OENOLOGICAL TOUR

OPTION 4

ROUTE

  • KOLOSSI – Visit the Medieval Castle of Kolossi, one of the most important medieval fortifications in Cyprus and find out the story behind the castle and its relation to “Commandaria”, the world’s oldest named wine which is still in production and proclaimed by Richard the Lionheart as the “wine of the kings and the king of the wines.” 
  • ERIMI – Explore 5,500 thousand years of wine culture at the Cyprus Wine Museum and taste one of the oldest wines in the world. Enjoy a wine tasting experience and a short private classical concert dedicated to the famous hero and king of Cyprus Kyniras (grandson of Aphrodite and son of Apollo).
  • OMODOS – visit this charming wine producing village! Walk along its narrow alleys and explore the local culture and tastes. Enjoy an early dinner before returning to the hotel.” 

TRIP DETAILS

Price per Person: €125.00

Date: 19 November 2024

Departure / Return time: 09:00 – 17:00                                                            

Above package includes:

  • Bus transportation from and to hotel
  • Licensed English-Speaking tour guide
  • Entrance fees to Kolossi Castle and Wine Museum (includes wine tasting and the concert)
  • Early Dinner

MEDIEVAL CASTLE OF KOLOSSI

The Castle of Kolossi is one of the most important medieval fortifications that survived from the Frankish period in Cyprus. Built in 1454 by the Grand Master of the Order of the hospitallers, Louis de Magnac, it was the property of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem and was the seat of a powerful military command known as Commanderie which controlled and exploited the agricultural produce of the wider area.

The Commanderie of Kolossi was undoubtedly the most important of the territories granted to the Order of St.  John and covered a large area of sugar cane plantations, olive groves, grain and carob plantations, and vineyards. The area also produced and exported the traditional sweet wine of Cyprus which became known worldwide under the name ‘Vin de Commanderie’ (Wine of Commanderie) or Koumandaria, retaining the same name for eight centuries.

THE CYPRUS WINE MUSEUM

The Cyprus Wine Museum is a tribute to the wine history of the island. Explore 5,500 thousand years of wine culture in Cyprus and have a wine tasting experience that will include wines made from the local types of grapes, such as Xynisteri, Mavro and Maratheftiko. The experience includes a short private classical concert dedicated to the famous hero and king of Cyprus Kyniras (grandson of Aphrodite and son of Apollo).

OMODOS – A charming wine producing village!

Omodos, is a well-known wine producing village of the area. The large stone-paved square of the village that stretches in front of the magnificent monastery of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross) is one of the oldest and most picturesque of the island. Surrounded by beautiful, traditional homes, framed by tall sycamore trees, it is ideal for walks, shopping and dining, all year round.

While at the square, visit the monastery of Timios Stavros, which is an attraction in itself hosting several museums which you can visit for free. Walk along the narrow alleys that wind around the square to see workshops making stained and blown glass, engravings, and icons. Try the local bagels “Arkadena” which arefermented 7 times before baking and taste the local fine wines and zyvania (grape pulp distilled in special cauldrons).

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a traditional coffee and a “spoon sweet” (a traditional dessert usually made from seasonal fruit boiled in sugar) at one of the many traditional cafenia (cafes).

Early dinner will be offered at a local restaurant that serves traditional Cypriot and Mediterranean-infused food.