Cyprus: Island Road Trip

After picking up your rental car from the Larnaca International Airport, make the short hour drive to Nicosia and settle into your hotel.

For dinner, get your first taste of Cypriot cuisine at Platanos Tavern.

After breakfast at your hotel, it's time to explore this unique city. First stop is at the Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory. This small museum offers an insight into the history of Nicosia, the split city. Half of the city is Greek Cypriot, while the other is Turkish Cypriot, with two different governments overseeing either side of the city. From the viewpoint you can see the UN buffer zone between the two and the expanse of the city.

Following the museum, take a short walk to the border checkpoint to cross into the Turkish side of Nicosia (make sure you bring your passport!). Enjoy some shopping before taking a lunch break at Hamur restaurant. After lunch, enjoy a coffee at the Rüstem Kitabevi bookstore - full of treasures!

Once back on the Greek side, head over to The Cyprus Museum for great insight into the island.

Dinner tonight is at Zanettos Cypriot Tavern. Following a tasty meal, enjoy an evening cocktail at Lost + Found Drinkery, rated one of the best bars in the world.

After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to Nicosia and gear up for the scenic route through the Cypriot countryside.

Take the mountain route and pass over Mount Olympus, the highest point in Cyprus, stopping at viewpoints along the way. Take a pit stop at Timios Stavros Monastery to take in the artwork and follow that up with lunch at Makrinari Tavern.

This afternoon is for the wine lovers! Cyprus is known for producing some of the oldest wines in the world, namely the Commandaria variety.

First stop is at Tsiakkas Winery. Enjoy a tasting flight and admire the scenic hillside.

Next, make your way to Lambouri Winery for another tasting flight and an opportunity to shop for souvenirs.

Arrive in Paphos and settle into your hotel. This lovely seaside town has plenty of options for dining and drinking. Don't miss the unique and silly Flinstones Bar!

Enjoy your day in Paphos as you wish — there's something for everyone!

Have a relaxing day at Sandy Beach, or explore the impressive Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos. Indulge in self-care with a massage at the spa, or sit poolside with a cocktail in hand at your hotel.

Fresh seafood is on the menu tonight at Psarou Fish Tavern.

After breakfast, it's time for another scenic drive on your way to Larnaca.

The first stop is at Petra tou Romiou, a lovely beach with rock formations and the alleged birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite.

After a short drive, stop at the impressive Kolossi Castle. This 15th-century landmark has dungeons, a mural and panoramic views from the rooftop.

Settle into your Larnaca hotel and spend the afternoon at your leisure. Head to the famous Finikoudes beach for a dip in the water, and stroll the palm-lined promenade afterwards.

For your final dinner in Cyprus, head to Edesma for tasty mezze and souvlaki.

After breakfast at your hotel, head out to see one more landmark — the Holy Church of Saint Lazarus. This impressive Byzantine church is home to the remains and tomb of Saint Lazarus.

Head to the airport to catch your late afternoon flight — goodbye for now, Cyprus!