Excursions
Here is a selection of the Boat Trips and Coach Excursions and that you can enjoy whilst in Cyprus. For discounted rates on the boat trips please book via Nicole your Sundance Villas Representative.
Please note when visiting the Monasteries and Churches you need to cover bare flesh up and dress modestly. A sarong is a handy accessory to cover shoulders.
The most popular Paphos Excursion with our Sundance Villas clients is the Akamas National Park. This is only accessible by 4 x 4 and it is easy to get lost as I did with Sundance Villas manager Neoptolemos driving… This excursion can be bumpy and hot, but fun.
I have to mention the Akamas Tavern Viklari at this point, up on the cliff overlooking Lara Bay and the sea. Next to Agios Georgios. Gets good reviews from our clients and on Trip Advisor. You can get there in a normal car, but no further.
The boat trips on Wavedancer from Paphos Harbour and Alkion II from Latchi all have good reviews from clients.
Half Day mini cruise to Blue Lagoon or Fontana Amorosa from Latchi Harbour on Alkion II
This trip on Alkion II has been experienced and is highly recommended by Nicole, Irene and Lauren at Sundance Villas
Euro 3.00 discount for adults and Euro 2.50 for children
“Shoals of baby fish and the odd grouper could be seen clearly outlined on what must be the cleanest sea bed in Cyprus.”
ALKION II with its well covered main decks operates daily half day trips during summer season from Latchi Harbour to the Blue Lagoon or Fontana Amorosa.
The trip starts at 10.30 am, and hugs the beautiful coastline. You can also view the clean sea bed through Alkion’s glass bottom. Alkion anchors in a secluded bay for a refreshing dip in the clear turquoise blue sea. We really enjoyed this. (Take a snorkel, flippers, goggles etc. if you have them.)
The bar serves complimentary juice, wine, coffee and fruit. You can purchase beer and a range of snacks and sandwiches. It’s a comfortable and relaxing cruise, and you will get back to Latchi harbour around 13.30 hrs.
Prices are as following:
Euro 20.00 adults (Sundance rate: Euro 15.00)
Euro 10.00 children (Sundance Rate: Euro 7.50)
It is advisable to pre-book your cruise early as 10 persons are needed minimum for the cruise to be operated. For further information or reservation (recommended) at Sundance discounted rates please text: Paphos Representative Nicole Tel. 00357 99 599956 mobile*
Your discounted rates for Wavedancer 1, Paphos Harbour
Wavedancer trips have been experienced and are highly recommended by all of us at Sundance Villas.
Sundance Villas Representative Nicole knows most about them as she is there in Paphos, so use her local knowledge. To qualify for the Sundance Villas reduced rates for pre booking Wavedancer, please contact her by text: 00357 99599956 mobile
We think this is still the best boat in Paphos Harbour for professionalism, experience, quality and the wide selection of trips. Catering is done ON BOARD in their modern kitchens.
Wave Dancer Cruises:
SUNSHINE DAY CRUISE (ALL INCLUSIVE) ULTIMATE COMFORT
Day/Time:
Wednesday& Sunday (Tuesday only until July)10.00– 16.00 hrs. approx.
Price:
Adults: €57 (Sundance rate 53.00) Children <12 years: €30 (Sundance rate 27.00)
Included:
Cruise Ticket, optional free bus transfer from hotel near your villa, Live Entertainment, 2 stops for swimming and snorkelling & kayaking, BUFFET LUNCH, open local bar for 6 hours.
ADULTS ONLY DE-LUXE DAY CRUISE
Day/Time:
Saturday 10:00 – 15.00 hrs. approx.
Price:
Adults: €85.00 (Sundance rate 75.00)
Included:
Free transfer from a hotel near your villa, individual sun loungers, towels provided, Prosecco Brunch (menu available via Nicole), Optional Foot Massage, Unlimited Imported Drinks and Cocktails included, Waitress Service, Chilled Live Music, 1 Stop for Swimming and Snorkeling, Acrobatic Show, Assortment of Cake & Fruit
BLUE LAGOON (Latsi) ALL INCLUSIVE, SWIM IN THE BEST BAY OF CYPRUS, BREATHTAKING VIEWS
Day/Time:
Friday 10.00– 16.00 hrs. approx.
