– St Boniface, Tooting –
A Pilgrimage to Cyprus:
Island of Saints, Apostles & Pilgrims
with Rev. Fr. Shaju Varkey PP

A 5-night / 6-day fully escorted pilgrimage including return flights with British Airways (Heathrow / return to Gatwick), private group transfers, superior 4 Star (half-board), lunches, entrance fees & a full religious itinerary.

28 April - 03 May 2025

£1,075 per person sharing

Overview

Itinerary

Hotels

FAQs

Booking Form

Overview

Dear friends,

I joyfully invite you to embark on a sacred journey to the beautiful island of Cyprus, as we walk in the footsteps of Christ’s apostles. This pilgrimage offers a unique opportunity to deepen your faith, connect with the rich Christian heritage, and experience the places where St. Paul himself preached the Gospel.

Located in the east Mediterranean, Cyprus has 11,000 years of history, is mentioned 3 times in the Old Testament and 7 times in the New Testament. It is the birthplace of Barnabas (Acts 4:36) and was visited by Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark on Paul’s first missionary journey.

Together, we will visit Salamis, where St. Paul and Barnabas first preached. Reflect in Paphos, where Paul encountered the Roman proconsul and overcame opposition to the Gospel. Pray in Larnaca, home to the Church of St. Lazarus, and other significant Christian sites. Celebrate daily Mass, participate in moments of prayer, and deepen our understanding of the life and mission of St. Paul.

As we journey together in fellowship, we will have time for reflection, personal prayer, and a deeper encounter with God through the beauty of Cyprus and its sacred history. This pilgrimage will not only be a time of spiritual renewal but also an opportunity to bond with fellow believers, strengthening our Catholic faith.

The pilgrimage package includes all daily excursions, meals and 5 nights in a beautiful 4*beach resort hotel located in Limassol.

I warmly invite you to join our parish on this unforgettable pilgrimage as we follow the path of St. Paul and open our hearts to the transformative power of group pilgrimage.

In Christ, Fr Shaju Varkey PP

Included in this tour

  • Return flights from Heathrow to Larnaca / Paphos to Gatwick with British Airways
  • 1 suitcase not exceeding 23 kg & 1 item of hand-luggage per passenger
  • 5-nights in 4* Hotel beach resort on HB basis (daily buffet breakfasts & evening meals)
  • Drinks during evening dinner: 1 small bottle of water and soft drink/or juice/or glass of house wine.
  • 4 Cypriot lunches during tours including soft drink and water (Day 2,3,4,5)
  • All tours and transfers in an air conditioned deluxe coach with a local licensed tour escort
  • Entrance fees as per program & whisper headsets for the required days
  • Complimentary water bottle each day on bus transfers
  • Permit to visit the Northern Territories, including Silent Turkish Cypriot guide
  • All taxes & services charges. ATOL Protection.
  • Gratuities for the Guide & driver

Not included in this tour

ITINERARY

  • British Airways flight from Heathrow to Larnaca (BA0664 – depart 07:00 / arrive 13:40).

  • Meet & Greet with Guide. En route to Limassol (time permitting) visit Latin Catholic Church of St Catherine’s for Opening Mass or join

  • Transfer to hotel for check in for 5 nights.

  • Dinner & overnight at The Miramare Beach Hotel, Limassol (D) 

  • Open buffet breakfast in hotel.

  • Visit the capital city Nicosia, walking tour of the old city within the Venetian walls, from the East is the Famagusta Gate, which is one of the three entrances into Old Nicosia. The Venetian walls have a perimeter of 4.5 km with 11 heart shaped bastions and completely encircle the old City. Visit St John’s cathedral, see the colourful frescoes mostly inspired from stories of the Bible. Pass by the Liberty Monument, Old aqueduct, and House of Hajiyiorkatzis, the resorted building houses the Cyprus Ethnological Museum and given the “Europa Nostra” award. Visit Archangelos Michail Tripiotis, a church with three domed basilicas. Walk around the Laiki Yitonia (old folk neighbourhood) with winding alleys. This area has seen the restoration of houses that are typical examples of traditional Cypriot urban architecture and are used today as shops, restaurants, and craft canters.

