Fikardou, Machairas and Lefkara Tour With a Local Guide

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Cyprus on a guided tour through the picturesque villages of Fikardou, Machairas, and Lefkara. Enjoy the well-preserved medieval architecture of Fikardou, marvel at the stunning Byzantine designs of Machairas Monastery, and witness the intricate lace-making techniques of Lefkara’s artisans. Along the way, savor a traditional Cypriot lunch, connecting with the local traditions that have endured for centuries. This comprehensive tour offers a glimpse into the heart of Cyprus, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the island’s captivating history and vibrant culture.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Guided Tours In Ayia Napa.

Key Points

• This tour offers a comprehensive cultural experience, visiting the historic Fikardou Village, Machairas Monastery, and the renowned Lefkara for lace-making demonstrations.
• Travelers can explore the well-preserved medieval architecture, Byzantine art, and traditional handicrafts of Cyprus, guided by a local expert.
• The tour includes a traditional Cypriot lunch, providing an immersive cultural experience.
• Pickup is available from selected hotels in Ayia Napa, ensuring convenience for travelers.
• The tour operates with a maximum group size of 50, ensuring a personalized experience.

Exploring Fikardou Village

Exploring the quaint Fikardou Village, travelers discover a charming glimpse into Cyprus’ rich heritage.

This well-preserved medieval settlement, nestled in the Troodos Mountains, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time. Visitors can wander the cobblestone streets, admiring the traditional stone houses and learning about the village’s history from the knowledgeable local guide.

The highlight is the Fikardou Folk Art Museum, showcasing the region’s vibrant handicrafts and providing insights into the daily life of past generations.

With its picturesque setting and authentic architecture, Fikardou Village embodies the essence of Cypriot culture, captivating visitors with its timeless allure.

Discovering Machairas Monastery

After exploring the charming Fikardou Village, the tour heads to the serene Machairas Monastery. Nestled in the Troodos Mountains, this historic monastery dates back to the 11th century.

Visitors can:

• Admire the impressive Byzantine architecture and frescoes
• Visit the on-site museum showcasing religious artifacts
• Stroll through the tranquil gardens and olive groves
• Attend a service or prayer session led by the resident monks
• Purchase handmade goods and souvenirs from the monastery’s gift shop

The peaceful ambiance and spiritual significance of Machairas Monastery provide a meaningful contrast to the quaint village visit, offering a well-rounded cultural experience for tour participants.

Experiencing Lefkara’s Lace-Making

Next, the tour journeys to the renowned lace-making village of Lefkara. Nestled in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, Lefkara is famed for its intricate handmade lace, known as "Lefkaritika". Visitors can observe local artisans demonstrating the traditional lace-making techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Lefkara Lace-Making
History	Technique	Products
Origins date back to	Delicate	Tablecloths
the 15th century	needlework	Doilies
Designated as	Intricate	Garments
UNESCO Intangible	patterns	and more
Cultural Heritage

The tour offers the opportunity to browse the local shops, where visitors can purchase exquisite Lefkaritika lace items as a unique souvenir.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour begins with a visit to the picturesque village of Fikardou, known for its well-preserved traditional architecture.

Next, the tour explores the Machairas Monastery, a stunning 14th-century religious site nestled in the Troodos Mountains.

The highlight of the day is a visit to the lace-making village of Lefkara, where visitors can witness the intricate craft firsthand and browse the local shops for unique handmade souvenirs.

The tour includes:

• Guided exploration of Fikardou’s historic streets and buildings
• Tour of the Machairas Monastery with its beautiful Byzantine architecture
• Demonstration of traditional Lefkara lace-making techniques
• Ample time to shop for Lefkara lace and other local handicrafts
• A traditional Cypriot lunch to immerse in the local culture.

Tour Itinerary and Schedule

The tour begins with a pickup from selected hotels in the Ayia Napa area, typically around 8:20 AM.

After gathering all the participants, the tour heads to the village of Fikardou, where visitors can explore the well-preserved traditional architecture and learn about the local history and culture.

From there, the group travels to the Machairas Monastery, a stunning religious site nestled in the Troodos Mountains.

The final stop is the picturesque village of Lefkara, renowned for its lace-making and silversmithing.

Throughout the tour, a local guide provides insights and leads the group through the various attractions.

A traditional Cypriot lunch is included, and the tour concludes with drop-off at the original pickup locations.

Transportation and Pickup Details

For this tour, participants are picked up from selected hotels in the Ayia Napa area, typically around 8:20 AM.

The pickup time and location will be confirmed via email after booking. If no confirmation is received 48 hours before the activity, travelers are advised to contact the tour operator.

The tour has a maximum group size of 50 travelers.

Pickup isn’t available for all hotels, so it’s essential to check the details and make necessary arrangements. Participants should be prepared to provide their hotel information when booking to ensure a smooth pickup process.

• Pickup from selected hotels in Ayia Napa
• Confirmation of pickup details via email
• Contact required if no confirmation received 48 hours before the tour
• Maximum group size of 50 travelers
• Pickup not available for all hotels

Dress Code and Accessibility

Participants must adhere to a specific dress code when visiting religious buildings during this tour. No shoulders or knees can be exposed. This ensures visitors show proper respect for the sacred spaces.

Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Travelers with heart problems or serious medical conditions may have difficulty participating.

The maximum group size is 50 people, so guests can expect a personalized experience with their local guide.

As long as visitors follow the dress code and have no major health concerns, they should be able to fully enjoy the historical and cultural highlights of Fikardou, Machairas, and Lefkara on this comprehensive day trip.

Cancellation and Booking Policy

Flexibility in planning is afforded to travelers, as they can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour’s start time.

This convenient policy allows for seamless rescheduling or cancellation should plans change. Plus, the "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option provides further flexibility, enabling travelers to secure their spot without an immediate financial commitment.

The tour’s cancellation and booking policy includes:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
• Reserve Now and Pay Later option available
• Lowest Price Guarantee
• No hidden fees or charges

This level of flexibility and transparency ensures a stress-free booking process and peace of mind for all participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Group Larger Than 50 Travelers?

No, the tour has a maximum of 50 travelers per group. If you have a larger group, you’ll need to book multiple tours or contact the tour operator to see if they can accommodate a larger group size.

Is There an Option to Include Additional Activities or Attractions?

The tour has a maximum group size of 50 travelers. While additional activities or attractions are not included in the standard tour, customers can inquire about custom options or add-ons when booking to see if any are available.

What Languages Does the Tour Guide Speak?

The tour guide speaks English, as most guided tours in Cyprus cater to English-speaking travelers. However, the website doesn’t specify if the guide can accommodate other languages, so it’s best to inquire about language availability before booking.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Special Meal Options Available?

The tour includes a traditional lunch, but it doesn’t specify any dietary restrictions or special meal options. Travelers should contact the tour operator to inquire about accommodating any dietary needs or preferences.

Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour Experience?

While the tour doesn’t offer private or customized options, customers can contact the tour provider to inquire about special arrangements. The standard tour accommodates up to 50 travelers and follows a set itinerary.

The Sum Up

This immersive cultural tour takes visitors through the charming medieval village of Fikardou, the historic Machairas Monastery, and the renowned lace-making town of Lefkara. Travelers will discover Cyprus’ rich heritage, from well-preserved stone houses to Byzantine architecture and traditional craftsmanship. With a local guide and a delicious Cypriot lunch, this tour provides an authentic and memorable experience of the island’s captivating cultural landmarks.