Special Members’ Tour:

Land of vibrant trades, cultural fusion and constant contestation: Art and Architecture of Cyprus with Prof PP Ho

Our image of Cyprus is coloured by the difficult path the island had gone through since the Second World War to gain independence. While being the third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is surrounded by land mass of Turkey and Greece to the north, Lebanon and Palestine to the east, and Egypt in south. This lush island, 9 times the size of Hong Kong, was on the trade route in the Mediterranean and had been the subject of many political and cultural invasions and subjugations. The Assyrian, Greek, Roman, the Persian, Byzantium, Egypt, the Crusaders, and the Ottoman empires had laid claims to the land, and even during the 20^th century with the British colonisation, the culture of the land presents a kaleidoscope of opulent colours of the influences of these civilisations. The unique round habitats of the neolithic period more than 10,000 years ago show similarities with some of the settlements in Mesopotamia region. There are also many urban and architectural remains from the Greek, Roman and Hellenistic period, as in many sites in the Mediterranean. However, by far the largest quantity of heritage buildings are the Byzantium churches with their rich iconography and vivacious colours covering the interior of more than a dozen churches from the 11^th to 13^th centuries. Most well-preserved churches are inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Due to its island location and serving historically as an important trading hub, like Hong Kong, a visit to Cyprus will enrich our appreciation of blossoming art and architecture down the millennia with both local and foreign influences.

Tour Cost:

Tour cost (inclusive of land transport, sightseeing, accommodation, meals as stated, tips) = HK$44,500 per person on a twin sharing basis. 

Single supplement = HK$7,800.

Airfare is not included. Please make your own arrangements or contact Intriq Journey for assistance (contact information provided at the end of the itinerary). 

Application Procedure:

1. Please complete the Application Form and post it together with a cheque for the deposit of HK$10,000 per person to ‘Friends of Hong Kong Museum of Art’ as soon as possible and no later than 31 October 2026.
2. Successful applicants will be requested to pay the balance of the total amount by 6 January 2027.
3. Applicants will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis, based on the Hong Kong Post Office postmark of your Application Form accompanied by the cheque.
4. If a confirmed participant cannot join this tour, his/her space will be offered to the next applicant on the waiting list.

We look forward to receiving your applications for another enriching and enjoyable trip!