Saint Barnabas Monastery

This trip takes you to the beautiful coastal town of Famagusta and it's famous "Ghost Town" Varosha. Enjoy free time in Famagusta Old Town Centre and it's Venetian Walls. Walk around or visit Gothic church of Saint Nicolas and Othello Castle (optional extra, not included in the price) or use free time for a lunch (optional extra). Visit Monastery of Saint Barnabas (optionally) and the ancient city-kingdom of Salamis. Use unique opportunity to walk in the newly opened part of Varosha, also known as the "Ghost Town". Enjoy free time in Famagusta Golden beach.

Once we pick you up from your hotel, we will drive to the north part of the island. After passing the border control, we visit Salamis, founded by Teucer, in 1180 BC, just after his return from the Trojan War. We will visit the theater, the spa, and the gym. Here is where St. Barnabas was born and killed, the saint who had accompanied St. Paul during his journey through Cyprus. We will continue to the medieval city of Famagusta, whose mighty walls symbolize the city’s glory of its historic past and the need to defend itself against attacks from enemies. Next, we will visit the Cathedral of St. Nicholas (converted into the mosque of Lala Mustafa Pasha) in which, at the time of the Lusignani, the coronation of many of the rulers of Cyprus and Jerusalem took place. We will have the opportunity to walk through the narrow streets of Famagusta and see from the outside the citadel and the tower of Othello. Finally there will be a walk through the streets of Varosha, also known as Ghost town after the conflict of 1974. NOTE: You must have your passport/ID card during this excursion.