Nat Geo Day Tour: Explorer-Inspired Family Snorkel Quest in Cyprus

Nat Geo Day Tour: Two Sides, One Story: Insights From Journalists on the Division of the Nation

Gain extraordinary insights into the story of Cyprus with this unique National Geographic Day Tour, led by two journalists - one Greek-Cypriot and one Turkish-Cypriot. Together, they'll share a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the island's history and ongoing journey toward unity. Begin in the restored village of Moutallos, where narrow streets and restored buildings tell stories of a shared past. Spot Turkish names preserved on walls, symbols of mutual respect and cultural connection. Pause for a photo at the Agia Sophia mosque, a former Christian church, and continue to Ibrahim's Khan, a revitalized Ottoman inn now brimming with crafts and culture. At its entrance, admire embroidery crafted collaboratively by women from both communities, embodying a spirit of cooperation. In a bistro situated at the entrance of the Khan, join a lively discussion with your guides, exploring the roots of Cyprus's division and pathways to reconciliation. You will also have the chance to taste traditional snacks that are offered in family homes, accompanied by a cup of Cypriot, Turkish, or Greek coffee. Wander the vibrant area, where workshops and vendors blend old and new, before visiting the beautifully restored Ottoman Baths.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Explorer-Inspired Family Snorkel Quest in Cyprus

As you gaze at the clear, turquoise waters of Paphos Harbour, it's easy to imagine Mother Nature has everything under control. But she could do with your helping hand to balance the human impact on the seas. This conservation-based snorkelling experience has been developed exclusively for National Geographic Day Tour guests and invites you and your family to do more than simply admire and swim in the Mediterranean. It's your chance to learn about and care for the sea and everything that calls it home.You'll begin by meeting marine biologist, Vasilis Andreou, your guide on this conservation quest. He'll tell you about Dr. Emily Duncan, a National Geographic Explorer, whose research on plastics and the local turtles is the inspiration for this tour. You'll learn about threats to these creatures and the wider ocean's ecosystem and what you can do to help turn the tide and protect them.You'll set sail armed with a waterproof board and pen to help identify and record different species among the seagrass meadows and rocky reefs. On your guided 90-minute snorkel, you'll be on the lookout for rainbow wrasse, blue-spotted cornet fish and endangered loggerhead and green sea turtles. As fun as filling in your fishy bingo card is, you'll be contributing important research to the Citizen Science Initiative and supporting the conservation of precious marine life. Round off the tour with an eco-pledge, empowering you to care for and protect the oceans for generations to come.

Kourion Ruins, Kolossi Castle and winery visit

The myths of Cyprus come to life on this tour. You'll see where a legend was born, visit the ruins of Kourion, venture to the village of Omodos and cap off the day with a tasting at a family-run winery. Eva, one of our local guides, says of this excursion, ‘You'll wander through layers of history, culture and mythology, and learn about Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The rituals connected with her as well as the plants and seashells associated with her.'You'll dive straight into the past to see Petra tou Romiou, a sea stack where, local legend has it, the goddess Aphrodite was born. The ancient past takes on a more tangible form at Kourion, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Cyprus. Visit its Roman baths and amble into its centrepiece, the Greco-Roman theatre. It's still used for concerts. And up next is the Crusader-built Kolossi Castle, which belonged to the Knights Templar from the 14th century.Lunch is in a family-owned restaurant. It's as famed for its country fare made from locally sourced ingredients as it is for its scenic location in the hills. Then, we'll head to the mountain-nestled village of Omodos, where you'll have free time to wander around skinny cobbled streets lined with Byzantine buildings. And to round off the day, we'll visit the winery. Here, you'll sample some of its award-winning wines, including the commandaria variety, which Richard the Lionheart baptised as the ‘wine of kings and the king of wines'.

Troodos Mountains Tour with Kykkos Monastery and Lunch

The journey into the Troodos Mountains is a journey to another Cyprus. Rustic stone villages dot tree-clad valleys where traditional ways of life still hold sway. This tour takes you into the spiritual heart of the highlands, the Kykkos Monastery, as well as up to Throni Hill. Alexia, one of our local guides, says, ‘The icon of the Virgin Mary at Kykkos is considered miraculous, so at least once a year, it's important for Cypriots to visit the church.'As you go into the depths of the Troodos, you'll encounter luxuriant landscapes which contrast with the arid coast. You'll head to the Kykkos Monastery first. Perched on Mount Kykkos, it's laden with religious treasures, and you won't be able to keep your eyes off the golden icons and frescoes – except for the icon of the Virgin Mary. It's kept under wraps, with the last known viewing being hundreds of years ago. You'll also have free time to wander around the grounds and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains. What's more, your visit helps the preservation of this important heritage site.We'll then visit the hilltop tomb of Archbishop Makarios III. Superb views greet you before the drive down to the village of Pedoulas. Here, you'll enjoy a typical Cypriot lunch made from locally sourced ingredients in a family-run restaurant. There's time for an optional walk up to the richly decorated Orthodox church of the Holy Cross, then we'll head back with a coffee stop at Pano Platres en route.

