How about a trip to Cyprus

There are few countries in Europe as divided (metaphorically and physically) as Cyprus (except sadly modern-day Ukraine). When you picture Cyprus, it is almost certain you are picturing long sandy beaches, with a city backdrop, or large hotel pools, or perhaps a few historic and cobbled backroads around Paphos, or Nicosia with the odd ancient monument thrown in… or for a younger crowd, the lively days and very lively nights of Ayia Napa! And while these and many other facets of this eastern European island are absolutely true, these are all primarily located and found in the southern, Greek, Half of the island. The smaller north of the island is very much Turkish and much, much less travelled. In between the thriving tourist resorts in the south and the far quieter, but equally historic and fascinating towns of the north, lie the Troodos mountains. Snow falls here, sometimes heavily in the winter and they are true mountains with rugged trails and difficult hiking, adorned in pine trees, much more reminiscent of Scandinavia than southern Europe. Accessing the south of Cyprus is easy, daily flights go from most large UK airports and travel packages are found everywhere… the north is a different story, and while travel here is opening up, it is still fairly slow and the major infrastructure needed for mass tourism is only just taking shape.