Halloumi Heaven: Cheese-Making Class & Troodos Mountain Villages 7h

Planning a trip to Paphos, Cyprus, and looking for an experience that combines food, culture, and stunning scenery? This 7-hour small-group tour from Cyprus Taste Tours promises just that — a well-rounded day exploring the island’s culinary traditions and scenic landscapes. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 95 reviews, it’s clear this adventure resonates with travelers seeking authenticity and genuine local encounters.

What makes this tour special? First, the hands-on cheese-making session with a local family, offering a rare chance to create two kinds of Cypriot cheeses. Second, the small-group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed vibe, allowing plenty of time for questions and interaction. Third, the combination of tasting local wines, visiting a monastery, and sampling traditional sweets makes it a full sensory journey.

One consideration? The schedule can vary slightly depending on the day and the local village activities, so travelers needing a strict timetable should communicate their timing needs in advance. Overall, it’s a fantastic pick for those interested in authentic food experiences, scenic drives, and cultural insights — especially if you’re a foodie, wine lover, or curious about local crafts.

Who is this tour best suited for?

If you love trying new foods, enjoy scenic drives through mountain villages, or want to learn in an intimate setting with knowledgeable guides, this experience will suit you perfectly. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate a relaxed, immersive day rather than a hurried sightseeing rush.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Hands-on cheese-making with a local family and a focus on traditional Cypriot foods.
• Small-group intimacy: Max of 6 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and meaningful interactions.
• Diverse stops: Scenic mountain drive, monastery visit, winery tour, and sweets tasting.
• All-inclusive: No hidden costs — everything from pickup, tastings, to entry fees are covered.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides like Christina and Myra are praised for their friendliness and insights.
• Exceptional value: Combining multiple experiences into one day delivers great value for the price of around $135.

Scenic Drive into the Troodos Mountains

The adventure kicks off with a pickup from your Paphos accommodation around 9:00 am. From there, you’ll enjoy a comfortable drive through lush villages and vineyards as you ascend into the Troodos mountain range. Reviewers highlight the stunning views and the chance to see real local life away from tourist hotspots.

While the tour’s schedule is flexible — and the specific villages visited can vary because of local activity — you’re likely to pass through traditionally built villages with terracotta roofs and terraced fields. The scenic drive is a relaxing way to begin your day, setting the tone for an authentic experience.

Cheese-Making with a Local Family in Axylou

The highlight for many is the hands-on cheese-making at a local family’s home in Axylou. You’ll love the opportunity to learn the traditional techniques of making halloumi and anari cheese. The process involves a step-by-step demonstration, with guides like Christina explaining each stage clearly and answering questions.

One reviewer, Helen, called it “fascinating to watch and help with making halloumi,” adding that the guide did a great job of explaining everything. The cheese is still warm when you taste it — a revelation that makes the experience even more memorable. The workshop lasts around three hours, including preparation, making, and tasting the cheeses along with a delicious brunch of assorted breads, cheeses, and local jams.

Scenic Monastery Stop at Chrysoroyiatissa

Next, you’ll visit the Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery, a peaceful spot perched in the hills. This bonus stop offers a chance to stroll across scenic grounds and take in the tranquility of a working monastery. Reviewers appreciate this quiet interlude, noting the beautiful surroundings and the opportunity to soak in local religious architecture and history.

While this is a shorter stop — roughly 30 minutes — it’s enough time to enjoy the calm atmosphere and take photos. If you’re into scenic spots and local craftsmanship, this monastery adds a meaningful cultural layer.

Winery Tour at Tsangarides

Wine lovers will find their paradise at the Tsangarides Winery. It’s a boutique family-run operation where you can tour the facilities, ask questions, and learn about Cyprus’s indigenous grape varieties. The guide will explain the winemaking process, and the tasting that follows is often highlighted as a major highlight — many reviewers mention sampling a variety of local wines and gaining insights into the island’s wine history.

Reviewer Rebecca was pleased with the generous wine tastings and the chance to meet the winemakers themselves. This stop lasts around an hour and offers a relaxed setting to savor the island’s unique vintages.

Traditional Sweets in Geroskipou

On the way back to Paphos, the tour makes a quick stop in Geroskipou, famous for its sweet treats. You’ll visit a family-run workshop to learn about local confections and sample traditional sweets, with many reviewers describing the experience as “delicious” and “authentic.”

This short stop, around 30 minutes, rounds off the culinary journey with a sweet note. It’s an excellent opportunity to pick up some souvenirs or just enjoy the local flavors.

Practical Details and Value

Pricing at roughly $135 per person covers all the experiences, tastings, and transportation. Reviewers consistently mention the excellent value — spending a full day exploring, tasting, and learning without hidden fees. The tour operates with a maximum of 6 travelers, creating an intimate and friendly atmosphere that many appreciate.

Transportation is comfortable, and the pickup service is punctual and flexible — just be sure to inform the team if you need to be back at a specific time.

If you’re after a personalized, authentic look into Cyprus’s food and wine culture, this tour delivers in spades. The guides like Christina and Myra are often praised for their warmth, knowledge, and ability to make complex traditions accessible and fun. The cheese-making workshop alone is a memorable highlight, especially for foodies who want to get hands-on.

The combination of scenic drives, cultural visits, and delicious tastings ensures you’re not just observing — you’re participating in the local way of life. Plus, the all-inclusive pricing means no surprises, and the small-group setup guarantees a relaxed, friendly vibe.

This experience is particularly well-suited for travelers who value genuine experiences, enjoy small-group tours, and are curious about Cyprus’s culinary identity. It’s also a fantastic choice if you want a full day of exploring without the hassle of arranging separate visits, making it great for both first-timers and seasoned visitors alike.

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from a location of your choice in Paphos, making it easy to start your day stress-free.

How long is the cheese-making session?
The cheese workshop lasts about 3 hours, including the making, tasting, and brunch.

Are all costs covered?
Absolutely. Everything from transportation, guided visits, tastings, and entry fees are included — no hidden costs.

Can I customize my timing?
If you need to be back at a specific time, it’s best to inform the team in advance so they can accommodate your schedule.

What is the group size?
The tour is capped at 6 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s not explicitly stated, the hands-on activities and cultural stops are generally family-friendly, but it’s best to check with the provider if you’re planning for young children.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and outdoor stops are recommended, especially for the monastery and scenic drives.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
While the main stops include tastings, you might find opportunities to purchase local products like honey, sweets, or wine at the boutique winery and village workshops.

Is there any flexibility in the itinerary?
Yes, the stops can vary depending on local activity and timing, which adds a touch of spontaneity that many travelers enjoy.

This Halloumi Heaven tour offers a delightful mix of culinary hands-on experiences, scenic mountain views, and cultural insights, all wrapped into one memorable day. The small-group setting ensures a relaxed pace and plenty of personal interaction, making it ideal for foodies, wine lovers, and curious travelers. With excellent reviews praising the knowledgeable guides, authentic encounters, and great value, it’s clear this tour delivers on its promise of a genuine slice of Cyprus life.

Whether you’re keen to learn how to make cheese, sample local wines, or simply enjoy the stunning mountain landscapes, this experience packs a punch. It’s perfect for those who want more than just sightseeing — they want to taste, smell, and feel the true heart of the island.

In summary: This tour is a fantastic way to spend a day in Cyprus if you’re after authentic food, captivating scenery, and engaging guides. It combines fun activities with cultural learning, making for a truly enriching experience that’s both laid-back and educational. Suitable for most travelers who appreciate genuine local traditions, it promises a memorable taste of Cyprus’s culinary soul.