Mykonos Cruise Stopover

Mykonos, Greece – Sunday, October 11 – tendered 7am – 5pm

National language: Greek       Currency accepted: Euro

Greek Islands & Cyprus Cruise itinerary

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/itinerary/7-night-greek-isles-cyprus-cruise-from-athens-piraeus-on-brilliance-BR07M817?country=USA&currencyCode=USD&sailDate=2026-10-05

Our Cruise Landings/stopovers

Each place our cruise ship will be stopping will have a separate posting on this blog, including each Greek island; Bodrum, Turkey; and Cyprus. This posting is specifically for the stopover on the island of Mykonos


Introducing the island of Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos is one of the most famous Cyclades Islands in the southern Aegean Sea. The main town of Hora (Mykonos Town) is enjoyed for its colorful harbor, inviting cafes, windmills, whitewashed cobblestone streets which form a labyrinth, and boutique shops. The island is awash with white, sandy beaches.

History of Mykonos

Mykonos started as a transit stop near sacred Delos Island. Venetians turned it into a naval base. It became a trading hub during the Ottoman-era. The island joined the newly independent Greek state around 1830. By the late 20th century it became the famous cosmopolitan island destination it is today.

(See Helpful Links below for websites with detailed history)


Introducing the nearby, sacred island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Delos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, is a short 30-minute boat ride from Old Port, Mykonos.  Delos was the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and was first inhabited in the 3rd millennium BC. The oldest temples on the uninhabited island date from the 8th century BC. Delos reached the height of its power in Hellenistic times, becoming one of the three most important religious centers in Greece and a flourishing center of commerce. Today it is an outstanding open-air museum.

We suggest visiting Delos with a guide. If guided tour isn’t purchased in advance, licensed guides may be available when disembarking the boat on arrival on the island.

(See transportation & guide suggestions below)


Highlights of Mykonos Island

Highlights of Hora (Mykonos Town)

Aegean Maritime Museum – preserves Aegean maritime history – http://www.aegean-maritime-museum.com/en

Archaeological Museum – http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh155.jsp?obj_id=3301

Little Venice – picturesque waterfront area in Hora with 16th and 17th century pirates’ houses on the water’s edge

The windmills – constructed in the middle 16th century by Venetians for the milling of wheat

Panagia Paraportiani church – A whitewashed,15th century church which is located on a medieval fortress gate. The church and the surrounding Kastro quarter mark the medieval castle district 

Mykonos Folklore Museum – rare traditional textiles, ceramics, and furnishings www.greeka.com/cyclades/mykonos/sightseeing/folklore-museum-mykonos

Matoyianni Street – main, cobblestone winding walking street dominated by designer stores, souvenir shops, and cafes – www.incredible-greece.com/mykonos/discover-matogiannia. Take a tour! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZF9cCk5JJQ

Other island highlights

Ano Mera and the Panagia Touriani Monastery – Mykonos’ second village with stone houses and a 16th century monastery. Take a tour of the monastery here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrXEP8ehw7o

Beaches of Mykonos

There is good diving around Mykonos with wrecks, caves, and walls. Scuba diving operators are on Paradise Beach and remote Lia beach. At Platys Gialos try fly boarding, stand up paddle board, or kayaking. Note that nudity is fairly commonplace on some beaches. There is an excellent guide to island beaches on http://www.Mykonos-accommodation.com

Elia & Agrari – These two beaches form the island’s longest sand beaches. Elia is more organized than Agrari and full of cafes

Platys Gialos – package-holiday resort – location of operator of same name offering diverse water sports

Ornos (south coast) – closest beach to Hora, but often packed – ten minute bus ride

Agios Stefanos (4km), within sight of docking cruise ships

Agios Ioannis & Kapari (4 km south)

Paradise – famous for party people – expect some nudity

See map of Mykonos below for location of beaches

See Helpful Links below for companies offering water activities


Suggested activities and companies offering them

Mykonos Island tour & Hora (Mykonos Town) walking tour – around $60 – 4 hours

Includes stops at the Lighthouse, Ano Mera, Elia Beach, and a walking tour of Hora, the Windmills, and Little Venice. Island tours are organized by the following companies:

– Mykonos Tour & Excursions www.Mykonos-web.com

– Mykonos Accommodations Center www.mykonos-accodation.com

– www.getyourguide.com/en-au/elia-mykonos-l165329/mykonos-is

Mykonos Accommodation Center (located in Hora) – helpful company for guided tours and island information, especially for tours to Delos and island tours www.mykonos-accodation.com

