The Troodos Mountains are a ‘majestic temple of Mother Nature', says Eva, one of our expert local guides. All pine-clad valleys dotted with remote stone villages and monasteries, these highlands are the spiritual heart of Cyprus. Eva adds, ‘This is where I lose myself and find my soul, when I inhale the freshness of the forests.' On this full day tour, you'll visit the steeped-in-legend Kykkos Monastery and three typical villages, including historic Omodos.

As you journey up into the Troodos Mountains, the landscapes become progressively greener. There's a pit stop for a coffee in the village of Pano Platres, nestled in a pine forest. From here, we continue meandering through the mountains towards Kykkos Monastery. Eva says, ‘It's a monastery of legends, with walls plastered in handmade mosaics and Byzantine frescoes. An extraordinary sense of calm envelops you as you enter it.'

It's a short drive next to Pedoulas next. Here, you'll have a traditional Troodos lunch made from locally sourced ingredients in a family-owned restaurant. In the afternoon, we'll head south to what Eva calls the ‘fairytale village' of Omodos. Enjoy a guided tour of its Byzantine streets and a visit to the richly decorated Orthodox church of the Holy Cross. Eva adds, ‘Omodos is the authentic Cyprus – charming stone houses, cobbled alleys and cafés where locals meet for philosophical discussions, political arguments and a little bit of gossip.'