Cyprus and Israel Journey

Upon arrival you will be transferred to select category hotel in Limassol. No meals.

Today enjoy a full day tour of Larnaca, a town with strong links to the past. In the heart one finds remains of the ancient city-kingdom of Kition, reminiscent of its glorious day. Larnaca has a splendid Palm Trees Promenade, an old fort and unique old charters. Visit the St Lazarus Church, the Hala Sultan Tekke, the tomb of Umm Haram, allegedly a relative of Prophet Mohammed, finally a visit to the “Church built by Angels”, an 11th century Byzantine church that was erected over the ruins of an Early Christian basilica

Today you will discover the legends and history of one of the most beautiful parts of Cyprus. Our first stop en-route to Paphos will be at the ancient city of Kourion, an impressive and unspoilt site perched high on the cliff top. Admire the famous Greco-Roman theatre and mosaics and enjoy the dazzling view. Our next stop will be at Aphrodite’s Rock where, according to legend, the Goddess of Love and Beauty was born from the foam of the sea. Here, you may have a quick swim or chill by the seashore. Then join us in discovering the remarkable history of Paphos Town which UNESCO awarded the coveted title ‘World Heritage Site’. In ‘Kato’ (meaning ‘Lower’) Paphos we will pass by the Catacombs of St.Solomoni and see the Pillar of St.Paul. Then we will visit the House of Dionysos and admire a series of beautifully preserved mosaics depicting scenes from Greek Mythology. Ample time will be given for lunch and to wander around the Harbour area. Finally, on our return, we pass the 9th Century Basilica of Ayia Paraskevi and we will stop at Yeroskipou village to sample the famous Paphos Delicacy ‘Loukoumia’.

Today you can relax at the beach and later get ready for an optional unforgettable re-enactment of a Traditional Cypriot wedding. Join us for a very special night of entertainment in traditional Cypriot style. We will hold a re-enactment of a Traditional Cypriot wedding, featuring customs and traditions centuries old. A band of fifteen folk dancers and musicians will present a colorful performance and we will give all participants a role to play as friends, relatives, best men or bridesmaids. You will not be able to resist joining in with the fun!
You will be treated to a typical Cypriot buffet dinner, meze style, which consists of many delicacies that provide a satisfying and complete meal (there will always be more than you expect!). So sit back and enjoy your Meze siga-siga or “slowly, slowly.” Your meal will be accompanied by unlimited local village wine and Zivania the local grape spirit.
Departure from the tavern at approximately 23.30.

Those who feel like being more active can enjoy an optional action and adventure while speeding through crystal waters!!
Optional “ODYSSEY” BOAT ADVENTURE (09.00 – 14.30)
This full day excursion on our fast & luxurious boat, equipped with all facilities required for your comfort will be the ultimate cruising experience
We start off the day from the picturesque Larnaca Marina. Our itinerary features the following sites & activities
– The Zenobia shipwreck the “Titanic” of the Mediterranean Sea. Full snorkeling equipment will be provided to get a closer look.
– The beautiful Red cliffs – the are Cypriot Sea Eagles choose to inhabit.
– The intriguing caves of Cape Pyla where there is a chance to see Dolphins.
– Fishing farm in the open sea, where the Cypriot delicacy “Tzipura” fish are bred.
– The amazing white sandy beaches of Ayia Napa lining the incredible crystal clear blue waters.
– “Pirate Caves” a complex of sea caves used in ancient times by pirates and smugglers.
– Passing under the natural Rock Bridge.
– The “Sea Palace” caves built of stalactites and stalagmites, which have joined together.
– Cape Grekko, the furthest southeasterly point of the Island.
– Leaving behind the Cape we will stop at one of the bays for swimming, snorkeling, feeding the fish and lunch. Enjoy our delicious traditional buffet with appetising homemade local dishes.
– For the adventurous, we will go to Ayii Anargiri area, where you can try cliff jumping.
– Protaras Bay to view and learn about the “Ghost City” of Famagusta.
Lunch with wine and soft drinks will be served on one of the stops and is included in the price.
Full snorkeling equipment is provided

