Full Day Tour of North & South Nicosia From Ayia Napa & Protaras

Exploring the divided capital of Cyprus can be a captivating experience. On this full-day tour, visitors will explore the rich history and culture of both the Greek and Turkish sides of Nicosia. From the historic Walled City to the vibrant markets, this comprehensive journey promises an immersive and educational adventure. Travelers can savor a traditional Turkish Cypriot lunch while being guided by an experienced English-speaking professional, ensuring a memorable experience. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to uncover the unique blend of influences in this fascinating city, this tour is sure to leave you intrigued and eager to learn more.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Tours In Ayia Napa.

Good To Know

• This full-day tour from Ayia Napa and Protaras explores the divided capital of Nicosia, visiting both the Greek and Turkish sides.
• Guests will have the opportunity to discover historic landmarks, such as the Selimiye Mosque and the Cyprus Museum, and learn about the island’s complex political situation.
• The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, all entrance and border fees, as well as a traditional meze lunch with a drink.
• Passport or EU ID is required for the border crossing, and modest dress is recommended for sacred sites.
• The tour has a maximum group size of 50 and is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full-day exploration of North and South Nicosia, departing from the coastal towns of Ayia Napa and Protaras.

Travelers will have the opportunity to discover the divided capital, exploring both the Greek and Turkish sides.

The tour also includes a visit to the Akamas Peninsula from Limassol, highlighting the Baths of Aphrodite, Avakas Gorge, and the chance to see greenback turtles in Lara Bay.

Transportation is provided via off-road vehicles, allowing access to remote areas.

Lunch with a drink is included, and the tour is led by an English-speaking guide.

Entrance and border fees, as well as gratuities, are covered in the tour price.

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels, an English-speaking guide, and all entrance and border fees.

Gratuities are also covered, as are meals and beverages during the day.

Travelers can expect a smooth and hassle-free experience, with all the logistics taken care of.

The inclusions ensure a comprehensive and immersive tour, allowing participants to focus on enjoying the highlights of North and South Nicosia without worrying about additional costs or transportation.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup for the tour is available from selected hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras. Confirmation of the pickup location will be sent via email after booking.

Guests should be ready in the hotel lobby 15 minutes before the scheduled 7:45 AM departure time. The tour begins promptly, so it’s important to be punctual.

To ensure a smooth start, guests should:

1. Confirm their hotel pickup location in advance.
2. Be in the lobby 15 minutes prior to departure.
3. Bring their passport or EU ID for the border crossing.
4. Dress appropriately, covering shoulders and knees for sacred sites.

Additional Information

Travelers can expect to receive confirmation of their reservation upon booking.

Passport or EU ID is required to cross the border. Visitors should dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees, when visiting sacred sites. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Local restrictions apply at the Strovillia checkpoint for passport holders from EU member states, the UK, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Due to the nature of the activities, the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back issues or serious medical conditions.

The maximum group size is 50 people.

Exploring North Nicosia

Crossing the checkpoint into the northern part of Nicosia, the tour explores the history and culture of the divided capital city.

Travelers will:

1. Stroll through the historic Walled City, admiring the stunning Selimiye Mosque, a prime example of Ottoman architecture.

2. Visit the Cyprus Museum, home to an impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman artifacts.

3. Discover the Ledra Street Crossing, a symbolic gateway between the north and south, where the tour guide shares insights into the island’s complex political situation.

4. Enjoy a traditional meze lunch, savoring the unique flavors of Turkish Cypriot cuisine.

Exploring South Nicosia

After exploring the northern part of Nicosia, the tour shifts its focus to the southern side of the divided capital.

Crossing the UN buffer zone, travelers discover the vibrant streets and historic landmarks of the Greek Cypriot community.

The tour highlights the imposing Archbishop’s Palace, the Cyprus Museum‘s vast collection of ancient artifacts, and the picturesque Venetian architecture in the old town.

Visitors can stroll through the bustling markets, sample local delicacies, and gain insights into the island’s complex history and culture.

The guide provides valuable context, ensuring participants emerge with a deeper understanding of the unique dynamics that have shaped this divided city.

Reviews and Ratings

The tour has garnered a solid rating of 4.0 from a total of 3 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the tour’s "awesome experience", with travelers particularly enjoying swimming in the blue lagoon and the educational journey. Guests also praised the "great way to explore Cyprus" and the friendly, knowledgeable guide.

This tour accommodates a maximum of 50 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Key features of the tour include:

1. Exploring the Akamas Peninsula from Limassol.
2. Visiting the Baths of Aphrodite and Avakas Gorge.
3. Spotting greenback turtles in Lara Bay.
4. Traveling in off-road vehicles to access remote areas.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour of North and South Nicosia from Ayia Napa and Protaras provides an in-depth exploration of Cyprus’s divided capital. Highlights include the historic Walled City, the Selimiye Mosque, and vibrant markets, along with a traditional Turkish Cypriot lunch. Guided by an experienced English-speaker, it’s a memorable and educational experience, offering insight into the island’s rich history and culture.