Mykonos on board sailing – yachting excursions around Mykonos and the island of Delos –  www.Mykonosonboard.com

Viator.com – Various tours to choose from with good prices – http://www.viator.com/Mykonos/d958-ttd

Delos Island round trip boat transfer from Mykonos Island – $35 – 40 minute boat ride


A recommended excursion on Myconos which is being offered by our cruise ship

Ano Mera and scenic island drive – 3/1/2 hours – $69 – includes a stop at Eila Beach and a visit to the Panagia Tourliani Monastery, founded in 1542, in Ano Mera village


Public Transportation

Caique (little boat) services go between some of the best beaches through mid October

Mykonos Cruises www.mykonos-cruises.gr An association of sea-taxi operators offering services to the islands best beaches. See the timetables online. The main departure point is Platys Gialos, with drop-offs and pick-ups at Oros

Sea Bus www.Mokonos-seabus.gr. This water taxi service connects the New Port with Hora, running more frequently when a cruise ship is in port

Taxi – Find many at Hora’s Lateia Manto Mavrogenous (Taxi Square), bus stations and ports


Helpful Links

Rick Steves on YouTube:  3 Greek Islands – Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZOuDhwzsq0

Rick Steves on YouTube: Delos (Mykonos) – 1.0 starts – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkYDL_frEXw&t=9s

Travel guide to Mykonos – http://www.greeka.com/cyclades/mykonos/

Exploring the town of Hora (Mykonos Town) http://www.greeka.com/cyclades/mykonos/villages/town/

Mykonos history – www.greeka.com/cyclades/mykonos/history/

Mykonos history – https://mygreecetours.org/mykonos-history

Platys Gialos Water sports – specialists in water sports, located at Playts Gialos beach – www.mykonoswatersports.gr

GoDive Mykonos – Located on remote Lia beach, this company offers a full range of water activities including snorkeling trips – www.godivemykonos.com


For the other stopovers on our cruise, visit separate postings which are listed in the column to the right


Santorini Cruise Stopover

Santorini, Greece – Saturday, October 10 – tendered 10am – 7pm

National language: Greek      Currency accepted: Euro

Greek Islands & Cyprus Cruise itinerary

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/itinerary/7-night-greek-isles-cyprus-cruise-from-athens-piraeus-on-brilliance-BR07M817?country=USA&currencyCode=USD&sailDate=2026-10-05

Our Cruise Landings/stopovers

Each place our cruise ship will be stopping will have a separate posting on this blog, including each Greek island; Bodrum, Turkey; and Cyprus. This posting is specifically for the stopover on the island of Santorini


Introducing the island of Santorini, Greece

The island of Santorini, officially Thira, is one of the Cyclades Islands about 120 miles southeast of mainland of Greece and is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago formed by the Santorini Caldera. The island was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, about 3,600 years ago at the height of the Minoan civilization (from Crete).

The main town of Fira (where we will arrive by cable car), lies on the island’s caldera edge full of hotels, great restaurants, and narrow streets full of shops. The views can’t be beat. The nearby town of Ola, perched on the northern tip of the island, is famous for its pretty blue and white houses, winding, narrow streets, and sunsets.

A brief history of Santorini

Before the Eruption – The dawn of Santorini

Before 1600 BCE – The Minoan Eruption

9th Century BCE – 1st Century BCE – Dorian and Hellenistic Periods

1st Centure BCE – 13th Century CE – Roman and Byzantine Periods

1207-1579 CE – Venetian Rule

1579-1830 CE – Ottoman Rule and the Greek War of Independence

The Earthquake of 1956

Late 20th Century – Present/Modern Era

For in-depth information about each of the historic periods listed above, visit the following link – http://www.santorini-view.com/history-of-santorini/#roman


Highlights/Top attractions

The main town of Fira

– Archaeological Museum – The fascinating story of Thira’s past from Archaic to Roman to Hellenistic times including finds from Akrotiri and Ancient Thira – https://www.santorini-view.com/museums/archaeological-museum-thira/

– Museum of prehistoric Fira – houses great finds from Akrotiri including fossilized olive tree leaves, dating back to 60,000 BC – http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh155.jsp?obj_id=3325

The town of Oia

– Maritime Museum – housed in an old mansion with displays of Santorini’s maritime history

– Ammoudi – A tiny port 300 steps below Oia. Excellent Greek tavernas are there next to colorful fishing boats and great views of colorful cliffs

