Kourion Ruins, Kolossi Castle and Winery Guided Visit From Paphos

Cyprus is a captivating island steeped in history and culture, and one exceptional way to experience its rich heritage is through a guided tour from Paphos. Visitors can explore the ancient Greco-Roman ruins of Kourion, marvel at the medieval grandeur of Kolossi Castle, and savor the flavors of the island’s vibrant wine culture. This immersive excursion promises to transport travelers back in time and ignite their senses, leaving them eager to uncover more of Cyprus’ fascinating past and present.

Key Points

• Guided tour of the Kourion Ruins, showcasing the iconic Greco-Roman theater and other ancient structures from the Greek and Roman eras.
• Exploration of the medieval Kolossi Castle, the former headquarters of the Knights Templar, with stunning countryside views.
• Visit to a local winery for a guided wine tasting experience, accompanied by a gourmet regional lunch.
• Opportunity to explore the traditional Cypriot village of Omodos, including the historic Monastery of the Holy Cross.
• Round-trip transportation from selected hotels in Paphos, with moderate physical fitness required for the tour.

The Kourion Ruins

As visitors explore the extensive Kourion ruins, they’ll be transported back in time to the ancient Greek and Roman eras.

The site’s iconic Greco-Roman theater, dating back to the 2nd century BC, is a highlight. Visitors can imagine the roar of the crowd as they stand on the stage, gazing up at the semicircular seating area.

Beyond the theater, the ruins of a basilica, baths, and other structures offer glimpses into the daily life of Kourion’s ancient inhabitants.

With its stunning coastal setting, the Kourion archaeological site provides a captivating window into the past.

Exploring Kolossi Castle

After exploring the ancient ruins of Kourion, visitors next venture to the impressive Kolossi Castle.

This medieval castle dates back to the 13th century and was once the headquarters of the Knights Templar. Visitors can wander through the sturdy stone walls and towers, imagining the knights who once occupied the castle.

The well-preserved structure offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Inside, they’ll find artifacts and historical displays that provide insight into the castle’s role in Cyprus’ history.

The Kolossi Castle is a fascinating stop that complements the archaeological wonders discovered at Kourion.

Discovering Omodos Village

The guided tour now moves on to the charming Omodos Village, a traditional Cypriot settlement nestled in the Troodos mountain range.

Visitors can stroll through the cobblestone streets, admiring the picturesque architecture and local artisanal shops. The village is known for its impressive Monastery of the Holy Cross, dating back to the 4th century.

Travelers have the opportunity to sample regional delicacies and wines at local taverns and wineries. The quaint atmosphere and culture make Omodos a highlight of the day’s itinerary, providing a glimpse into the island’s rural heritage.

Indulging in a Local Winery

Following the guided tour of Omodos Village, the group then proceeds to a local winery to indulge in a wine tasting experience.

At the winery, they’ll sample a variety of locally-produced wines and learn about the region’s winemaking traditions. The tasting is accompanied by a gourmet lunch, featuring regional delicacies paired perfectly with the wines.

Guests have the opportunity to purchase bottles of their favorite wines to take home as souvenirs.

The winery visit provides a unique insight into Cyprus’ vibrant wine culture and offers a delightful conclusion to the day’s explorations.

Gourmet Lunch and Wine Tasting

As part of the guided tour, participants indulge in a gourmet lunch accompanied by a wine tasting at a local winery.

The lunch features locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients expertly prepared into a delectable regional cuisine. The wine tasting allows visitors to sample the winery’s signature vintages and appreciate the nuances of the local terroir.

This culinary experience offers several benefits:

1. Taking in the authentic flavors of Cyprus.
2. Enhancing the cultural understanding of the region.
3. Providing a memorable, sensory-rich component to the overall tour.

The lunch and tasting complement the exploration of historical sites, creating a well-rounded, enriching day.

Transportation and Pickup Details

Round-trip transportation via air-conditioned coach is provided from selected hotels in Paphos.

Participants must confirm their pickup location and time at least 48 hours before the tour. The meeting point is available in the Paphos District, and the end point returns to the same location.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s activities. Guests are advised to be ready at their confirmed pickup time to avoid any delays in the tour’s schedule.

Tour Requirements and Conditions

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants are welcome to sit on their parents’ laps. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

The dress code for the tour mandates that knees and shoulders must be covered when visiting places of worship and selected museums. The maximum group size is 53 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Plus, the tour prioritizes safety and comfort, with the following requirements:

1. Participants must be able to navigate uneven terrain and climb stairs.
2. Proper attire is essential for cultural sensitivity and respect.
3. Group size is limited to provide a more engaging and enjoyable tour.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

The tour has received generally positive reviews from previous participants. Travelers have praised the tour’s historical insights, enjoyable wine tasting experience, and knowledgeable guides. However, some issues have been noted, such as feeling rushed at the Kourion archaeological site and problems with pickup arrangements. The tour holds a 4.0 rating out of 15 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor. To highlight the key feedback, here is a summary in tabular form:

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback	Overall Rating
Historical insights	Time constraints at Kourion	4.0 / 5
Wine tasting experience	Pickup/drop-off issues	–
Knowledgeable guides	–	–

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

The tour includes a visit to a local winery where participants can purchase souvenirs. However, any additional food, drinks, or souvenirs purchased during the tour are not included in the tour price.

Is There a Dress Code for the Winery Visit?

Yes, there is a dress code for the winery visit. The tour requires that participants cover their knees and shoulders when visiting places of worship and selected museums, which likely includes the winery.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

This tour has no age restrictions, but infants must sit on laps. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult due to the moderate physical fitness level required for the excursion.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Lunch?

Yes, the tour provider can accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free dietary requirements for the included lunch. Guests should notify the provider of any special dietary needs at least 48 hours before the tour.

What Happens if I Need to Cancel My Booking?

If you need to cancel your booking, you can do so up to 24 hours before the tour starts, and you’ll receive a full refund. The tour provider offers free cancellation to provide flexibility for their customers.

The Sum Up

This guided visit from Paphos immerses travelers in Cyprus’ rich history and culture. Visitors will explore the ancient Kourion Ruins, discover the medieval Kolossi Castle, and savor the local wine culture with a winery tour and tasting. The tour provides a comprehensive experience, allowing guests to enjoy the island’s diverse heritage and natural beauty.