Today you may wish to take an optional Troodos jeep safari an explorer’s trip through the Green heart of Cyprus in a 4×4 Landrover defender.
We begin our journey traveling through rugged hills and valleys, various picturesque villages & Pine forests reaching some of the most remote places on the Island. A thrilling drive towards Platres will bring us to the waterfalls, located in a Cypriot paradise with lush vegetation, cool spring waters and gorgeous aromas. The tour continues to the Island’s highest peak, Mount Olympus. At an altitude of 1951 meters, we stand on the throne of the Ancient Gods and marvel at the panoramic views. Our next stop will be for a relaxing lunch at a traditional mountain village. We continue west of Pedoulas village until we arrive at the famous Kykkos Monastery which houses the Icon of the Virgin Mary painted by St. Luke. Then we head for a wine-producing village where we will have our last coffee break before making our way back to your hotel.
Several photo stops will give you the chance to take amazing pictures to remind you of a wonderful day.
Please note that modest attire is required when visiting monasteries and churches, i.e. no shorts or low-cut blouses.
Lunch is not included.

This morning join an optional tour to “Bitter Lemon” – Kerynia” (Northern Cyprus) Begin by driving towards Nicosia, the Island’s Capital, brings us to the “Green Line,” the political divider between the Republic of Cyprus and the Northern Region of the Island – an area occupied by Turkey since 1974.
We make the routine crossing and enter into the less developed, yet supremely beautiful landscape of the Pentadaktylos, meaning ‘Five Fingers,’ Mountain Range. For our first stop in the North, our bus climbs to the top of a spectacular peak where we tour the grounds of St Hilarion Castle, an impressive stone-built fortress, dating back to the 8th-10th Century which offers some of the best views over Kyrenia and the Northern coastline.

Our next visit is to the must-see Bellapais Abbey, situated in the village of Bellapais and made famous in the novel Bitter Lemons by Lawrence Durrell. This monastery is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Gothic Architecture on the island and is built almost entirely out of local limestone. The first settlers in the Abbey (whose First Monastic Phase was constructed in 1198-1205) were the priests of the Augustinian order who had migrated from Jerusalem.
Much of the day will be devoted to exploring the picturesque town of Kyrenia with its horseshoe-shaped Harbour, its spectacular Medieval Castle, and its maze of narrow streets with finely preserved stone houses. The most important monument inside the town is the Kyrenia Castle Museum, which houses, amongst other exhibits, the famous Kyrenia Shipwreck. This wooden ship dates to cir.300 BC and was raised up from the seabed and preserved in a special environmentally controlled chamber, where it is proudly displayed today as the oldest shipwreck ever brought out of the water.
During the day, ample time will be given for lunch and coffee breaks and you will be able to explore the picturesque Harbour of Kyrenia, before we make our way back across the Green Line and onwards to your Hotel.
Please don’t forget to bring your Passport!

Transfer to Larnaca for a flight to Jerusalem (Flight not included in package rate).
Upon arrival in Jerusalem transfer to your select category hotel in Jerusalem.

This day tour visits some of the holiest and most fascinating sites in both the Old City of Jerusalem and in Bethlehem. The tour includes the major Christian holy sites in both cities, as well as important historical sites for other religions.

Operates Daily Drive via the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea area. Visit Massada, the fortress of King Herod and the last stronghold of the Zealots. Continue along the shores of the Dead Sea (the lowest point on earth) to Ein Gedi Spa to enjoy its therapeutic qualities as the rich mineral hot springs, the therapeutic mud and to enjoy the unique experience of floating on the rich mineral water of the Dead Sea.

Drive north to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation. Continue via Cana of Galilee to Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus made his home during the years of his ministry. On to visit the Church of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes at Tabgha. Drive via Tiberias to the baptismal site “Yardenit” on the Jordan River.

Operates Daily Drive via the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea area (the lowest point on earth). Arrive at Ein Gedi Spa for a day of fun and relaxation. Enjoy the rich mineral hot springs, cover yourself with the mineral rich, therapeutic mud and enjoy the unique experience of floating in the Dead Sea. Bring along Head covering, swimsuit, towel and beach sandals.

Select from Optional Tours: Caesarea Haifa Acre Rosh Hanikra
Operates Sunday, Tuesday and FridayDrive via the coastal highway to Caesarea to visit the impressive Roman & Crusader ruins. Continue to Acre to see the Crusader Halls. Walk through the old city to see the Oriental Market and the port. On to Rosh Hanikra at the Lebanese border to descend by cable car to the grottos.Continue to Haifa and Mount Carmel to enjoy a panoramic view of the Bahai Gardens and the Haifa port. Bring along Head covering, swimsuit, towel and beach sandals.

Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your return flight. (B)