Price:
Adults: €67 (Sundance rate 59.00) Children <12: €35 (Sundance rate 30.00)
Included:
Cruise Ticket, bus transfers to and from hotel near your villa, light breakfast, Buffet Lunch, unlimited local drinks, open local bar for 6 hours, live entertainment, 2 stops for swimming, snorkelling and canoeing.
FIREWORK NIGHT CRUISE OUR FAVOURITE CRUISE TO SPEND AN OUTSTANDING NIGHT
Day/Times:
Tuesdays, Friday, Saturday 19.30 – 23.00 hrs
Price:
Adults: €65 (Sundance rate: 55.00) Children <12: €35 (Sundance rate: 30.00)
Included:
Cruise Ticket, Full buffet dinner& deserts, glass of wine, Live Entertainment, unique dancing musical shows and Firework displays, exclusive aerial dance, free transfer from hotels near your villa.
NEW: Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Fireworks (ADULTS ONLY) FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION
Day/Times:
Monday 19.30 – 23.00 hrs
Price:
Adults: €75 (Sundance rate: 65.00)
Included:
Transfer from a hotel near your villa, Evening Cruise 3 Course Gourmet Dinner, Glass of Champagne, First Rate House Band, Exclusive Aerial show, Amazing Fireworks Display Places are limited to just 60 guests – early reservation is advisable.
Half Day BBQ Cruise (All Inclusive) FUN DAY FOR ALL
Day/Times:
Thursday & Saturday, 11.00 hrs – 15.00 hrs approx.
Price:
Adults: €47 (Sundance rate: 42.00) Children < 12 years old: €24 (Sundance rate: 20.00)
Included:
Cruise Ticket, optional transfer, traditional BBQ lunch, unlimited local bar for 4 hours, Acrobatic show, 1 stop for swimming and snorkelling and canoeing.
Family Fun Cruise: A TRULY LOVELY EXPERIENCE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AT GOOD VALUE
Day/Time:
Tuesday in high season, e.g. starting July, 11.00-15.00 hrs.
Price:
Adults: €32 (Sundance rate: 28.00) Children <12 years old: €15 (Sundance rate: 13.00)
Included:
Cruise Ticket, Transfer from and to hotels near your villa, Traditional BBQ, lunch prepared on deck, Acrobatic show, Live Band for the parents, Face Painting and children’s entertainer, Treasure Hunt, Magic Show, 1 stop for swimming, snorkelling & canoeing
EXCURSIONS BY COACH
Akamas Adventure
Avacas Gorge – Lara/Akamas – Ayios Georgios – Sea Caves
The first stop of our tour is the Avacas Gorge, a trekker’s paradise offering spectacular views and a plethora of local flora and fauna including the endangered Centauria Akamantis, an endemic plant found only in the gorge. The gorge itself is carved out of limestone rocks rising as high as 30 metres and narrowing dramatically at one point.
Our journey continues along the coastline towards Lara Bay, the nesting ground of the Green Back Turtle. This secluded beach is a small paradise and there is free time for swimming in the crystal clear water.
Two of the marine turtles the Green Turtle (Chelonia Mydas) and the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta Caretta) breed regularly on the island’s beaches. Learn about the Lara Turtle Conservation project, the secrets of the turtles and their nests and see baby hatchlings (end of July and October only).
We continue to Ayios Georgios church where three early Christian Basilicas and a bath were found in the 6th century and excavated in the early 1950s. Free time for lunch follows. On our way back we see the Sea Caves, the mysterious wave cut ‘sculpture’ formed from the natural rocky shore and beach caves.
Troodos/Kykkos
Take a jumper. On the way to the Troodos Mountains our first stop is at Chrysorroyiatissa Monastery dedicated to Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate. We drive on through Paphos forest until we reach Kykkos Monastery, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary or ‘Panagia‘ and contains one of three icons attributed to Ayios Loukas the Evangelist. The icon of the Virgin Mary, covered in silver gilt, is in a shrine made of tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl that stands in front of the iconostasis.
We drive on to Pedoulas village where we have free time for lunch and a visit to the church of Archangel Michael (optional). From Pedoulas we continue our journey towards Mount Olympus stopping at a viewing point to admire the scenery and take pictures.
On our way back to Paphos we visit Omodos Village, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Cyprus famous for its wine tradition. There we visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross which houses a piece of the Holy Rope which bound Christ’s hands to the Cross.