Ancient Akrotiri

Ancient Minoan, well-preserved city that was buried by volcanic ash in the eruption of 1613 BC – http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2410   There are lots of options for visiting this amazing site through the website  http://www.GetYourGuide.com

Ancient Thira

This ancient city which was founded 8th century BC, is located on the top of a hill on the southeastern Cape of Santorini, and close to Kamari Beach (see below) – https://cyclades.culture.gov.gr/location/archaiologikos-choros-archaias-thiras/


Suggested Activities

Volcano and hot springs boat tour to Kameni Islets – offers awesome views of Santorini. Two volcanic islets formed in 1450 BC from lava and ash. Many tour companies in Thira offer this tour. Depart from Fira Skala, below Fira. 3 hours – $35 – https://www.getyourguide.com/en-au/greece-l169010/santorini-volcano-and-hot-springs-boat-tour-t1388936/?q=nea+kameni+boat+tours%2C+Santorini

Half hour walk along the caldera edge from Thira to the village of Imerovigli, a traditional village of stone houses and chapels, and the highest point of the caldera edge. You’ll pass beautiful hotels and restaurants, and have great photo opportunities.

Beaches

– Perivolos Beach – Known for its crystal-clear sea and long pebble-and-sand shoreline, Perivolosis one of the best beaches for swimming and water sports – scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking.

– Kamari Beach – family beach recommended by Trip Advisor – there may be some water sports there. Near Ancient Thira. Buses go from Kamari to Ancient Thira frequently. YouTube Video of this beach – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH3Y-xJ6lNM&t=1555s

Additional activities suggested by our participants

Hike from the city of Fira to the picturesque town of Oia along a walking path that follows the ridge of Santorini (6 miles in 2-4 hours)

Pyrgos – The former capital of Santorini and the best-preserved medieval settlement on the island. Here you can visit Phrgos Kasteli, the best preserved of the five Venetian castles that once dotted the island.


Transportation

Tourists generally get around Santorini using the public bus network, rental cars or ATV’s, and walking within the pedestrian-only cliff side towns. We will arrive via a cable car to Fira.

Water taxis (& ferries) – https://www.getyourguide.com/en-au/santorini-l753/water-taxis-ferry-tickets-tc270/

A Santorini sea shuttle or water taxi service typically runs from the Old Fira Port directly to Ammoudi Bay (below Oia)or between southern beaches like Kamari, Perissa, and Akrotiri. Tickets for specific caldera or Oia speedboat shuttles generally cost around €30 per person and often bundle connecting land shuttle buses


Helpful link

Rick Steves on YouTube:  3 Greek Islands – Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZOuDhwzsq0


For the other stopovers on our cruise visit separate postings, which are listed in the column to the right


Bodrum, Turkey, Cruise Stopover

Bodrum, Turkey – Friday, October 9 – docked 8am-5pm

National language: Turkish Currency accepted: Turkish Lira & Euros

Greek Islands & Cyprus Cruise itinerary

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/itinerary/7-night-greek-isles-cyprus-cruise-from-athens-piraeus-on-brilliance-BR07M817?country=USA&currencyCode=USD&sailDate=2026-10-05

Our Cruise Landings/stopovers

Each place our cruise ship will be stopping will have a separate posting on this blog, including each Greek island; Bodrum, Turkey; and Cyprus. This posting is specifically for the stopover at Bodrum on the southwest coast of Turkey.


Introducing Bodrum, Turkey

The historic port city of Bodrum on the southwest coast of Turkey is a booming year-round getaway for Turks and foreigners. The charming town is full of white-washed buildings, cafes, and restaurants – all engulfed by beautiful waters and the commanding presence of the towering Bodrum Castle.

A Brief history of Bodrum

Bodrum was founded by the ancient Greeks and later fell under Persian rule. The city eventually passed to successive Hellenistic rulers and then came under Roman rule. The city lost its importance by the Byzantine era. The Knights Hospitaller arrived in 1402 and built the Castle of St. Peter. Bodrum was a quiet town of fishermen and sponge divers until the early 20th century. It was part of the Ottoman Empire 1867-1922.

