Day 1: Arrival in Ercan and transfer to the hotel
Day 1: Arrival in Ercan and transfer to the hotel
We will land in Ercan on the wonderful northern half of the island. Our friendly and competent English-speaking guide will meet us at the airport and accompany us to our modern travel coach. Direct transfer to our star hotel, where we will spend the first 3 nights.
Day 2: Nicosia, Ancient Salamis & St. Barnabas’ Monastery
Welcome to the labyrinth of tranquil narrow streets in Nicosia – Europe’s last divided capital. We will start off by exploring the northern section of the city where we will visit the Ottoman caravanserai (admission included) with its splendid inner courtyard and oriental flair. We will continue on foot across the “border”, the so-called Green Line, to the southern section of the city. Immerse yourself in the exciting bustle of the picturesque alleys and walk along the Venetian Wall. We will then travel to the wonderful Roman city of Salamis, by the sea (admission included). There we will marvel at the ruins of the gymnasium, the forum and the thermal baths. To finish our eventful day, we will visit the nearby St. Barnabas’ Monastery (admission included) to stand quietly in front of the sarcophagus of St. Barnabas’ the Apostle, martyr Nicosia and patron saint of Cyprus.
Day 3: St. Andrew’s Monastery, Golden Beach & Agios Afksentios Church
Today, we undertake a panoramic trip to the untouched part of Northern Cyprus towards Karpaz. We first pass by the picturesque fishing village Dipkarpaz and continue on to the fascinating St. Andrew’s Monastery (admission included). It was dedicated to the apostle Andrew and is considered one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations of the island. We then arrive at the Golden Beach, probably the most beautiful beach in Cyprus. On a leisurely walk, we might, with a bit of luck, spot the tracks of the well-known sea turtles ”Caretta Caretta” in the sand. As a final highlight, we visit the impressive Agios Afksentios Church in Büyükkonok (admission included), which an EU cultural project has restored.
Day 4: Famagusta, St. Nicholas’ Cathedral & Miniature Park
The next highlight of today’s discovery tour: the majestic St. Nicholas’ Cathedral (admission included), now known as Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Then, in the port of Famagusta, we will encounter a fascinating, centuries-old handicraft in a modern rug production business. We will then head towards the Miniature Park (admission included) where we can look forward to miniatures of the 15 most important highlights offered St. Nicholas’ Cathedral, Famagusta by the island. We will spend the next 4 nights in the peaceful Kyrenia region.
Day 5: Bellapais‘ Monastery, Kyrenia seaport, castle & ship museum
Driving through the impressive Pentadaktylos mountain range, we will reach Bellapais at an altitude of 700 metres. The highlight of this picturesque mountain village is Bellapais´ Monastery (admission included), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. We will enjoy a breath-taking panorama view of the coastal town of Kyrenia, which once inspired the author Lawrence Durrel to write his famous book titled “Bitter Lemons”. After that we will set off for the old harbour in Kyrenia where white boats bob peacefully in the turquoise water. We will stroll along the promenade as far as the castle (admission included), the city‘s landmark. With walls soaring an impressive 21 metres into the air, the castle served as a fortress in defence against enemies and as a prison. Not far away, there is an old shipwreck dating back to 300 BC, which was discovered in 1969. In the museum (admission included), we can admire the well-preserved original parts of the ancient ship. The great craftsman tradition will shortly afterwards take us to a jewellery and leather gallery. While we are there, you will also have the opportunity to purchase a personal souvenir of your holiday. We round off the evening in the hotel.
Day 6 – 7: Kyrenia
There will now be plenty of time for relaxation and new discoveries. Some might relax by the pool, take a restorative walk along the beach or visit a traditional steam bath. The picturesque cafés in the port town of Kyrenia also offer the perfect opportunity to linger and enjoy. Other people might explore natural and cultural treasures in the surrounding area on their own: the Gecitköy dam and the ancient city of Soli are well worth a Kyrenia visit. The impressive Church of St. Mamas with its fantastic frescoes will delight you.
Day 8 – 15: FREE extended holiday in an exclusive 5-star luxury hotel right on the beach
Relax over the next 8 days in your modern, 5-star luxury hotel right on the beach. The comfortable rooms are luxurious and modern. Relax in the hotel‘s stunning spa area, complete with sauna. Take time out down by the pool or go for a leisurely stroll along the beach. On the 15th day, 5-star luxury hotel we will be transferred directly to the airport for the return flight.
| Cyprus - Package includes | £670 |
|---|---|
| 7 nights in a double room in selected 4 and 5 star hotels (national category) | X |
| 7 x tasty breakfast | X |
| Round trip in modern and air conditioned travel coach | X |
| Spectacular range of excursions + admissions (as per itinenary incl.) The highlights | X |
| Qualified , Englisch -speaking cultural tour guide | X |