  • Visit the Catholic Church of The Holy Cross for Holy Mass located within the old city near the Paphos Gate. The Church is located on the buffer zone between Greek and Turkish sides, with the front door in the Greek sector and the back door in the Turkish sector. The Church was built in 1900 with the help of the Franciscans of the Holy Land.

  • Visit the Cyprus handicraft centre to see artisans engaged in the traditional crafts at the various workshops. This government-sponsored foundation is committed to preserving Cypriot handicrafts, such as embroidery and lace making, tapestry, weaving, basketry, woodcarving, pottery, metalwork, leather and garment making.

  • Lunch in local restaurant

  • Time permitting may visit the Cyprus Museum where most of the treasures of Cyprus past are housed with artefacts discovered during numerous excavations from all over the island as well as an extensive collection of Cypriot antiquities. The museum building itself is also historic. Work commenced in 1908 and it was completed in 1924, when Cyprus was still a British colony. The museum building was originally dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria and a stone plaque with dedicatory text stands over the entrance.

  • Return to hotel in Limassol.

  • Dinner & overnight (B, L & D)

  • Open buffet breakfast

  • Start our day with a visit to Famagusta on the Eastern Coast. The old city is surrounded by one of the best-preserved Venetian fortifications in the eastern Mediterranean. The city was important during the Lusignan period on the Island. King Guy de Lusignan built 365 churches, one for each day of the year. View the citadel, also known as Othello’s Tower. A stone stage in the central courtyard was used until recently for performances of Shakespeare’s tragedy “Othello” See the cathedral of St. Nicholas commenced in 1300 AD. Also, St George Greek church and St Peter & St Paul church.

  • Continue to the archaeological site of ancient Salamis, the birthplace of St Barnabas. When St Paul & St Barnabas came to Cyprus in 45AD accompanied by Mark, they had travelled from Antioch to Silesia and from there by ship to Cyprus, arriving at Salamis, the largest port on the island at the time. (Acts 13.5) Visit the impressive Greco Roman monuments excavated here. Its huge necropolis of Royal tombs features burial customs like those described by Homer. Explore the Roman city with its elegant colonnade, hypocaust, mosaics & monuments.

  • Lunch in a local restaurant

  • Visit the monastery of St Barnabas, founded on the site of the apostle Barnabas, and is a reminder of the important role Cyprus played in the history of Christianity in the Mediterranean. Barnabas was born in Salamis and joined the apostle Paul to spread the
    Gospel through Cyprus and Asia Minor. St Barnabas Church houses artifacts from the Bronze Age site of Enkomi of Salamis. It is thought that the apostle is buried in the tombs underneath the church.

  • Visit the Catholic St. Cyril in Famagusta for Holy Mass.

  • Return to hotel in Limassol.

  • Dinner & overnight  (B, L& D). 

  • Buffet breakfast in the hotel.

  • Visit Pafos on the West coast. Stop en route to view Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock) it is here where according to the legend that the goddess of love & beauty was born. View the amazing landscape of the area combining sea and mountains.

  • Discover the remarkable history of Pafos town which UNESCO awarded the coveted title ‘World Heritage Site’. Pass by Ayia Solomoni church home to 12th century Christian catacombs, to the archaeological sites from the Neolithic period. Visit the archaeological park. See the Roman Villas with their extensive floor mosaics depicting scenes from Greek Mythology such as the “House of Dionysos” (the god of wine) is one of the largest and best known of the mosaic houses. The “House of Theseus” (Thesesus killing the Minotaur) is another Roman house of which an earlier version may well have been the residence of Sergius Paulus, the Roman governor, who is mentioned in Acts 13:4–12, and who was converted to Christianity by St Paul.