 


Top Attractions

  • Bodrum Castle and the Underwater Archeologial Museum
  • Bodrum Ancient Theatre – Greek theatre from 4th century BC

Bodrum Castle – Listed on UNESCO Tentative list of World Heritage Sites in Turkey.  A historical fortification built from 1402 onward, by the Knights of St. John (Knights Hospitaller) as the Castle of St. Peter. It has four towers known as the English, French, German, and Italian towers, bearing the names of the nations responsible for their construction. Ottoman additions of a minaret and Turkish bath (hamam) were made later. The Underwater Archaeological Museum is currently housed in Bodrum Castle – https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?sectionId=BSA01&distId=MRK The history of the castle was taken from the UNESCO World Heritage website: https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6121/

Bodrum Ancient Theatre – https://bodrumantiktiyatro.com.tr/en/ – The Greek theatre, with its commanding views of the Bodrum Castle, the town of Bodrum, and the sparkling sea, was built in the 4th century BC during the Hellenistic period. Alterations were made later during the Roman period. Live performances take place there now. Visiting hours vary depending on performances (generally open 8:30-5:30pm). Visiting hours and the route to walk there have dedicated pages on the website. (Walk straight up from the center of town – no vehicles). Visiting the theatre is free.


Suggested Activities

Bayside and Tora Boat trips – www.baysidebodrum.com  This company offers afternoon boat tours of some of Bodrums beautiful bays and beaches which include swimming and snorkeling, if you choose. Visit http://www.Getyourguide.com for tours. Suggestion: Turkish Maldives boat trip with cruise port pickup – 7 hours – $45 swimming, snorkeling, lunch

Hamams (traditional Turkish baths)  There are numerous hamams in and around Bodrum. Some are only a short walk from the port, others are incorporated into tours in which you can be picked up in the port. Prices range from $18 – $45 (for spa treatment). Several choices of hamam visits are offered on the following link: www.viator.com/Bodrum-tours/Hammams-and-Turkish-Baths/d4292-g5335-c5337 For more ideas visit www.TripAdvisor.com

Etrim Village Turkish Rug Weaving Experience – Discover Anatolia’s skilled carpet masters in nearby Etrim Village    https://gyg.me/2CKpAVVV

Bodrum Bazaar and/or Turgutirus Market – There are several open air markets on the Bodrum Peninsula. Following are two of them. 


Helpful links

Bayside and Tora Boat trips – www.baysidebodrum.com/

www.GetYourGuide.com

www.Viator.com

www.Tripadvisor.com


Currency/money

Turkish Lira – The following link has lots of useful information (9 pages!) about currency usage in Bodrum (Euros & Turkish Lira):   https://www.revolut.com/blog/post/can-you-use-euro-in-turkey/


For the other stopovers on our cruise visit separate postings, which are listed in the column to the right


Rhodes Cruise Stopover

Rhodes Town, Rhodes, Greece – Tuesday, October 6, – Docked 9am – 6pm

National language: Greek Currency accepted: Euro

Greek Islands & Cyprus Cruise itinerary

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/itinerary/7-night-greek-isles-cyprus-cruise-from-athens-piraeus-on-brilliance-BR07M817?country=USA&currencyCode=USD&sailDate=2026-10-05

Our Cruise Landings/stopovers

Each place our cruise ship will be stopping will have a separate posting on this blog, including each Greek island; Bodwin, Turkey; and Cyprus. This posting is specifically for the stopover on the island of Rhodes


Introducing the island of Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes island is the largest island of the Dodecanese islands and abounds with ancient history and sandy beaches.  Most of these beaches are located along the island’s northeastern coast between Rhodes Town and Lindos.

The capitol city of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and principal town of the island, is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Highlights of the Old Town inside towering walls and a deep moat, are the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, the Archaeological Museum, Street of the Knights, and plenty of fun shopping and wandering among the winding, narrow walking streets. 

Lindos & nearby beaches – Lindos, the most popular village on the island, is about an hour south of Rhodes Town. The Acropolis is the highlight. The delightful town with its traditional white-washed houses, winding streets, and dramatic views, has been occupied for 4000 years. Two beautiful beaches lie at the foot of the village in St. Paul’s Bay.

Brief history of Rhodes

Ancient Greece – 600BC – 300 BC

Roman Occupation – 332BC – 395AD

Byzantine period – 395-1306

Crusader rule – 1310-1522

Ottoman rule – 1522-1912

Italian Occupation – 1912-1945

United with Greece – 1947


Highlights of Midevil Old Town, Rhodes – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

– Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, the island’s signature midevil fortress – also known as the Knights of Hospitaller – built in the 14th century by the Knights of St. John

– Archaeological Museum/Hospital of the Knights

– Street of the Knights, the best preserved medieval street in town

– Old Jewish Quarter & Jewish Synagogue Museum

– Hippocrates square – cafes and lively midevil atmosphere

– Roloi Clock Tower – 53 steps up for great views (next to the Suleymaniye Mosque

– Suleymaniye Mosque

– Socratous Street – great shopping with atmosphere

– Mandraki Harbor with windmills – boat trips to beaches and neighboring islands – could be our last stop before heading to Lindos (depending on where we get a vehicle/tour to Lindos)

– Elli Beach – located between Mandraki Harbor and the Rhodes Aquarium, within walking distance of the medieval Old Town – look for unique high-diving platform and plenty of beach chairs

Highlights of the town of Lindos

– The ancient Acropolis – the views and the dramatic citadel scattered with ancient ruins at the top are worth the steep climb for anyone who wants to do it!

