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Hidden Secrets of Northern Cyprus - Two Week Stay

15days from
£1,319*per person

Overview

Unspoilt & ancient

Savour rest and relaxation, and step back in time, as you explore the beautiful, unspoilt north of Aphrodite’s Isle. Discover a historic region of this idyllic island in the sun – inhabited since earliest times, dotted with the relics of ancient civilisations, and uniquely shaped by the changing tides of history. From your base in delightful Kyrenia, one of the Mediterranean’s most alluring locations, set against a backdrop of rugged hills and fringed by deep blue waters, you'll enjoy included visits to Lawrence Durrell’s beloved Bellapais, to divided Nicosia, ruined Famagusta and the scenic Karpaz peninsula on this wonderful tour of Northern Cyprus.

Itinerary

  • Fly from the UK to Larnaca or Paphos and transfer north to Kyrenia and your chosen hotel.
  • Explore the delightful port town of Kyrenia, in the company of your tour manager. Here, the natural, horseshoe-shaped harbour looks out over pristine azure waters, flanked by shops and cafés and all watched over by an imposing medieval castle. It's a picture-perfect scene mostly unchanged down the years despite the trappings of modernity. Within the massive castle walls you'll find a fascinating shipwreck museum, and a gallery of archaeological finds from the surrounding area. This afternoon, return to your hotel to relax, or explore the town under your own steam. Why not visit a museum or gallery, or take a seat in one of the harbour’s delightful fish restaurants - perfect places in which to pass the hours?
  • A fascinating day awaits, today, as you journey to the island’s east. Your first call is at the monastery of St Barnabas, where the side chapel of the twin-domed church is said to hold the tomb of the early Christian martyr. This is followed by a visit to the extraordinary Roman ruins of the ancient coastal city of Salamis. The remains, which include colonnades, a magnificent theatre and a bathhouse, were part of a much larger settlement that still lies submerged beneath the blue waters and sand dunes.You’ll then head to the fascinating city of Famagusta, once one of the world’s richest, and today a living museum. Here ruined churches, the Lala Mustapha Pasha mosque (once the city cathedral) and Venetian Palace rise in amongst the city's modern cafes and shops, as described in Victoria Hislop’s novel, The Sunrise. Most unforgettable is the Ghost City of Varosha, left abandoned since 1974, and a poignant reminder of the island’s past troubles.
  • The highlight of today’s fascinating included excursion will be your visit to historic Nicosia, capital of Cyprus for more than 12 centuries, and separated into a Turkish north and Greek south since the Green Line was first drawn, in 1963. Enjoy a guided tour of Lefkosa, the northern territory, where highlights include the ancient Buyuk Han, once the largest caravanserai (roadside inn) on Cyprus, the colourful covered bazaar and the cathedral/mosque of Selimiye/St Sophia. After crossing into the southern territory, Lefkosia, you'll have free time to explore the narrow streets that shelter within the Venetian walls of the old town. Why not visit tiny St John's Cathedral or one of the various museums of Cypriot history and culture before we return to Kyrenia?
  • Today you're free to enjoy the hotel and its surroundings, or to head into Kyrenia once again. Many, however, will want to join our optional excursion to the green, citrus-grove surrounded town of Guzelyurt. The town's name means "beautiful place" in Turkish, and you'll have time to see its archaeology museum and church of Agios Mamas. The enjoyable day will also include visits to the fascinating excavated city of Soli, with its Roman and Byzantine remains, and to the Green Line border town of Lefke, with its former copper mines and citrus groves.
  • Today’s included tour heads first towards the magnificent mountain-top castle of St Hilarion, with its preserved fortifications and spectacular views of the coastline and the surrounding Five Finger Mountains. In the foothills below lies the beautiful village of Bellapais. Set beneath the preserved ruins of its Gothic abbey, this idyllic spot was celebrated writer Lawrence Durrell's home for three years to, and he chronicled his stay here in his novel Bitter Lemons. Wander the ruins of the Abbey, stepping back in time as you soak up its unique atmosphere, then return to Kyrenia for the rest of the day.
  • Today's optional excursion is to the unspoilt Karpaz, or Karpasia, Peninsula, a rugged spit of land fringed by some of the island’s most stunning beaches and bluest waters. Dotted with ancient villages and home to herds of wild donkeys, the peninsula is also where the remote monastery and shrine of Apostos Andreas boasts a famous ‘holy well’. As well as a visit to an ancient olive press, today will include a chance to enjoy a dip (weather permitting) in the sea at one of the island’s finest bathing spots. You’ll return to Kyrenia at the end of a wonderful day, to enjoy a final dinner at the hotel.
  • Spend these days exploring or unwinding at your own pace, possibly uncovering more of Northern Cyprus or simply lounging on a beach.
  • Bid farewell to your Cypriot hosts, and return to the airport to check in for your flight home.

