Question 1

DAY 1: Airport Pick-up (Larnaca or Ercan); Transfer to Kyrenia

Accepted Answer

We will warmly welcome you upon arrival at either Larnaca (LCA) or Ercan (ECN) Airport and provide a seamless transfer directly to your Kyrenia hotel. The afternoon is yours to enjoy—we recommend using the time to rest, or you may prefer a relaxing introductory stroll.

Accommodation: Kyrenia (Deniz Kızı Hotel 4* or similar)
Meal: Dinner

Question 2

DAY 2 - Kyrenia's Fairytale Castles, Monastery, and Harbour

Accepted Answer

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will start the day with a visit to the medieval St. Hilarion Castle. Perched dramatically on the mountainside, the castle offers stunning panoramic views of Kyrenia and the Mediterranean Sea. Its walls and towers appear to sprout out of the rocks almost randomly, creating a fairytale appearance; it is even rumoured to have inspired the castle in Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The highest point sits about 730 meters above sea level, providing truly marvellous vistas.

Next, we will travel to the 13th-century Bellapais Monastery, which is regarded as a masterpiece of Gothic art in Cyprus. After visiting the monastery, we will enjoy lunch at a traditional Cypriot restaurant, savoring authentic local cuisine.

In the afternoon, we will travel towards the Kyrenia town center to visit the impressive Kyrenia Castle and its famous Shipwreck Museum. This museum displays a remarkable 2,300-year-old trading vessel. Kyrenia Castle dominates the entry to the old harbor and is renowned as the best-preserved castle on the island. Thereafter, we will have a nice stroll around the picturesque Kyrenia Harbour, allowing time to breathe in the history of the city and enjoy its relaxing atmosphere. Following the tour, we will transfer back to your hotel in Kyrenia.

Accommodation: Kyrenia (Deniz Kızı Hotel 4* or similar)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Question 3

DAY 3 - Famagusta, Salamis, and St. Barnabas

Accepted Answer

Following a delightful breakfast at your hotel, your guide will collect you to begin the day's historical tour. Our first stop is the revered Icon Museum and Monastery of Saint Barnabas. This sacred site honors Saint Barnabas, the patron saint of Cyprus and traditional founder of the independent Greek Orthodox Church. We will explore the monastery's small but intriguing archaeological museum, viewing remarkable artifacts, including intact pottery dating back to 4000 BC, delicate Roman glassware, and gleaming gold jewelry.

The journey continues to the breathtaking ruins of the ancient city of Salamis. Once a bustling metropolis that housed over 150,000 residents in the 2nd century, you will wander through its impressive Roman theatre and the Gymnasium, complete with thermal baths, offering insight into the advanced standards of ancient life. Lunch will then be served at a traditional local restaurant.

After lunch, we proceed to the historic walled city of Famagusta. We begin our exploration of its impressive fortifications with a visit to the formidable Ravelin. Next, we tour the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, originally built as the magnificent Cathedral of St. Nicholas, admiring its majestic Gothic architecture.

The exploration concludes with a poignant visit to Varosha, the once-bustling resort area famously known as the "ghost town," which offers a powerful glimpse into recent history. Following this extensive day of history and discovery, you will be transferred comfortably back to your hotel in Kyrenia. Dinner and accommodation remain at the hotel.

Accommodation: Kyrenia (Deniz Kızı Hotel 4* or similar)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Question 4

DAY 4 - The Untouched Beauty of the Karpaz Peninsula

Accepted Answer

Our adventure unfolds with a scenic drive along the northern coast, leading us to the Byzantine gem of Panagia Pergaminiotissa. This beautifully restored 12th-century church now houses a fascinating nature exhibition, surrounded by a charming garden showcasing intricate miniature replicas of Cyprus's iconic landmarks, including Nicosia's Gothic cathedral.

Our route then takes us to Dipkarpaz (Rizokarpaso), a charming village near the peninsula's tip, perfect for a quick coffee break. But keep those cameras ready – this area is renowned for its wild donkeys! These friendly creatures often greet visitors, especially if you have apples or carrots to share for a memorable photo opportunity!

Our journey continues to the revered Monastery of Apostolos Andreas (St. Andrew), a profoundly important pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians. Recently renovated, it offers deep insights into the island's rich religious and cultural heritage. We'll then make a brief stop at Golden Beach, one of Cyprus's most pristine and untouched coastlines, ideal for capturing breathtaking photos of its unspoiled beauty.

