Treasures of Troodos Mountain from Paphos Town

If you’re dreaming of a full day exploring Cyprus’s scenic interior, this “Treasures of Troodos Mountain” tour might catch your eye. It promises a visit to the stunning mountains, a visit to the famous Kykkos Monastery, and the chance to wander through picturesque villages like Omodos—all with the added convenience of hotel pickup in Paphos. We haven’t done this trip ourselves, but based on the info and reviews, it’s worth considering if you want an efficient way to see some of Cyprus’s highlights in a day.

What we like about this tour? First, it offers the chance to see the Kykkos Monastery, a highlight for many travelers thanks to its beautiful icons and frescoes—an essential stop for anyone interested in Cypriot culture. Second, the included lunch and local wine add a nice touch, giving you a taste of the region’s hospitality without extra hassle. However, a concern is the long pickup times for some guests, especially if you’re staying far from Paphos, which can make the day feel a bit longer than expected. This trip seems best suited for those who enjoy a guided experience with a mix of history, scenery, and local flavor.

Key Points

• Highlights include the Kykkos Monastery and Omodos Village with guided walks ensuring you get context and insights.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from Paphos make logistics easier.
• Lunch with a glass of local wine adds value and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Limited time at each stop means you get a taste, but not an in-depth exploration.
• Reviews praise the guides and views, but note some stops may feel brief or optional.
• Tour price is reasonable for a full-day experience, though the value depends on what you want from your day trip.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting with Kykkos Monastery

The trip kicks off early in the morning around 8:00 am with pickup in Paphos—an easy way to avoid the hassle of driving yourself. The first major stop is the Kykkos Monastery, perched high in the pine-filled Troodos Mountains. The scenery here is lovely, with the mountains cloaked in green, and the monastery itself is a feast for the eyes. Its exteriors are ornately decorated with mosaics boasting bright colors, making it a visually striking site.

Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of gold icons and well-preserved frescoes, which are the main attractions. The monastery is famous for its wealth and history, making it a worthwhile visit for anyone interested in religious art and architecture. Expect about an hour here; it’s enough to admire the artwork, take photos, and soak in the tranquil mountain atmosphere.

One of the reviews mentions that the monastery is “great and definitely a must-see,” emphasizing its importance on the island. However, remember the dress code—shoulders and knees need to be covered, so dress accordingly.

Exploring Omodos Village

Next, you’ll head down to Omodos, a charming village known for its traditional vibe and cobbled streets. You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes here, which is enough to stroll through the narrow alleys, browse local shops, and soak up the ambiance. The guided walk helps provide context to the village’s history and traditions.

The highlight here is the Monastery of Holy Cross, a peaceful spot that adds another layer to your understanding of local religious life. One reviewer appreciated the guided walk, noting it helps make the visit feel more meaningful than just a quick photo stop.

Lunch and Wine Tasting

After Omodos, the tour includes a picnic lunch with a glass of local wine or water—a relaxed way to enjoy regional flavors without extra expense. The included wine is often highlighted as a nice feature, especially if you’re into trying local varieties. The casual picnic setting in the mountains or village adds to the authentic feel of the day.

Final Stop: What Some Might Find Less Engaging

The last stop is at a village, but based on one review, some felt “the last stop was pointless” with little to see or do. This suggests that the final visit might be more optional or less captivating, so if you’re pressed for time or prefer to skip less interesting spots, you might want to plan your own excursion afterward.

Transport, Timing, and Group Size

The round-trip transfers from Paphos are a significant plus, especially for travelers not wanting to navigate mountain roads themselves. Given the tour lasts about 9 hours, expect a full day with some travel time, including the 75-minute pickup window for those staying farther out. The tour is capped at 100 travelers, so it’s not overly crowded but still a sizable group. The bus ride provides a chance to relax and enjoy the mountain scenery without worry.

Cost and Value

At around $68.25 per person, the price is fairly reasonable for a guided full-day tour that includes transport, guide, lunch, and wine. The value really depends on your interest in temples, villages, and scenic mountain views—it’s not a deep dive but a well-rounded overview.

What the Reviews Say

One traveler praised the beautiful scenery, lovely monastery, and delicious lunch but was disappointed with the last stop, feeling it was unnecessary. Conversely, another mentioned the monastery as a must-visit, though they noted the long pickup times from distant locations, which could be inconvenient.

The guides appear knowledgeable, and the overall experience is appreciated for its insight into Cypriot life and history. Yet, the mixed reviews point out that the tour could be a bit rushed or have stops that feel less relevant.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a guided overview of Troodos Mountains, a peek into local villages, and a chance to see Kykkos Monastery, this tour is a solid pick. It’s perfect for those who want a convenient, relaxed day without the hassle of driving, and who are content with a somewhat structured timetable. It’s particularly suitable if you enjoy historical sites paired with local food and wine, and don’t mind a longer day with some travel time.

However, if you’re after more in-depth exploration or hidden gems, you might find the stops a bit brief or superficial. Also, if you’re staying outside Paphos, the long pickups could make the day feel longer than anticipated.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a convenient and reasonably priced way to experience some of Cyprus’s highlights in a single day. The Kykkos Monastery alone makes it worth considering, especially if you’re interested in religious art and architecture. The opportunity to walk through charming villages like Omodos and enjoy a local lunch with wine adds a relaxed, authentic touch.

That said, the pace might feel quick for some, and the last stop could be skipped if it doesn’t appeal. The reviews highlight that the guides are knowledgeable, and the views are stunning, making it a rewarding day if you’re happy with a broad overview rather than exhaustive exploration.

In essence, if you value easy logistics, scenic views, and cultural highlights, this trip could be a good fit. But if you prefer a slower, more in-depth experience or are traveling with specific interests, you might want to explore other options or customize your day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from Paphos hotels, making it easier to get started without worrying about transportation.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 9 hours, starting around 8:00 am and returning to Paphos afterward.

What is included in the price?
Your tour price covers a professional guide, hotel pickup/drop-off, a picnic lunch with a glass of local wine or water, and visits to Kykkos Monastery and Omodos Village.

Are there any extra charges I should know about?
Drinks aside from the included wine, such as additional beverages, are not included. Entrance tickets to the monasteries are free, so no extra fees are expected for entry.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, but remember the dress code for monasteries—shoulders and knees need to be covered. Also, consider the long pickup times if you’re staying far from Paphos.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility if your schedule shifts.

To sum it up, this tour offers a good balance of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and ease of access—especially if you’re in Paphos and want to explore the Troodos Mountains without the hassle. It’s best suited for those who enjoy guided visits, scenic drives, and local cuisine, but might feel a bit rushed or superficial if you’re seeking a deeply immersive experience.