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. 

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.

The day begins with pickup from Protaras between 7:00 AM and 7:25 AM. Get settled onto the bus then head towards Troodos, passing through the capital of Nicosia (without stop) along the way. Enjoy a quick coffee break near Astromeritis before continuing onto the picturesque mountain village of Kakopetria. Upon arrival, stroll through the village’s charming streets lined with stone houses and watch the locals go about their day. Hop back on the bus and travel to Throni for a visit to the Tomb of Archbishop Makarios, the first president of Cyprus. Stop at Kykkos Monastery next, the wealthiest monastery on the island. Take a guided tour of the monastery and learn about its fascinating history. After your tour, spend some free time exploring the surrounding area, stroll through the nearby forest, or find a local eatery for lunch. At the end of the tour day, sit back and relax on the bus for the return journey to your hotel.

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.

Head out to the charming little villages of Kakopetria Pelendri in the Troodos Mountains on this day tour from Nicosia. Enjoy the scenery, historical buildings, and an optional winery tour. Visit the popular summer vacation spot of Kakopetria, known for its charm and the breathtaking pine forest scenery of the Solea Valley. Explore the old quarter of the village, with its narrow, stone-paved alleys. Move on to nearby Pelendri village and its impressive 14th-century Church of the Holy Cross. Consider an optional visit to a local winery to complete your sampling of life in the mountain villages of Cyprus.

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. 

Explore the ancient sites of Paphos on this guided tour from Nicosia. Visit the area's most important historical attractions. Explore the villas of 4 Roman noblemen, the House of Dionysos, Theseus, Aion and Orpheus. Stop at the rock where Aphrodite allegedly emerged from the sea. Stop a few kilometers before Paphos to visit Petra tou Romiou or the Aphrodite Rock. Hear the legend of how the goddess of beauty and love emerged from the sea at the site of this rock. Visit the Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos, which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1980. Check out the Paphos Mosaics, considered among the finest in the eastern Mediterranean. Learn about Greek mythology from the intricate floor mosaics depicting Greco-Roman daily life. Experience the tranquil atmosphere made of historical ruins, tourist resorts, quiet countryside, and quaint harbor. Continue to other iconic sites and monuments from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages in the Park. See the Asklepieion, the Odeon, the Agora, the Saranta Kolones Castle, and the Limeniotissa ruins of an Early Christian Basilica. Retrace history as you marvel at the ruins in Paphos. Soak in the spectacular views of the mountains and the sea in this coastal town. Get lost in the legends of love, magnificent mosaics, archaeological wonders and captivating coasts.

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.

Go deep into the pine-clad Troodos Mountains. Visit the Kykkos Monastery, the wealthiest and most lavish on the island. Marvel at the monastery's richly decorated interiors. Experience the scenic beauty of Kalopanayiotis, a pearl of the Troodos range. Drive through mountain villages to reach the beautiful Monastery of Kykkos. This monastery houses one of the miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary, which is said to have been painted by St. Luke during her lifetime. Feast your eyes on gleaming marble floors, colorful murals and elaborate frescoes. Visit the Tomb of Archbishop Makarios, the first President of Cyprus. Continue to the Museum of Kykkos Monastery. Explore its priceless collection of icons, sacred vessels, manuscripts and other Cypriot antiquities. The monastery of Ayios Ioannis Lampadistis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the jewel of the ancient spa village of Kalopanayiotis. See its sulphur springs, traditional architecture and panoramic valley views. End your tour by soaking in Kalopanayiotis’s peaceful atmosphere.

You'll be picked up from Ayia Napa or Larnaca between 7:30-7:55AM. From there you'll drive in the direction of Nicosia, with a short coffee break in Astromeritis. Your next stop will be the picturesque mountain village of Kakopetria with its stone-built houses and narrow streets. The excursion continues to Throni with a visit to the tomb of the Archbishop Makarios, the first President of Cyprus. As a highlight, you'll visit the Kykkos Monastery with a guide to learn more about this most wealthy monastery of Cyprus. Free time will then be given for you to purchase lunch or take a walk in the forest, during which you can marvel at the amazing views, admire the fresh air, and walk the green forests. At the conclusion of your day, you will make your way back to your starting point at Larnaca at around 5:30PM and Ayia Napa 6:15PM.