travelers should note the limited time at each stop, which is generally 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, so full immersion at each location is not possible. Still, this tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of the mountain villages decorated for the holidays.

Key Points

• Price: $77.82 per person, booked about 40 days in advance
• Duration: Approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am
• Stops include: Kyperounta, Agros, Fikardou, and Pano Lefkara
• Transport: Air-conditioned vehicle with an in-person guide who also drives
• Highlights: Christmas markets, scenic mountain views, historical villages
• Food: Lunch is not included, but local eateries are available at some stops

Starting Point and Tour Logistics in Larnaca

This tour begins at ADVENTURES CYPRUS RENTALS & TOURS, located at Ayiou Lazarou 4, Larnaca. The meeting time is 9:00 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. The vehicle used is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort on the roughly 8-hour journey through the mountain villages. The tour offers a pickup service, making it easy to join without hassle.

With a maximum group size of 20 travelers, the experience remains intimate yet lively. The small group setting is ideal for engaging with the guide, who shares interesting facts about each stop. The mobile ticket makes it convenient to access the tour, and the confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Discover the Festive Spirit at Kyperounta’s Christmas Market

The tour kicks off with a 45-minute stop in Kyperounta, a village famous for its apples, wines, and grapevines. During Christmas, the village becomes a magical holiday scene, with twinkling lights lining uphill roads and festive decorations adorning the streets. The market here offers a chance to see local produce and holiday crafts, setting a cheerful tone for the day.

Kyperounta’s scenic mountain location and uphill roads lined with grapevines make for some beautiful photos. Visitors appreciate the relaxed pace and the opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere in this charming village. There’s no admission fee, so this stop simply offers a chance to soak in the mountain charm.

Agros: A Festive Mountain Village with Rose Gardens and Cured Meats

Next, the tour heads to Agros, a picturesque mountain village also known for its roses and cured meats. The village transforms into a holiday wonderland at Christmas, with streets decorated with twinkling lights and cheerful ornaments. The 45-minute visit allows time to explore the traditional stone houses and browse the festive market stalls.

In Agros, visitors find a local market bustling with holiday spirit, offering regional specialties like cured meats and locally produced rose products. This stop balances cultural insight with photo opportunities, and the friendly market atmosphere garners appreciation. While a quick stop, it provides a genuine taste of mountain village holiday traditions.

Fikardou: A UNESCO-Listed Village Turned Christmas Retreat

The tour’s longest stop is in Fikardou, a fully restored medieval village, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 1 hour 30 minutes here give ample time to wander cobblestone streets and admire stone-built houses decorated for Christmas. Fikardou’s characterful architecture and historical charm make it a highlight for history buffs and photo enthusiasts.

Fikardou’s Christmas market adds a festive flair, with local crafts and seasonal decorations. The village’s peaceful atmosphere offers a break from busier towns, and the restored buildings showcase the village’s enduring heritage. Visitors enjoy this stop’s authenticity and scenic setting.

Pano Lefkara: Famous for Lace and Silver Handicrafts

The journey concludes with Pano Lefkara, a town renowned for its lacework and silver handicrafts. During Christmas, the village becomes a magical scene, with twinkling lights illuminating its narrow streets. The 45-minute stop allows visitors to explore shops, admire lace and jewelry, and enjoy the festive market.

Pano Lefkara’s European recognition for beauty makes it a favorite for photo opportunities and shopping. The village’s cultural heritage shines through, with craftspeople showcasing their work amid holiday decorations. This stop offers a beautiful and authentic end to the day’s journey.

The Guide and Experience Quality

The guide is described as friendly and knowledgeable, providing interesting facts about each village. Guiding and driving are handled by the same person, ensuring a cohesive experience. The small group size facilitates interaction and a more personalized feel.

While lunch is not included, local taverns and markets provide options for a meal if desired. The tour works well for those who appreciate cultural sights and scenic mountain views without a focus on extensive walking or physical activity.

Considerations and Weather Cancellations

The tour is dependent on good weather, and poor weather may lead to cancellations. In such cases, travelers are offered a different date or a full refund. Since the stops involve outdoor markets and village walking, good weather enhances the experience but requires some flexibility.

Travelers should plan for comfortable clothing and sensible footwear to enjoy walking around the villages and markets. The limited time at each stop means it’s best suited for those who want a taste of mountain villages rather than an in-depth exploration.

Final Thoughts on the Mountain Christmas Villages Tour

This 8-hour guided tour from Larnaca offers a festive look at Cyprus’s mountain villages adorned with Christmas cheer. The combination of scenic drives, charming markets, and historic villages makes it a great choice for holiday visitors wanting an authentic seasonal experience. The friendly guide, well-organized logistics, and beautiful stops are key strengths.

However, the short durations at each site mean the focus is on overview rather than deep exploration. The lack of included lunch implies that participants should plan to dine at the stops if they wish. This tour provides a good balance of scenery, culture, and holiday spirit, particularly suited for those interested in traditional mountain villages and Christmas markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and children likely enjoy exploring the villages and markets.

What’s the tour price?
The tour costs $77.82 per person.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included, but local eateries are available at some stops.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am.

What are the main stops?
Stops include Kyperounta, Agros, Fikardou, and Pano Lefkara.

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup is included from the designated meeting point.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for walking around the villages and markets.

Are there any physical requirements?
The stops involve walking on cobbled streets and moderate outdoor activity, suitable for most passengers.

Who operates the tour?
The experience is provided by Adventures Cy Rentals & Tours.