Cyprus: Crossroads of Civilisations and Natural Wonders

May 7, 2025

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Cyprus: Crossroads of Civilisations and Natural Wonders

Cyprus is an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, located south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, and north of Egypt. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, it has long been a melting pot of cultures and civilisations.

According to Greek legend, Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. With a rich and fascinating history, the island has been influenced by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, leaving behind remarkable archaeological and cultural treasures.

Today, Cyprus remains a divided country, with the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north, separated by the UN-patrolled Green Line in Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital.

Beyond its historical and political significance, Cyprus is renowned for its natural beauty, from the Troodos Mountains to the crystal-clear waters of Ayia Napa and the rugged Akamas Peninsula. The island’s culture is a unique blend of Greek and Turkish influences, reflected in its charming villages, rich culinary traditions, and vibrant heritage.

From 9 to 17 October 2025, Mrs Chulamanee Chartsuwan, Council Member of The Siam Society, warmly invites you to explore the island’s fascinating history while experiencing its breathtaking landscapes and diverse culture.

When

Thursday, 9 to Friday, 17 October 2025

Leader

with Mrs Chulamanee Chartsuwan

Council Member of The Siam Society

Booking

See information below

Or contact Khun Thun

studytrips@thesiamsociety.org

 

The tentative programme will be as follows:

Day 1: Thursday, 9 October 2025: Bangkok  
22:30 Meet at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, check in at Emirates check-in counter.
   
Day 2: Friday, 10 October 2025: Bangkok – Dubai – Larnaca – Nicosia
01:35 Depart Bangkok for Dubai by Emirates flight EK385.
04:45 Arrive at Dubai International Airport.
07:55 Depart Dubai for Larnaca, by Emirates flight EK109.
11:00 Arrive at Larnaca International Airport, Cyprus’s primary airport. then proceed to Nicosia, the capital city.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit Cyprus Museum, which is the largest and oldest archaeological museum of the country, featuring artefacts from prehistoric times to the Roman period. Highlights include Neolithic tools, Bronze Age pottery, Greek and Roman sculptures, the famous terracotta army from Ayia Irini, gold jewellery, and the Idalion Tablet with an ancient Cypriot inscription.
– Dinner and overnight at Cleopatra Hotel, Nicosia.
   
Day 3: Saturday, 11 October 2025: Nicosia – Kyrenia – Nicosia
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Half-day sightseeing tour of Nicosia, the divided capital of Cyprus. See a mix of rich history, cultural heritage, and unique contrasts between the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish-occupied north.
– Explore the Old City and Ledra Street – Walk through the bustling pedestrian street, lined with shops, cafés, and historic buildings, leading to the Ledra Street Crossing, the main border point between the two sides of Nicosia.
– Visit the Archbishop’s Palace – The official residence of the Archbishop of Cyprus, home to the Byzantine Museum, which houses an impressive collection of religious icons and artefacts.
– See the Famagusta Gate – A 16th-century Venetian gate that once served as the main entrance to the walled city, now a cultural centre hosting exhibitions and events.
– Cross into Northern Nicosia and stroll through the lively Büyük Han, a beautifully restored 16th-century Ottoman caravanserai with artisan shops and cafés.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Proceed to visit Bellapais Abbey, a 13th-century Gothic monastery built by the Lusignan kings. Set on a hillside, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and coast. The abbey features impressive arches, peaceful courtyards, and medieval ruins.
– Continue to Kyrenia, a charming coastal town in Northern Cyprus, known for its scenic harbour, historic castle, and Mediterranean charm. Visit Kyrenia Castle, built in the 7th century and later expanded by the Lusignans and Venetians, which overlooks Kyrenia’s picturesque harbour. Inside, we can explore ancient walls, dungeons, a Byzantine chapel, and the Shipwreck Museum, which houses a 4th-century BC Greek merchant ship. The castle also offers stunning views of the sea and mountains.
– Proceed back to Nicosia.
Evening: Dinner at your own arrangement.
  Overnight at Cleopatra Hotel, Nicosia.
   
Day 4: Sunday, 12 October 2025: Nicosia – Varosha – Famagusta – Salamis – Nicosia
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Proceed to cross into Northern Nicosia and visit Varosha, the Ghost Town of Varosha. Before 1974, Varosha was a bustling tourist destination in Famagusta. Its Greek Cypriot residents fled during the Turkish invasion, and it has remained abandoned ever since.
– Next, visit the ancient walled city of Famagusta. Famagusta is a prime example of medieval architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean. By 1300 AD, it had become a major market hub and a gathering place for wealthy merchants and Christian religious orders, particularly during the Crusades under the Lusignan dynasty.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit the medieval Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Originally, it was consecrated as a Catholic cathedral of Saint Nicholas in 1328, but was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1571.
– Visit the ancient Greek city-state of Salamis, known for its well-preserved ruins that offer a glimpse into its former grandeur. Highlights include the theatre, seating up to 15,000 people, the gymnasium, baths, and Roman-era mosaics. The Tomb of the Kings, an important burial site, and other large-scale public buildings also stand out. The site’s history dates back to the 11th century BC, with legend stating it was founded by Teucer, son of Telamon, who couldn’t return home after the Trojan War.
– Transfer back to Nicosia.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
  Overnight at Cleopatra Hotel, Nicosia.

