Fikardou, Machairas & Lefkara Tour with a Local Guide
ID: GYG459969-823070
Category:
Country: Cyprus
Duration:
08:00 hours
Description
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.
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.
Highlights
- Explore the cobbled lanes of the well-preserved highland hamlet of Fikardou
- Visit the historic Machairas Monastery, home to a revered icon of the Virgin Mar
- Enjoy a ‘Km0' traditional village lunch in a family-run restaurant in Skarinou
- Expert local guide with an unrivalled knowledge of Cyprus and its people
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Dress appropriately – no shoulders or knees showing – when visiting religious buildings
You are required to bring and wear a mask
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.