Caledonia Waterfalls Tour with Lunch

The lush, cool forest that carpets the Troodos Mountains is an ideal escape near Paphos. A perfect contrast to the beach, you'll journey along a scenic route into the hills, where your destination is the village of Platres. Here, you'll set off on a 3km hike along the stream to the Caledonia Falls, followed by a traditional lunch at Psilo Dendro restaurant. Andri, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘You'll enjoy the journey as much as the destination on this hike, which follows and criss-crosses a stream over a series of little bridges all the way to the waterfall.'We'll get the tour started on a refreshing note with a stop at Kolossi Fruit Garden. Here you'll have the chance to try some fresh lemonade and buy fruit before continuing further into the mountains to the pretty hilltop village of Platres. This is the starting point for the nature trail, which traces the bubbling Kryos Potamos stream through the trees. You'll be glad of sturdy footwear as you head along the scenic trail, which is quite uneven in places with some rocks, roots and rivulets to keep it interesting.It's a forest walk in dappled shade, leading through a variety of gnarly trees including pines and strawberry trees. Once you reach the Caledonia Falls, you'll be able to take a break - and have a paddle if you wish - at the shaded freshwater pool, then continue to the famous Psilo Dendro restaurant with its very own trout farm. Relax over lunch – needless to say, trout is a speciality – and end the day on a high.

Evening Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner

Tasty meze, music and dancing – this trip has all the ingredients for a right old Cypriot night. And if that wasn't enough, it all comes after a drink overlooking Aphrodite's Rock – birthplace of the mythical goddess of love. Alexia, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘At the taverna, you'll get together with the locals and feel their culture and dance. Nothing is better than the 100% authentic cuisine cooked by the women of the village, just like they cook at home.' Join us for a knees-up to remember in one of the area's most popular tavernas.We'll kick off with a short drive towards Petra tou Romiou – as Aphrodite's Rock is known locally. Clink glasses at this mythical sea stack and enjoy the evening light while sipping on a sparkling wine. ‘A celebration in honour of the goddess,' as Alexia says. You'll then head to the village of Kouklia, a short drive inland from the coast, for a Cypriot dinner with a difference.A first sight, it's a typical family-run taverna. You'll get to savour just about every Cypriot dish you could possibly wish for. The emphasis is on pure ingredients and traditional meze – cooked the way they've been for generations – washed down with local wines. But on summer evenings, the family takes over the street, hosting feasts of folkloric music and dancing. Let your hair down and join the locals with some boogying and shaking on the outdoor terrace. As nights out go, it's a showstopper.

Full-day tour of Kourion and Omodos with Cypriot wine-tasting

Cyprus is all rolling hills dotted with pretty villages. On this adults-only tour, you'll see where a legend was born, visit the ruins of Kourion, venture to the village of Omodos and cap off the day with a wine tasting. Eva, one of our local guides, says of this excursion, ‘You'll wander through layers of history, culture and mythology, and learn about Aphrodite. The rituals connected with her, as well as the plants and seashells associated with her legacy.'You'll dive straight into the past to see Petra tou Romiou — a sea stack where, according to legend, love goddess Aphrodite was born. We keep the theme ancient at Kourion, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Cyprus. Visit the Roman baths and amble into the site's centrepiece, the Greco-Roman theatre. Concerts are still held to this day. The 15th-century Kolossi Castle is up next. This Crusader-built fortress is surrounded by blooming plants.Then, we'll head for a local lunch in a family-run taverna before visiting mountain-fringed Omodos, where you'll wander around skinny cobbled streets lined with Byzantine buildings. It's Eva's favourite village. She says, ‘The charm of the stone houses, the tranquillity and peacefulness – it's as if it has sprung from a fairytale. I love dropping into one of the cafés and seeing locals have philosophical discussions, political arguments and a bit of gossip.' Plus, there's a wine tasting, where you'll learn all about sweet commandaria wine.

Troodos Mountain Villages Tour with Lampadistis Monastery

Cyprus is full of hidden treasures, and you'll explore some of the island's rural highlights on this full day excursion into the Troodos Mountains. You'll drive into the countryside – where most say the trip is worth it for the views alone – to Lampadistis Monastery and Kalopanayiotis, with a few pleasant surprises in between.

Kykkos Monastery and Troodos Mountains Small Group Tour

The drive into the Troodos Mountains is a journey to another Cyprus. Rustic stone villages dot pine-studded valleys and traditional ways of life still hold sway. This small group, adults-only tour takes you into the spiritual heart of the highlands, the Kykkos Monastery, as well as the hilltop tomb of Makarios III. Eva, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Troodos Mountains are where I find my soul. There are villages where time has stood still, where people still care about one another, where you enter as a guest and leave as a friend.'Ascending into the wild landscapes of the Troodos Mountains, you'll stop for a coffee break in a typical village. Then it's on to the star of the show, the beautiful Kykkos Monastery, perched on top Mount Kykkos. The interior is richly decorated, and you won't be able to keep your eyes off the icons and frescoes. You'll hear the legend of why its most famous icon, ‘the Golden Girl', remains half-hidden. And you'll also have some free time to wander around the grounds and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains.We'll then visit Throni Hill and the elaborate tomb of Archbishop Makarios III. Superb views greet you before the drive down to the village of Pedoulas. Here, you'll enjoy a typical Cypriot lunch made from locally sourced ingredients in a family-run restaurant. There's time for an optional walk up to the Orthodox church of the Holy Cross, then we'll head back with a photo stop at Prodromos viewpoint and a coffee break en route.

Famagusta city tour with Salamis and Varosha 'Ghost Town'

This full-day tour to the northern part of Cyprus takes you to three of the country's most intriguing spots – the ancient city of Salamis, the old town of Famagusta and the ‘ghost town' of Varosha. Your journey into the past starts all the way back in classical times at Salamis.