Limassol: Larnaca and Nicosia North Cyprus Private Tour

Dive into Cyprus’ Historic Cities with a Private Tour

This 7-hour private tour offers an engaging journey through Larnaca and North Nicosia, two cities that reveal the contrasting yet connected sides of Cyprus’s culture and history. Starting from various pickup points in Limassol, the tour takes visitors to significant landmarks such as Hala Sultan Tekke, Salt Lake, and St. Lazarus Church, before crossing the Green Line into the divided capital of Nicosia.

The tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive yet flexible exploration of Cyprus’s most notable sites in a single day. With a professional driver, an experienced guide, and hotel pickup/drop-off, this private experience balances comfort with rich sightseeing. The inclusion of lunch and rest time in North Nicosia adds a relaxed pace, making it suitable for travelers who appreciate both cultural insights and natural beauty.

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Key Points

• Private, guided 7-hour tour covering Larnaca and North Nicosia
• Visits include Salt Lake, Hala Sultan Tekke, and St. Lazarus Church
• Crosses the Green Line into the divided Nicosia, with time for exploration
• Luxury transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Tour available in English and Russian, with a knowledgeable guide
• Includes time for lunch and rest in Northern Nicosia

Pickup and Drop-off Locations in Limassol

The tour begins from more than 40 pickup points across Limassol, including hotels such as Amathus Beach Hotel, Crowne Plaza, and Four Seasons. This makes planning easy regardless of your accommodation, as detailed instructions are provided after booking. The pickup starts 30 minutes before the scheduled start time, ensuring a smooth beginning to your day.

The drop-off also occurs at the same or nearby locations, providing convenience for travelers returning to their hotel or other nearby spots. This private setup ensures a personalized experience, with flexibility and comfort as priorities.

Visiting the Islamic Heritage at Hala Sultan Tekke

The tour kicks off with a photo stop and guided visit at Hala Sultan Tekke, a major Islamic shrine dedicated to Umm Haram, a relative of Prophet Mohammed. Recognized as the third most important holy site in Islam, it draws visitors for its spiritual significance and beautiful surroundings.

The site’s architecture and peaceful ambiance make it a memorable first stop. The 20-minute visit offers enough time to appreciate the mosque and its history without feeling rushed. The guide explains its cultural importance, adding depth to the experience.

Exploring Larnaca’s Salt Lake and Natural Beauty

Next, the tour visits the Salt Lake in Larnaca, a natural wonder that was once a vital source of “white gold” for Cyprus. Today, the Salt Lake is a stunning landscape, especially when it’s pink during certain seasons, and offers great photo opportunities.

A 15-minute stop allows for a quick walk along the lake, where visitors can admire the expansive water and potentially see flamingos in season. It’s a scenic spot that combines natural beauty with historical significance, as it once supported the local economy.

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Visiting the Church of Saint Lazarus

The 9th-century Church of Saint Lazarus stands as a highlight in Larnaca. Recognized for its miraculous reputation, this church attracts pilgrims from around the world. The guided visit lasts about 30 minutes, giving enough time to explore its ornate interior, learn about its history, and observe the relics and religious artifacts.

The church’s architecture reflects different periods of construction, showcasing Cyprus’s layered history. Its central role in local and religious traditions makes it a meaningful stop in your itinerary.

Crossing the Green Line into North Nicosia

After exploring Larnaca, the tour proceeds to the divided capital of Nicosia. Walking along Ledra Street, travelers experience a bustling shopping and cultural hub. The guide leads you across the Green Line, the buffer zone separating Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.

This crossing is a significant moment, offering a glimpse into Cyprus’s divided identity. The guided tour of North Nicosia includes key sites, with roughly 30 minutes allocated for exploration, shopping, or simply soaking in the contrasting atmosphere of the northern part of the city.

Lunch and Free Time in North Nicosia

A substantial part of the tour is dedicated to lunch and rest in North Nicosia. Visitors enjoy a break to relax and absorb the local vibe before continuing their exploration. The 1.5-hour period allows for a leisurely meal, browsing local shops, or resting at a cafe.

This time also offers an opportunity to observe daily life in the northern part of the city, which has a distinct character compared to the southern side. It’s an essential element of understanding Cyprus’s divided yet interconnected communities.

The Comfort of Private Transportation and Guided Experience

Throughout the tour, travelers benefit from fully insured, air-conditioned vehicles driven by a professional driver. The private guide ensures personalized attention, detailed explanations, and the flexibility to adjust the pace if needed.

This setup minimizes stress and maximizes comfort, especially important when covering multiple sites within a limited timeframe. The language options in English and Russian make communication straightforward for diverse groups.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Day

Travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen. A bottle of water is recommended to stay hydrated, especially during outdoor stops.

Since the tour includes visits to religious sites like Hala Sultan Tekke and St. Lazarus, modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required. Littering, smoking inside the vehicle, and bringing pets or alcohol are not permitted, ensuring a respectful and clean environment.

Suitability and Accessibility Considerations

This private tour is tailored for those interested in a rundown of Cyprus’s key sites, with a focus on history, culture, and scenery. However, it is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of some sites and walking requirements.

The tour’s group size is small and private, offering a more personalized experience. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a flexible schedule, engaging guides, and a mix of sightseeing and leisure.

Final Thoughts on the Cyprus Private Tour

The Limassol: Larnaca and Nicosia North Cyprus Private Tour offers a well-rounded look at Cyprus’s diverse landscape and history in just 7 hours. Its highlights include Hala Sultan Tekke, Salt Lake, St. Lazarus Church, and the experience of crossing the Green Line into North Nicosia.

While it provides a wealth of cultural insights and scenic views, the tour’s pace is designed to be manageable, with enough time to enjoy each stop comfortably. The inclusion of lunch break and hotel pickup/drop-off adds to its convenience.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience without rushing, and who appreciate visiting both southern and northern Cyprus in a single day. Its private format ensures personalized attention and a flexible itinerary, making it a practical choice for those exploring Cyprus for the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 7 hours, starting at a time that can be checked for availability, with pickup and drop-off included.

What are the main sites visited?
The tour covers Hala Sultan Tekke, Salt Lake, the Church of Saint Lazarus, and includes a walk along Ledra Street in Nicosia, with time in North Nicosia for lunch and exploration.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in the price, but there is time allocated for lunch and rest in North Nicosia. Travelers can choose their own dining options.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hats, sunscreen, and water are recommended. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required for religious sites.

Is this tour accessible for everyone?
This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the walking involved and site limitations. It is mainly designed for able-bodied travelers.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexible planning.

This private tour provides an enriching glimpse into Cyprus’s landscapes and history, all while maintaining comfort and personalized attention.

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