The ancient history of Cyprus comes to life on an approximate two-hour exploration of Kourion, where you'll comb the ruins of the massive amphitheater, plus see Kolossi Castle, an impressive citadel once used by the Crusaders. Your first photo stop of the trip brings you to Kolossi Castle to trace its history from the early 1200s. It was built by Frankish military, occupied by Crusaders, and the area is known for its production of sugarcane and Commandaria, one of the world's oldest named wines.

You will then walk around the crumbling ruins of Kourion, an ancient city-state perched atop a limestone promontory overlooking Episkopi Bay. In the House of Eustolios, you'll admire intricate mosaics featuring Christian symbols and inscriptions, before learning about the Roman-style bath complex's extensive sewage system.

Stroll through the arched pathways where some 3,500 spectators once entered the Kourion Theatre, a Greco-Roman amphitheater where wild animals once fought to their death and today theatrical performances entertain visitors. See what remains after a series of earthquakes and a devastating tsunami put this ancient city out of existence.

Highlights

• Kourion: Take a guided walk around the crumbling ruins of this ancient city-state, viewing the House of Eustolios' religious mosaics.
• Kolossi Castle: Enjoy a photo stop to learn about a former Crusader bastion dating back to the Middle Ages.
• Kourion Theatre: Built towards the end of the 2nd century BC, this open-air amphitheater once housed an audience of 3,500.