The occupied north of Cyprus oozes history and culture at every turn, with evocative landscapes in between. Highlights on this late morning departure tour include the pretty harbour town of Kyrenia, Bellapais Abbey and the northern and southern sectors of the capital, Nicosia. Andreas, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Bellapais means “beautiful peace” – and this Gothic abbey lives up to the hype. The views are truly fantastic. It was here in Bellapais that Lawrence Durrell was inspired to write his book, Bitter Lemons.' Kick off by crossing over the ‘green line' border to reach Kyrenia. Picturesque stone houses curl around the harbour, which is dominated by the ancient fortress of Kyrenia Castle. Take an optional castle tour or choose free time to soak up the views at the harbour. Next, it's on to the 13th century Bellapais Abbey. Stroll around its ruined Gothic cloister and take in the panoramic views over the Med. There's then free time in the village, where novelist Lawrence Durrell lived in the 1950s. Next, head to Nicosia, where you'll cross the UN buffer zone into the southern sector at Ledra Street. You'll have free time to embrace the city under your own steam. Ledra Street is one of the main shopping streets in Nicosia, with a mix of local and international brands, cafés and restaurants. Laiki Yeitonia, on the other hand, is a historic quarter in the old town. The area is known for its traditional architecture, narrow streets and abundant charm.

You'll visit St. Hillarion Castle reminiscent of Walt Disney's fairytale film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which was inspired by this castle. Spend around 1.5-hours to climb all the way to the top.  Then, continue through the craggy Five Fingers (Pentadaktylos) Mountains to Bellapais Abbey, a French Gothic styled monastery spectacularly set on a mountain terrace for incredible views. Discover the ruins of this 13th-century Augustinian Abbey with a licensed guide and a great view of Kyrenia's epic seascape far below. Another 30 minutes will be given to relax with a coffee break in a peaceful atmosphere.

Visit the fairytale fortress of Saint Hilarion Castle in the Kyrenia mountain range of Cyprus and get 1.5 hours to explore the former monastery, named after a monk who chose the location for his hermitage in the 10th century. Move on to the ruins of 13th-century Bellapais Abbey in the Five Fingers Mountains region of Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus. Enjoy a 30-minute coffee break before driving to the harbor town of Kyrenia on the northern coast. Get some time to explore the town, founded by the Achaeans tribe after the Trojan War.  Next, explore the divided capital city of Nicosia and enjoy lunch in the Ottoman-era Great Han. Experience both the Greek and Turkish areas of the walled city at sites such as the large caravanserai of the Büyük Han and the amazing Selimiye Mosque, converted from a Catholic cathedral following the Ottoman siege of the city in 1570. 

Join this tour to explore St. Hilarion fairytale castle for 1.5-hours before you move onto the gorgeous Bellapais Abbey, a ruined 13th-century abbey in the Five Fingers Mountain. Visit Nicosia, the only divided capital city of Cyprus, and have lunch in the Great Han built by the Ottoman empire. After lunch, experience both its Greek and Turkish areas on this half-day trip from Nicosia. Walk into Nicosia's walled old city to visit Büyük Han and Selimiye Mosque, once St. Sophia Cathedral. Embark on a great tour for history and culture buffs. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in the lively lanes and streets. 

Following pick-up from your hotel, you will head out to the northern part of Cyprus. There you will get the chance to observe the Mesaria Plain, Kyrenia Mountain and numerous villages where the Greek and Turkish used to live together before 1974. Upon arrival, you will begin by exploring Varosha, a once vibrant tourist quarter of Famagusta, but now a ghost town due to conflicts in the 1970s. Afterwards, you will head to the Famagusta City Wall, where you'll see the Saint Nicolas Cathedral, now known as the Lala Mustafa Mosque. You will then have 40 minutes of free time to explore the area and enjoy some coffee. Your tour will resume with a visit to the ancient city-kingdom of Salamis. There, you will be taken on a guided tour around the archaeological site, which includes a beautiful ancient Greek theater, marble columns, Roman baths and a gymnasium. Afterwards, you'll have the option of stopping for 45 minutes to enjoy some lunch at a nearby restaurant. You will then head back out on a 75-minute drive to Kyrenia. You'll also have the chance to stop at Iskele/Bogaz fishing harbor village for a coffee break (depending on time). At Kyrenia, you will first stop at Bellapais to see the gorgeous Bellapais Abbey, a ruined 13th-century abbey in the Five Fingers Mountains. Finally, you will have 20 minutes to explore the harbor town of Kyrenia, which is regarded as the jewel of North Cyprus.