Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement

Embark on a fascinating journey through history as we explore the wonders of Northern Cyprus. This full-day excursion will take you to the ruins of an ancient city, the medieval streets of Famagusta, and the eerie remains of the once-thriving Varosha resort. Experience the blend of cultures, architectural marvels, and compelling stories that make this tour a must for history lovers and curious explorers alike. Our adventure begins with a drive towards the border, where we will cross into Northern Cyprus. Once formalities are completed, we head to Salamis Archaeological Site, an ancient city dating back to 1100 BC. Walk through the ruins of a once-powerful kingdom, where the remnants of grand Roman baths, a gymnasium, and an ancient theatre stand as a testament to its glorious past. Discover intricate mosaics and hear stories of how this city flourished under Greek, Roman, and Byzantine rule. Next, we continue to Famagusta Old Town, a city rich in medieval history. Wander through its Venetian walls, Gothic churches, and Ottoman mosques, including the famous St. Nikolaos Cathedral, now known as Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. This impressive Gothic-style structure, later converted into a mosque, highlights the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Famagusta over centuries. Stroll through charming medieval streets, admire the Othello Tower, linked to Shakespeare’s play, and take in the historical beauty of the Venetian Palace ruins. For those who wish, we offer an optional lunch break at a local tavern in Famagusta, where you can enjoy an authentic Cypriot-Turkish meal. Indulge in delicious traditional dishes and experience the local hospitality before we continue our journey. In the afternoon, we visit Varosha, the Ghost Town, one of the most intriguing and mysterious places in Cyprus. Once a luxurious resort destination, Varosha was abruptly abandoned in 1974, leaving behind empty streets, crumbling hotels, and an eerie silence. Take a guided walk through this frozen-in-time city, hear the stories of its sudden evacuation, and witness the remains of what was once a glamorous seaside paradise. As the tour comes to an end, we take a scenic drive back to Paphos, reflecting on the incredible sights and history we have encountered throughout the day. This tour offers a deep insight into the historical layers of Cyprus, from ancient civilizations and medieval conquests to modern conflicts and unresolved mysteries. Join us for an unforgettable journey through time, where every corner tells a story waiting to be discovered!

Embark on a fascinating journey that blends traditional craftsmanship, rich history, and cultural contrasts. From the charming village of Lefkara to the divided city of Nicosia, this tour offers a unique glimpse into Cyprus’ past and present. Your adventure begins in Lefkara Village, renowned for its exquisite Lefkaritika lace and silverwork. Wander through narrow cobbled streets lined with stone-built houses, where local artisans continue the lace-making tradition that has been passed down for generations. Enjoy a short demonstration of lace-making and visit the Lefkara Handicraft Museum, where you’ll learn about the village’s heritage and its influence on European embroidery. Next, we head to Nicosia Old Town, the last divided capital in Europe. Walk through the city’s historic streets, where Venetian walls, Ottoman-era buildings, and British colonial architecture coexist. Explore key landmarks, learning about Nicosia’s ancient origins and modern-day divided status. The city’s vibrant atmosphere and mix of cultures make it an unforgettable stop. Enjoy an optional traditional Cypriot lunch at a local tavern, where you can savor authentic dishes such as meze, grilled halloumi, and fresh salads (not included). After lunch, experience a rare opportunity to cross the Green Line at Ledra Street into occupied Nicosia (passport or EU ID required). Step into a different world as you explore Büyük Han, a beautifully restored 16th-century Ottoman caravanserai. Once a resting place for merchants and travelers, it is now a vibrant hub of artisan workshops, cafés, and galleries. Stroll through its peaceful courtyard, admire traditional crafts, and soak in the unique atmosphere of this historic site. As the day concludes, relax on the journey back to Pafos, reflecting on the diverse history, traditions, and cultures you have experienced. This tour offers a rare chance to witness both sides of Cyprus, making it a must for history and culture lovers.

Our first stop will be the archaeological site of Choirokoitia, a remarkably well-preserved settlement from the Neolithic Age that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. The site is known as one of the most important and best preserved prehistoric sites of the eastern Mediterranean. We will enjoy a coffee break and continue our journey to the capital of Cyprus – Nicosia. You will observe modern buildings and the pulsating life of the capital combined with the nostalgic atmosphere, the traditional houses and tavernas in the winding streets of the old town. We will visit the Cathedral of St. John from the 17th century with its fantastic frescoes, which, will leave a great impression on you. Right next to it we will see the Archbishop’s Palace, a two - storey stone building in Neo - Byzantine style housing the offices of the archdiocese and the residence of the archbishop. We will walk through the narrow streets of Laiki Gitonia – the traditional neighbourhood inside the city walls. The guide will walk with you along Ledra street up to the crossing point in the buffer zone known as Green Line. We will enjoy our free time in the old town with its variety of shops, cafes, tavernas and various historical sites. You will have the opportunity to visit the observatory on the 11th floor of one of the tallest buildings in Nicosia. History lovers can visit the Nicosia Museum. Or you can simply enjoy your lunch selecting from a wide range of restaurants with local or other cuisines. We will then return back to the hotels.

The focus of the trip is the exploration on foot of the picturesque village of Pano Lefkara and of the scenic manmade lake of Lefkara. Pano Lefkara would be the default meeting point of the trip (unless we arrange a free pickup from Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Protaras or Nicosia). Here one has the opportunity to explore on foot the stone-built village, which is the production center of the famed lace. As per local tradition Leonardo da Vinci visited the village and loved Lefkaritika lace. Besides meandering through the maze of the village, the village's central church is worth a visit for its history and architectural style. According to local tradition, it houses a piece from the Holy Cross.  The lake is surrounded by high hills, and one can see an islet and various lovely formations around. The local flora is diverse and the geology is characterised by shades of red (in contrast to the geology around Pano Lefkara which are characterised by white colours). The walking route on the dirt road can extend to at least ten kilometers, but it is the first five that provide a view towards the lake. The easy walk is on a hardly used dirt road. We walk back and forth on the same route. Our service doesnot include transportation. At the same time, we may gladly give travellers a free ride in our company's car (from Ayia Napa, Protaras, Larnaca, Nicosia). This would not be a paid service and we hold a private car insurance. At the same time, guiding time begins at the time travellers meet the guide.