Land in Larnaca Airport and pick up your hire car. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may like to do some sightseeing in Larnaca before making your way to your accommodation in the village of Tochni, which takes around 30 minutes in the car.

Just a short distance from the airport, you will find the Larnaca Salt Lake, a protected habitat and one of the most significant in Europe for waterfowl. Filled with water over the winter months, the lake is home to various migrating birds including flamingos (typically between November and March) that feast on the brine shrimp in the lake. According to legend, the lake's saltiness was as a result of St Lazarus's request for food and drink to an old woman, who refused him claiming that her vines had dried up, to which Lazarus replied "may your vines be dry and be a salt lake forever more". On the bank of the lake you can find the impressive Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, dating back to the 18th century and a fine representation of Ottoman architecture.

Arriving to Tochni, settle in to your base for the next three nights and enjoy a delicious meal of Mediterranean delights, perhaps with a glass of Cypriot wine.

Depending on availability at your time of booking, you may stay in the neighbouring village of Kalavassos.

This morning you have the opportunity to stretch your legs and familiarise yourself with the charming rural landscapes around Tochni and Kalavassos, with a gentle circular walk between these two villages. The lush vegetation of your surroundings include pine trees, wild olive, prickly broom, rockrose, thyme and citrus fruit. Breathe in the mingled fragrance of the rich variety of flora that accompanies you on your way. Take your time to wander the pretty streets of these two little villages, linger with a refreshment break at a traditional taverna, and enjoy a languid pace of life in the sun. You can also to pay a visit to the Neolithic settlement of Tenta, dating back to 7000BC, which is located a short distance from Kalavassos village.

With the freedom of your car, later today you might like to visit some of the interesting archaeological sites nearby, or perhaps head to the coast to enjoy the beaches, or discover the white cliffs at Cape Dolos.

Tuck in to a leisurely breakfast this morning, and soak in your tranquil surroundings. You have a few walk options today that takes you around the scenic and gently undulating rural trails in the vicinity.

One option is a circular walk from Tochni taking you to the nearby village of Choirokoitia. Here you can admire another fine example of a Neolithic settlement, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998. You might like to further explore the village and pay a visit to the charming basketry workshop and museum of Petros Nikolaou, where you will find beautiful examples of traditional reed weaving; the proprietor also offers demonstration of this skill as well as another Cypriot heritage produce - halloumi making.
9km / 160m ascent / 160m descent / 3-4 hours walking

Another option today is a loop from Kalavassos; on this route you will come across the mining heritage of the area, as evidenced in derelict copper mines and the long-abandoned mining settlement at Drapia, which dates back to the rule of the Venetians around the 15th century.
7km / 175m ascent / 175m descent / 2-3 hours walking

Leaving Tochni this morning, you will head to Pano Platres in the Troodos Mountains. You may choose to drive via the coast road and stop at the impressive archaeological site of Kourion just outside Limassol, and perhaps have a walk around the city and visit the Medieval Museum that can be found at the Castle at the heart of Limassol old town. Alternatively, you could reach Pano Platres via a scenic mountain route. Those that are keen on their wines might like to travel via the village of Omodos, well known for its historic vineyards and wineries. Many wineries offer tours and tastings - advance reservations are recommended, check directly with the winery of your choice.

Depending on your time of arrival to the beautiful pine-scented heights of the Cypriot uplands, you may like to take in a walk this afternoon and savour the refreshing mountain air and tranquil forest. You have a couple of short walk options; these include a circular trail along the pretty waterfall trail of Kaledonia, or a gentle out-and-back walk to discover the waterfall of Milomeri.

The highest point of Cyprus, Mount Olympos in the Troodos Mountains, reaches an altitude of 1952m above sea level and is a popular Cypriot destination for snow sports. In the winter, Olympos is often blanketed with snow, giving rise to its other name Chionistra which, roughly translated, means lots of snow! Today you can undertake a hike on the Artemis Trail, completing a lovely circuit beneath the summit of Olympos. The trail is gentle going and mostly level, offering splendid views over the island from this elevated position. As you walk through forests of black pines and juniper, keep your eyes peeled for any sightings of wildlife in this protected geopark; you may catch sight of hares, foxes or hedgehogs, or perhaps you might spot the Bonelli's eagle soaring overhead. Along the way you will also pass the ruins of the Walls of Old Chora - makeshift fortifications built in 1571 by a group of Venetian generals in an attempt to defend themselves against the Ottomans.

