Saturday, March 22, 2025 - Monday, March 31, 2025
Cyprus,
International,
Cyprus
Cyprus is an island country located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Although geographically in Western Asia, its cultural and political ties are more tied to Europe, however, at this crossroads between Europe and Asia, it has absorbed the influences of both. The southwestern portion of the island is an independent country with a heavy Greek influence, while the northeast is the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Cyprus has been renowned since ancient times for its natural beauty and superb wines. This ten day adventure will allow us to experience the authentic Mediterranean on a walking tour of Cyprus, discovering both the Troodos Mountains and the Akamas Peninsula. Our hikes will take us through olive groves, vineyards and orchards on pine-clad mountains, and along rivers and beaches. We will explore the divided capital of Nicosia on foot as well as the history and culture of this island where UNESCO World Heritage Sites are plentiful. The small traditional village of Droushia with its stone built houses with carved doors and windows will be our base for four nights which will enable us to hike through lovely countryside filled with vineyards and villages. A free day gives us a chance to relax or visit the nearby archaeological site in Paphos, another UNESCO World heritage site dating from Roman times. The site has intricate mosaic floors of four Roman villas which depict various scenes from Greek Mythology. The complex also includes other important monuments, ruins of an Early Christian Basilica, and the Tombs of the Kings. To finish the trip we have a short transfer to a beach hotel for our last two nights, from which we can explore the coast on two spectacular hikes in an unspoiled area of great natural beauty. During the trip we will view colorful and well-preserved frescoes in a Byzantine Monastery and explore the Baths of Aphrodite, where, according to Greek Mythology, she bathed. Our experience is further enhanced by staying in superior accommodations, in villages and on the coast. Delicious local food awaits us whether we eat in a taverna, from a street vendor or in a nice restaurant. Excluding breaks, on the hiking days we will usually hike from four to six hours per day, between six and nine miles, with elevation gains between 1,000 and 2,400 feet. We will hike at a moderate pace, which will permit time for photos and rest breaks. Participants should be in excellent shape and be able to hike for most of the day, several days in a row.
