Half-day Troodos Mountains village tour with art museum visit

Leave the lure of Paphos' beaches behind as you head west into the Troodos Mountains to understand the art and soul of this region of Cyprus. First up is a visit to the small, olive tree-lined village of Platanisteia. The place's claim to fame is the 20th-century artist Hambis Tsangaris, who lived and worked here in the 80s. You'll tour the printmaking museum that he established, see his work and learn about his inspirations, from the Cypriot landscape to folk stories and war.From here, you'll begin climbing into the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, making your next stop at the little village of Arsos. It's set among the many vineyards of this wine-making centre, giving it a rustic feel that gets stronger as you see the terracotta rooftops and brightly painted shutters of the houses here. Pull up a chair and relax for a morning coffee at one of the local cafes. Don't be surprised to find a few of the local gents playing tavli, or backgammon, at the next table. Finally, you'll take scenic mountain tracks to reach a dense forest. Hiding among the pines is the Medieval Tzelefos Bridge, a Venetian stone bridge over the Diarizos River. It's a great place to grab a selfie and then take a wander in the woods, where you can breathe in the wild herbs that grow along the river before returning to Paphos.