  • Visit the fascinating site of St Paul’s Pillar, once home to one of Pafos largest religious structures. What remains are the foundations of a 4th Century Christian Basilica, demonstrating the size and magnificence of the original church and one of the largest on the Island. Destroyed during Arab raids in 653, several marble columns remain from the colonnades and others are scattered around the site. St. Paul’s Pillar, is where, Saint Paul was flogged before the Roman Governor Sergius Paulus who later converted to Christianity. The Apostles managed to convert the Roman Proconsul who embraced the Christian faith thereby making Cyprus the first country in the world to be governed by a Christian. A small church of Ayia Kyriaki on the site is now used for Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran and Greek Orthodox services.

  • Visit Church of St Paul’s or St Kyriaki Chysopolitissa for Holy Mass.

  • Lunch in a local restaurant.

  • Visit Ayios Neophytos Monastery, founded by the Cypriot writer Neophytos in 1159. He carved his home out of the mountain rock, which has today become a monastery in his name, beautiful frescoes dating back to Byzantine Empire can be found.

  • View the Harbour area with its castle in the distance before returning to our hotel. 

  • Dinner & overnight at (B, L & D). 

  • Buffet breakfast in hotel.

  • Today begins with the visit to the small mountain village of Lefkara, which is famous for its handmade lace, known as “Lefkaritika“, for silverware and olive oil. Legend says that the worldwide famous artist Leonardo da Vinci visited the village in 1481 and bought an altar cloth, which he donated to the Milan Cathedral. Visit the Embroidery and lace museum.

  • Continue to the nearby mountain village of Vavla and the convent of Agios Minas 15th century. The building is a mixture of Byzantine and Gothic styles, on the north and south walls there are two large paintings of Saint George and Saint Minas dated 1757. 

  • Visit Larnaca, stopping en route at Kiti village to visit Panayia Angeloktisti, 11th century Byzantine church, whose name means “built by angels”, was erected over the ruins of an Early Christian Basilica in Kiti. The original apse survived together with one of the finest pieces of Byzantine art of the Justinian period, a rare 6th century mosaic of the Virgin and Child between two archangels.

  • Lunch in a local restaurant.

  • Drive past Larnaca’s Salt Lake, which is an important migratory route through Cyprus. If lucky we may see the pink flamingos in the lake and various species of water birds. On the edge of the lake is the Hala Sultan Tekke, which is the 4th important mosque in the Moslem world. Visit the magnificent church of St Lazarus, built by Emperor Leo Vl, in the 9th century. Restoration was carried out in the 17th century and is one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture. Lazarus of Bethany whom Jesus Christ resurrected four days after his death came by boat to Cyprus and landed in Kition where he met the Apostles Paul and Barnabas. He lived on the Island for another thirty years. He was buried under the sanctuary in a hidden tomb.

  • Walk along the Finikoudes Promenade the famous palm tree lined seafront with the medieval castle standing in the water’s edge.

  • Visit the Catholic Church of St Mary of Graces in Larnaca for Holy Mass.

  • Overnight in hotel (B, L & D).

  • Buffet Breakfast & late check-out at 11am
  • Depart from hotel, transfer to St Catherine’s Church for our closing Holy Mass.
  • After Mass, a short walk  to the Medieval castle area along the Molos (seaside promenade)
  • Free time downtown for shopping, lunch (not included) in one of the many eateries around the castle square or Limassol Marina.
  • At 16:30pm – rejoin the escort near the Marina for transfer to Paphos airport, arriving 17:30 approx.
  • British Airways flight to Gatwick South Teminal (BA2781 – depart 20:45 / arrive 23:45)

Accommodation

FAQs

The deposit is £275 per pilgrim. Payment should be made within 4 days of submitting the online booking form. Payment options include: UK credit/debit card, cheque, or bank transfer.

