Troodos Mountains Villages with Lampadistis Monastery from Paphos

Explore Cyprus’s Troodos Mountains Villages and UNESCO Monastery for $102.21

This full-day tour from Paphos offers an immersive experience into interior Cyprus, with visits to charming villages, iconic bridges, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For $102.21 per person, you get around 9.5 hours of sightseeing with lunch included, featuring a glass of local wine. The tour departs at 8:00 am, with pickup offered from Paphos, making it a convenient way to see some of the island’s quieter, scenic areas.

While the tour emphasizes less touristy locations like Platanisteia, Arsos, and Kalopanayiotis, it also features well-known sights such as the Tzelefos Bridge and Ayios Lambadistis Monastery. The inclusion of lunch at a family-run taverna and a visit to a Troodos winery adds local flavor to this well-rounded day. The small-group minibus makes for a comfortable, personalized experience, though it’s worth noting that the tour is suited for those with moderate physical fitness.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $102.21 for a full-day tour
• Includes lunch and a glass of wine at a local vineyard
• Visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site Ayios Lambadistis Monastery
• Stops at notable locations: Tzelefos Bridge, Platanisteia, Kalopanayiotis, and a Troodos winery
• Small-group experience with an English-speaking guide
• Average booking 15 days in advance, making it a popular choice

Starting Point and Duration of the Cyprus Mountain Tour

This 9 hour 30 minute tour from Paphos begins early at 8:00 am, with pickup included from designated meeting points. The tour ends back in Paphos, making it an easy day trip that balances sightseeing with comfort. The duration allows for a relaxed pace, giving ample time at each stop without feeling rushed.

The small-group minibus enhances the experience, providing enough space for comfort and easy interaction with the guide. This setup is ideal for travelers seeking a more intimate exploration of Cyprus’s interior rather than large coach tours. The average booking window of 15 days indicates that this trip is quite popular, so early planning is recommended.

Visiting Platanisteia: The Village of Printmaking and Tzelefos Bridge

The journey starts with a visit to Platanisteia, a small village famous for its printmaking museum. Here, the guide explains the history of Cyprus’s print industry, giving insight into the local craftsmanship. Afterward, the group heads to Tzelefos Bridge, a striking medieval stone structure surrounded by lush woodland.

The Tzelefos Bridge is part of the Venetian Bridges network within Pafos Forest, offering perfect photo opportunities with scenic natural backdrops. The location is popular among nature lovers and photographers alike. The admission is free, and the stop lasts about an hour, providing a snapshot of Cyprus’s historical engineering amid beautiful greenery.

Arsos Village: Coffee Break in a Traditional Setting

Next, the route takes travelers to Arsos, a quaint village where a coffee stop is included in the itinerary. This one-hour break allows visitors to relax, enjoy the village atmosphere, and savor a local coffee. The charm of Arsos lies in its peaceful streets and authentic feel, making it a great brief escape into rural Cyprus.

While the stop is brief, it offers a chance to stretch, take photos, or purchase local products if desired. The admission is free, and the pace allows for a leisurely experience before heading to the next highlight.

Discovering the Venetian Tzelefos Bridge in Nature

After the coffee break, the tour continues with a visit to Tzelefos Bridge, a well-preserved Venetian construction nestled deep in the forest. The one-hour stop is ideal for photographers and nature enthusiasts, with many scenic spots around the bridge.

This nature trail connects three Venetian Bridges, making it part of a larger trail network in Pafos Forest. The surrounding environment offers a peaceful setting to enjoy the outdoors. As the bridge is free to visit, this stop emphasizes the natural beauty and historical engineering of Cyprus.

Lunch in Kalopanayiotis: Traditional Flavors and Local Ingredients

Midday, the tour reaches Kalopanayiotis, a village set in a remote valley with a gentle stream flowing through. Here, travelers enjoy a two-hour lunch at a family-run taverna, where local ingredients feature prominently.

The meal promises hearty Cypriot cuisine, and a glass of local wine is included to complement the dishes. The village itself provides a picturesque backdrop with traditional architecture and a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing break before more sightseeing.

Visiting the UNESCO Ayios Lambadistis Monastery

The highlight for many is the visit to Ayios Lambadistis Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex includes three churches—Ioannis Lampadistis, Agios Irakleidios, and a Latin chapel—all under a large timber roof.

The one-hour stop features an interior tour led by the guide, explaining the significance of the monastery and its architecture. The monastery’s historical and religious relevance makes it a compelling visit amid peaceful surroundings. Entry is free, but dress code restrictions apply: knees and shoulders must be covered, so appropriate attire is advised.

Sampling Wines at a Troodos Mountain Winery

Before returning to Paphos, the tour concludes with a one-hour visit to a local winery. Here, travelers get the chance to sample regional wines, enjoying the distinct flavors of Cyprus’s wine production.

This stop offers an authentic taste of Troodos mountain’s wine culture, providing an opportunity for souvenirs or personal enjoyment. The winery visit is a popular way to cap off the day, especially for wine enthusiasts.

Practicalities and What’s Included

The tour features small-group travel in a minibus, led by an English-speaking guide. The cost covers all entrance fees, lunch, and a glass of wine at the winery. However, additional food, drinks, and souvenirs are not included.

Meeting points are in Paphos, with pickup offered, and the experience is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness. The dress code is strictly enforced at religious sites, requiring covering shoulders and knees for both men and women.

Considerations and Recommendations

While the tour is well-suited for travelers interested in authentic village life, architecture, and culture, some reviews highlight organizational issues. One reviewer experienced poor coordination, missing their scheduled pickup, which serves as a reminder to stay in contact with the tour provider after booking.

The average rating of 3.5 from four reviews suggests a generally positive experience, especially emphasizing the knowledgeable guide, scenic stops, and enjoyable lunch. The tour’s length and pace make it best for those comfortable with moderate walking and outdoor activity.

The Sum Up: A Thoughtful Way to Discover Cyprus’s Interior

This Troodos Mountains Villages tour from Paphos offers a balanced mix of history, nature, and local culture. The inclusion of UNESCO site visits, traditional cuisine, and wine tasting makes it appealing for those wanting an authentic taste of Cyprus away from the more crowded coastal areas.

While organizational hiccups can occur, the overall experience provides value for money and insightful guidance. It’s an excellent choice for adventurers and culture lovers who appreciate small-group settings and off-the-beaten-path locations. Travelers seeking a relaxed, informative day exploring Cyprus’s lesser-known villages and historical sites will find this tour a rewarding option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour from Paphos?
The tour costs $102.21 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes.

What are the main stops included?
Stops include Platanisteia, Arsos, Tzelefos Bridge, Kalopanayiotis, Ayios Lambadistis Monastery, and a Troodos winery.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a traditional lunch with a glass of wine is part of the package.

Are entrance fees included?
All entrance fees are covered in the tour price.

What should I wear for this tour?
Visitors should wear modest clothing to enter religious sites—knees and shoulders must be covered.

Is pickup offered from Paphos?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from designated locations in Paphos.

Can children participate?
Children must be accompanied by an adult; the tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness.

What about booking in advance?
The tour is typically booked 15 days in advance, so early reservations are recommended.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather, and if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.