The tour started with a visit to ‘Lumina Botanical Gardens’ in Kornos village where the participants had the opportunity to discover the local herbs and plants of Cyprus. They visited the distillery to see the production of essential oils and flower waters; packaged their own herbs, and tasted teas made with fresh herbs from the gardens. The botanical garden cultivates over 30 different types of herbs via organic farming, while interactive workshops and tours are held in a lush, natural environment.

 The participants were then given a guided tour of the newly-renovated Costas Argyrou Museum in Mazotos village where they admired the works of the first eponymous local Cypriot sculptor. The museum recently reopened after a complete upgrading and showcases the artist’s works in stone and wood, as well as mosaics. The pieces depict folkloric traditions, village life, history and national struggles, Ancient Greek mythology and Orthodox Christian iconography.

 The excursion continued with a visit to the Agios Georgios Arperas Chapel in Tersefanou village, located on the spot where the Medieval settlement of Arpera once stood. It is a remarkable monument of the area that was built in 1745 by Dragoman Christofakis Konstantinou and bears important ancient frescoes on its walls. Most noteworthy is a fresco depicting the dragoman and his family as founders; offering the church to Saint George as thanks for the successful completion of the difficult project of Larnaca’s aqueduct ‘Kamares’, which Konstantinou was in charge of.

 One of Larnaca region’s competitive advantages is the variety of activities on offer all-year-round, which was demonstrated with a visit to the ‘Salt Lake Stables’ equestrian club. The participants were given information on the horse rides available amidst the natural environs of Larnaca Salt Lake.