North Cyprus Holidays - Historic & Religious - 8 day tour

Group & Singles Holidays in Cyprus

This tour takes in both Christian and Moslem sites in both North and South Cyprus. The beautiful, Levantine island of Cyprus has suffered a chequered history and it has the last remaining divided city in the world and the oldest UN peacekeeping force, but in recent times, EU citizens have been able to freely traverse the 'Green Line'. This tour is the first in over 30 years that allows you to see some of the many religious monuments and sites on both sides of the border. Cyprus has much of historical interest, the scenery is breathtaking and the people are very friendly. There are some fascinating crusader castles influenced by Venetians and Lusignans, not to mentioned Richard the Lion Heart and many more.

Itinerary - Day 1

Arrival in Ercan and transfer to hotel.

Day 2 - Karpaz Peninsular.

Visit Ayas Trias and the Sipahi Mosaics and the Ayos Philon basilica. Right at the tip of the Karpaz peninsular, we visit the monastery of St. Andrew the Apostle. This is one of the pilgrimage centres of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus. Picnic lunch.

Day 3 - Famagusta

Walk through the old town and visit the Lala Mustafa Mosque formerly known as the Cathedral of St Nicholas and just opposite the Palazzo del Provveditore – the royal palace of the Lusignans. Built in the 13th Century, it was in this palace that the Kings and Queens of Cyprus were crowned until the reign of Peter II in 1369. The Monastery of St. Barnabas is by the Royal Tombs. It was built to commemorate the foremost saint of Cyprus, whose life was intertwined with the spread of the Christian message in the years immediately following the death of Christ.

Day 4. - St. Hilarion and Girne/Kyrenia

A late morning departure for the crusader castle of St Hilarion. The castle is named after St. Hilarion, a hermit monk who fled from persecution in the Holy Land and lived and died in a cave on the mountain. Later in the 10th century the Byzantines built a church and monastery here. Following a visit to the castle we travel on to Girne/ Kyrenia. Overlooking the entrance to the spectacular harbour is Kyrenia Castle which is now home to many historical artefacts and is the current resting-place of the world's oldest shipwreck. Travel on to Bellapais. The beauty of Bellapais is legendary. Set in the mountains, just ten minutes above Kyrenia, we visit this 14th century Lusignan abbey with its fabulous location and pervasive atmosphere of calm.

Day 5 - Lefkosa/Nicosia

Tour of the island's capital city. Visit the old town and the Selimiye Mosque. This ancient church is the chief mosque in the northern state of Cyprus, and the great festivals of Bayram and other Moslem gatherings are conducted here. It was formerly the cathedral of St. Sophia which was built in the period 1209 A.D. to 1228, over the ruins of a previous building. We will also visit the Buyuk /Great Khan. Change of tour guide and coach in Lefkosa. Cross the border to the southern part of the city to visit the archaeological and Byzantine museum which houses the largest collection of icons on the island, covering the period from 9th to 18th century. Following a stroll round the old part of town you will be transferred to Limassol and check into your Hotel.

Day 6 - Troodos

Trip into the Troodos mountains to visit the famous Kykko Monastery, the most famous and richest monastery in Cyprus. Founded in 1100 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it possesses one of the three surviving icons ascribed to Saint Luke. Carry on to the village of Kakopetria for lunch. Following lunch we visit the church of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis 'Saint Nicholas of the Roof' which belonged to a monastery. The church took its name from the steep pitched wooden roof which was built to protect it from climatic conditions.

Day 7 - Paphos

Today we drive along the coast past the famous sanctuary of Aphrodite, the most ancient remains of which date back to the 12th century BC. and on to Paphos. In Paphos, we view the mosaics in the houses of Dionysos, Aion and Theseus and the royal burial grounds dating back to Hellenistic times. We go on to visit the Agios Neofytos Monastery, founded at the end of the 12th century by the Cypriot hermit and writer Neofytos. The 'Egkleistra', an enclosure carved out of the mountain by the hermit, contains some of the finest Byzantine frescoes dating from the 12th to 15th century. Lastly today we visit the Agia Paraskevi Byzantine Church in Geroskipou.

Day 8

Direct transfer back to Ercan airport for your flight home.

Tour includes

Airport transfers
Half-board accommodation and welcome drinks
Picnic lunch in Northern Cyprus
All entrance fees
Air-conditioned non smoking coach
Professional English speaking guides

Tour does not include

Flights
Alcoholic drinks
Tips

All prices based on HB, twin share. Single supplements will apply.

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Tour Dates

Departure Dates
This is available every day of the year or dates below

Tour Prices

Tour Prices and Single Supplements for dates starting
	From	To	Price	SS
All Travellers	01 Mar 2009	30 Nov 2009	£670.00	–
All Travellers	01 Jun 2009	30 Sep 2009	£920.00	–

Make a Reservation

Please use our online booking reservation service where available - if you need any further assistance or to book please feel free to call or email us with your booking. Until you have received a receipted invoice (by post fax or email) your reservation has been recorded but not been confirmed. This is similar to an airline wait-listing. This may only affect you if we have had major changes to the tour.