Cyprus

Cruises to and from Cyprus have long been a favourite holiday choice with British passengers. The warm, dry Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches and important Greco-Roman remains ensure that a cruise to Cyprus has a little something for everyone.

Naturally MSC Cruises have many fine excursion packages that offer the best deals and which will quickly help you get a feel for this place. Of course, you might prefer to do your own thing in Cyprus, in which case lunch ashore should include authentic grilled Halloumi cheese, which originates from Cyprus.

A cruise to Cyprus will allow you to discover the third largest island in the Mediterranean where, surprisingly, much of the country is mountainous – indeed, Mount Olympus, ‘home to the gods’ in Greek mythology, lies at the heart of the Troodos mountain range. Cyprus has inspired artists over the ages; Shakespeare set Othello in Cyprus and the author Laurence Durrell spent time living and writing on the island.

With civilisations in Cyprus dating back over 10,000 years, history enthusiasts will fall in love with this island; venture out of Limassol to the pretty port of Paphos, or visit Apollo’s temple at Omodos.

Those interested in theology may wish to visit Larnaca, where Lazurus travelled to after his resurrection. The local currency is the Euro, which you can spend on typical handicrafts such as hand-painted pottery, wood carvings or silver.