A deposit is requested online at time of completing the booking form. The balance will be requested by card, cheque or bank transfer 9-weeks prior to departure (Friday 21 February 2025). You will be provided with a unique payment reference which you must use each time you make a payment. If you prefer to pay the balance by cheque please contact us 1 month prior to final balance date

If you do not hold a valid UK or EU passport, you might need to apply for a Schengen Visa to visit Cyprus. Non-EU Passport holders may need to apply. Application opens 5 months prior to departure. Visa application costs are paid directly by the client. The tour operator will provide supporting documents necessary for your visa application.

If you hold a 3rd county passport (non UK or EU) please click on the following link to learn if you need to apply for a visa – High Commission of Cyprus in the UK

Your passport must:

  • have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive (ISSUED AFTER 18 MAY 2015)
  • have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (VALID UNTIL 18 AUGUST 2025)

Check now that your UK passport meets these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

As of September 2024, it is still unclear when the ETIAS will be implemented for non-EU passport holders. Furthermore, Cyprus is not within the Schengen zone, therefore the advice is still unclear.

The rules of travel to Europe have changed. Starting in the first half of 2025, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries.

As of now, UK passport holders do not require an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to enter the European Union (EU). However, at some stage during 2025, UK citizens and travellers from other visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System).  This will be completed online prior to arrival and should cost less than €15 for a 3-year visa (payable directly by the client).

When more details become available & should this affect our travel dates, the Tour Operator will contact all pilgrims.

YES, Travel insurance is mandatory!You can arrange insurance online or via the post office. Alternatively, you can request an competitive quotation from our appointed partner via our website (read the next question below).

For your travel insurance, we are happy to refer you to Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and whose status can be checked on the FCA Register by visiting www.fca.org.uk or by contacting the FCA on 0845 606 9966, ‘Firm Ref’ 305686. 

Please click on the following links to open the summary of cover of an insurance product which is suitable for all our trips & to request a quotation:

Click to download the GLOBAL SINGLE TRIP – Summary of Cover

To obtain a Quotation, please CLICK HERE which will take you to the GTIS website.

Beyond providing this information, we are not permitted to assist you in any way in the arrangement of your travel insurance or give any advice.

If you would like any further information about their services, you should contact Global Travel Insurance on 01903 235042.

YES – The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.

The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it. You can apply for a new card up to 9 months before your current card expires.

The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance! We advise you to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.

Apply for your Free GHIC card here

Our flights with British Airways will depart from Heathrow T5 to Larnaca Airport and will return from Paphos to London Gatwick SOUTH Terminal.

OUTBOUND: Monday 28 April (depart 07:00am / arrive 13:40pm) BA0664

INBOUND: Saturday 03 May (depart 20:25pm / arrive 23:45pm) BA2781

British Airways: All passengers are permitted one hold luggage (maximum weight of 23 kg) and one piece of hand baggage per passenger, along with one personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag. The dimensions for hand baggage are typically limited to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in), including handles, wheels, and pockets.  You will be advised of the luggage size dimensions in your travel pack (3 weeks prior to departure).

A bottle of water and a small snack (crisps or a cereal bar) is provided complimentary. More substantial meals, beverages & snacks can be purchased on-board the flight but have to be paid by card (cash not accepted)! On the first day, you might consider a hearty breakfast at Heathrow before your flight.

Yes.  On the booking form, you can add your card details (British Airways or Oneworld Frequent Flyer).  If you hold Silver or Gold status with British Airways, you can avail of the benefits of additional baggage allowance, priority check-in and lounge access.  You will also qualify for avios & tier points.

No.  The flights are part of a group booking with a group block seating segment.  We will aim to assign seats 1 week prior to departure but this cannot be guaranteed.

In early May, Cyprus typically enjoys warm and pleasant weather. Average daytime temperatures range from about 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F), with plenty of sunshine. Nights can be cooler, around 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F). It’s generally a great time to visit, with lower humidity and less chance of rain compared to later months. Perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the beaches.

The currency of Cyprus is Euros (€).

