Limassol – Paphos & Kourion Ancient Theatre

The sightseeing tour starts via Phassouri citrus groves and vineyards, to reach at Petra tou Romiou, the symbol of Paphos city. Legend tells us that here, the goddess of Cyprus, Aphrodite, was born from the foam of the sea and was carried by the sea waves on the coasts of Cyprus, to Paphos, which has become the sacred place where Aphrodite was venerated. The religion of Cyprus in antiquity was that of ancient Greece.  Most of the Olympian gods were worshipped in Cyprus but the most important cult was indisputably that of Aphrodite, the Cypriot goddess. She is the embodiment of the fertilising dynamism of Love, fertilising the whole nature and spreading happiness. Archaeological evidence and inscriptions bear witness of the existence of numerous sanctuaries and temples dedicated to the goddess throughout Cyprus.

The route continues to Paphos, for an opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful places of the island.  Today it is a small harbour town and a popular holiday resort, but in Hellenistic and Roman times it was the capital of Cyprus. Home of the colourful Dionysos mosaics renowned throughout the Mediterranean, picturesque churches, medieval monasteries, museums, countless antiquities and a pretty harbour guarded by a small castle. The whole town of Paphos is included in the official UNESCO list of culture and natural treasure of the world heritage.

The tour leads to a visit at the House of Dionysos, to see the famous site of breathtaking mosaics unearthed during the excavation of a Roman nobleman’s villa from the third century AD. An extensive complex of buildings fitted with beautiful mosaic floors showing Roman legends and characters, but mostly representing scenes from Greek mythology, are considered to be the finest mosaics in all the Mediterranean. 

Now there is time for shopping at Limanaki area (old Harbour) where visitors will be given the opportunity to buy local as well as international merchandise and relax.

After your shopping and relaxation pause you drive through the old Town of Paphos direction Limassol again and after 45 minutes you arrive at typical Beach Taverna at Kourion beach for your Lunch. Here you can enjoy Cypriots specialties next to the ruins of Kourion and the wonderful view of the sea. Swimming is possible if you so wish.

Time to move on for your last visit at the ancient Acropolis of Kourion which is only five minutes drive from the beach. The ancient ruins of the city of Kourion, an impressive Greco-Roman site of the remaining of the pavement mosaics, preserved such as the fine four-panel design in the central room at the House of Eustolios. Nearby, is the superb large Greco-Roman theatre built in the 2^nd century BC, which is still used today for many performances including ancient dramas. From this beautiful and unspoilt spot perched high on a cliff, we can enjoy the dazzling view of the ruins and the sea below.

Return to the ship