Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, was born out of the foaming waves just off the coast of the Akamas Peninsula. When her lover Adonis was killed, his blood became the scarlet anemones that are splashed over the mountain slopes; her tears, the fresh rivers and waterfalls that make the island rich and fertile. Our travels will take us into the untouched interior.

Mount Olympus
We begin with a walking tour through the winding alleys and elegant tree-lined boulevards of medieval Nicosia/Lefkosia. Then, driving into the mountains, we head first to the Solea Valley where we visit the church of Panagia Assinou with its vivid 12th century frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible. On foot, we'll explore the trails and forest of the island's highest peak, Mount Olympus (1951m), and should be rewarded with sweeping views down to the distant coast.

Walking in the Troodos Mountains
Following tracks from village to village in the Troodos, we enjoy the invigorating scent of cedar forests. On our rambles we'll explore timeless villages clustered around church squares and see almond groves, cherry orchards and verdant vineyards gracing terraced slopes. This is the place to unwind and appreciate the slow pace of life in the rural interior, well away from crowded tourist haunts.

Akamas Peninsula
Lastly we venture into the north western region known as the Akamas Peninsula to explore its forested trails and dramatic coast. Gorges give way to isolated sandy beaches and rocky inlets, where loggerhead turtles come to breed. We'll see beautiful mosaics and visit the magnificent Greco-Roman theatre at Kourion before finally returning to Larnaka.

Day 1 Join Larnaka. 2 Walk in Old Nicosia; drive Troodos mountains via Solea Valley; Mount Olympus walk. 3 Walk to Pedoulas (6-7hrs). 4 Walk to Milikouri via Platy Valley (4-5hrs); transfer to Pedoulas. 5 Drive Baths of Aphrodite on Akamas Peninsula; visit Kykko Monastery and Cedar Valley en route. 6 Visit Baths; optional walk Aphrodite nature trail (3-5hrs); stay Baths of Aphrodite. 7 Hike Kathikas to Agios Georgios tis Pegeias; walk to the Avagas Gorge (5-6hrs). 8 Visit Tombs of Kings, House of Dionysos mosaics at Paphos and Kourion; drive Larnaka. 9 End Larnaka.

Accommodation: 8nts hotel; 7 breakfasts included.
Transport: Bus/On foot.
Comment: Moderate walking on well defined tracks/paths between Troodos villages and along coastal trails of the rugged Akamas Peninsula (5-7 hours a day). We also include the island's most impressive cultural sites. Main luggage is transported between night stops during the hike.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s).
Trip Reference: CY