Excursion to Paphos: History and beauty of Cyprus
Shore excursion from port of Limassol, Cyprus
- Duration 5h
- Activity level low
What you'll do
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Upon arrival of your cruise, our guide will be waiting for you at the port identified by the Shore2Shore sign.
Limassol, the second largest city in Cyprus, is located on the southern coast of the country, in Akrotiri Bay, and stands between two ancient cities, Amathus and Curium. During the Byzantine Empire, it was known as Neapolis (the new city). Limassol is a crucial port for trade in the Mediterranean Sea and is famous for its vibrant festivals, such as Carnival, the Wine Festival, the Flower Festival, and the Ancient Greek Theatre Festival.
Our first stop will be the Aphrodite’s Rock, an impressive natural monument where, according to Greek mythology, the goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, was born. This site, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a spectacular landscape and is ideal for capturing memorable photographs of the famous rock formation.
From there, we will head to Paphos, a city of Phoenician origin inhabited since Neolithic times and considered the birthplace of Aphrodite. The region, along with Palaepaphos, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 due to the historical and architectural richness of its archaeological remains. Paphos was an important center of worship for Aphrodite and other fertility deities. We will visit the Tombs of the Kings, a monumental complex of rock-cut tombs with columns, dating back to the 4th century BC, used to bury high officials during the Ptolemaic period.
Next, we will explore the astonishing Roman Mosaics discovered in 1962 by a local farmer. The mosaics are located in the ruins of several Roman villas, with the House of Dionysus being the most prominent for its magnificent mythological mosaics. Other notable sites include the House of Theseus, where you can admire a famous battle scene with the Minotaur, and the House of Aion and the House of Orpheus, which contain some of the best-preserved mosaics of the era.
At the end of the visit, you will have free time in the tourist center of Paphos to stroll, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a drink at one of the many bars along the picturesque harbor.
Finally, we will return to the port to conclude this fascinating excursion.
Details
GENERAL INFORMATION
- DURATION: BUS AND GUIDE AVAILABLE FOR UP TO 5 HOURS
- THE SERVICE INCLUDES APPROXIMATELY 30-45 MINUTES OF FREE TIME THAT CAN BE ENJOYED AT THE END OF THE EXCURSION.
SUPPLEMENTS TO BE PAID ON SITE
- Tombs of the Kings: €2.50
- Archaeological Park (mosaics): €4.50 (children up to 16 years FREE)
NOTES
- Closure of the sites to visit: December 25, January 1, and Orthodox Easter Day.
- Easy/Panoramic/Cultural level
- It is recommended to wear comfortable footwear.
- This excursion is not recommended for people with reduced mobility, those who require the use of a wheelchair, or those traveling with baby strollers, due to the uneven terrain of the Paphos necropolis.