Day 1: Arrival & transfer to hotel for check in - introduction to programme which includes the following visits:
Day 2: FD Paphos (Roman capital) & the viticulture region of Vouni Panagia
The wine tour begins with an introduction to the island's wine making history at the Cyprus Wine Museum, housed in a traditional stone building
First opportunity to try Commandaria sweet wine, the oldest named wine in the world which was first made in Cyprus in the 12th Century. It became a known wine in Medieval Europe as it travelled well - for example In Venice Commandaria was even exempt from import tax because it was considered a tonic drink.
Continue westwards for a photo stop at “Petra Tou Romiou” a chunky, rugged rock marking the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, Ancient Goddess of Love & Beauty.
Once in Paphos, visit the UNESCO-listed Roman Mosaics, most of which date back to the 3rd century AD.
Ascend the Paphos Mountains to visit Kolios Winery - at 950m altitude, the winery offers with spectacular view of the surrounding valley. This winery was founded in 1999 and has 10 hectares of its own vineyards at an altitude of 950m. The range of Cyprus wines produced by this winery is among the best half a dozen on the market. Overall production exceeds 290,000 bottles which makes this one of the largest regional wineries on the island
Your tour of the winery is followed by a home cooked lunch at the winery
Chrysorogiatissa Monastery dedicated 'To Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate'. Set in beautiful surroundings, the Monastery was originally founded in the 12th century AD although this current Monastery dates back to 1770. It used to produce its own wines on the premises.
Day 3: FD Landmarks & wine villages of Limassol (Lemesos)
Crusader Castle of Kolossi where the Knights of St John first made the sweet desert wine Commandaria
Curium archaeological site, an important ancient city kingdom which stands in solitary splendour on a massive rock ledge 70 metres above the sea.
Ascend the wine covered lower foothills of the Troodos Mountains to visit Vasa Winery, a "boutique" winery built to indulge a passion for high quality winemaking bred by a family tradition in producing wine. It is constructed from local stone panelled with wood and decorative flourishes that bring to mind a bygone era. It has its own vineyards (10 hectares) nearby at an altitude of 760m. Although total annual production remains small, their quality ensures that these wines are included among the top ranges of wine on the island.
Higher up the Mountains, the Lambouri Winery is at 900m and produces about a dozen types of wine including organic wines and Commandaria as well as having exclusive right to make kosher wine on the island.
Picturesque krasochori (wine producing) village of Omodhos – Monastery of the Holy Cross and traditional wine press – sampling of Zivania.
Day 4: FD Pitsilia viticulture region & Churches
UNESCO-listed Church of Timios Stavros at Pelendri village - decorated with frescoes from the 12th Century onwards
Tsiakkas Winery at Pelendri village, one of the prettiest wineries producing fine Cyprus wines, located in a wooded area of mountainous Pitsilia region. The building is faced with solid local stone and produces 140.000 bottles a year with three white, one rose and four red labels
Kyperounda Winery found at a village with the same name which is located at over 1000 metres altitude - their vineyards are reputed to be the highest in Europe, at 1500 metres
Day 5: Morning visit to Hadjiantonas Winery & transfer to airport for departure flight
Hadjiantonas Winery is situated in beautiful rolling countryside close to Limassol. It produces several wines of which the most well-loved are a Shiraz and Chardonnay. The semi-sparkling sweet Muscat is also very popular as is the semi-sweet Organic Sultana in 500ml bottles which created a sensation when it was released.
