From Paphos: Discover Famagusta
ID: GYG302848-529348
Category:
Country: Cyprus
Country: Cyprus
Duration: 12:00 hours
Description
This full-day tour to the northern part of Cyprus takes you to three of the territory's most intriguing spots.
This full-day tour to the northern part of Cyprus takes you to three of the territory's most intriguing spots. You'll discover the ancient city of Salamis, the old town of Famagusta and the ‘ghost town' of Varosha. Elpida, one of our local guides, says "northern Cyprus is a place frozen in time. We can even pinpoint the date – 1974. And the result is an Instagrammable potpourri of unfinished hotels, half-ruined churches and skinny minarets."
Your journey into the past starts all the way back in classical times at Salamis. You'll explore its ruined temples, the partially restored theatre and more. Stavroula, another of our local guides, says "not only is Salamis steeped in ancient myth, but Saint Barnabas, who brought Christianity to Cyprus in the first century, is buried in a nearby monastery."
After free time for lunch, you'll visit Famagusta, whose old town is still protected by intact defensive walls built by the Venetians centuries ago. Your guide will show you sights such as the castle and the Gothic cathedral-turned-mosque. Elpida says "in front of the main entrance is a fig tree that was planted by the Crusaders who built the cathedral – so it's the oldest living thing in Famagusta. To round off the visit, there's a walking tour in the ‘ghost town' of Varosha. This once-popular beach resort lay abandoned for more than 50 years. It's a surreal experience to walk on overgrown streets of crumbling facades with rusted shutters and broken windows.
This full-day tour to the northern part of Cyprus takes you to three of the territory's most intriguing spots. You'll discover the ancient city of Salamis, the old town of Famagusta and the ‘ghost town' of Varosha. Elpida, one of our local guides, says "northern Cyprus is a place frozen in time. We can even pinpoint the date – 1974. And the result is an Instagrammable potpourri of unfinished hotels, half-ruined churches and skinny minarets."
Your journey into the past starts all the way back in classical times at Salamis. You'll explore its ruined temples, the partially restored theatre and more. Stavroula, another of our local guides, says "not only is Salamis steeped in ancient myth, but Saint Barnabas, who brought Christianity to Cyprus in the first century, is buried in a nearby monastery."
After free time for lunch, you'll visit Famagusta, whose old town is still protected by intact defensive walls built by the Venetians centuries ago. Your guide will show you sights such as the castle and the Gothic cathedral-turned-mosque. Elpida says "in front of the main entrance is a fig tree that was planted by the Crusaders who built the cathedral – so it's the oldest living thing in Famagusta. To round off the visit, there's a walking tour in the ‘ghost town' of Varosha. This once-popular beach resort lay abandoned for more than 50 years. It's a surreal experience to walk on overgrown streets of crumbling facades with rusted shutters and broken windows.
Highlights
- Guided walking tour through the crumbling ruins of the ‘ghost town' of Varosha
- Visit to Famagusta's walled old town, where you'll see the gothic-style mosque
- Wander through the ruined temples and ancient theatre of the historic city of Salamis
- Visit the northern part of Cyprus & discover a land stuck in a time warp
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Please note, single parent families or those travelling without both parents need to provide extra documentation for anyone under the age of 18 when travelling into the northern part of Cyprus. This includes a 'letter of authorisation' from the missing parent, as well as supporting documents including birth certificate of the child, passport copy of the missing parent or a copy of a court order. Templates of these letters are readily available on search engines however we recommend you consult a lawyer prior to travelling on holiday
• Bring your valid passport or EU ID card
• The tour is subject to weather conditions. If it is cancelled due to poor weather, the option of an alternative date or refund will be given
• Just so you know, because of local restrictions at Strovillia checkpoint, only passport holders from EU member states, the UK, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland can travel to and from the occupied northern part of Cyprus.
• Bring your valid passport or EU ID card
• The tour is subject to weather conditions. If it is cancelled due to poor weather, the option of an alternative date or refund will be given
• Just so you know, because of local restrictions at Strovillia checkpoint, only passport holders from EU member states, the UK, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland can travel to and from the occupied northern part of Cyprus.
INCLUDED
- English-speaking guide
- Transport
- Entrance fees
- Full insurance cover in the northern area
NOT INCLUDED
- Lunch and drinks
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.