Have you heard of the blanket trip? This is a new free excursion. It is most popular in Spain, Tenerife and the Canary Islands. Now, it is available in Paphos for the first time.

What the Tour Involves

I was invited to take the coach tour by the owners. European Health Promotions have teamed up with Thomson Holidays so tourists can book through their Holiday Representative via their Welcome Meetings.

The coach picks up outside hotels and everyone is taken to a Factory outlet showroom where Therapeutic products, such as Orthopaedic mattresses and wool blankets are shown.

I was seated at a table and provided with refreshments and cake. The speaker showed and explained to us how therapeutic their products can be. There was no hard selling here or any exchange of money or credit card transactions if anything is wished to be purchased. All you do is fill out a form and everything is sent to your home in the United Kingdom directly from Majorca where the Head Office is situated. Even when tourists receive them they have six days to consider whether they are happy with them or not. After that the customer sends payment to Majorca. At the end, there is a raffle and some beautiful jewellery is presented. Everyone gets a free Majorcan pearl too.

During my ride on the coach, I was able to sit back and enjoy a guided tour through picturesque countryside. At the end there is a visit to Sterna winery. The trip lasts between 9am to 2pm or an afternoon from 12pm to 3.30pm. You are taken directly back to your hotel in time for lunch or tea time.

The Sights We Saw

I thought the day was very enjoyable. The coach ride from the factory outlet showroom was a spectacular guided tour up into the hills passing villages Mesogi, Tsada, Stroumbi and finally arriving in Kathikas where we visited Sterna winery. As it was February, we got to see snow filled mountains of Troodos in the distance. On the way back from Sterna winery, the coach takes a different route giving people the opportunity to see more sights, such as going through the quaint village of Peiya. From here we were shown and told where places like Coral Bay was and the Tomb of Kings.

The Wine Tasting Experience

There we were seated and given a variety of wines and liqueurs to taste along with bread and olives. This is a family run business that has been going for many years. The owner sells the wine and tourists have the opportunity to buy some at the end along with any gifts such as hand crafted pottery or homemade sweets. The Cypriot owner has vine yards all around the winery and he was delighted to let all the tourists taste his delicious wines. First, he brought a white dry wine around, pouring generously into our glasses. There was olives and bread on the table for us munch too. The second bottle, was a red wine. The third was another red and so on until we had tried a total of five bottles. The last of all was a special liquor that is made at his vine yard, which is a strong burning drink that not many people can tolerate. Overall, he was chatty, informative and witty all at the same time.

What Products Are On Offer?

This half day excursion is not just for tourists, but can benefit people who live here too. They are perfect for the health and help to alienate any aches and pains that people may suffer from, such as arthritis or a bad back. Prices for wool blankets and orthopaedic mattresses are cheaper at factory outlet prices than they are in the United Kingdom. The cost of a set is roughly about £500 sterling for a single orthopaedic mattress, a wool blanket and a pillow and plus you get a free gift with it, such as a dressing gown or slippers.

Booking The Trip

This free morning or afternoon outing is becoming very popular here in Paphos. If you wish to take part then book with a Thompson Representative at the hotel you are staying at whilst on holiday in Paphos, Cyprus. If you live here, then just go to your nearest travel agent for details of booking.

Recommendation

Overall, Thompson recommends this trip to anyone, as it is free and you are able to see more of Cyprus. Even if you live here, it is still a good way to get to see what is on offer. The whole family can go too!
 

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