– Charming Lindos village – winding streets, traditional houses, small shops, and stunning views. It is hugs the side of the hill where the acropolis is located, so it can be steep in some places.

– St. Paul’s Bay – at the foot of the village find two beautiful, sandy beaches here for a great swim and more incredible views of Lindos and the acropolis


Suggested Activities

www.Getyourguide.com  – Many water cruises, and a tour of Lindos – see the following suggestions:

– Sailing/snorkeling/swimming cruise to Anthony Quinn & Kalithia Springs – 3 hours – 20 Euros

– Lindos w/transportation includes hiking to acropolis and/or swimming in a bay – 4 hours – 15 Euros

– Hop-on hop-off Bus – http://www.hop-on-hop-off-bus.com/rhodes/rhodes-hop-on-hop-off-sightseeing-bus-tour_41664 – It also can be found on the website www.GetYourGuide.com Duration of entire circuit is one hour, but you can get on/off when desired – 20 Euros  Pick up this bus at the stop in the port near our ship to explore further afield than Old Town. May be good for some to do for an hour or two after exploring Old Town, while some of our group go for a swim at nearby Elli Beach.

– Rhodes Segway Tour – https://rhodesbysegway.com/old-city-segway-tour  This sightseeing tour of Old Town makes it fun and easy to traverse and explore the winding streets of Old Town within its midevil walls in a couple of hours. The price is a bit steep, however, at around $100 for a 2 hour tour. A better option might be the walking tour our cruise offers as listed below.

– Rhodes Old Town E-bike tour: Midevil highlights and sunset www.Guruwalk.com www.guruwalk.com/a/search?beginsAt=2026-10-01&endsAt=2026-10-01&hub=p14243-rhodes – 2 hours 18 minutes – 39 Euros


A couple of recommended excursions on Rhodes which are being offered by our cruise ship are below (some otherwise good tours are left off because price is too high. They can probably be done much cheaper through www.GetYourGuide.com)

1) Journey to Lindos – 4 hours 30 minutes – $89

2) Kalethia Springs & Midevil Town – 4 hours – $40 – includes springs & walking tour of Old Town. A good choice for a guided walking tour of Old Town, as other walking tours are much more expensive and don’t include Kalethia Springs which should be interesting


Helpful Links

3000 years of history in three minutes – https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tYSt7-_xSH8

Rick Steves on YouTube:  3 Greek Islands – Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZOuDhwzsq0

Rhodes cruise port guide, Rhodes Town    www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CKnIUjUrB

www.Getyourguide.com – good for road transfers (ie. Rhodes Town to/from Lindos is 23 Euros)

www.Guruwalk.com


For the other stopovers on our cruise visit separate postings, which are listed in the column to the right


Lindos

Cyprus Cruise Stopover

Limassol, Cyprus (Greek port) – Wednesday, October 7 – Docked 11am-9pm

National language: Greek/Turkish Currency accepted: Euro

Greek Isles & Cyprus Cruise Itinerary

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/itinerary/7-night-greek-isles-cyprus-cruise-from-athens-piraeus-on-brilliance-BR07M817?country=USA&currencyCode=USD&sailDate=2026-10-05

Our Cruise Landings/stopovers

Each place our cruise ship will be stopping will have a separate posting on this blog, including each Greek island; Bodwin, Turkey; and Cyprus. This posting is specifically for the stopover on the island country of Cyprus


Introducing Cyprus, an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean, divided between Greece and Turkey.

The Republic of Cyprus has several major urban centers, each with its own character. 

*Lefkosia (Nicosia), with its 16th century Venetian walls that encircle the old city, is a vibrant capital where centuries of history, a rich cultural scene, and contemporary city life meet within the last divided capital of Europe.  Lemesos (Limassol) and Larnaka (Larnaca) are lively coastal cities known for their history, seaside life, and gastronomy.  Pafos (Paphos) is a port city with UNESCO-listed archaeological treasures nearby, and water sports and boat trips abound.  The Ammochostos District (Famagusta) has resort towns renowned for their golden sandy beaches.

