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Cyprus

An Island of Saints: A Journey through Cyprus

Following saints, apostles and martyrs across an island where Christianity took root in the very first century.

Cyprus is one of the oldest Christian lands in the world. It was here that Paul and Barnabas landed on their first missionary journey, here that St Lazarus lived out his second life as bishop, and here that ancient monasteries preserve traditions stretching back to the earliest centuries of the faith. Our journey takes in the north — crossing the divide to the haunting ruins of Famagusta and the wild Karpas Peninsula — and the south, from Larnaca's golden salt lake to the heights of the Troodos mountains.

At Kourion, we celebrate Communion in a breathtaking early Christian basilica overlooking the sea. At Kykkos, we enter one of the most revered monasteries in the Orthodox world. At Paphos, beside the pillar where Paul was scourged, we hold a closing service. These are not merely historic sites — they are living places of prayer and encounter.

Itinerary

  1. Fly to Larnaca — Arrive

    Fly from London to Larnaca and transfer to your hotel in Ayia Napa for a three-night stay. A welcome drink awaits, followed by a buffet dinner and Night Prayer — a gentle introduction to this island of saints and stories.

  2. Famagusta, Salamis & St Barnabas Monastery

    Cross into the north to explore the haunting ruins of Famagusta Varosha and the great Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos, then visit Othello's Tower.* The Kingdom of Salamis reveals its ancient glories before we reach St Barnabas Monastery, near the site where St Barnabas himself is buried, and pause for a time of reflection on the beach where St Paul and St Barnabas first landed. Lunch included at a local restaurant; dinner at the hotel.
    *Please note: the Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos and Othello's Tower are currently undergoing restoration works. We hope the works will be complete by the time of your visit.
  3. Karpas Peninsula & Beach Relaxation

    Drive deep into the wild Karpas Peninsula to Sipahi, where we worship among the extraordinary 6th-century mosaics of the ruined basilica. The rest of the day is yours to relax, swim and reflect before returning to the hotel. Lunch included at a local restaurant; dinner at the hotel.

  4. Larnaca & Transfer to Limassol

    Visit St Lazarus Church in Larnaca — where Lazarus served as bishop for thirty years after his resurrection — and enjoy views over the beautiful Salt Lake. We then visit the Church of the Virgin Mary Angeloktisti in Kiti, home to a magnificent 6th-century mosaic, before transferring to Limassol for a four-night stay. Lunch included at a local restaurant; dinner at the hotel.

  5. Kourion & Limassol

    Morning at the magnificent ancient city of Kourion: the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Cemetery, the House of the Duelists, the Agora, and — most movingly — a service of Communion in the early Christian Basilica perched above the sea. Afternoon: a tour of Limassol including the medieval castle and the wedding hall of Richard the Lionheart, with free time in the old town and marina before returning to the hotel for dinner.

  6. t Barbara, Machairas & Chirokitia

    A day of contrasts: we begin at St Barbara's Church, then walk ten minutes to the atmospheric cave of St Barbara. Up into the Troodos mountains to the great Machairas Monastery, before continuing to Chirokitia for a traditional basket-weaving and halloumi demonstration, including lunch. On our way back to Limassol we pause in the village of Lefkara, renowned for its delicate handmade lace and silverwork, before returning to the hotel for dinner.

  7. Kykkos, Lampadistes & UNESCO Church

    The mountain day: Kykkos Monastery — Cyprus's most famous, sheltering an icon of the Virgin painted by St Luke — then St John Lampadistes Monastery and the extraordinary UNESCO-listed painted church of Agios Nikolaos tis Segis. Lunch included at a local restaurant. A farewell dinner with a farewell drink closes the evening.

  8. Paphos & Fly Home

    A final morning at Nea Paphos: the House of Dionysus mosaics, and a closing service at St Paul's Pillar — the very spot where Paul was scourged before his preaching turned the Roman proconsul to faith. Then transfer to Larnaca Airport for our return flight home.

Essential Information

This tour includes:

  • Return flights London–Larnaca
  • 3 nights Ayia Napa — 4★ hotel
  • 4 nights Limassol — 4★ hotel
  • All breakfasts and dinners
  • 4 lunches included at local restaurants
  • All excursions and entrance fees
  • Revd Dr Peter Walker as tour leader
  • Local guide Alexia throughout
  • Air-conditioned coach and all transfers
  • Daily morning & evening prayers
  • Communion at Kourion & Paphos
  • Gratuities included
  • A copy of Revd Dr Peter Walker's In the Steps of Saint Paul

Flights from regional airports can be arranged at a supplement subject to availability, you can also book this tour without flights. For more information please ask for details.

A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable on confirmation. After which, an instalment payment amounting to 50% of the total cost of your trip is due 26 weeks prior to departure with the final balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

Special requests
Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted at the time of booking.

Final travel documents
These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.

Mobility
Many of our tours and excursions are designed for those who are able to travel independently, or with the support of a companion who can assist during the trip. We recommend that participants feel comfortable with physical activity and are able to manage longer travel days, which may include early starts and extended periods on the road. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when planning your adventure, and we’re happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions about the suitability of a tour for your needs.

Practical information

About McCabe Pilgrimages
McCabe has been arranging journeys of faith, culture and spirituality for over 40 years with an unwavering focus on attention to detail and service. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of Christian travellers, McCabe strive to make every trip a memorable and meaningful experience.

McCabe Travel Ltd. trades as McCabe Pilgrimages. McCabe Travel Ltd. is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2125334. VAT No: 318527355. Registered office address: McCabe Travel, The Square, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4EB.

The McCabe Educational Trust
The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1991 to support Christian communities. To date the Trust has distributed more than £4 million in grants. McCabe Pilgrimages supports the Trust directly by contributing to the administrative and running
costs, thus ensuring all pilgrim donations are able to go directly to the important projects supported by the MET. In 2026 McCabe Pilgrimages will
once again invite all pilgrims to make a voluntary donation of £20. In addition, McCabe will also donate £20 for every pilgrim who travels with us - regardless of whether they choose to donate - effectively doubling the impact when you do. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Financial and quality assurances
All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe’s membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Association’s code of conduct.

Health advice
Please carry an adequate supply of essential medication in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.

Holiday insurance
Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance quote to protect you before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto. For more information or to obtain a quote, please go to their website at www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor.

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Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
An Island of Saints: A Journey through Cyprus Departing From London Prices from £2895 pp The Revd Dr Peter Walker 19/05/2027 for 8 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

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