Highlights of Nicosia From Paphos

Exploring the captivating city of Nicosia from Paphos offers an enriching cultural experience. This guided tour immerses visitors in the unique blend of Greek, Turkish, and British influences that have shaped the last divided capital of Europe. Strolling through the charming old town, travelers will discover significant landmarks, savor local delicacies, and gain insights into the city’s complex history. Whether you’re intrigued by the prospect of witnessing the remarkable Liberty Monument or eager to uncover the stories behind the Cathedral of St. John, this excursion promises a memorable adventure that…

Key Points

• Full-day guided tour from Paphos to Nicosia, the last divided capital, providing historical and cultural insights.
• Key highlights include the old town, Liberty Monument, and the Cathedral of St. John, with all entrance fees included.
• Opportunity to experience local Cypriot culture through a traditional coffee and sweets tasting at a local bakery.
• Tour not suitable for those with walking difficulties, and a strict dress code applies for churches and monasteries.
• Mixed customer feedback, with praise for the knowledgeable guide but complaints about poor communication and altered pickup points.

Overview of the Tour

This full-day excursion from Paphos transports visitors to Nicosia, the last divided capital in the world.

The guided tour provides historical context, exploring the city’s culture and architecture. Key highlights include the old town, Liberty Monument, and the Cathedral of St. John.

Throughout the experience, guests gain a deeper understanding of this unique destination. All entrance fees are included, ensuring a seamless and immersive tour.

Inclusions and Logistics

For this tour, an English-speaking professional guide accompanies participants. The guide provides historical context, cultural insights, and architectural highlights throughout the day.

Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels in Paphos are included, so travelers don’t have to worry about transportation. Along the way, the group stops at a local bakery for a traditional coffee and sweets tasting.

Lunch, food, drinks, gratuities, and souvenirs aren’t covered in the tour price. Participants must confirm their pickup location and time at least 48 hours prior to the tour.

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Paphos.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Pickup is provided from selected hotels in Paphos. Participants must confirm their pickup location and time at least 48 hours prior to the tour. As an alternative, they can head directly to the meeting point in Paphos. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Pickup	Location Confirmed	Meeting Point	End Location
From	Selected hotels	In Paphos	Meeting point
Time	48 hours prior	N/A	Same as start
Option	Direct to meeting	N/A	N/A
Details	Confirm in advance	N/A	N/A

Important Details and Restrictions

Accessibility and attire are important considerations for this tour. The excursion isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with walking difficulties.

When visiting churches and monasteries, visitors must adhere to a strict dress code – no sleeveless clothing, shorts, or short skirts are allowed.

Plus, only passport holders from EU member states, the UK, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland can travel to the northern part of Cyprus due to local restrictions at the Strovoilia checkpoint.

Exploring the Old Town

The heart of Nicosia’s old town beckons visitors to wander its narrow, winding streets lined with historic buildings, traditional shops, and lively cafes. Amidst the charm of the old quarter, travelers can discover hidden gems, such as the:

Attraction	Highlights
Ledra Street	Bustling pedestrian thoroughfare with local shops and eateries
Laiki Geitonia	Quaint neighborhood featuring restored 19th-century buildings
Phaneromeni Church	Byzantine-style church dating back to the 14th century
Cyprus Museum	Impressive collection of ancient Cypriot artifacts and antiquities
Buffer Zone	Visible reminders of the island’s division and ongoing reunification efforts

Immersing oneself in the old town offers a captivating glimpse into Nicosia’s rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people.

Monuments and Architecture

Beyond the quaint old town, Nicosia’s monuments and architecture captivate visitors with their historic significance and architectural splendor.

Key highlights include:

• The Liberty Monument, a striking marble statue commemorating the 1955-59 Cyprus liberation struggle from British rule.

• The Cathedral of St. John, a magnificent 14th-century Gothic cathedral with intricate carvings and a mix of Byzantine and Gothic influences.

• The Venetian Loggia, a stunning Renaissance-style building that once served as the city’s administrative center and is now home to the municipal museum.

These architectural gems offer a glimpse into Cyprus’ rich history and cultural heritage, leaving a lasting impression on all who explore them.

Cultural Immersion

While exploring the old town, visitors enjoy Nicosia’s rich cultural tapestry. From savoring traditional Cypriot coffee and sweets at a local bakery to witnessing the intricate architecture that fuses Greek, Turkish, and British influences, the experience is a true cultural odyssey.

Cultural Highlights	Description
Coffee & Sweets	Indulge in authentic Cypriot coffee and local pastries at a neighborhood bakery.
Architecture	Admire the blend of Greek, Turkish, and British architectural styles in the old town.
Monuments	Visit the Liberty Monument, a symbol of Nicosia’s struggle for independence.
Cathedral of St. John	Explore the historic cathedral, a testament to the city’s religious heritage.
Interactions	Engage with friendly locals and learn about their daily lives and traditions.

Customer Feedback

Customers’ feedback on the Nicosia excursion paints a mixed picture, with an overall rating of 3.0 based on 8 reviews.

While some praised the guide’s knowledge and humor, others complained about poor communication, altered pickup points, and limited time in the Turkish part of Nicosia.

To improve the experience, customers suggested:

• More free time in Nicosia to explore at their own pace
• Better coordination and clear communication on logistics
• Extending the tour to allow more time in both the Greek and Turkish parts of the divided capital

Despite the mixed reviews, the Nicosia excursion still offers a unique opportunity to immerse in the cultural and historical richness of Cyprus’ capital.

Since You Asked

Can I Book a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can book a private tour instead of a group tour. Private tours offer more flexibility, personalized attention, and the ability to customize the itinerary to your preferences.

Is There an Option for a Half-Day Tour Instead of Full-Day?

Yes, there’s an option for a half-day tour of Nicosia from Paphos. The tour covers the key highlights but allows for less time exploring the city. Booking a private tour is also possible for more flexibility.

Can I Extend My Time in the Turkish Part of Nicosia?

Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t offer an option to extend time in the Turkish part of Nicosia. The itinerary is fixed, and customers have limited time at the Strovillia checkpoint to cross into the northern part of the city.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or children. Prices are the same for all participants. However, infants under 2 can sit on a parent’s lap free of charge.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally not allowed on this tour. The inclusions cover a traditional coffee and sweets tasting, but other meals, food, and drinks are not provided. Participants should plan to purchase their own lunch and refreshments during the tour.

The Sum Up

Exploring Nicosia’s rich history and cultural heritage on a guided tour from Paphos offers a captivating experience. Visitors can stroll through the charming old town, admire significant landmarks, and enjoy the city’s unique blend of Greek, Turkish, and British influences. This tour provides a memorable journey, showcasing the highlights of Cyprus’s last divided capital.