We’re a creative bunch here at Macs Adventure and are constantly coming together to brainstorm opportunities for new and exciting tours. So, when we had the opportunity to be introduced to Cyprus by some local experts, we just couldn't say no! A destination missing from our collection, Cyprus has lots of trails in both the mountains and along the coast. It provides a source of sun in the winter months making it a top location for year-round walking. Why hadn’t we ventured into Cyprus before?
Sally, one of our Senior Product Managers, was the lucky one to jet off to the Mediterranean island. Whilst we were all very jealous of her winter getaway, we knew Sally had the expertise to connect with local businesses and get a feel for whether Cyprus was the right fit for Macs. After all, she has just celebrated 10 years working at Macs, and in that time designed over 100 trips, so she knows exactly what makes a Macs trip. And as our Slower Adventures expert, this kind of travel is right up her street.
In December 2022, Sally ventured out to Paphos on the south coast of the island. What followed was a week packed full of hiking, gastronomical experiences, markets, wine-tasting and an immersive introduction to Cypriot culture. The Cyprus Tourist Board had created a great itinerary for fellow adventure travel companies and journalists alike. From hiking the beautiful Madari Natural Trail, to exploring the Marathasa Trail, Cyprus wasn't short of unspoilt forest landscapes and magnificent viewpoints.
In true Macs fashion, Sally stuck to our values and was keen to take a different path so decided to stray from the trip itinerary to explore more of the routes we planned on providing at Macs. We’re proud of our tried and tested routes, so it only made sense for Sally to test them out! Similarly, Sally very kindly indulged in the array of traditional Cypriot food. Everything from souvlaki, kebabs and halloumi to watching a local sweet delicacy, Soujoukkos, being made - what a tough life!
When we visit our trip destinations, we want to experience the area as authentically as possible, so we can understand exactly how our customers will experience our tours. Which is why Sally also visited the hotels that we will be using, building strong relationships with the local suppliers.
Sally's highlights
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The dramatic Troodos Mountains and turquoise seas of the Akamas Peninsula
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the masterful Byzantine frescoed churches
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Fertile green valleys, pine-clad mountains, vineyards, olive and lemon groves
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Cypriot Greek-influenced cuisine in a taverna where the local wine is plentiful
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Authentic, characterful and traditional villages in the mountains and by the sea
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The warm local welcome at the charming accommodations with sublime views
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Our trips don’t make themselves. Once Sally returned, she got to work, with help from the Cypriot suppliers, fine tuning itineraries and perfecting every detail of the trip.
Whilst Sally took the lead on driving this launch, it's a real team effort to get it ready for customers to book. The Sales and Marketing teams attended product training to learn all about the trip and test our current knowledge of Cyprus (which proved our spelling of Greek goddesses needed some work…). Our Marketing team brainstormed a strategy to produce engaging social media, blog and email content to share the love for Cyprus. They also got the tour pages live on the website and made sure our customers could find us online.
Sally and the Product Team put together a country guide and tour info pack which gets printed and packaged by our lovely Operations Admin team and sent out to customers before they travel. Finally, Sally and the local suppliers organised GPX routes which are then added to our unique mobile app created by our talented Tech team. These things certainly don't happen overnight. In order for you to put in the miles, we do the legwork.
You've seen behind the scenes, but now see it for yourself! Have a browse through our Cyprus itineraries.
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