Divided Cyprus Easter Tour

DESCRIPTION

Whilst it is largely known for being a vacation resort for British and European holidaymakers, following the Turkish invasion of 1974, the Mediterranean island of Cyprus was ravaged by war before being cut in half with UN-designated buffer zone in the middle. This zone incorporated towns, cities, airports making them abandoned ghost settlements to this day.

On our divided Cyprus tour we explore the Turkish-controlled side of the island that few people see. Ghost cities, military standoffs, scandalous real-estates, stunning beaches, and world-class ancient sites with next to no other tourists.

Our journey begins on the south side of the island and is easily reachable with a variety of budget airlines. We then cross the border into Northern Cyprus and thoroughly explore this section of the island. We’ll be sleeping in hotels and on the island’s gorgeous beaches as we explore the dark and fascinating history of this country.

We will also be exploring the recently reopened area of Varosha: The Famagusta Ghost Town.

In the 1970s, the new town of Famagusta was one of the most visited tourist destinations in the whole world with its extravagant high-rise hotels lined up along the sandy beaches on the east coast of Cyprus, tourists were lured by the turquoise seas, balmy sunshine and an idyllic lifestyle. However, since the 1974 invasion when the inhabitants of the city fled, the zone has sat as an abandoned buffer zone between the Greek and Turkish parts of the island and a time capsule from a bygone era. Very recently reopened to tourists it has remained bullet-riddled and abandoned ever since.

ITINERARY

Sunday 9th April – Nicosia

Arrival in Cypriot-controlled Cyprus at your own leisure. The Mediterranean island is well served by various budget airlines.
Check into our comfortable hotel in Nicosia, the only divided capital city on earth.
Meet up with your YPT guide and the rest of the tour group in the evening before heading out for a welcome meal and drinks.
Overnight in Nicosia.

Monday 10th April – Kyrenia

Morning

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll board our private transport and cross into Northern Cyprus via the Metehan road border. On the way, you’ll see many Turkish military outposts in the distance and an enormous Turkish flag on the mountainside that is visible from the opposing Cypriot territory.
Once we’ve cleared passport control we’ll explore the Buyuk Han or the Great Inn. Built by the Ottomans in 1572 after they had seized Cyprus from the Venetians, this historical building is home to a stunning open courtyard with an Ottoman mosque. Under the early days of British rule it was turned into a prison, today it’s a thriving arts centre, consisting of several galleries and workshops.
We’ll then drive through the narrow lanes and decaying streets of Lefkosa as we make our way to the historic Saint Hilarion Castle which was built by the Byzantines in the 11th Century to defend the coast from Arab pirate raids. Today it offers stunning views over the Mediterranean and the mountains of Cyprus.
On our way back down we’ll pass the training ground used by the parachute regiment of the Turkish military before heading on to Kyrenia.

Afternoon

On arrival we’ll enjoy lunch along the harbour for incredible views of the bay
We’ll go for a walk along the harbour and explore Kyrenia Castle – a 16th-century castle built by the Venetians over a previous Crusader fortification. Within its walls lies a 12th century chapel showing reused late Roman capitals, and the Shipwreck Museum.
We will hit the town with our optional pub crawl joining in with the locals to celebrate their national holiday! We will hit up a few popular spots and then head to our favourite hidden gems for a truly authentic local experience.
Overnight in Kyrenia.

Tuesday 11th April – Kyrenia

Morning

After breakfast at the hotel and perhaps a stroll and coffee in the harbour, we’ll head west.
Visit to the ship which was used in the Turkish invasion / liberation of Northern Cyprus – it’s now been converted into a museum at a dry dock. Nearby a collection of tanks used by the Turkish and enemy tanks from the south captured during the war. A lot of North Korean vibes here!
Our journey will then take us to the 13th century Bellapais Monastery where, after exploring this historical site, we’ll sit down for a traditional kebab lunch overlooking beautiful views.

Afternoon

We’ll pay a brief visit to the small village where Lawrence Durrell wrote Bitter Lemons
Visit to Amaranta. A vast empty housing development that is now a concrete ghost town. This notorious development was started by a Geordie drug dealer and fraudster, Gary Robb. He sold the properties off-plan, sometimes several times over, ultimately the customers/investors were left with only concrete foundations they didn’t even own.
Amaranta is perfect for a spot of urbex!
Return to Kyrenia for some free time before heading out for an evening meal.
Overnight in Kyrenia.

Wednesday 12th April – Kantara

Morning

After breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel and head to our first stop of the day: Kantara Castle which is a Byzantine-era fortress that offers stunning views over Cyprus and the chance to see both coastlines converge into the panhandle.
We’ll then continue North-East along the coast road stopping for lunch with an ocean view on the way.

Afternoon

Arriving at the Karpaz Peninsula we’ll first feed the donkeys which roam freely along the road! It’s surprisingly hilarious to watch them dribble their favourite treat of cucumbers all over the place…
Our next stop will be an active Greek Orthodox Monastery where we may be lucky enough to catch a service in session and meet the bearded Orthodox priests who run the place. The monastery was abandoned when the ottomans took over in 1570s but continued as the local Greek Orthodox church until Turkish invasion in 1974. The British used parts of it as military garrison when they took over Cyprus.
We’ll then hit some rough and off-the-beaten-track roads as we head to the northernmost tip of Cyprus. Here there is a solitary military outpost and a gigantic flag, you are only 100km from the coast of Syria.
We’ll head to our Exotic hotel by the beach for the night.

Thursday 13th April – Larnaca

Morning

Optional dawn swim for those to enjoy the morning waves!
We’ll head to the epic ruins of Salamis, an ancient Greek city-state at the mouth of the River Pedieos. According to tradition, the founder of Salamis was Teucer, son of Telamon, who could not return home after the Trojan war because he had failed to avenge his brother Ajax.
There is even a well preserved Roman amphitheatre here and you’ll be surprised to find it mostly to yourself due to the small numbers of tourists in Northern Cyprus.

Afternoon

Head to Famagusta for lunch and the chance to buy genuine Turkish delight and baklava
Tour Highlight – Explore the recently re-opened Varosha ghost city. Empty since the 1974 Turkish invasion, what used to be the hotspot of international tourism, is now a vast area of abandoned, ruined buildings serving as a time capsule from 1974. It has remained bullet-riddled and abandoned ever since.
As we near the end of our tour, we’ll cross the border back into Cypriot-controlled Cyprus where we will have a treat for country collectors!
After the border, we’ll visit the British Sovereign military base of Dhekelia which is one of two British Sovereign Base Areas on the island of Cyprus. Home to British police, fire brigade, fish and chip shops, and other familiar British features, they don’t have checkpoints or passport control to enter but are a must-visit for country collectors!
At the military base area, we’ll finish off our tour with a stop at an authentic British Pub for a cold pint and fish and chips.
Check into our hotel in Larnaca and enjoy a farewell dinner and drinks with the group.
Overnight in Larnaca.

Friday 14th April

Breakfast at the hotel and the chance to enjoy a morning swim at the pool or the nearby beach.
End of tour, airport transfers, and onward travel can be arranged,

GALLERY