Lefkosia/Lefkara – “The Capital through the Ages“
Skarinou – Lefkosia – Laiki Yitonia – Pano Lefkara
On the way to Lefkosia we will visit the waxwork museum in Skarinou village, which offers visitors a historical view of the culture of Cyprus. Inside the museum there are more than 150 waxwork exhibits. Entrance is free.
Our next stop is Lefkosia, the capital of Cyprus, whose historic past combines brilliantly with the bustle of a modern city. We will pass by the Presidential Palace, the House of Representatives, the Venetian Walls and the ‘Green Line’ before heading to St John’s Cathedral. After visiting the Cathedral, we will proceed on foot through the narrow streets of the old quarter with its restored buildings to the city centre or ‘Laiki Yitonia‘, where there will be free time for lunch, shopping or a visit to the ‘Leventis Museum’ ( optional).
On the way back to Paphos we will visit the picturesque Pano Lefkara village famous for its silver craft and home of the traditional Cyprus lace, ‘Lefkaritiko’, which is renowned throughout Europe and beyond.
Caledonian Falls/Agros – “Discover the nature & tradition of Cyprus”
Trachypedoula/Mamonia – Kato Platres – Caledonian Falls – Agros – Ayios Yiannis/Palodia
Setting off from Paphos through picturesque villages and countryside we come to the area known as “Petres ton Hasampoulion” so called because of two huge rocks (petres) which were the hiding place of a gang of thieves called “Hasampoulia”. We then continue to the village of Kato Platres for a short break.
We arrive at the starting point of the ‘Caledonia trail’ to begin our walking tour to the Caledonian waterfalls. We observe many species of local flora while enjoying the sound of the wind in the trees and the birds singing. The name Caledonian Falls originates from the swallows that sing during spring and summer evenings. Reaching the area known as ‘Psilo Dendro’ (high tree) there is time to rest, have lunch and visit the trout farm.
Our tour continues towards the picturesque village of Agros where we visit the local factory producing traditional Cypriot delicacies and the ‘Rose Herbal factory’. Our journey back to Paphos takes us through the villages of Ayios Ioannis and Palodia.
Baths of Aphrodite – “Aphrodite Goddess of Love”
Yeroskipou – Tala – Polis – Latchi – Donkey Ride
Our first stop will be in Yeroskipou Village to visit the Cyprus Delights factory where you can taste the ‘Loukoumia’ and other local sweets. We will then visit the church of Ayia Paraskevi in the village square.
Driving northwest we will come to Ayios Neofytos Monastery and the “Egkleistra”, an enclosure which was carved out of the mountain in the 12th century by the hermit Neofytos and contains some of the finest Byzantine frescoes. The main church of the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. There will also be time here for a coffee break.
We continue to the north coast of Paphos passing Polis and Latchi harbour to reach the Baths of Aphrodite, a natural pool surrounded by greenery which lies at the end of a small nature trail. As its name suggests, the grotto is where the Goddess of Love is reputed to have bathed. There will follow free time for lunch, swimming and to take a donkey ride! (optional). We return to Paphos via Coral Bay stopping at the Sea Caves, the natural wave cut ‘sculpture’ for pictures.
You will pass by our 2 villas Aphrodite and Amorosa on this beautiful coastline.
Paphos Villages – “Paphos Tradition & Culture”
Yeroskipou – Mesoyi – Letymbou – Asproyia – Fyti – Polemi
Departing from Paphos we first visit a pottery workshop and then drive to Mesoyi village to see how the traditional cane baskets or “Kalathia” are made. We continue to the village of Letymbou where there is time for coffee, a stroll and to visit Ayios Kirikos church. We then head through the wine valley to Asproyia, where we will visit a dairy factory or “Galaktomio” to see the production of the famous Cypriot “Halloumi” cheese and also the “Soutzoukos” sweet made from grapes.
Our next stop is Fyti village whose name comes from the Greek word ‘foito’, meaning to study. We visit the Fyti Weaving museum to see how the richly coloured textiles known as “Fythkiotika” are made. There follows free time to explore and have lunch.
On our way back to Paphos we visit a local winery and have the opportunity to taste the wines.