We highly recommend a WISE currency card as you can convert UK sterling to Euro, permitting you to use the card in Cyprus as a local with no fees.  Click here to learn more!

Yes.  A local guide will accompany the group on a daily basis.  The group will be escorted by the Spiritual Director (Rev. Fr. Shaju Varkey) & the Tour Manager (Mr. Damien Kearney).

 

If you feel tired or unable to keep-up with the group pace, please inform your representative so alternative arrangements can be made. 

There is a certain amount of walking (and stairs) involved on a daily basis on this pilgrimage, therefore please make sure you pack comfortable & breathable footwear. Your guide will keep you updated on a daily basis with what to expect the following day. If you are finding it difficult to keep up then please make sure you tell them so they can help you to find places to rest and relax and then you can re-join the group at a later stage.

Whilst this is not a trekking or adventure holiday there will be some walking required where you may be on your feet for up to 90 minutes during visits and at some ancient sites. The paving may not always be smooth and seating not always available.

When visiting Cyprus in early May, it’s best to pack light, breathable clothing due to the warm weather. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Lightweight Tops: T-shirts, short-sleeve shirts, or blouses.
  2. Bottoms: Lightweight trousers, shorts, or skirts.
  3. Layers: A light sweater or cardigan for cooler evenings.
  4. Swimwear: If you plan to swim or sunbathe.
  5. Comfortable Footwear: Sandals for the beach and comfortable walking shoes for exploring.
  6. Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  7. Evening Wear: Something slightly dressier for evening meals.

Overall, aim for comfortable, casual outfits that are suitable for warm, sunny weather!

Our package tour is full-board – 14 meals. Buffet breakfast and evening meals will be served in the hotel restaurant. Note: -Drinks during evening dinner include 1 small bottle of water and soft drink/or juice/or glass of house wine. 4 lunches during tours – Cyprus cuisine including  water (Day 2,3,4,5).

Lunch is not included on departure day.

The hotel bedrooms are elegant and well equipped to provide guests with all the comfort and amenities they need for a relaxing stay: Air Conditioning, Bath Amenities, Cable-Satellite TV, Tea/Coffee Facilities, Daily Maid Service, Hairdryer, Private Balcony, Refrigerator, Safe Deposit Box, Wi-Fi & a shower in bathtub

Tea & Coffee making facilities are available in your room (please consider supply of preferred tea/coffee)

No.  In Cyprus, the standard electrical plug type is the Type G plug, which is the same as the UK & Ireland.

No, a porter service is not included at our hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, your luggage will be unloaded and placed at the side of the coach or as near to the hotel reception. If you will have difficulty managing your luggage, please request assistance from the reception.

An official letter from your GP is useful, specifying that the medication you are taking is for your personal use only, the quantity you will be carrying and details of your condition. The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. For more information and the documentation needed, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

To prepare for a Catholic pilgrimage to Cyprus, (available to order online via Amazon or Google Play) you can explore the following suggested readings:

  1. “Acts of the Apostles” (Bible) – The biblical account of St. Paul’s missionary journey to Cyprus.
  2. “The Churches and Monasteries of Cyprus” by Vassos Karageorghis – A detailed look at religious sites.
  3. “The Saints of Cyprus” by Elizabeth Jeffreys – A guide to the saints who have shaped the island’s Christian heritage.
  4. “St. Barnabas: The Founder of the Church of Cyprus” by Fr. Demetrios Constantelos – Focuses on the life and work of St. Barnabas, the patron saint of Cyprus.

These resources will provide historical, theological, and spiritual context for your pilgrimage.

There will be tea & coffee making facilities in all your hotel rooms but you may wish to bring your own brand of tea and coffee.

Remember to pack your camera, a sun hat, sun cream, mosquito repellent (with ‘deet’ even though this is not a big problem in Cyprus during May), tissues, moist toilet tissue and antibacterial hand wash will make your holiday more comfortable.

BOOKING FORM