In the afternoon, you could discover one of the waterfall trails in the forest if you have not already explored these; or perhaps you might like to hop in the car and visit some of the nearby villages and sights. The UNESCO-listed painted churches of the Troodos Mountains are also worth a visit, such as the tiny 13th century Panagia tou Moutoulla Church; Agios Ioannis Lampadistis in Kalopanayiotis; or Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis in Kakopetria. Further afield, the impressive Kykkos Monastery near Pedoulas is the most lavish and also houses a museum on the grounds.

There are several stops to fill your day as you make your journey from the high mountains to the sparkling coast at Akamas.

You might like to enjoy a further taste of the alpine forest with a stop at Stavros tis Psokas, a forest station located in the heart of the Paphos forest at an altitude of around 900m. From the station there are a few options for pleasant walks in the shade of majestic Scots pines and tall birch, or amongst centuries-old cedars of a variety that is only found in Cyprus and Lebanon. This area is also home to the Cyprus mouflon, an endemic species of wild sheep, well adapted to the rocky terrain. If you don't get to spot these protected creatures in the wild, you can observe them at the nearby Mouflon Enclosure.

Descending to the coast, the city of Paphos makes for an unmissable stop. Home to unique antiquities including the Paphos Archaelogical Park, an ancient settlement famed for its fantastic collection of intricate mosaics. You will want to linger here to admire these beautiful relics and feel transported back in time, imagining a life as a wealthy Roman gazing upon these very same works of art.

As you make your way toward the tip of the Akamas Peninsula, you may feel the beckoning call of Avakas Gorge, inviting you for a hike. The gorge is a narrow canyon with vertical walls up to 30m in height, carved by the force of water flowing through the limestone over millennia. Depending on the conditions, the hike can make for a splashy experience as you criss cross the rocky stream coursing through the gorge. In the spring season, the endemic flora are in bloom, making for a delightful experience. You might even spot some wildlife such as reptiles, birds and butterflies, and maybe even some wild mountain goats nimbly climbing the steep rocks.

Arriving to your hotel positioned overlooking the Chrysochou Bay, settle in to your relaxing base close to the sea.

The Akamas Peninsula is one of the last remaining wildernesses in Cyprus. You have a few options today to explore the rugged coast and discover stunning coves with crystal clear turquoise waters.

The first of these options is a delightful circular walk on the Aphrodite Trail. This walk starts at the Baths of Aphrodite, a natural grotto shaded by lush greenery, where according to mythology the Greek god Adonis fell in love with Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty. Along the trail, you can enjoy wonderful views stretching from the town of Polis out to Cape Arnoutis at the very tip of the peninsula, and be captivated by the crystal clear seas in mesmerising shades of turquoise and lapis lazuli.
8km / 320m ascent / 320m descent / 3-4 hours walking

If you wish to enjoy a longer walk along this stunning stretch of coastline, you can follow the sand track that leads toward the Cape. There are a number of secluded coves to be discovered along the way; depending on the time available to you today you can venture as far as you like before turning back and retracing your steps along the same track.

For a route through diverse landscapes, the Smigies Nature Trail will take you along the spine of the peninsula, past old ruins, through dense pine forest and offer up views of both the west and east coasts of the peninsula, contrasting ochre-hued terrain with the blue tones of the Mediterranean sea.
6km / 160m ascent / 160m descent / 2-3 hours walking

If you decide to head out in your hire car, you could further explore Paphos, or visit Lara Beach - a sandy cove and an unspoilt beach, in a secluded location only approachable by dirt track. Green turtles and loggerhead turtles nest on this protected stretch of beach, laying their eggs between May and August, with the peak hatching season in August and September.

Enjoy your pick of restaurants this evening to celebrate a delightful week's holiday on the sun-kissed isle of Cyprus.

Enjoy a leisurely final morning on the island, take a final swim in the pool or stroll along the coast before making your way back to Larnaca Airport where you will return your car.