Jewels of Cyprus

Fly to Larnaca and travel to the locally-rated 4-star Blue Ivy Hotel & Suites where you spend your first six nights. Located in the heart of the contemporary seaside resort of Protaras and an easy walk from some of the best beaches in Cyprus. The free bar, open between 10am and 11.30pm, serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. D

With five full days in the island’s oldest city, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the sunshine and see a few sights. You can get your bearings on an included half-day tour of some of Larnaca's key attractions such as the magnificent Church of St Lazarus, the attractive palm-fringed promenade and the salt lake which is home to around 85 different bird species. You’re then free to relax or explore further on one of our optional trips. B, L, D

Head inland and ascend the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains, travelling through the wine-growing villages of the foothills and passing just below the peak of Mount Olympus to pause at the village of Prodromos where you can see Kykkos Monastery and the tomb of Archbishop Makarios III, the first president of the Republic of Cyprus.

After a picnic lunch you continue to Agros, where you stay for two nights at the locally-rated 3-star Rodon Hotel which has been recently refurbished. The hotel derives its name from the scented roses (rodon in Greek) that grow in abundance in the region and from which the famous Agros rose water is distilled. It has a lounge, two restaurants, a cafe, piano bar, two swimming pools, a fitness centre and spa. There are 154 bedrooms with balconies overlooking the garden and equipped with satellite television, telephone, mini-fridge, hairdryer, safe and complimentary Wi-Fi. The free bar, open from 5pm to 10pm, serves local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. B, L, D

Travel back down to the south-west corner of the island, enjoying lunch at a traditional village en route and an included visit to Tsiakkas Winery. You continue to the outskirts of Paphos for a four-night stay at the King Evelthon Beach Hotel, a deluxe hotel set in extensive landscaped gardens beside the golden sands of Chlorakas Bay – it’s approximately eight kilometres from the city centre. During your stay you’ll be given an included tour of Paphos to see the Tombs of the Kings and the Pillar of St Paul where the saint was believed to have been lashed before he converted the Roman Governor to Christianity. You’ll visit the bustling harbour where you may wish to visit the House of Dionysus, famed for its ornate floor mosaics, or Paphos Fort.

Facilities at the locally rated 5-star King Evelthon Beach Hotel include a buffet restaurant, three à la carte restaurants (Italian, Greek and Mexican) where dining is at an extra cost, four bars, an outdoor pool, indoor pool, spa (treatments extra), gym, tennis courts and snooker room. The free bar serves local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and is open from 10am to midnight. B, L, D

Travel to Larnaca airport for your return flight to the UK. B