Tour to Troodos, Kykkos Monastery, Omodos and Winery from Paphos

Taking a day trip through Cyprus’s Troodos Mountains offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, cultural sites, and delicious local wines. We’ve looked into this tour, and while we haven’t joined personally, the detailed itinerary, lovely reviews, and overall reputation suggest it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to see a different side of the island beyond the beaches.

What really appeals is how this tour combines several highlights into one day — a scenic drive through cedar forests, visits to traditional villages, a famous monastery, and a winery tasting. Plus, it’s well-structured for comfort and convenience, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is the tour’s pace. Some reviews hint that the schedule can be a bit brisk, and you’ll be spending limited time at each stop, which might not satisfy travelers eager to linger longer at each site. Still, for those wanting a broad overview with manageable logistics, this tour could be quite rewarding.

It’s best suited for curious travelers who want a taste of Cyprus’s cultural and historical riches without too much fuss, and who enjoy scenic drives and wine tasting. If you’re after a relaxing, informative day that hits many of the country’s highlights, this tour is worth considering.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day experience combining nature, culture, and wine.
• Convenient hotel transfers simplify logistics, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the area.
• Multiple stops make sightseeing easy without having to organize separate visits.
• Guided commentary enriches understanding of each site and local traditions.
• Limited time at each location means you’ll see highlights but may not explore every site in depth.
• Great value for the price, with included wine tastings and transportation.

Exploring the Troodos Mountains and Beyond

The tour kicks off early in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Paphos. This is perfect for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of taxis or public transport, as the trip includes comfortable air-conditioned vehicle transfers. The drive itself is quite scenic, weaving through mountain villages and lush landscapes, giving you a feel for the island’s rural side.

Omodos Village: A Slice of Traditional Cyprus

Your first stop is Omodos, a beautiful village famous for its cobblestone streets and charming square. It’s a place that feels like stepping back in time — narrow alleys lined with old stone houses, quaint cafes, and craft shops. It’s an ideal spot for photos or a quick browse for souvenirs.

Travelers often comment that 40 minutes is enough to soak in the atmosphere, take some pictures, and maybe enjoy a coffee or local treats. As one reviewer put it, “This is my second time to Troodos, and every moment was memorable,” highlighting how charming this village remains even on repeat visits.

Kykkos Monastery: The Crown Jewel

Next, the tour takes you through scenic mountain routes to Kykkos Monastery, the most renowned religious site on the island. The monastery’s impressive architecture and peaceful setting are complemented by its significant religious relics, including a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. The legend says it was painted by St. Luke himself, adding to its spiritual allure.

You’ll have around 40 minutes here to explore, appreciate the art and architecture, and perhaps do some shopping for local products outside the monastery grounds. The monastery’s significance and stunning location make it a highlight of the trip, often praised by visitors for its serenity and beauty.

The Tomb of Archbishop Makarios III

From the monastery, the tour takes you to Mount Throni to visit the grave of Cyprus’s first president and spiritual leader, Archbishop Makarios III. Sitting at 1,318 meters, the tomb is not only a monument to a key figure but also offers a chance to understand Cyprus’s recent history and its blend of politics and religion.

Reviewers have noted that this site is an important cultural marker, and the connection to national history adds depth to the experience. The 40-minute stop allows for reflection and appreciation of the country’s journey, making this more than just a sightseeing point.

Free Time in Troodos and Lunch Break

After these cultural visits, you get about an hour and 10 minutes to relax, enjoy a meal, or do some shopping. While the tour doesn’t include a meal, this break gives you the freedom to find something local and fresh. The timing is designed to keep the day moving smoothly without feeling rushed, though some might find it tight if they want a leisurely lunch.

Lambouri Winery: A Taste of Local Vintages

No trip to Cyprus is complete without a stop at a winery, especially one that offers tasting of traditional wines like Commandaria and Zivania. The Lambouri Winery provides a relaxed setting to sample and learn about local wine-making traditions. You’ll have around 30 minutes here, which is enough to taste several varieties and perhaps pick up a bottle or two to take home.

Guests consistently enjoy the opportunity to sample quality wines and appreciate the chance to learn about Cyprus’s winemaking history. A visitor noted, “Good trip to Troodos. Everything well organised,” highlighting the smooth flow of the winery visit.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, making it a substantial but manageable day out. The group size is capped at 19 travelers, which usually means a more intimate experience compared to larger bus tours. The cost, around $59.15 per person, offers good value considering the included transportation, guide, and tastings.

Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, especially since you’ll be exploring villages and monasteries that often have cobblestone streets. Also, remember that shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting religious sites, so dress accordingly.

If you’re sensitive to mountain roads, bringing motion sickness medication might make your day more comfortable. Weather can vary, so check the forecast and dress in layers.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, guided commentary, air-conditioned transportation, and free wine tastings—a lovely bonus that adds to the overall value. Lunch and any private expenses are not included, so plan for some cash or cards if you want a meal or souvenirs.

Cancellation and Flexibility

Booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides some peace of mind, especially if your plans change. The tour is weather-dependent; if it’s canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Looking through reviews, most guests seem pleased, giving the tour an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5. Many praise the organization, the guide’s knowledge, and the variety of sites visited. One said, “The guide was very informative and interesting, with no hard sell,” which suggests a relaxed atmosphere.

A few negative comments mention the pace being a little rushed and the guide and driver sometimes appearing less friendly. While these are isolated, they remind us that individual experiences can vary.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers wanting a well-organized, culturally rich day. It’s suited to those who enjoy scenic drives, historical sites, and wine tasting without the hassle of planning every detail. If you’re after a relaxed way to see some of the best sights in the Troodos region, with the comfort of hotel transfers, this could be a good fit.

However, if you prefer to linger longer at fewer sites or are very sensitive to mountain driving, you might find the schedule a bit tight. Also, those looking for a deep dive into history or religious art might want to supplement this tour with additional visits later.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a pretty balanced look at what makes Cyprus distinctive — from its mountain scenery and centuries-old monasteries to its lively villages and wines. It’s a solid choice if you’re keen to experience a slice of traditional life and culture in a single day.

The value is quite good, considering all the stops and inclusions, especially if you enjoy tasting local wines and learning about Cyprus’s heritage. The tour’s pace and the time spent at each site make it suitable for travelers who want a taste rather than an exhaustive exploration.

Overall, it’s best for curious travelers, wine lovers, and those keen on cultural sights who appreciate comfort and convenience. If these sound like your priorities, you’ll likely find this day trip a memorable part of your Cyprus adventure.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, making it a full but comfortable day out.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from Paphos, which simplifies your day.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since there will be some walking at villages and monasteries. Also, remember to cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites.

Can I taste wine during the tour?
Absolutely. The winery visit includes free tastings of local wines like Commandaria and Zivania.

Is there free time at the stops?
Yes, there’s about 40 minutes at Omodos, 40 minutes at Kykkos, and 30 minutes at the winery, with a bit over an hour for lunch and rest.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour packs a lot into one day, blending natural beauty, history, and local flavors. It’s a dependable choice for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free experience of Cyprus’s mountainous heartland.