Cyprus: Troodos Mountain Food & Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch

Exploring Cyprus from the Troodos Mountains perspective offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, local flavors, and cultural insights. This comprehensive tour, provided by Cyprus Taste Tours, promises an 8.5-hour journey through the heart of rural Cyprus, visiting traditional farms, wineries, and villages. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed itineraries paint a picture of an authentic, value-packed experience that appeals to lovers of food, wine, and genuine local culture.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the small-group approach ensures a more personal and relaxed atmosphere. Second, the variety of stops—from cheese farms to honey producers—keeps the day dynamic and engaging. Third, the expert guides bring stories and knowledge that turn each tasting into a mini-lesson about Cypriot traditions. One thing to bear in mind: the itinerary is flexible based on local life, so some stops may vary. This tour is perfect for curious travelers who want more than just a sightseeing drive; it’s ideal if you love tasting authentic produce and learning about local craftsmanship.

A possible consideration? Since the tour visits working farms and small villages, it’s not suited for those needing a strict schedule or with limited mobility. Also, with a maximum of six participants, it’s intimate but may fill quickly, so booking early is wise. If you’re after a genuine taste of Cypriot life, with plenty of opportunities to sample local products and wine, this experience hits the mark.

Good To Know

• Authentic Local Experiences: The tour emphasizes genuine stops at working farms and family-run businesses.
• All-Inclusive Value: Transport, tastings, wine, and a full meze lunch are covered, making it a hassle-free day.
• Small-Group Atmosphere: Limited to six participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.
• Scenic & Cultural Highlights: Village visits, traditional crafts, and scenic mountain views create a well-rounded day.
• Educational & Tasty: Guides share stories, ingredients, and processes behind every product, enriching your tasting experience.
• Flexible & Authentic: The tour visits real locals’ businesses, so stops may vary, adding to its authentic charm.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deep Dive into the Troodos Food & Wine Tour

Starting the Day: Pickup and Transportation

From the moment the tour begins, the emphasis is on comfort and convenience. You’re picked up from your hotel or accommodation in Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, Nicosia, Ayia Napa, or Protaras, making it easy to fit into your holiday plans. The vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring a cool ride through Cyprus’s mountain roads, which can get warm during the summer months.

The small group size—no more than six participants—means you won’t be squeezed in or lost in a crowd. Instead, your guide, who speaks English and is passionate about sharing Cyprus’s heritage, will give you snippets of information during the drive, setting the scene for what’s to come.

Village Visits: Authenticity and Scenic Beauty

The core of the tour involves visiting rural villages where real local life unfolds. These are not typical tourist spots but places where families have kept traditions alive for generations. You might see artisans making village bread, honey, or cheeses, with the chance to taste and learn directly from the producers.

Reviews highlight guides like Georgina and Elena as standouts—passionate, knowledgeable, and eager to answer questions. One reviewer, Claudia, appreciated the “great variety of activities, not just wine tasting,” and mentioned the added value of learning about the local customs and history.

Expect to explore scenic mountain scenery, with panoramic views that make the journey worth it even before the tastings. As one reviewer noted, “the landscape was stunning,” and the stops at small farms or traditional workshops give an intimate look at Cypriot craftsmanship.

Cheese, Honey, and Olive Oil: Tasting Local Products

The tour’s focus on traditional food products offers a real taste of Cyprus. The stops include family-run farms and small producers, where you’ll sample some halloumi cheese, honey, and olive oil—all iconic to the island.

One guest shared that the olive oil tasting was superb, with detailed explanations about production methods and regional varieties. Another pointed out the friendliness of the producers, who are eager to share their craft. The chance to see how these products are made and then taste them fresh adds depth to your understanding of Cypriot culture.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Award-Winning Winery: Wine Tasting & Grape Varieties

A highlight often praised is the visit to an award-winning winery where you’ll try a selection of indigenous Cypriot wines. The guide explains the unique grape varieties used and their significance to local heritage. It’s an excellent opportunity to appreciate Cyprus’s diverse wine scene beyond the well-known brands.

