This comprehensive day trip offers a taste of mountain air, ancient traditions, and stunning scenery in Cyprus. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines nature, history, and local flavors, perfect for those wanting to see both the rural and spiritual sides of the island. While the 8-hour journey involves a fair amount of travel, the stops are thoughtfully paced, and the guides are praised for their knowledge.
What we particularly like about this tour is how it balances beautiful vistas and cultural insights. You’ll get to walk through charming villages, explore historic monasteries, and enjoy a relaxed wine tasting. However, the bus ride between stops can be a bit long — so be prepared for some hours on the road. This trip suits curious travelers who appreciate a mix of scenery, history, and authentic local experiences.
If you’re looking for a guided day that offers value for money and a snapshot of Cypriot life outside the city, this tour ticks those boxes. It’s ideal for those who want a flexible, well-structured taste of the Troodos Mountains and nearby attractions without the hassle of self-driving.
Key Points
- Scenic Mountain Views: Enjoy the lush greenery and breathtaking vistas of the Troodos Mountains.
- Authentic Village Experience: Walk through the cobbled streets of Omodos, a traditional Cypriot village.
- Historic Monasteries: Visit Kykkos Monastery, home to a revered icon of the Virgin Mary and significant religious treasures.
- Cultural and Religious Significance: Explore the Tomb of Cyprus’s first president, Archbishop Makarios III.
- Wine and Food: Experience a guided wine tasting at Lambouri Winery, sampling local Commandaria and Zivania.
- Comfortable Transportation: Fully insured, air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly, knowledgeable guide.
The highlight of this tour is the Troodos Mountains. We loved the way the landscape transitions from the coastal heat to the cooler, greener heights. The mountain air feels crisp, and the views of the forests and distant villages are truly memorable. The journey through winding roads offers plenty of photo opportunities, especially at the lookout points.
While the mountain scenery is undoubtedly the main draw, it’s also worth noting that the tour’s timing allows for a good amount of free time here — roughly 70 minutes for lunch, shopping, or simply soaking in the atmosphere. The tour operator ensures you’re not rushed, so you can truly savor the peaceful environment.
You can check availability for your dates here:Omodos Village: A Walk Through Tradition
At the foot of the mountains, Omodos welcomes visitors with its cobbled streets, vineyards, and friendly atmosphere. We enjoyed walking among the stone houses and stopping at local shops. The guided walk (around 40 minutes) features the Timios Stavros Monastery, known for holding a piece of the Holy Cross and the Holy Rope, making it a place of deep spiritual importance.
Reviewers appreciate the authenticity of Omodos, with one noting, “We saw Aphrodite’s rock, Omodos village, Kykkos monastery, tomb of Makarios and tasted wine in a winery. During the trip we saw villages and Troodos mountains.” The village’s charm is genuine, and the opportunity to taste local wines in a traditional setting adds to the experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Omodos.
Kykkos Monastery: A Religious Landmark
The main monastery of the trip, Kykkos, is renowned for its icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to be painted by St. Luke. The monastery, founded in the 11th century, stands as one of Cyprus’s most significant religious sites. Inside, the atmosphere is serene, and the art and icons reflect centuries of devotion.
The terrace offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills, making it a favorite spot for photos. Visitors should note the dress code — shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting religious sites, so come prepared with modest clothing.
The Tomb of Archbishop Makarios III
On Mount Throni, overlooking Kykkos, lies the final resting place of Cyprus’s first president. This site is part pilgrimage, part historical curiosity. The setting amid mountain scenery makes it a contemplative stop, and it’s a chance to connect with Cyprus’s recent history through the life of Makarios.
The Winery: Tastings and Local Spirits
The tour concludes with a visit to Lambouri Winery. Here, you can sample famous Commandaria, a sweet, rich dessert wine, along with Zivania, a traditional spirit. Reviewers rave about the quality and authenticity of the wines — one said, “You might find the wine tasting a real highlight,” and indeed, it’s a fitting way to end the day.
The journey is comfortably managed with a fully insured, air-conditioned vehicle driven by a professional guide. The group size is not specified but seems to be small enough for personal attention. Pickup points are conveniently located at numerous Paphos hotels and resorts, although you should arrive 10 minutes early at your designated spot.
The full-day schedule includes multiple stops, with the longest bus ride being about an hour between some points. This is important to consider if you’re sensitive to long periods of travel; bringing water and motion sickness remedies can help.
Timing is well-coordinated — the first pickup is around 8 hours before the final drop-off, with plenty of time built-in for each stop. Lunch is not included, but there’s enough time to enjoy a meal in Omodos or at the winery. Be aware that snacks or drinks are not provided, and you’ll want to bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and perhaps a light jacket for mountain cooler temperatures.
More Great Tours NearbyPrice and Value
At a competitive price point, this tour offers a good balance of guided insight, scenic beauty, and cultural discovery. The inclusion of hotel pickup, guide, and wine tasting adds value, especially compared to self-guided options. While extra expenses like lunch and souvenirs are on you, the core experience is well-priced for what it delivers.
This tour is perfect for history buffs, wine enthusiasts, and nature lovers who want a structured day exploring Cyprus’s heartland. It suits travelers who appreciate a good mix of guided narration, scenic stops, and cultural sites. The pace is comfortable but involves some long bus rides, so it may not suit those with mobility issues or very young children.
If you enjoy discovering authentic villages, visiting historic monasteries, and sampling local wines, you’ll find this trip rewarding. It’s also a great way to get a broad overview of the rural and spiritual essence of Cyprus in just one day.
Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off at numerous locations in Paphos. You should arrive 10 minutes early at your designated meeting point.
How long is the bus ride between stops?
Most bus rides are about an hour or less, with some shorter segments. Be prepared for a fair amount of time on the road, which is necessary to reach the various sites across the mountains.
What should I bring for the trip?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, water, and motion sickness prevention are recommended. Remember to dress modestly for religious sites like monasteries.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. There’s ample time in Omodos or at the winery to find a local restaurant or café.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak seasons. You can cancel up to 24 hours before if needed, with a full refund.
Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, due to the walking involved and the mountain roads.
This Paphos day trip offers a well-balanced combination of breathtaking scenery, historic sites, and local flavors. It’s a splendid way to see the best of Cyprus’s mountainous interior without the stress of self-driving. The knowledgeable guides, authentic experiences, and stunning vistas make it a worthwhile outing for those eager to understand Cyprus beyond its beaches.
While the bus rides are lengthy, the stops are worthwhile, and the chance to taste local wine adds a special touch. For travelers seeking a mix of nature, culture, and gastronomy in a scenic setting, this tour provides a memorable snapshot of Cyprus’s rural soul.
If your interests lie in exploring mountain monasteries, charming villages, and tasting regional wines, this trip is a solid choice. It’s especially suited to those who want a guided experience ensuring they won’t miss the highlights, all wrapped in a day of discovery and authentic local charm.
You can check availability for your dates here: