Riviera Travel Grand Tour of Northern Cyprus and a Taste of Paphos

• Return flights and transfers
• 11nts in 4* accommodation
• Selected meals: Daily breakfast & 1 dinner
• 17 included experiences
• Welcome drink
• Services of an expert tour manager
• Checked luggage

• Explore Kyrenia with a local guide, visiting its castle which home to a museum of archaeology
• Get a glimpse at life in the late Roman and early Byzantine times with a full-day tour visiting Güzelyurt, the Palace of Vouni, Lefke and the ancient city of Soli
• Visit the castle of St Hilarion, enjoying incredible views of the Kyrenia mountains and the sea
• Discover the beautiful Bellapais, home to ‘Abbey of Peace’ and see the Monastery of St Barnabus
• See the archaeological site of Salamis
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paphos to admire its famous mosaic.
• Explore Nicosia on a guided tour, seeing the Turkish north and having the chance to cross to the Greek south
• Take tours of local wineries and enjoy tastings

Day 1: Arrival in Cyprus
Fly into either Larnaca or Paphos. On arrival, transfer to Kyrenia where you’ll check into your hotel. After settling in, join the rest of the group for a welcome drink.

Day 2: Kyrenia
This morning, take a guided tour of Kyrenia, exploring the castle and its fortifications, before time in the museum. Explore the eild town and harbour, before visiting the Belediye Meydani, the town hall square. The afternoon is free for you to relax or continue exploring at your own pace.

Day 3: Guzelyurt, Soli & the Palace of Vouni
Travel northwest to Guzelyurt, the ‘fruit basket’ of Cyprus. Explore some of the well-preserved ancient sites, such as the Agios Mamas Church and Monastery and the Museum of Archaeology and Nature. Later, you’ll head to the ancient city of Soli, a historical capital of the island. Discover a Roman theatre, a temple to Athena and a 4^th century basilica. From here, continue to the Palace of Vouni, situated on a hill with stunning views of the sea. The last stop of the day is Lefke, situated along the Green Line.

Day 4: St Hilarion
Today, you’ll visit St Hilarion Castle, originally built as a watch tower before becoming the summer resort of the Lusignan nobility. During the visit, you can enjoy time to explore inside or simply relax and enjoy the views from the castle’s café. Return to Kyrenia in the afternoon for time at leisure. Later in the day, head into the mountains to visit a unique winery, taking a guided tour before a tasting session and dinner in the boutique restaurant.

Day 5: Bellapais Village
Spend the day in the village of Bellapais, where you can wander through quiet lanes of whitewashed buildings. While here, see the ruins of the Abbey of Peace, which is a remarkable example of monastic Gothic architecture.

Day 6: Famagusta, Salamis & St Barnabas
Embark on a full day tour of northeastern Cyprus. Begin at the Monastery of St Barnabas, built over the tomb of the saint who founded the Cypriot Church. As you explore, see the museum and the mausoleum believe to be his final resting place. Continue past many historical sites as you head to ancient Salamis. Here you’ll see fascinating ruins dating from both Greek and roman times. Next, visit Famagusta for a guided walking tour. The last stop on today’s tour is Varosha, once a lively resort that has been abandoned since the war in 1974.

Day 7: Free day
Enjoy a free day in Kyrenia to explore further or simply relax at the hotel.

Day 8: Nicosia & Paphos
Leave the coast and head inland to Nicosia, the capital of Northern Cyprus and Europe’s last divided capital. Take a guided tour with a local guide, seeing the Kyrenia gate, the beautiful central square and the covered bazaar. After the tour, there’s free time to continue exploring, perhaps crossing into the south of the city (passports required for inspection) or visiting the remarkable Cyprus Museum. Later in the afternoon, continue to Paphos on the South Coast.

Day 9: Paphos
Start the day with a guided tour on foot and by coach of Paphos. Visit the UNESCO site in Kato Paphos, where you can see the Askelpieion and the Agora. You’ll also see the amazing mosaics at the House of Dionysos. End the tour at the harbour, from where you free to explore at your own pace for the rest of the afternoon.

Day 10: Free day
Enjoy another free day to spend as you wish in Paphos.

Day 11: Omodos Village
Take a scenic drive into the Troodos Mountains, where you’ll visit the traditional village of Omodos. Here you’ll find the oldest monastery in Cyprus, the Holy Cross. You’ll have time to explore the church and museum, perhaps seeing the relic said to be a piece of rope used to bind Jesus to the cross. In the afternoon, visit a local winery, where you’ll meet the owners and find out more about the history of wine making on the island and taste wines paired with local cheese. Return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 12: Return home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home

Arkin Colony Hotel, Kyrenia****
This hotel sits between the old town and harbour. There are two restaurants, with all included dinners being taken in the main restaurant which offers both traditional and international dishes. The hotel also offers a rooftop pool.

Alexander the Great Beach Hotel, Paphos****
This beachfront hotel is just a ten-minute walk from the harbour. There are four swimming pools, and four restaurants. All rooms are spacious, with tv, ensuite bathrooms, and a safe.

Fact File

Northern:

• Currency: Turkish Lira
• Flight time: Approx. 4 hrs 30 mins
• Language: Turkish
• Time zone: GMT+2
• Country: Cyprus (Northern)

Southern:

• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Flight Time: Approx. 4 hrs 30 mins
• Language: Greek
• Time Zone: GMT+2
• Country: Cyprus (Southern)

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic.

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