The current status of the Republic of Cyprus (south) and the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (north)

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 as a result of the Turkish military invasion and occupation. Today, the internationally recognized state, main cities, airports, and tourist infrastructure are located where the Government of the Republic of Cyprus exercises effective control (a.k.a. the Greek side). The areas not under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus (the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, or as the local Greeks call it, the “occupied territory” of Cyprus) are separated from the government-controlled areas by a United Nations-controlled buffer zone along the “Green Line”.

Visitors can travel freely throughout the Republic of Cyprus. The most popular pedestrian crossing between the Republic of Cyprus and the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is located in the capitol city of Nicosia on Ledra Street, which requires valid passport/ID checks.

For detailed, official, and up-to-date information on the Cyprus issue, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus: www.mfa.gov.cy

*information partially taken from the website www.VisitCyprus.com


Our adventure in Cyprus starts at Limassol’s new marina where we will be docking. A shuttle bus will take us to the New Port. For those of you who want to explore historic Limassol for a couple of hours, we will walk through the historic part of the city to the nearby 14th century Kolossi Castle and museum. Limassol has nice sandy and rocky beaches within easy reach, including the main beach Akti Olympion. There will be plenty of opportunity for our group to go further afield than Limassol, if desired. Note that anyone who wants to visit the walled city of Nicosia will need to go on a pre-organized tour, given the distance from Limassol (2 ½ hour driving time). Assistance will be given to find a tour, if requested.

Highlights in and around the four cities of the Republic of Cyprus (Greek Cyprus)

Limassol Highlights

– Kourion Architectural sites-and-monuments (vast site – need tour) – remote –

– Limassol Castle w/midevil Museum of Cyprus

– Marina & waterfront – good for hanging out on waterfront (ice cream)

– Old Town & food court – good shopping

Lanarka Highlights

– Kebir Mosque

– Old Turkish quarter & waterfront

– Church square with St. Lazarus Church & Byzantine Museum

– Lanarka Castle – divides new part of town with older Turkish part

– Beach and boardwalk

– Lanarca Archaeological Museum

– Jewish museum & synagogue

– Kilima ruins (suggest skipping this if you visit Kourion)

– Get-on get-off bus tour (2 hours)

Paphos Highlights

– Kato Paphos Archaeological Park w/amazing roman floors is accessed from waterfront of Paphos – Kings Tombs is just north of the Archaeological Park – need transportation to do both

-Waterfront of Paphos is delightful to walk along

– Water sports and boat trips abound

– Upper Old town w/Municipal Market (need to take bus or taxi to get there from waterfront)

– Archaeological Museum – small but good

Nicosia Highlights

– Walk in the dry moat at the base of the 16th century Venetian walls that encircle the old city

– Walk the Green Line

– Lidra Street – historic, shopping street on Greek and Turkish side crossing the Green Line (need passport)

– Famagusta Gate

– Omeriye Mosque

– Cyprus Museum

– National Struggle Museum (severing the yoke of Great Britain for 150 years)

– Ethnographic Museum of Cyprus

– Do a structured walking tour – free from the tourist office or do on your own

Famagusta

– Beach trips


A couple of recommended excursions in the Republic of Cyprus which are being offered by our cruise ship

– Paphos, UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes a visit to Aphrodites Rock and the Old port– 5 hours 45 minutes

– Ancient Kourion and Kolossi Castle, Limassol – 3 hours


Helpful links

www.VisitCyprus.com

http://www.visitcyprus.com/discover-cyprus/culture/sites-and-monuments/archaeological-park-of-kato-pafos-paphos/

Pafos water sports and boat trips:  http://www.Pafoswatersports.com

This is Cyprus! The Ultimate travel guide to Europe’s most tropical destination:

Famagusta beach trips:  http://www.getyourguide.com (search “Famagusta”)

Lonely Planet Guide books (excellent travel book on Cyprus): https://www.lonelyplanet.com

Cyprus Department of Antiquities:

www.culture.gov.cy/dmculture/da/da.nsf/All/CB2E60AEDED0A248C225719B0038B505?OpenDocument

Free walking tours: www.Guru.com

Finding a local guide, suggestions of where to go, what to do: http://www.GetYourGuide.com

Best beaches of Cyprus: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh1S81SVotU

Diving: www.travel.padi.com


For the other stopovers on our cruise visit separate postings, which are listed in the column to the right.