Cypriot History & Archaeology
Embark on a journey through 10,000 years of Cypriot history with expert archaeologists and historians. Explore significant sites and uncover the island's unique position at the crossroads of ancient civilizations.

€675
per person
Course Overview
Our Cypriot History & Archaeology course offers a comprehensive exploration of Cyprus's rich historical heritage, from prehistoric settlements to Byzantine churches and beyond.
Academic Excellence
Led by Dr. Nikolas Antoniou, an archaeologist with over 20 years of field experience across Cyprus's major historical sites.
Immersive Field Experience
Visit major archaeological sites including Kourion, Paphos, Salamis, and the Tombs of the Kings with special access to areas not open to the general public.
Cultural Context
Understand how Cyprus's unique position at the crossroads of civilizations shaped its history, art, religion, and culture over millennia.
What You'll Experience
This 7-day immersive course goes beyond basic historical facts to offer a profound understanding of Cyprus's multicultural heritage. Through expert lectures, guided site visits, and hands-on workshops, you'll explore:
- Archaeological methodologies and how experts uncover and interpret Cyprus's past
- The island's key historical periods from Neolithic settlements to Ottoman rule
- Religious art and architecture from ancient temples to Byzantine churches
- The influence of successive civilizations on Cyprus's cultural evolution
- Contemporary heritage preservation challenges and efforts
Your 7-Day Journey Through Time
Each day of our carefully structured course builds upon the previous, taking you through a chronological exploration of Cyprus's fascinating historical tapestry.
Day 1: Introduction & Prehistoric Cyprus
Begin with an overview of Cypriot history and archaeological methods before exploring the island's earliest settlements at Choirokoitia Neolithic Site (UNESCO World Heritage).
Day 2: Bronze Age & Mycenaean Influence
Explore the ancient city-kingdom of Kition and visit the Cyprus Museum to examine remarkable Bronze Age artifacts that demonstrate early international connections.
Day 3: Classical & Hellenistic Period
Visit the ancient city-kingdom of Salamis with its impressive theater and gymnasium, exploring Greek influence on Cypriot culture, art, and governance.
Day 4: Roman Cyprus
Explore remarkable Roman mosaics and architecture at Paphos Archaeological Park (UNESCO World Heritage) and the Tombs of the Kings, witnessing Rome's profound impact on the island.
Day 5: Byzantine Period
Discover the painted churches of the Troodos Mountains (UNESCO World Heritage) and explore Byzantine art, architecture, and religious traditions that remain influential in Cyprus today.
Day 6: Medieval to Ottoman Cyprus
Explore Crusader and Venetian fortifications at Kolossi Castle and Famagusta, then examine the Ottoman legacy in architecture, cuisine, and cultural practices.
Day 7: Modern Heritage & Preservation
Visit ongoing archaeological excavations, discuss contemporary heritage preservation challenges, and participate in a closing symposium to synthesize your learning journey.
What's Included
Course Features
- 7 days of expert-led instruction (40+ hours total)
- Small group size (maximum 8 participants)
- Special access to archaeological sites not open to the general public
- Comprehensive course materials and literature
- Interactive workshops in artifact analysis and historical interpretation
Additional Benefits
- All site entrance fees and museum admissions
- Transportation to all site visits during the course
- Daily refreshments and two group meals (welcome and farewell dinners)
- Official Cyprus Cultural Odyssey certificate of completion
- Access to online resources and recommended reading after the course
Please Note
- Accommodation and flights are not included but we can provide recommendations upon request.
- Course involves moderate walking (up to 5km daily) over sometimes uneven terrain.
- We recommend bringing sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and a notebook.
Meet Your Instructor
Magnus Thorvaldsen
Archaeologist & Historian
Dr. Thorvaldsen brings over 20 years of archaeological expertise to our History & Archaeology course. With a Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology from the University of Copenhagen and post-doctoral research at Stockholm University, he has led excavations at some of Scandinavia's most significant historical sites.
As former curator at the Nordic Archaeological Museum and consultant to UNESCO on Nordic cultural heritage, Dr. Thorvaldsen combines academic rigor with engaging storytelling to bring the region's past to life. His particular expertise lies in the Viking and Medieval periods, though his knowledge spans the full breadth of Scandinavian history.
To walk among the ruins of ancient civilizations in Cyprus is to feel the presence of countless generations who have shaped this remarkable island. Our course invites you to not just observe history, but to engage with it meaningfully and personally.
— Dr. Nikolas Antoniou
Course Pricing & Booking
Secure your place on our immersive journey through Cyprus's rich historical landscape.
Cypriot History & Archaeology Course
7-day immersive exploration with expert guidance and special site access
Upcoming Course Dates
- May 15-21, 2025
- July 10-16, 2025
- September 18-24, 2025
A non-refundable deposit of €150 is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the course start date.
Why Book With Us
- Led by published experts with decades of experience
- Special access to restricted archaeological areas
- Small groups ensure personalized attention
- 96% satisfaction rating from previous participants
- Flexible payment options available
Request More Information
Have questions about our History & Archaeology course? Fill out this form and one of our specialists will contact you with more details.
Explore 10,000 Years of Cypriot History and Archaeology
Cyprus stands at a unique crossroads of civilizations, where East meets West and North meets South. For over 10,000 years, this Mediterranean island has been a cultural melting pot, influenced by Mycenaean Greeks, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Venetians, Ottomans, and the British. This rich tapestry of historical influences has created an archaeological landscape of extraordinary depth and diversity.
Our Cypriot History and Archaeology course offers something truly special: the opportunity to explore this remarkable heritage under the guidance of professional archaeologists and historians who bring academic expertise, field experience, and engaging storytelling to the experience. Unlike standard tours that merely scratch the surface, our immersive seven-day program takes you deep into Cyprus's multilayered past.
What makes Cyprus's archaeological heritage so significant is not merely its antiquity but its exceptional preservation and the window it provides into the development of Mediterranean civilizations. From the Neolithic settlement at Choirokoitia to the spectacular Roman mosaics at Paphos, from Byzantine painted churches in the Troodos Mountains to medieval castles along the coast, Cyprus offers an unparalleled concentration of well-preserved sites spanning multiple eras.
Our approach combines academic rigor with accessibility, ensuring that participants – whether archaeology enthusiasts, history buffs, or curious travelers – gain meaningful insights into how archaeologists interpret the material remains of past civilizations. You'll learn not just what we know about ancient Cyprus, but how we know it, developing a deeper appreciation for the methods archaeologists use to reconstruct the past.
Beyond the extraordinary sites themselves, our course explores themes that resonate with contemporary relevance: how trade networks connected ancient societies, how religious and cultural identities evolved through contact and conflict, how innovations in technology transformed daily life, and how power was exercised and challenged throughout history. These explorations help illuminate not just Cyprus's past, but aspects of our shared human experience across time.
We invite you to join us on this journey through time, to walk in the footsteps of ancient Cypriots, to touch stones carved by Roman hands, to stand in spaces where Byzantine prayers echoed, and to develop a profound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage that makes Cyprus such a remarkable destination for those interested in the human story.