Kourion Theatre, Kolossi Castle & Limassol Shopping
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Port
Limassol, Cyprus
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$99.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Drive through Phassouri citrus groves and vineyards to the ancient city of Kourion, a beautiful and unspoiled spot perched high on a cliff. Take in the dazzling views of the ruins and the sea below. Kourion, one of the ancient kingdoms of Cyprus, is situated in a conspicuous topographic position. It is built on a rise with three steep, almost vertical, sides. In his writings, Herodotus referred to the widely accepted notion that Greeks from Argos founded Kourion. During the 4th century AD, Kourion was destroyed by earthquakes.
To the south of the complex, you will find a natural hollow that once hosted a Greco-Roman theatre with a capacity of about 3,500 spectators. Archaeological and architectural data testify that the original theatre of Kourion was Hellenistic, small in size, and dated back to the second century BC.
Adjacent to the theatre are the remains of the House of Eustolios, consisting of as many as thirty rooms -- including a bathing complex -- dating from the 4th to the middle of the 7th century AD. The floors of the porticoes are paved with beautiful mosaic compositions depicting fish, birds and a partridge, with Greek inscriptions.
After exploring the site, you'll stop at Kolossi Castle, built in the 13th century. Your guide will tell you how it served both as the Grand Command post of the Knights of Order of St John (Jerusalem) and also of the Knights Templar.
In the old shopping district of Limassol, you'll have a chance to shop for local and international merchandise, including jewelry, leather goods, souvenirs, clothing and artifacts.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes.