The week starts near the traditional village of Tochni, where you stay for three nights. The first ride is an introductory loop via Stavrovouni Monastery and Anafotida, with a 300-metre climb over 6 kilometres to the monastery and views east across the Plain of Larnaca. Day 3 heads into the eastern Troodos via Vavatsinias and Lefkara, with a diversion to the coast at Zygi. Day 4 transfers to Limassol for a short city walk, then follows the coast to Pafos via Ancient Kourion and Petra tou Romiou.

Day 5 is the 'Queen Stage': a transfer to Agios Nikolaos, then a ride to the top of Mount Olympos (1,952 metres), the island's high point, before a largely downhill 60 kilometres through the Diarizos Valley to Pafos. Day 6 loops through the wine-growing Laona Valley to Chrysochou Bay. Day 7 follows the route of the final stage of the Cyprus Gran Fondo, starting at Pafos Castle and climbing to near the abandoned village of Statos before returning to Pafos. The final evening is a celebratory dinner.

What sets this apart from a generic cycling holiday is the local knowledge: the route includes the climb to Mount Olympos, the Gran Fondo stage, and stops at places like Lefkara (known for embroidery and silversmiths) and the archaeological site at Kourion. The guide is Cypriot and the operator has been running the Cyprus Gran Fondo for several years. The two-centre format means you unpack twice, and because you return to the same hotel most days, it is easy to skip a ride if you want a rest.

The operator, KE Adventure Travel, has been running adventure holidays for decades. This trip is led by an experienced English-speaking cycling guide, with a support vehicle and driver. The group size is 6 to 15, so you get plenty of attention. The holiday is graded Challenging, which means you should be a regular weekend cyclist comfortable with 80-kilometre days and 1,350 metres of climbing.

Cyprus has more than 300 sunny days a year, and the trips run in April and October when daytime temperatures are around 24°C and there is usually very little rain. The roads are quiet and well surfaced, and the scenery ranges from rocky shoreline and vineyards to pine-forested hills. The trip is not about luxury; it is about good riding, good food and a comfortable bed at the end of the day.

What's included

- A single group transfer from Larnaca Airport on Day 1 - A single group transfer to Larnaca Airport on Day 8 - An experienced English-speaking cycling guide - A support vehicle and driver - 7 nights hotel accommodation with swimming pool - 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners - Accommodation as described

What's not included

- Travel insurance - Airport transfers other than the single group transfers on Day 1 and Day 8 - Meals as detailed in the meal plan (lunches and dinner on Day 1) - Tips for local staff - Miscellaneous personal expenses - Bike hire - Bike carriage on flights - Single room supplement (if required)