Lunch awaits at a delightful seaside restaurant, where you'll savor delicious traditional dishes. After a day rich in history, captivating nature, and vibrant local culture, we'll ensure your comfortable transfer back to your hotel, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the Karpaz Peninsula. Dinner and accommodation remain at the hotel.

Accommodation: Kyrenia (Deniz Kızı Hotel 4* or similar)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Question 5

DAY 5 - Day at Leisure or Optional Coastal Cruise

Accepted Answer

This day is designated for leisure, allowing you to choose between relaxing at the hotel or taking an optional excursion.

The Optional Boat Cruise departs from the historic Kyrenia Harbour, offering a scenic perspective of the Northern Cyprus coastline. The cruise itinerary includes visits to the picturesque bays of Kyrenia. Lunch will be provided and enjoyed on board the vessel. Guests will have ample opportunity to swim, sunbathe, and capture photographs of the stunning coastal views. Should you participate in the boat cruise, a return transfer will be provided back to the hotel in Kyrenia following the cruise.

Alternatively, you may enjoy a Free Day to discover the local area at your own pace, relax by the hotel facilities, or explore Kyrenia town independently.

Accommodation: Kyrenia (Deniz Kızı Hotel 4* or similar)
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Question 6

DAY 6 - West Coast—Citrus Groves, History, and Tranquil Towns

Accepted Answer

The unspoiled west coast of Northern Cyprus is a region covered with green meadows, beautiful citrus gardens, and small, traditional towns that offer visitors a combination of nature, history, peace, calm, and a taste of local life. In the morning, we will drive west and enjoy the sight and smell of miles of citrus and orange groves along the way.

Our first stop is the 18th-century St. Mamas Church and Icon Museum in Güzelyurt (Morphou), which is the best-preserved of all Orthodox churches in North Cyprus. Afterward, we will visit the nearby Nature Museum, where animal species unique to Cyprus are exhibited, and The Archaeological Museum, featuring its newest discoveries, such as 'The Golden Leaves of Soli'.

From there, we will continue to the remains of the Ancient City of Soli. Soli, one of the ancient kingdoms of Cyprus, dates to the 6th century BC. The current excavation site offers a view of a Roman theatre, the Christian Basilica with impressively preserved mosaics dating back to the 4th century, and the Agora. The famous Swan Mosaic in the Basilica is known as the symbol of Soli.

Thereafter, we will taste local delicacies at a traditional restaurant for lunch. After lunch, we will drive further west to visit the remains of Vouni Palace. This is the only Persian palace known in Cyprus, which was in use during the 5th and 4th centuries BC. Located on top of a hill 250 meters above sea level, the Palace offers a magnificent view of the Morphou Bay and the Troodos mountains.

Finally, we will explore the town of Lefke, a member of the Cittaslow town family. In this little town at the edge of the west coast, one can observe the traditional Cypriot lifestyle that still dominates the inhabitants' daily routine, see the old Ottoman period aqueducts, and visit the second-largest dam in Northern Cyprus. Following this extensive tour, we will transfer comfortably back to your hotel in Kyrenia. Dinner and accommodation remain at the hotel.

Accommodation: Kyrenia (Deniz Kızı Hotel 4* or similar)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Question 7

DAY 7 - Nicosia/Lefkoşa – The Last Divided Capital

Accepted Answer

After breakfast, we will transfer to Nicosia/Lefkoşa/Lefkosia. Nicosia is the largest city, located at the heart of the island. The city has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and has served as the island’s cultural and political center since the 10th century. We are dedicating the entire day to explore this vibrant cultural hub, particularly the historic part that remains within the Venetian walls.

As the last divided capital city in the world, serving as the political center of both the northern and southern parts, Nicosia enables its visitors to capture not just antiquity and medieval times but also a glance into the recent history of the island.

Our exploration will include iconic landmarks such as Ledra Street, the Green Line, and the Checkpoint, providing unique insight into the city's modern reality. We will also visit the historic Büyük Han (The Great Inn), the magnificent Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral), the bustling Grand Bazaar, the Venetian Column, the traditional Samanbahçe Quarter, the Kyrenia Gate, and the historic Arabahmet Quarter.

You will also have some free time for shopping and relaxing, and the opportunity to visit the southern part of Nicosia. After the tour, we will transfer back to the hotel.

Accommodation: Kyrenia (Deniz Kızı Hotel 4* or similar)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Question 8

DAY 8 - Transfer to LARNACA or ERCAN Airport

Accepted Answer

As our guided sightseeing tour concludes, your driver will transfer you from Nicosia directly to Larnaca International Airport or Ercan Airport for your onward flight home or to your next destination.

Meal: Breakfast

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