 
Day 5: Monday, 13’ October 2025: UNESCO Painted Churches of the Troodos Mountains – Paphos
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed to the Troodos Mountains, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its stunning natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and charming Cypriot villages. The highest peak, Mount Olympus, offers breathtaking views of the island. Within these mountains lie 10 churches, listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. These churches are known for their exceptional Byzantine frescoes and architecture, dating back to the 12th to 16th centuries.
– Visit Panagia Forviotissa Church, located in the village of Moutoullas. This church is one of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Painted Churches in the Troodos region. The church was built in the 12th century and is famous for its Byzantine frescoes, which depict scenes from the New Testament.
– Visit Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis Church. This medieval church is located in Kalopanayiotis, a village with an old-world charm. The church’s interior is adorned with stunning frescoes, many of which date back to the 12th century. Its UNESCO recognition comes from the remarkable frescoes that cover the walls, illustrating both biblical and saintly themes.
– Visit Kykkos Monastery. While not a UNESCO site, the Kykkos Monastery is a must-see in the Troodos Mountains. Established in the 11th century, it is one of the wealthiest and most influential monasteries in Cyprus. The monastery’s museum houses important religious relics, and it is home to the icon of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to have been painted by Saint Luke.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit Agios Ioannis Lampadistis Church. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed church is situated in Pedoulas, a quaint mountain village. The church dates back to the 12th century and is well-known for its remarkable frescoes, including depictions of Christ Pantocrator and various saints. The frescoes in Agios Ioannis Lampadistis are considered some of the best-preserved examples of Byzantine art in Cyprus.
– Continue journey to Paphos, a historic coastal city located on the southwestern part of Cyprus, known for its rich archaeological, cultural, and natural heritage. It is often considered the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, making it a symbol of romance and mythological significance.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
  Overnight at Almyra Hotel, Paphos.
   
Day 6: Tuesday, 14 October 2025: Paphos
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Full-day sightseeing in Paphos.
– Exploring the Tomb of the Kings, an ancient necropolis located just outside Paphos. Dating back to the 4th century BC, the tombs are carved from solid rock and were intended for the high-ranking officials of Paphos. Despite its name, the site is not the burial ground of kings, but rather of wealthy aristocrats. The tombs’ architectural style is influenced by ancient Egyptian designs, and the site gives an insight into the wealth and social structure of ancient Cyprus during the Hellenistic period.
– Afterwards, head to Paphos Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant archaeological areas in Cyprus. The park covers various historical periods from the 4th century BC to the 3rd century AD. Notable sites include:

The House of Dionysos: Famous for its beautiful Roman mosaics, depicting scenes from Greek mythology and showcasing the wealth and influence of Roman Paphos.

The House of Theseus: Another stunning example of Roman mosaic art, it features scenes from the Trojan War and the story of Theseus, offering insights into Paphos’ importance during the Roman period.

The Odeon: A well-preserved 2nd-century Roman theatre, originally used for musical performances and drama, now a venue for cultural events.

The entire park offers a glimpse into the significance of Paphos as the capital of Cyprus under the Ptolemies and later as a key Roman city.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit the Paphos Archaeological Museum, which houses a vast collection of artefacts spanning multiple periods, including the Prehistoric, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman eras.
– Visit Paphos Castle, located at the harbour. Originally built by the Byzantines in the 13th century to protect the harbour, the castle was later expanded by the Ottomans in the 16th century. The fort played a key role in protecting Paphos from pirates and invaders.
Evening: Take a stroll through Kato Paphos, the lower part of the town. This charming area is filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops, where you can experience the local atmosphere.
– Dinner at your own arrangement.
  Overnight at Almyra Hotel, Paphos.
   
Day 7: Wednesday, 15 October 2025: Paphos – Kourion – Omodos – Paphos
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Visit the ancient city of Kourion, one of the most important archaeological sites in Cyprus, dating back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The well-preserved sites are; The Greco-Roman Theatre: Impressive for its size and location, it could seat around 3,500 spectators and hosts performances even today, The House of Eustolios which is famous for its well-preserved mosaics, revealing the wealth and luxurious living of the Roman period, The Baths and the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates and The City Walls and Other Ruins.
– Continue to visit Omodos Village, located in the heart of the wine-growing region of Cyprus.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Exploring the village. Omodos is one of the most picturesque wine villages in the Troodos Mountains, known for its charming stone-paved streets, traditional Cypriot architecture, and rich winemaking heritage. The village is famous for the Timios Stavros Monastery, which houses a relic of the Holy Cross. Omodos is also a centre for local crafts, offering handmade lace, traditional sweets, and Cypriot wine.
– Visit Timios Stavros Monastery and a winery for wine tasting.
– Transfer back to Paphos.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
  Overnight at Almyra Hotel, Paphos.
   