Villa Ampelitis is in this area near Letymbou LINK
Round Trip – “Cyprus at a Glance”
Island Round Trip – Salamiou village – Kakopetria – Lefkosia – Larnaka – Lemesos
Our first stop is at Salamiou village for a short coffee break and then we drive on towards Kakopetria. First we visit the “Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis” church which dates from the 11th century and is decorated with impressive frescoes belonging to various periods. We continue to the outskirts of Kakopetria, where we take a stroll through the old village arriving at the main square where there is free time for lunch.
After lunch, we set off to Lefkosia to visit the Cyprus Handicraft Centre where you have time to admire a variety of traditional handicrafts and see how they are made.
The next stop is Larnaka to see the famous “Phinikoudes”, the palm tree lined sea front promenade. You have the option to visit St Lazarus church or take a walk along the seafront.
On our way back to Paphos we pass the Salt Lake and Lemesos.
Traditional Cypriot Night – Folklore Show
Enjoy an evening of wining, dining and dancing Cypriot style! Join us for a fun evening at a local traditional village taverna where you will be served a Cypriot Meze giving you the opportunity to try a variety of local dishes while enjoying a show of Cypriot folk dancing, music and unlimited wine.
Don’t forget you can do this on your
Lemesos – “The City that combines culture, business & tourism”
Anogyra – Curium – Kolossi – Aphrodite’s birthplace
Leaving Paphos our first stop is Anogyra, the only village in Cyprus where the sweet Pasteli is still produced from the many surrounding Carob trees, and visit the museum which traces the tradition and history of its making. A short walk follows to view the ruins of the Holy Cross Monastery.
Heading towards Lemesos we visit Kourion (Curium), a large archaeological site, to view the rich mosaics and impressive amphitheatre. We continue on and pass by the village of Kolossi to see the castle.
We reach Lemesos and see the old fort situated in the heart of the old town. From there we walk to the old fruit and herb market where all kinds of fresh local products and delicacies are displayed. Free time follows for lunch, shopping and exploring the old quarter. Returning to Paphos we stop at the Rock of Aphrodite to take photos, have a stroll or swim.
Monasteries – “Cyprus, the Island of Saints”
Choirokitia – Machairas Monastery – Kampia – Meniko (Ayios Kyprianos) – Ayia Thekla
Leaving Paphos we head east passing through the outskirts of Limassol to reach Choirokitia, where we stop for coffee. We drive on towards Machairas Monastery via Kofinou and Pano Lefkara. The monastery was founded at the end of the 12th century and houses the miraculous icon of Panagia of Machairas, attributed to Ayios Loukas the Evangelist.
Our tour continues to the small mountain village of Kampia where there is free time for lunch. The next stop is Meniko village to visit the Ayios Kyprianos church which dates from the 13th century and houses the icon and relics of the saint. Our last stop is the Holy Monastery of Ayia Thekla.
Troodos/Kykkos from Polis – “The Alternative Way”
Lysos – Stavros tis Psokas – Kykkos Monastery – Prodromos – Omodos Village
This alternative route to Troodos Mountains and Kykkos Monastery starts from Polis and heads via Lysos village to Stavros tis Psokas, which is home to the Cyprus Mouflon, a breed of wild sheep found only in Cyprus.
Continuing our journey through Pafos forest we reach Kykkos Monastery, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary or “Panagia” and contains one of three icons attributed to Ayios Loukas the Evangelist. The icon of the Virgin Mary, covered in silver gilt, is in a shrine made of tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl that stands in front of the iconostasis.
We drive on to Prodromos, the highest village in Cyprus, where there is free time for lunch. On our return to Paphos we visit Omodos Village, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Cyprus famous for its wine tradition. There we visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross which houses a piece of the Holy Rope which bound Christ’s hands to the Cross.
Villa Nicolas is tucked away in Lysos Village
Visiting the occupied area. This is a long tiring day. I have experienced this in a private Cypriot car (not hire car as you are not covered) and by coach. I would recommend the coach. It will avoid the poverty stricken villages (this was a shock for me) and the Casinos’ which transferred here after the Turkish mainland closures in 1997 (page 46 Rough Guide to Cyprus) and take you to Bellapais and Kyrenia. Bellapais was made famous by Lawrence Durrell’s Bitter Lemons. Another trip is to Famagusta, just across the border, about 3 hours’ drive from Paphos.
Disclaimer: Use this information as a guide only. Throughly check dates times prices etc. when booking