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

Explore the Wonders of Famagusta on a Private Day Trip

This 7-hour private tour offers a comprehensive journey through Famagusta and eastern North Cyprus, starting from Kyrenia, Nicosia, or Famagusta itself. Priced at $356.05 per group (up to four people), this trip is perfect for those who want a personalized experience with hotel pickup and drop-off, along with a driver-guide to navigate the route. The tour is highly recommended, with a perfect 5.0 rating from 15 reviews, and is typically booked 83 days in advance.

What makes this tour stand out are its flexible pace, in-depth visits, and the chance to see historical sites like St. Barnabas Monastery, Salamis ruins, and the famous ghost town of Varosha. While the tour involves some walking and sightseeing at outdoor sites, it is designed for those with moderate physical fitness. The inclusion of private transportation and the personalized guide ensures a relaxed and engaging exploration of North Cyprus’s rich past.

Key Points

• Private 7-hour tour with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Visit St. Barnabas Monastery and Icon Museum, learn about Saint Barnabas
• Explore the ancient Salamis ruins, including the gymnasium, theatre, and Roman baths
• Walk through Famagusta’s medieval walled city, seeing landmarks like the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque
• Visit the Namik Kemal Prison Museum and hear stories about the famed Ottoman exile
• See the abandoned city of Varosha, the famous ghost town since 1974
• Includes bottled water and fuel surcharge, but no entrance tickets are included

Starting the Day at St. Barnabas Monastery and Icon Museum

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Kyrenia, Nicosia, or Famagusta, depending on your booking. From there, a private transfer takes you northeast to St. Barnabas Monastery and Icon Museum. This two-hour stop involves a guided walk that covers the story of Barnabas, a Jewish man who became a Christian missionary in Cyprus. His tomb lies here, and the guide shares details about his life, death, and the significance of the Icon Museum.

This site provides a meaningful introduction to early Christian history on the island. The admission ticket is included, allowing unrestricted access to the monastery and museum. Visitors appreciate the personalized attention from the guide, who explains the stories behind the artifacts and the monastery’s history.

Exploring the Salamis Ruins’ Ancient Heritage

Next, the tour moves to Salamis, an ancient city believed to date back to 11 BC. The legend surrounds Teucer, a Trojan hero exiled from Greece, who settled in Cyprus and founded Salamis. The hour-long visit includes walking among the gymnasium, theatre, and Roman baths.

The Salamis archaeological site offers a vivid view of classical and Roman-era architecture. Visitors can admire the well-preserved amphitheatre and Roman baths, gaining insight into the city’s historical importance. The admission ticket is included, and the guide highlights the historical significance of each site.

Walking Through Famagusta’s Medieval Walled City

The tour proceeds to Famagusta’s medieval city walls, originally built by the Lusignans and later expanded by the Venetians. This one-hour walk takes in the historic architecture and various landmarks within the walled city.

Within these walls, visitors see architectural remnants from different periods, reflecting Cyprus’s diverse heritage. The walk is a chance to appreciate the city’s layered history and to observe the medieval streets and structures. The area is free to explore, and the guide points out notable features along the way.

Visiting the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque

One of the most striking sites in Famagusta is the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, originally built as a Gothic cathedral between 1298 and 1312. Known initially as St. Nicholas Cathedral, this Gothic masterpiece was later converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest, and it remains in use today.

Visitors can admire the Gothic architecture, including the ‘Ficous Sycomorus’ tree planted on its side, dating back to 1299. The one-hour visit offers engagement with the building’s history, architecture, and religious significance. The area is free to enter, and the guide shares insights about its transformation over centuries.

The Story of Namik Kemal and His Imprisonment

Within Famagusta, the Namik Kemal Prison Museum offers a glimpse into the city’s Ottoman past. The writer Namik Kemal was imprisoned here for 38 months because of his opposition to the Sultan. His prison cell is situated within the Venetian palace, and a statue of him, replaced in 1953, stands nearby.

The guide discusses Kemal’s influence and his literary contributions, enriching understanding of Cyprus’s Ottoman and political history. This site is free to visit, providing a chance to connect with Cypriot history beyond the ancient ruins.

The Ghost Town of Varosha

The tour’s most eye-catching stop is the abandoned city of Varosha, formerly a thriving tourist district filled with hotels, homes, and vibrant life. Since its abandonment in 1974, the area has remained deserted, with re-openings occurring in 2020. Visitors walk through the famous ghost town, observing decaying buildings, hotels, and empty streets, encapsulating a poignant chapter of Cyprus history.

The guide offers detailed stories about Varosha, providing context for its ghostly appearance and recent developments. This stop offers a powerful visual of the island’s political history and the enduring impact of conflict.

Practical Details: Logistics and Inclusions

This private tour covers all transportation expenses, including a fuel surcharge and bottled water for the day. The hotel pickup and drop-off are included only from specified locations—Kyrenia, Nicosia, or Famagusta. For pickups from other areas, an extra fee applies.

While lunch and entrance tickets for some sites are not included, the tour’s focus on outdoor and significant landmarks offers a flexible and engaging experience. The guide’s knowledge, combined with the personalized pace, makes it suitable for those interested in history and architecture, with moderate physical activity involved.

The Guide: Knowledgeable and Friendly

Reviewers praise the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm. Sirin Suha consistently receives positive feedback for her storytelling, friendly attitude, and ability to make visitors feel welcomed. She shares stories about historical figures and sites, making complex history accessible and engaging.

Several reviews mention Sirin’s local connections—she is known by locals and even takes guests to a local restaurant for lunch. Her passion for Cyprus’s history and her fun personality enhance the overall experience, making this tour memorable and enjoyable.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most?

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone interested in Cyprus’s past. The combination of outdoor exploration, storytelling, and personal attention suits travelers who prefer a relaxed pace over large group tours.

Because of the walks through city streets and ruins, some physical activity is involved, so moderate fitness is recommended. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility, making it a good choice for those seeking a tailored experience.

Final Thoughts on the Famagusta Day Trip

This 7-hour private tour offers a well-rounded look at Famagusta’s history, from early Christian sites to Roman ruins, and modern ghost towns. The personalized guide and flexible itinerary ensure a comfortable and informative day.

While the cost is higher than group equivalents, the private vehicle and guide deliver personalized insights and at-your-own-pace exploration. This tour provides a compelling way to understand the complex history of North Cyprus in a single day.

It’s especially suited for visitors who want an immersive experience with flexible timing and in-depth stories. Overall, it’s a highly recommended way to see the highlights of Famagusta and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected locations like Kyrenia, Nicosia, or Famagusta.

Are entrance tickets included?
No, entrance tickets for the sites are not included, but the admission to St. Barnabas Monastery, Salamis, and other sites is covered.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a private tour, it offers some flexibility, but the main stops are fixed.

What sites will I visit?
You will explore St. Barnabas Monastery, Salamis ruins, Famagusta’s walled city, Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Namik Kemal Prison, and Varosha.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but opportunities to dine at local restaurants are available during the day.

What are the physical requirements?
A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, as walking is involved at several sites.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking and outdoor exploration, so it is best suited for those with moderate fitness levels and an interest in history.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is typically booked 83 days in advance, so early reservation is advisable.

Can I join the tour from other locations?
Yes, but additional costs apply if your pickup point is outside the specified locations.

What makes this tour different from others?
The private, personalized experience combined with expert guidance and visits to lesser-known sites like the Namik Kemal prison and Varosha set this tour apart.