1. Famagusta: Fikardou, Machairas & Lefkara Guided Tour
You'll leave no stone unturned as you explore Cyprus's hidden corners. This exclusive excursion takes in remote highland villages, dramatic landscapes and a revered monastery. It also includes a traditional Cypriot lunch. Stavroula, one of our local guides on this tour, says, ‘Fikardou village is an excellent example of rural mountain life, where the 19th-century architecture is in complete harmony with the environment.' A real taste of what's to come. Heading inland, you'll arrive mid-morning at rustic and laidback Fikardou. All cobblestones and historic houses, time seems to have frozen still here. And with free time to explore, you'll find that ancient traditions still hold their way. It's so well-preserved that it's on UNESCO's tentative list of world heritage sites. Next, you'll head to the 12th-century Macharias Monastery, which is located on a remote hillside. Its lavishly decorated interior houses a sacred icon of the Virgin Mary. We'll then go to charming Lefkara, a village famed for its handmade lace and embroidery. ‘Women, young and old, can be seen seated outside their homes and shops making lace,' says Stavroula. ‘For hundreds of years, the men from the village have travelled all over Europe to sell it, even Leonardo da Vinci bought some.' The tour ends on a high in Skarinou village. Here, you'll try your hand at halloumi and bread-making before enjoying a ‘KM0' lunch of locally sourced ingredients at a family-run restaurant.