Guides like Helena and Georgina are noted for their wine knowledge, making this stop both educational and enjoyable. Multiple reviews mention the quality of the wines—some at very reasonable prices to buy directly from the producer. The wine tasting is balanced with stories about local traditions, making each glass more meaningful.

Village Exploration & Cultural Sights

Apart from food and wine, you’ll have free time to wander through some villages, soaking in their relaxed pace and authentic charm. One reviewer mentioned a visit to Lefkara village—a place famous for its lace and silverware—saying, “what a highlight to see a traditional craft in action.”

While the itinerary varies depending on local life, the guide ensures you get a well-rounded picture of rural Cyprus, including hidden gems and historical sites. This part of the tour emphasizes the importance of slow, meaningful travel—taking time to enjoy the atmosphere rather than rushing from spot to spot.

Lunch: A Full Cypriot Meze Feast

No food tour is complete without a hearty meal, and this one delivers with a full meze lunch at a traditional tavern. Expect a generous spread of grilled meats, fresh vegetables, dips, and local specialties like kleftiko or souvla.

One guest described the lunch as “a feast that I couldn’t finish,” highlighting the copious amounts of delicious food. The meze is a social affair, with plenty of local wine and drinks to wash it down. Guides like Theodora ensure everyone feels comfortable and the pace is relaxed, allowing you to savor each bite.

The Overall Experience: Value and Authenticity

Throughout the day, reviews consistently emphasize the value for money—considering that all tastings, lunch, transport, and guided insights are included in the tour price. Guests also value the authentic encounters with local producers, which are rare on more commercialized excursions.

While the itinerary can vary—sometimes visiting different farms or villages—the core experience remains true to the idea of exploring real Cypriot life through taste, scenery, and stories.

The Sum Up: Who is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing. If you’re passionate about food, wine, and authentic local culture, you’ll find this experience rewarding. It’s suited for those who appreciate small-group interactions and enjoy learning from passionate guides.

It’s particularly good for foodies and wine lovers eager to discover genuine Cypriot products while soaking in the mountain scenery. The tour’s flexible, relaxed pace makes it perfect for anyone wanting to escape the tourist crowds and get a real taste of Cyprus.

However, if you prefer a highly structured or fast-paced itinerary, this might feel a bit slow or unpredictable. Also, those with mobility issues should check with the provider, as some stops involve exploring farms and villages.

Overall, it’s a well-priced, intimate, and delicious way to deepen your understanding of Cyprus’s culinary heritage, making it a memorable part of any trip to the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or accommodation in Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, Nicosia, Ayia Napa, or Protaras.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 8.5 hours, with the exact start time depending on your pickup location and availability.

What’s included in the price?
Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, all tastings, a full meze lunch, and wine at the winery are covered. Bottled water is also provided.

How many stops are there?
Typically, there are five stops showcasing traditional Cypriot products and crafts, though the exact stops may vary depending on local life and guide decisions.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with food allergies?
Yes, guides like Theodora and Georgina are attentive to dietary needs and will adjust the meal if necessary—just inform them when booking.

Can I buy products directly from the stops?
Absolutely, you’ll often have the chance to purchase products like honey, cheese, wine, and olive oil at good prices.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you’ll be walking around villages and farms. It’s also wise to eat breakfast beforehand, as the day is full of tastings.

Are children allowed?
The tour is designed for small groups of adults. For family groups, it’s best to check with the provider for suitability.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
No, the standard small group tours are not open to cruise ship passengers. For those, a private booking is required.

This food and wine journey through the Troodos Mountains offers a real glimpse into Cypriot life, blending scenic views, delicious flavors, and local stories into a memorable day. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a foodie, or simply curious about rural Cyprus, this tour provides a well-rounded, value-packed experience that will leave your taste buds and camera full.

You can check if your dates are available here: