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Inclusions
- Return International Flights
- Daily Breakfast
- 5 Dinners (including welcome & farewell dinners)
- 2 Lunches on sightseeing days (Day 2 & Day 3)
- 4 nights at 4 star in Kyrenia
- 3 nights at 4 star in Limassol
- Full-day guided tours of St. Hilarion Castle, Bellapais Abbey, and Kyrenia Harbour
- Full-day excursion to Salamis, Famagusta & Ghost Town of Varosha
- Half-day tour of Northern Nicosia (Lefkosa)
- Guided visit to South Nicosia including the Cyprus Museum, St. John’s Cathedral, and Archbishop’s Palace
- Excursion to the Troodos Mountains & Kikkos Monastery
- Visit to Ancient Curium, Aphrodite’s Rock, and Paphos Archaeological Park
- All entrance fees to listed monuments and archaeological sites
- Services of an English-speaking professional guide throughout
- Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All coach transportation for excursions and border crossings
- Assistance with border formalities between North & South Cyprus
You'll Love
- St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey – Explore a fairy-tale crusader fortress and the romantic 12th-century abbey with sweeping views of Kyrenia and the Mediterranean.
- Famagusta & Ghost Town of Varosha – Walk the walled medieval city of Famagusta and witness the haunting, time-frozen resort of Varosha, abandoned since 1974.
- Divided Capital of Nicosia – Experience both North and South Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital, including the Büyük Han, St. Sophia Cathedral, and the Cyprus Museum.
- Troodos Mountains & Kikkos Monastery – Journey through picturesque villages and UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches to reach Cyprus’ most famous monastery high in the pine forests.
- Ancient Curium & Paphos Archaeological Park – Step back into Greek and Roman history with spectacular mosaics at the House of Dionysus, the medieval Paphos fortress, and the mythical Aphrodite’s Rock.
Overview
Discover the captivating contrasts of Cyprus, an island where ancient civilizations, medieval crusaders, and divided cultures come together in a fascinating journey through history. This expertly crafted 8-day tour combines the mystique of Northern Cyprus with the heritage and beauty of the South, offering an enriching exploration of castles, monasteries, ancient ruins, and charming mountain villages.
Begin in Kyrenia, where fairy-tale fortresses, serene abbeys, and a picturesque harbour set the scene. Wander through the walled city of Famagusta, marvel at the Roman treasures of Salamis, and glimpse the haunting silence of the ghost town of Varosha. Cross into the world’s last divided capital, Nicosia, to experience its Ottoman caravanserais and Byzantine landmarks before continuing south to Limassol. From here, travel into the pine-scented Troodos Mountains to visit the revered Kikkos Monastery, and trace the footsteps of Greek gods and Roman settlers at Curium, Aphrodite’s Rock, and the UNESCO-listed mosaics of Paphos.
When/Date
Itinerary
Arrive at Larnaca Airport and transfer to Kyrenia Hotel. Check in, relax, and enjoy a buffet-style welcome dinner.
Take a full-day excursion to St. Hilarion Castle, the largest of the three crusader fortresses in the Kyrenia mountain range. Continue to the charming village of Bellapais, immortalised by Lawrence Durrell, and visit the 12th-century Bellapais Abbey with stunning sea views. Return to Kyrenia to tour the Venetian castle and picturesque harbour, stopping for lunch in a local restaurant.
Explore Famagusta, beginning with St. Barnabas Monastery and its museum. Walk among the ancient streets of Salamis, discovering Roman theatres and age-old mosaics. Stroll inside the remarkably preserved walled city of Famagusta, including the striking Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. After lunch and free time, view the haunting abandoned resort of Varosha, once a glamorous holiday destination.
Join a half-day tour to Northern Nicosia (Lefkosa), the world’s last divided capital. Highlights include the 16th-century Büyük Han caravanserai, the Samanbahche social houses, and the recently reopened St. Sophia Cathedral. This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner in Bellapais, with views of the illuminated Bellapais Abbey.
Cross the border to South Nicosia to visit the Cyprus Museum, home to the famous statue of Aphrodite and relics from Salamis’ royal tombs. See the 17th-century St. John’s Cathedral, and the neo-Byzantine Archbishop’s Palace with its Byzantine art museum. Continue to Limassol and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Travel high into the pine-clad Troodos Mountains to explore picturesque villages and UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches. Visit the magnificent Kikkos Monastery of the Virgin Mary, set at 1,300 m, and the tomb of Archbishop Makarios III, Cyprus’ first president.
Visit the ancient city of Curium (Kourion) with its Greco-Roman ruins and mosaics. Follow the scenic coastal road to Aphrodite’s Rock, mythical birthplace of the goddess of love, before continuing to Paphos to see the medieval harbour fortress, the haunting catacombs of Saint Solomoni, the 14th-century Ayia Kyriaki Church, and the spectacular mosaics of the House of Dionysus.
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Larnaca Airport for your flight home.
