A Bumpy Start to an Adventurous Day

As a family travel writer, I’m always on the lookout for unique experiences that can be both educational and entertaining for the whole family. When I heard about the Jeep Safari in Cyprus, I was intrigued by the promise of exploring hidden beauties and local culture. With my adventurous spirit in tow, I set off to Pano Lefkara, eager to see what the day had in store.

The day began with a pick-up from our hotel, and we were soon on our way to the first stop: a water dam. While the views were pleasant, the low water levels meant it wasn’t as spectacular as I had hoped. The real adventure, however, was the ride itself. We were seated in the back of a Land Rover Defender, and it was quite the experience! The lack of air conditioning meant we had to juggle between opening and closing the windows to manage the wind, which added a bit of excitement to the journey. Though it was a bit of a squeeze, the kids found it thrilling, and it was a great opportunity to teach them about adapting to different travel conditions.

Discovering the Hidden Gems of Cyprus

Our journey continued with a visit to the Mesa Potamos Waterfalls. The mini trek through the forest was a delightful way to stretch our legs and enjoy the natural beauty of Cyprus. The waterfall itself was small but charming, and the kids loved the chance to explore the trail. Our guide was knowledgeable and shared fascinating tidbits about the local flora, even handing out herbs for us to touch and smell. It was a sensory experience that added a unique touch to the day.

Next, we headed to the village of Lefkara, famous for its handmade lace and silver. While we only got to see it from the car, the village’s charm was evident. I made a mental note to return for a proper stroll through its narrow streets. We did stop at a local shop where we were treated to a free drink and had the chance to purchase some beautiful lace and silver at a discount. It was a lovely way to support local artisans and bring a piece of Cyprus home with us.

A Taste of Tradition and Culture

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the lunch at a village tavern in Platres. The meal was a delightful spread of local dishes, and the free-flowing water and wine were much appreciated after a morning of adventure. The wine tasting was a particular treat, with a variety of local wines to sample. It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce the kids to the art of wine tasting, albeit with lemonade for them!

Our final stop was the village of Lofou, where we had the chance to wander through its picturesque streets. The stone architecture and narrow lanes were a step back in time, and it was a joy to explore. Despite a minor hiccup with a flat tire earlier in the day, the experience was well worth it. The kids were fascinated by the process of changing a tire, and it turned into an unexpected learning moment.

Overall, the Jeep Safari was a day filled with adventure, culture, and family bonding. While the ride was a bit bumpy, the experiences and memories we made were priceless. If you’re up for a bit of a rugged journey, this is an adventure not to be missed!