Famagusta City Tour With Salamis & Ghost Town From Paphos

Exploring the rich history and cultural heritage of Cyprus, the Famagusta City Tour with Salamis and Ghost Town from Paphos offers a captivating full-day experience. Travelers will uncover the ancient ruins of Salamis, enjoy the haunting atmosphere of Famagusta’s ghost town, and explore the region’s turbulent past under the guidance of knowledgeable experts. From the impressive Roman amphitheater to the eerie abandoned streets, this tour promises to leave visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Cyprus’s complex past. What secrets and stories will this journey reveal?

Key Points

• A full-day excursion from Paphos to the ancient ruins of Salamis and the Famagusta ghost town, providing historical insights through guided tours.
• Highlights include visits to the main attractions in Salamis and Famagusta, with a special stop at the barricaded ghost town.
• Includes coffee break, lunch, and a souvenir, with hotel pickup and drop-off, and all fees and taxes covered in the tour cost.
• Accessible only to EU passport holders due to the tour’s entry into northern Cyprus, with a maximum group size of 53 travelers.
• Customer feedback praises the tour guides’ knowledge and engagement, but notes potential issues with pickup logistics and border crossing delays.

Tour Overview

The Famagusta City Tour with Salamis & Ghost Town from Paphos is a full-day excursion that allows visitors to explore the ancient ruins of Salamis and the intriguing ghost town of Famagusta.

This tour is provided by Destination Services Cyprus and lasts approximately 11-12 hours, starting at 7:30 AM with pickup from selected hotels in Paphos.

Highlights include guided tours of the main attractions in Salamis and Famagusta, as well as a special stop at the restricted ghost town.

The tour includes a coffee break, lunch, and a souvenir. Accessibility is limited, and only EU passport holders can travel to northern Cyprus.

Itinerary Highlights

One highlight of the Famagusta City Tour is the visit to the main attractions in both Salamis and Famagusta, allowing travelers to see these historic sites in a single day. The tour also includes a special stop at Famagusta’s ghost town, which is sealed behind barbed-wire barricades, providing a unique and eerie glimpse into the city’s past. Throughout the tour, a guided experience with historical insights about each location is provided. The tour includes a coffee break and lunch stop, ensuring travelers have the opportunity to rest and refuel during the full-day excursion.

Itinerary Highlights
Visit Salamis and Famagusta	Guided tour with historical insights	Coffee break and lunch stop
Special stop at Famagusta’s ghost town

Inclusions

According to the overview, the Famagusta City Tour with Salamis & Ghost Town from Paphos includes a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels, all fees and taxes, drinks and lunch, and a souvenir.

The tour’s inclusions provide a comprehensive experience for travelers:

• Professional guide to provide historical insights and commentary
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service
• All necessary fees and taxes covered
• Beverages and a lunch stop included during the tour

These inclusions ensure a seamless and enjoyable day exploring the key sites of Salamis and Famagusta, including the unique opportunity to visit the ghost town, all while having the logistics handled by the tour provider.

Important Information

Although the Famagusta City Tour is not wheelchair accessible, infants are permitted to sit on laps. Travelers must have a valid passport or EU ID card, and only EU passport holders can visit northern Cyprus. The tour operates with a maximum group size of 53 people. Guests should be aware that the program may change, and they’ll receive confirmation details at the time of booking.

Travel Requirements	Accessibility	Group Size	Operational Changes
Passport or EU ID card	Not wheelchair accessible	Maximum 53 travelers	Program subject to change
Only EU passport holders for northern Cyprus	Infants must sit on laps		Confirmation at booking

Customer Feedback

Many travelers praised the knowledgeable guides and engaging historical insights provided during the Famagusta City Tour.

Specific mentions were made of guides like Katerina and Eva, who delivered the information in a passionate and informative manner.

However, some customers reported issues with pickup locations and timing, which led to them missing the tour.

Concerns were also raised about the extended travel times due to border checks and the limited lunch break.

To ensure a smooth experience, the tour company recommends that travelers:

• Bring their own food and snacks
• Plan for a long day of travel
• Confirm pickup details 48 hours in advance

Exploring Salamis

The tour then takes visitors to the ancient city of Salamis, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Cyprus. Salamis was once a thriving seaport and the capital of the island. Today, the site offers a glimpse into Cyprus’ rich history, with its well-preserved ruins and fascinating artifacts.

Feature	Description
Amphitheater	Impressive ancient Roman amphitheater, once capable of seating 15,000 spectators.
Gymnasium	Ruins of a well-preserved gymnasium, a central gathering place for ancient citizens.
Baths	Remnants of grand public baths, showcasing the advanced infrastructure of the city.
Necropolis	An extensive ancient cemetery, providing insights into Salamis’ burial practices.
Museum	An on-site museum housing a collection of artifacts found during excavations.

Uncovering Famagusta

After exploring the ruins of Salamis, the tour moves on to the historic city of Famagusta. The group will have the opportunity to discover the city’s main attractions, guided by knowledgeable local experts.

The tour’s highlights in Famagusta include:

• Visiting the walled old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Exploring the Venetian-era architecture and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas
• Stepping into the infamous "Ghost Town" of Famagusta, sealed behind barbed-wire barricades
• Learning about the city’s tumultuous history, from its medieval glory to its present-day division

This comprehensive tour promises to provide a unique and immersive experience in the rich cultural tapestry of Famagusta.

Entering the Ghost Town

Passing through the barbed-wire barricades, the tour group enters the eerie confines of Famagusta’s Ghost Town. Silence envelops the empty streets, where time seems to have frozen.

The crumbling buildings, once bustling with life, stand as haunting reminders of the conflict that forced the city’s abandonment. The guide leads the group through the ghostly landscape, sharing tales of a once-thriving community.

Visitors marvel at the eerie preservation, the windows and doors locked, as if the residents simply vanished. Stepping through the abandoned neighborhoods, the group feels the weight of history, the palpable sense of loss and the unsettling presence of what was.

This tour offers a rare glimpse into a frozen moment, a city frozen in time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available on Weekends or Only on Weekdays?

The tour is available on both weekdays and weekends. The provider offers this full-day tour throughout the week, allowing flexibility for travelers to book on the most convenient day for their schedule.

What Time Does the Tour Return to the Pickup Location?

The tour typically returns to the pickup location in the evening, around 6:30-7:30 PM, depending on traffic and border crossing conditions. Travelers should expect a long day, as the tour lasts approximately 11-12 hours.

Can We Visit Any Additional Sites Not Mentioned in the Itinerary?

The tour itinerary does not mention any additional sites beyond Salamis and the Famagusta ghost town. Travelers should expect the tour to follow the outlined program, with no opportunity to visit other locations not listed.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour for a Longer Duration?

While the tour’s itinerary is set, travelers may be able to extend the duration for an additional fee. However, they’d need to contact the tour provider directly to inquire about any customization options or add-ons.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour itinerary includes a coffee break and lunch stop, but allowing personal snacks and beverages provides more flexibility for the day’s activities.

Sum Up

The Famagusta City Tour with Salamis and Ghost Town from Paphos offers a captivating journey through Cyprus’s past. Travelers can explore the ancient ruins of Salamis, uncover Famagusta’s turbulent history, and venture into the eerie ghost town, all while guided by knowledgeable experts. This immersive experience provides a unique opportunity to explore the region’s cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.