What's Included

Holiday Highlights

  • Exploring Kyrenia's harbour and monumental castle
  • Fascinating, divided Nicosia and walled Famagusta
  • The spectacular Greek and Roman ruins at Salamis and Soli
  • Visits to idyllic Bellapais, and its Gothic abbey
  • The imposing hill-top ruins of St Hilarion Castle
  • See the ghost city of Varosha, a poignant reminder of the recent past
  • Tour the Roman ruins at Salamis
  • Discover Guzelyurt (literally "beautiful place") and ancient Soli on an optional excursion
  • Excursion to the unspoilt landscape of the Karpaz Peninsula on an optional excursion

Our Price Includes

  • 14 nights' half-board accommodation at your chosen hotel (upgrade hotel available)
  • Tours of Kyrenia, Nicosia, Salamis and Famagusta
  • Trips to St Hilarion and Bellapais
  • Return flights to Cyprus
  • Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers
  • The services of a friendly, experienced tour manager
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Dates and Prices

 
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Accommodation

Altinkaya Hotel, Kyrenia -

★★★

Nestled amid olive groves just 2.5km from Kyrenia Harbour, this family-owned three-star hotel offers the warmest of welcomes.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel has two outdoor swimming pools, a terrace restaurant, a comfortable lounge, a pool-side barbecue and a bar. There is free Wi-Fi in the hotel reception, and the hotel runs a seasonal shuttle bus into the centre of Kyrenia. The hotel does not have a lift.

Pia Bella Hotel, Kyrenia -

★★★★

This welcoming four-star hotel is about 1.5km from Kyrenia's historic harbour and set amid pretty gardens. The local shops, bars and restaurants are within walking distance.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel has two outdoor swimming pools and several terraces, a bar, restaurant and free Wi-Fi in public areas.

The Ship Inn, Kyrenia -

★★★

Boasting both the name and familiar warmth of an English-style hotel, The Ship Inn stands in a tranquil setting with splendid views of the surrounding hills. The hotel can be booked on a Bed & Breakfast or Half Board basis. HALF-BOARD UPGRADE AVAILABLE - PLEASE CALL TO BOOK.

Facilities & Amenities
The Ship Inn has accommodation in the main hotel and in garden blocks clustered round the hotels outdoor swimming pool. The hotel also has a tennis court, an indoor swimming pool and a fitness suite, as well as a British-style bar, a pool-bar and a restaurant. There is free Wi-Fi in the public areas, and the local bus stop for Kyrenia town centre is just across the road.
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Other Information

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from Larnaca airport to your hotel is approximately one hour and 30 minutes, and from Paphos airport is two hours and 40 minutes.

Seasonal hotel facilities

Please note that some hotel facilities are operating on a seasonal basis and may not always be open/available. Examples might include shuttle buses to the town centre and beach, swimming pools and selected bars/restaurants (eg beachside restaurants).

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Passport information

European Union citizens travelling across the border from Southern Cyprus to Northern Cyprus must have passports valid for at least two months beyond the date of their crossing. Visitors from outside the EU must have passports valid for at least six months beyond the date of their crossing.

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel. Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names. Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date"). Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

Holiday code

N2711

Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTOT 5509, ATOL 2325, ABTA V7812), you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.

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