Easter to the orchid bloom in Cyprus

Cyprus' lush spring flora captivates with colorful floral carpets. Vast forests, maquis, and barren landscapes are home to numerous wild-growing orchids. The Akamas Peninsula is known for its rich orchid biotopes – as are the Phassouri Plain and the Laona Plateau. In addition to intense botanical excursions, you will also experience the more than 8,000-year cultural history of Cyprus.

Day 1 | Flight to Cyprus

Transfer to Frankfurt/Main Airport and flight to Larnaca. Drive in a local coach to the hotel in Paphos. After checking into your room, enjoy a welcome cocktail and program introduction.

Day 2 | Akamas Peninsula – Plant Diversity

Your journey begins on the picturesque Akamas Peninsula. The gentle hills are covered with carob and olive trees, while eucalyptus trees thrive in the valleys and marshlands. Delicate blooming almond trees and the characteristic maquis of mastic bushes, broom, and juniper shape the landscape. Spring flowers are in full bloom in the fields and along the vineyards. At the entrance to the legendary Baths of Aphrodite, you will discover a small botanical garden. Around the grotto of Aphrodite, you will find maidenhair ferns and cyclamen. Near the village of Neo Chorion and at the Smigies picnic area, rare orchids await you.

Day 3 | Monastery of Agios Neophytos & Orchids

Passing by fig and pomegranate trees, you will reach the rock monastery of Agios Neophytos. The monastery impresses with its frescoes from the 12th to 16th centuries and the small church carved into the rock. Near the monastery, you will explore a rich orchid site. The route then takes you through the picturesque wine villages of the Paphos region and along lonely paths near Letymbou, Choulou, and Pentalia. These areas are among the richest orchid sites in Cyprus and offer a wealth of botanical highlights.

Day 4 | Ancient Kourion & Akrotiri Peninsula

Photo stop at the Rock of Aphrodite, where, according to legend, the goddess of love and beauty emerged from the sea. You will visit the ancient ruins of Kourion with the Greco-Roman theater and the Villa of Eustolios. Through the fertile plantation landscape of the Phassouri plain, you will head to the Akrotiri Peninsula, an orchid paradise. After insights into the local flora and fauna at the environmental center, you will end the day at the Akrotiri salt lake, a refuge for waterfowl and flamingos.

Day 5 | Troodos Mountains & Wine Village Omodhos

Your journey takes you through the picturesque Diarizos Valley with botanical stops before reaching the impressive Troodos Mountains. Along the way, you will discover orchids and other wildflowers. Your guide will also explain the fascinating geology of the Troodos Ophiolite. At Troodos Square, at an altitude of 1,700 meters, you will admire unique plants such as the Cyprus crocus, Troodos sage, and the Cyprus cedar. On the return journey, you will stop in the traditional wine village of Omodhos.

Day 6 | Ancient Paphos & Village Yeroskipou

Paphos delights with ancient treasures such as the Roman floor mosaics of the Villa of Dionysus and the impressive Tombs of the Kings. In Yeroskipou, you will visit the five-domed church of Agia Paraskevi from the 10th century, which impresses with beautiful frescoes. The day also holds botanical highlights: Paternoster trees and blooming coral bushes, as well as bougainvillea, rubber trees, and Judas trees shape the landscape. The afternoon is free for your own activities.

Day 7. | Laona Plateau & Wetlands of Ineia

You will explore the idyllic Laona Plateau, shaped by the villages of Ineia, Droushia, Kathikas, and Arodhes. From mid-March, the first orchids bloom in the wetlands of Ineia; the plateau near Kathikas and Arodhes offers further botanical highlights.

Day 8. | Return flight to Germany

Transfer to Larnaca Airport and return flight to Frankfurt/Main.

• Round trip transfer BOHR Island – Frankfurt/Main Airport
• Round trip flight from Frankfurt to Larnaca
• Round trip transfer from Larnaca Airport –
  Hotel including German-speaking assistance
• Local travel in a modern coach
• 7x overnight stays including half board at the 4-star Hotel Athena Beach in Paphos (local category)
• Welcome cocktail and
  program briefing on the day of arrival
• German-speaking, nature-oriented
  tour guide during all excursions
• Sightseeing/excursions:
  Akamas Peninsula, Agios Neophytou Monastery, orchid sites near Choulou,
  Aphrodite's Rock, Phassouri Plain, salt lake on the Akrotiri Peninsula, Troodos Mountains, visit to the wine village Omodhos,
  Paphos, Yeroskipou, Laona Plateau, wetlands of Ineia
• wine tasting in the Troodos Mountains
• Continuous BOHR travel accompaniment

• Round trip with Lufthansa
• 1 piece of luggage 20 kg
• 1 carry-on (40x20x25 cm)