Day 8: Thursday, 16 October 2025: Paphos – Choirokoitia Settlement – Larnaca Airport
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel.
– Proceed to visit Choirokoitia Settlement is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important prehistoric sites in Cyprus. Dating back to the Neolithic period (7th – 4th millennium BC), it provides insight into one of the earliest known permanent human settlements on the island. The site features circular stone dwellings, reconstructed huts, and remnants of a sophisticated community that practised farming and animal husbandry.
– Continue to Larnaca.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Exploring Larnaca, one of Cyprus’ oldest cities, with a history dating back over 4,000 years. visit Church of Saint Lazarus, a beautiful 9th-century Byzantine church where the tomb of Saint Lazarus is believed to be located. Stroll along the Finikoudes Promenade, a lively seafront area lined with palm trees, cafés, and shops.
– Continue to Hala Sultan Tekke, an important Islamic pilgrimage site located on the shores of Larnaca Salt Lake. Built in honour of Umm Haram, a companion of Prophet Muhammad, the mosque is an architectural gem surrounded by peaceful gardens. Larnaca Salt Lake, a vast seasonal lake, is home to migrating flamingos in winter and offers a stunning natural landscape year-round.
17.00 Transfer to Larnaca International Airport.
20:10 Depart Larnaca for Dubai by Emirates flight EK110.
   
Day 9: Friday, 17 October 2025: Dubai – Bangkok
01:05 Arrive at Dubai International Airport.
02:50 Depart Dubai for Bangkok by Emirates flight EK384.
12:30 Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
   
The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary.

Important notes:

– The Siam Society may utilise photos taken from study trips, lectures, performances, and other activities as part of its public relations and marketing campaign. These photos, which may sometimes contain image(s) of activity participants, can also be featured on The Society’s website and other online social media channels.

– As part of our effort to address the issue of global warming, The Siam Society strongly supports the reduction of plastic waste. We kindly recommend bringing your own water flask during the trip, if possible.

Booking:

Contribution of THB 158,500 (THB 162,500 for non-members). Single room surcharge of THB 24,500. A deposit of THB 50,000 and a photocopy of the identification page on your passport must accompany the booking. Your reservation will be confirmed as soon as the deposit has been made. There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payments to cover bank charges. Payment in full will be required 90 days before the start of the trip (i.e. by Friday, 11 July 2025). Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society”. Transfer can also be made to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), saving account no. 053-2-18000-7, swift code: TMBKTHBK or by scanning the QR code on your right. Once payment has been made, please e-mail the deposit or transfer the docket to us.

Inclusions:

  • The contribution includes accommodation (twin sharing basis), meals as mentioned in the programme, transfer and sightseeing coaches, entrance fees, gratuities, and other costs incurred to make this trip possible.
  • Basic travel insurance, which will only cover participants travelling from and back to Thailand.

Exclusions:

  • International flight tickets are not included in the price (Bangkok – Dubai – Larnaca and Larnaca – Dubai – Bangkok),but for those who would like us to book their tickets, it can be arranged at the time of booking. The approximate airfare will be THB 34,000 for economy class and THB 116,000 for business class (price as of May).
  • Two meals that are excluded from the programme (dinner on days 3 and 7)
  • Visa fees (if any), personal expenses, personal food and beverage consumption, etc.

Please note that the flight itinerary between Bangkok – Dubai – Larnaca and Larnaca – Dubai – Bangkok, as mentioned in the programme, only serves as a suggestion. Trip participants can travel with their preferred airline of choice throughout the above sequence of the itinerary.

Tourist Visa Policy

Thai passport holders will be required to obtain a visa to enter Cyprus. However, a valid Schengen visa (multiple entry) allows its holder to enter Cyprus for a short stay of up to 90 days, without needing a separate Cypriot visa.

Cyprus visa exemption is available to 88 countries, including European Union member states, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore nationals. You may check the countries of visa exemption at the following link: https://www.gov.cy/en/information/visas/

Cancellation charges:

100 days before the start of the trip (Tuesday, 1 July 2025): Deposit forfeited
91 days before the start of the trip (Thursday, 10 July 2025): 50% of the tour cost
Less than 90 days or cancellation without notice (Friday, 11 July 2025 onwards): No refund

*The cancellation charges will also depend on the date we pay the deposit to our travel agent. If we have to pay the deposit to the travel agent before the 90-day period prior to the start of the trip, our officer will send an email to inform every participant before we make the payment, as only a partial amount of the deposit can be refunded after that point.

For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Thun at 02-661-6470-3 ext 205, or studytrips@thesiamsociety.org The Society’s office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.

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