Cyprus

Why Cyprus

Cyprus anchors early Christian history—Paul and Barnabas began journeys from here—and its divided capital invites teams to engage reconciliation firsthand. Nicosia’s walled city, Limassol’s harbor, Paphos’ Acts heritage, and Troodos monasteries create spaces for learning, dialogue, and rest. With island-scale logistics, bilingual guides, and peacebuilding partners, leaders can focus on storytelling and generosity, supported by our travel commissions guide.

Top Highlights by Theme

• Nicosia & Buffer Zone: St. John’s Cathedral, Phaneromeni Church, Ledra Street crossings, and Leventis Museum.
• Limassol & Paphos: Kourion amphitheatre, Apostle Paul’s Pillar, Paphos Archaeological Park, and harbor gatherings.
• Troodos Mountains: Kykkos Monastery, painted churches (UNESCO), Omodos wine village, and mountain spa retreats.
• Northern Cyprus (if visiting): Famagusta’s walls, Salamis ruins, and St. Barnabas Monastery—planned with careful consideration and current advisories.

Sub-Regions & Routes

Nicosia (Lefkosia)

• Base in Old Town for walled city heritage and community partners.
• Visit Archbishop’s Palace, St. John’s Cathedral frescoes, and Ledra Street dividing line for reconciliation conversations.
• Engage NGOs supporting migrants and peace education.

Limassol & Paphos Coast

• Drive ~1 hr south to Limassol; explore Kourion, Kolossi Castle, and seafront promenade.
• Continue to Paphos for Apostle Paul’s Pillar, Paphos mosaics, and sunset harbor receptions.

Troodos Mountains

• Ascend to Kykkos Monastery, Omodos village, and Troodos Geopark trails.
• Mountain lodges and wineries offer downtime, small-group sessions, and donor appreciation dinners.

Northern Cyprus / Cross-Border (Optional)

• Coordinate with local partners to visit Famagusta, Salamis, or St. Barnabas Monastery.
• Prioritize reconciliation, reflection, and cultural understanding; passports and documentation required.

Trip Length & Pacing

6 Days

• Arrive Larnaca; transfer to Nicosia, Old Town orientation, and evening welcome.
• Nicosia heritage and partner visits; evening donor dinner on the Green Line.
• Day trip to Paphos for Acts heritage and harbor reflection; return to Limassol.
• Troodos mountains pilgrimage (Kykkos), mountain downtime, and rest; depart.

8 Days

• Adds cross-border reconciliation visit in Nicosia or Famagusta with local partners.
• Includes Omodos wine village retreat, coastal evening in Paphos, and leadership workshop.
• Provides buffer for service project or creative arts collaboration.

11 Days

• Comprehensive circuit: Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos, Troodos, plus northern extension (if appropriate).
• Adds Agia Napa coastal rest, Larnaca Salt Lake, and multiple donor appreciation events.
• Allows flexible morning, storytelling nights, and long-term partnership planning.

Best Time to Go

• March–June and September–November deliver mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds.
• Summer (July–August) is hot—ideal for coastal retreats but schedule midday rest and evening programming.
• Winter (Dec–Feb) is cooler with snow in Troodos; good for contemplative pilgrimages.

Group Logistics

• Airports: Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO). Some itineraries enter via Northern Cyprus (Ercan) with different protocols.
• Transport: private coaches, minibuses, and optional boat charters; we coordinate cross-border documentation and permits.
• Typical drives: Larnaca ↔ Nicosia ~45 min; Nicosia ↔ Paphos ~2 hrs; Nicosia ↔ Kykkos ~2 hrs.
• Lodging: city hotels, coastal resorts, monastery guesthouses, and mountain inns with meeting spaces.
• Meals: Cypriot cuisine—mezze, halloumi, fresh seafood, loukoumades; dietary needs easily accommodated.
• Mobility: moderate—cobblestone streets, monastery steps, and coastal boardwalks; we plan rest stops and accessible alternatives.
• Fundraising moments: rooftop receptions in Nicosia, harbor dinners in Paphos, vineyard evenings in Troodos, and reconciliation circles in buffer zones.

Extensions & Combos

• Pair with Israel or Turkey for Paul’s journeys and early church routes.
• Add Greece (Athens, Corinth) or Egypt for Eastern Mediterranean circuits.

Safety & Stewardship Notes

FAQs

• Q: Do we need visas? A: U.S. travelers enter Cyprus visa-free; crossing into Northern Cyprus requires passports. We advise on documentation for all nationalities.
• Q: Can we arrange performances? A: Yes—heritage venues in Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos welcome ensembles; we handle permits and promotion.
• Q: How hot is summer? A: Coastal temperatures can reach 90°F+; we schedule morning experiences and evening gatherings, keeping afternoons restful.
• Q: Are northern visits safe? A: With partner guidance, day trips are feasible; we monitor political developments and provide alternatives if tensions rise.
• Q: How far ahead should we plan? A: Reserve 9–12 months ahead for spring/fall travel, island ferries, and monastery stays.

Review fundraising ideas in our travel commissions guide, or add Cyprus to your request via the lead form when you’re ready to plan.