Cyprus History Tour: Discover Ancient Mysteries

Uncover Cyprus’ 5,000-year history on a private tour of Limassol, Aphrodite Rocks, and Kourion. Taste ancient wines and explore mystical ruins.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Aphrodite’s Rock Art - One of the most visited tourist spots in Cyprus is Aphrodite’s Rock, also known as Petra tou Romiou. This intriguing sea stack is located in Pafos, just off the main road from Pafos to Limassol. According to legend, this rock marks the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love.
  • Aphrodite’s Rock Art - Enjoy a scenic viewpoint of Aphrodite’s Rock from a hill, accompanied by a tasting of Cyprus wine and Cyprus delight.
  • The Sanctuary Of Apollo - Apollon Hylates, the God of the Woodland, was the protector of Kourion and is believed to have been worshipped at this site from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. This sanctuary was a significant religious center and saw numerous expansions and modifications over different periods.

Originally, the site featured a temple (remnants of which are found in the foundations of the current temple), a circular monument, and a formalized Archaic Altar and Precinct. During the Roman period, the site was expanded with the addition of the south and north buildings, possibly used for displaying votives or housing visitors. Terracotta figurines and pottery collected in the temple from the 5th century BC to the Roman period were buried in the votive pit.

Most of the monuments visible today belong to the site’s 1st century AD restorations, including Apollo’s temple (partially restored), pilgrim halls, and the ‘palaistra.

  • Kolossi Castle - A prime example of military architecture, Kolossi Castle was initially constructed in the 13th century and rebuilt in its current form in the 15th century.

Following the fall of Acre in 1291, it became the Grand Commandery of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, and in the 14th century, it came under the control of the Knights Templar. During their time in Cyprus, the Knights produced and exported a sweet wine known as the ‘vin de Commanderie’. Today, Commandaria wine remains one of the island’s traditional wines and is one of the oldest named wines in the world, retaining its name for eight centuries.

Adjacent to the castle are the ruins of a 14th-century sugar mill.

What's Included
  • On-board WiFi
  • AC
  • Cold drinks
  • Fixed prices
  • Flexible with change tours during the trip
  • Wine degustation
Additional Information

You imagine Cyprus as a tourist island, beautiful beaches, full of taverns and sunny weather. Yes, it is true… but there is still a mystery behind it because Cyprus has a history dating back 5,000 years, it is the Greco-Roman Empire, Amphitheater, Gladiators, Heroes, Gods, the first Christianity and the fall of power. Discover this mystery with us in the mystical world of Mista Kourion. Taste wine, a tradition dating back 5,000 years, and fall in love with the history of this island.

Visit with us the birthplace of Aphrodite, feel her spirit on a beautiful beach. Taste Aphrodite’s wine with us, a tradition dating back 5,000 years, and fall in love with this place. The mystical city of Kourion, full of Gods, Heroes, Gladiators and Nymphs, is waiting for you. Discover the secrets of the great Roman Greek Empire.

  • Cold drinks, Cyprus delight, local wines,
  • Travel time two ways 60 minutes
Location
Aphrodites Rock Art
7 Agias Sofia
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(23 Ratings)
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1 star
Edyta
Sep 10, 2024
Great tour - We had a very nice time with our family. The individual care and very interesting knowledge about island and history. We really recommended if anyone wants to spend nice with professional guide and driver.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Voyager13873066470
Sep 2, 2024
Family tour Family tour - Thanks a lot, to the tour operator Raytour, for the attention they gave me and my family. The guide Edyta has knowledge of all of Cyprus, not just the archaeological part. We were left wanting to return to Cyprus.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hannah_m
Aug 21, 2024
Wonderful experience! - This was an excellent tour with a perfect tour guide! José arrived at my hotel on time and was very polite and accommodating! He ensured I was happy and comfortable at all times and was even kind enough to take photos throughout the tour! He was extremely knowledgeable and knew all the best spots for pictures! He even set up some samples of wine and Cypriot sweets/snacks for me to try whilst at the Aphrodite Rocks viewing point which made the tour an even more memorable experience!
Review provided by Viator
Radovanz
Aug 17, 2024
Kourion and the Aphrodite rock - Fantastic trip! Very personable and knowledgeable guide! Places visited are beautiful! Wine tasting at the end was amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lie
Aug 2, 2024
Great experience! - Thanks for everything. The guide was really nice, helpful and attentive. I had a great time. I was able to visit and see many splendid views, archaeological sites, ancient mosaics...I recommend 100% this private excursion if you want to enjoy at your own pace to discover this part of Cyprus. Go on like this! Thank you again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kasiamg6107fk
Jul 30, 2024
Great experience - Highly recommend!!! - Such a great experience ☺️ Everything organized just perfect 💯💯 Amazing time, excellent experience just pleasure 😘 Highly recommended 💯💯💯
Review provided by Tripadvisor
503malgorzatak
Jul 30, 2024
Excellent!! - The best trip I've ever had. A romantic trip to the Goddess of love Aphrodite. It was a great time, the trip was individual, just me and my fiancé. I highly recommend the driver, very nice and helpful. We will definitely go back there. Thank you do much guys Edyta and Josue.See you soon ☺️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Onair25169646677
Jul 29, 2024
We felt like VIP on this tour. - Great choose for family, friends or couples. Private, comfortable, friendly staff, open to share a lot of fantastic information about island and history. We tasted amazing wines and sweets, all including the price. They picked up us back to hotel. We truly recommend this trip, you will make a great choose for nice time. Thank you do much guys Edyta and Josue.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jansp5384us
Jul 28, 2024
Amazing moments. Thank you Raytour. - Thank you do much for amazing tour , we really recomend it, it was great time with very friendly snd profesional guide, comftable car. The sweets snd cyprus wine on Aohrodite hills was a big suprice. We was enjoy the time a lot. Love cyprus .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Liccardenalr
Jul 14, 2024
Very good quality service. - I recommend the tour I had time to appreciate the wonders of Chipre, I was impressed by its beauty and richness and cultural, and combination of stunning landscapes and the history of the place offers an unforgettable experience. The architecture and details show a good taste of apprecials, We could enjoy the wonderful places of Limassol, Without a doubt, it is a destination that, I would recommend to any lover of nature and history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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