A Day Trip to Medieval FAMAGUSTA (Kyrenia, Nicosia or Famagusta Hotels)

Uncover the captivating history of Cyprus’ medieval past on a private day trip to the enchanting city of Famagusta. Departing from your hotel in Kyrenia, Nicosia, or Famagusta, this immersive tour invites you to explore the iconic St. Barnabas Monastery, the impressive Salamis Ruins, and the enchanting Famagusta Walled City. With knowledgeable guides providing engaging insights, you’ll be transported back in time, uncovering the rich tapestry of this Mediterranean island’s history. The convenience of hotel pick-up and drop-off ensures a seamless experience, but what secrets and stories await you within the ancient walls of Famagusta?

Good To Know

• This private full-day tour takes you to the historic sites of Famagusta and Northern Cyprus, including the St. Barnabas Monastery, Salamis Ruins, and Famagusta Walled City.

• You’ll explore the Byzantine-era icon museum at St. Barnabas Monastery, learn about the ancient Roman port city of Salamis, and discover the medieval architecture of Famagusta’s Walled City.

• The tour includes hotel pick-up/drop-off, fuel surcharge, bottled water, lunch, and entrance tickets, providing a hassle-free and comprehensive experience.

• A knowledgeable private guide will provide engaging history lessons and personalized attention throughout the tour, ensuring an immersive and insightful exploration of Cyprus’ rich heritage.

• The tour is recommended by 100% of travelers and suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, with infant seats available for families.

Tour Overview

This full-day private tour offers an opportunity to explore the medieval city of Famagusta and the eastern region of North Cyprus.

Recommended by 100% of travelers, the tour departs from Kyrenia, Nicosia, or Famagusta hotels.

With personalized attention from a private guide, you’ll explore the highlights at your own pace.

The tour includes hotel pick-up/drop-off, fuel surcharge, bottled water, lunch, and entrance tickets.

Key sites visited are the St. Barnabas Monastery, Salamis Ruins, and Famagusta’s Walled City.

The knowledgeable guide will share engaging history lessons throughout the day.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an insightful exploration of Cyprus’ rich history and architecture.

Itinerary Highlights

Visiting the St. Barnabas Monastery and Icon Museum, travelers embark on a 2-hour private tour to learn about the monastery’s history and see the tomb of Saint Barnabas.

Next, they explore the ancient site of Salamis, spending an hour uncovering its gymnasium, theatre, and Roman baths.

The tour then ventures into the Famagusta Walled City, where visitors take a 1-hour walking tour. Highlights include the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the Namık Kemal Zindanı ve Müzesi, and the abandoned Varosha quarter, offering a glimpse into the city’s medieval past.

Throughout the day, the private guide provides personalized attention, allowing participants to discover the region’s rich history and architecture at their own pace.

St. Barnabas Monastery and Icon Museum

The St. Barnabas Monastery and Icon Museum is a 2-hour private tour highlight of the day trip.

Visitors will learn about the life and legacy of St. Barnabas, one of the Twelve Apostles. The tour includes a visit to his tomb, where travelers can gain insight into the rich religious history of Cyprus.

The monastery’s icon museum showcases a stunning collection of Byzantine-era religious artwork, providing a glimpse into the island’s cultural heritage.

With personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide, travelers can explore this sacred site at their own pace and enjoy the fascinating story of St. Barnabas and the ancient Christian community.

Salamis Ruins

After exploring the sacred grounds of the St. Barnabas Monastery, the private tour continues to the ancient site of Salamis Ruins. Travelers will spend an hour wandering through the remnants of this once-thriving Roman port city. The highlights include the impressive gymnasium, the grand theatre, and the well-preserved Roman baths. To better understand the significance of these ruins, consider this informative table:

Feature	Description	Historical Importance
Gymnasium	Large public building for exercise and education	Showcased the city’s wealth and culture
Theatre	Massive stone amphitheatre	Hosted plays, concerts, and public events
Roman Baths	Elaborate bathing complex	Demonstrated the advanced engineering of the Romans

Uncovering the stories behind these archaeological wonders provides a fascinating glimpse into Salamis’ illustrious past.

Famagusta Walled City

Emerging from the ancient ruins of Salamis, the tour next explores the historic Famagusta Walled City.

This 1-hour walking tour takes visitors through the iconic landmarks of this medieval city.

First, they’ll visit the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, a former Gothic cathedral converted into an Ottoman mosque.

Next, they’ll discover the Namık Kemal Zindanı ve Müzesi, a former prison with an interesting museum.

The highlight, however, is the eerie Varosha abandoned quarter, a once-thriving resort town that was frozen in time after the 1974 conflict.

Guests will gain a deeper understanding of Famagusta’s turbulent history and the ongoing effects of the Cyprus dispute.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup from centrally located hotels in Kyrenia or designated meeting points is provided for this tour. The activity starts at 9:00 am and ends at the same meeting point.

Start Time	End Time
9:00 am	Same as meeting point

This tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires moderate physical fitness. Infant seats are available. The tour is operated by Sirin Suha, with a group size up to 4 people. It’s a non-refundable tour, so cancellation is not eligible for a refund.

Additional Information

What else should travelers know about this day trip to medieval Famagusta? The tour is non-refundable, and cancellations aren’t eligible for a refund.

It’s not wheelchair accessible, so a moderate level of physical fitness is required. However, infant seats are available.

The tour is operated by Sirin Suha, and the group size is limited to 4 people, ensuring personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide.

Travelers can expect an insightful exploration of Cyprus’ rich history and architecture, with highlights including the St. Barnabas Monastery, the ancient ruins of Salamis, and the captivating Famagusta Walled City, all while enjoying the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

Traveler Reviews

The tour has earned an overall rating of 5.0 based on 10 reviews, with travelers highlighting the knowledgeable guide Sirin and the engaging history lessons provided throughout the experience.

Visitors praise the insightful exploration of Cyprus’ rich history and architecture, particularly the highlights like the Salamis Ruins and the Famagusta Walled City.

The local restaurant experiences during the tour are also noted as a positive by many reviewers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this private tour. The tour operator cannot accommodate animals due to safety and logistical reasons. Infant seats are available, but the tour is not suitable for pets.

What Languages Does the Tour Guide Speak?

The tour guide, Sirin, speaks English fluently. According to the tour overview, the private guide provides personalized attention, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace and learn about the history and culture of the sites visited.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour guide does not offer an option to extend the tour duration. The full-day private tour has a fixed itinerary and schedule. Extending the tour would need to be arranged separately with the tour operator.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a relaxed dress code. Comfortable, casual clothing and walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves exploring historical sites and walking through the walled city. Modest attire is suggested when visiting religious sites.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, photography is generally allowed during the tour. Visitors can take photos at the historical sites, such as the St. Barnabas Monastery, Salamis Ruins, and Famagusta Walled City, to capture the beautiful architecture and scenic landscapes.

The Sum Up

Explore the captivating medieval city of Famagusta on this private day trip. Uncover the rich history and stunning architecture of the St. Barnabas Monastery, Salamis Ruins, and Famagusta Walled City. With knowledgeable guides and hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour offers a convenient and immersive way to experience the enchanting past of this Cypriot destination.