PROGRAMME

Day 1 Meet at Larnaka International Airport for transfer to Paphos Settle in at the Axiothea Hotel before our Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant that specialises in Cypriot food.

Day 2 The morning will be spent discovering and learning about the history of Paphos. The town was founded about 300BC and was subsequently settled by the Romans so for the serious enthusiast exploration here would take many days. Alas we have only the morning and early afternoon however with the aid of a local expert we will discover much before departure for the Akamas Peninsula and the delightful Aphodite Beach Hotel which will our home for the next two days. Dinner is included.

Day 3 This is a day of hiking. Our start point is the western point of the Akamas Peninsula which we reach by boat. Once we have disembarked we explore trails that lead us back east above the turquoise ocean with views on a clear day of the distant south coast of Turkey. Our route will allow us the opportunity to swim before we return to the Aphrodite Beach Hotel in time to relax before dinner.

Day 4 We leave the coast and drive up into the Troodos Mountains. Our base will be Kakopetria and the charming Old Mill Hotel. Kakopetria sits in the Solea Valley at an altitude of just over 2,000 feet and has in large measure been placed under a preservation order. In the Troodos Pano Platres is considered by most to be “The place to stay” but Kakopetria is the, as yet, undiscovered gem. After settling in we will make the five minute journey to the 11th century church of Agios Nikolaos. As you will be free for dinner there is an excellent range of charming opportunities to sample local food and wine.

Day 5 A short drive will take us close to the summit of Mt Olympos from where our hike starts. Our route takes us through beautiful pine forest, past the walls of Venetian fortifications and surprisingly through a ski area. Olympos is the only part of Cyprus that catches snow though the runs are rather short. If we have clear conditions we should see the distant peaks of Turkeys Taurus Mountains. Our hike will be 9 klms with almost no ascent. Second night at the Mill Hotel.

Day 6 Our days hike is named The Camel Trail and is a route cut through the hills by the Venetians to improve communications and trade. At one time copper was mined high up in the Troodos and it was camels that were used to carry it down to Paphos on the coast. The route is about 9 miles with 500 feet ascent and is famous these days as being the route which crosses the Venetian bridges will still stand. Third night at Mill hotel.

Day 7 We depart for Turkey, or rather Turkish Cyprus. We make our way to Nicosia, cross into Turkey and meet our local guide John Chawner. Our route takes takes us by the great castle of St Hilarion which predates the Crusades and was garrisoned until well into the Venetian period. Standing at a lofty perch of 2,600 feet the castle has a stupendous outlook over Kyrenia and to the distant shore of mainland Turkey. Later we join Deirdre Guthrie at her home of The Gardens of Irini where some of us will be accommodated while others will be next door. We dine el fresco with Deirdre – a sumptuous welcome to North Cyprus.

Days 8/9/10. These will be days spent hiking with John Chawner in his back yard – North Cyprus and the Kyrenia Range. Each day will be tailored to meet our needs according to the temperature and our fitness level. Lunches will be treat provided by John’s wife and nights will be at the Gardens of Irini. Dinner is provided on two of our four nights here giving you the opportunity on two nights to perhaps meander down in the evening to dine by enchanting Bellapais Abbey.

Day 11 We again cross the “Green Line” leaving “Turkey” for the south and Larnaka. We will arrive in town early enough to enjoy a stroll to Larnaka Fort. Built by the Ottoman Turks in 1625 the fort today is a museum and being in a seafront position offers a last chance to dip our feet in the lapping water of the ocean before our Farewell Dinner.

Day 12 Departure from Larnaka International Airport.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
 

COST
$3590. Single Supplement $675.
This hiking tour is 12 days and 11 nights duration.

HOW TO GET TO CYPRUS
Fly via Athens or any other major European center

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE
Eight, plus guides

GUIDES
Leading the hike will be Dig Bulmer assisted by John Chawner

ACCOMMODATIONS
 

MEALS
 

TRANSPORT
Air conditioned mini bus

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
Hiking boots with a good sole, CamelBack for water, walking stick, rain jacket and pants (though rain is unlikely), gloves of the fingerless type are helpful when hiking in case of falls on sharp rocks, sun hat/glasses, hiking pants that zip off to make shorts, swim suit.

CLIMATE
Cyprus has a typically Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters.  In May the average maximum temperature is about 75F.

EXTRA COSTS
Lunches (Allow approximately $5 per day); 6 dinners (Allow approximately $15 for a good meal with wine).