Archaeological tour in Northern Cyprus
Διάρκεια: 8 Ημέρες
Το ακόλουθο πρόγραμμα πραγματοποιείται μόνο για γκρουπ άνω των 20 ατόμων. Μεμονωμένοι ταξιδιώτες δε μπορούν να συμμετέχουν.
DAY 1 ARRIVE CYPRUS - KYRENIA
Arrive Larnaca International Airport and meet with our representative, who will assist you at the check-in point, at the borders with Northern Cyprus. Dinner and Overnight will be at your hotel in Kyrenia.
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DAY 2 ST. HILARION - NICOSIA
Visit the crusader castle of St. Hilarionm, high in the Kyrenia Mountains, an impressing fortification built in the 13th and 14th century AD. Depart to Nicosia (Lefkosia), the divided capital of the island. The walk through the old city starts at the Girne Gate to Saray Square with the Venetian Column to the Basar Quarter. Visit the Selimye Mosque, former St. Sophia Cathedral, the colorful bazaar streets and the Bedestan. The restored Kervansaray “Büyük Han” is a perfect place for a rest and a coffee or a meal. Return to the hotel and enjoy rest of the day at leisure.
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DAY 3 MORPHOU – SOLI – VUNI
Drive towards the west coast through the large expanse of citrus and orange groves. In Güzelyurt (Morphou) we visit St. Mamas Church where there are interesting icons on display. We also have a short visit to the Archaeological Museum nearby and continue to the excavation site of Soli, where there are remains of an early Christian Basilica with some floor mosaics and a restored Roman theatre. Continue to the remains of Vuni Palace, which was in use during the 5th and 4th century BC.
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DAY 4 DAY AT LEISURE
Today is free to spend at your leisure. Relax on the beach and enjoy the beautiful views and scenery.
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DAY 5 ENKOMI - ST. BARNABAS MONASTERY – ROYAL TOMBS – SALAMIS – FAMAGUSTA
Visit the excavation site of Enkomi, a mid-Bronze Age settlement. Continue to St. Barnabas Monastery together with the Icon & Archeological Museum. Visit the Royal Tombs, and find out about burial customs during the 8th – 6th Century BC. Continue to the ruins of Salamis: The Roman theater, gymnasium with palaestra and baths are signs of the former wealth. Salamis was once one of the most important city kingdoms of the island. Later, we will have a short drive to Famagusta to visit the old town with its impressing city walls, the Lala Mustafa Pascha Mosque former St. Nicolaos Cathedral, the Sea Gate and the Palazzo del Provveditore.
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DAY 6 KOURION - PAPHOS
Leaving the hotel and passing the checkpoint in Nicosia, we travel to the excavation site of Kourion. Here the Roman theater and the House of Eustolios will be visited. Continue to the village of Yieroskipou and the five-domed Church of Agia Paraskevi. Travel along the coast to Paphos and visit the impressive Roman mosaics in the houses of Dionyssos, Aions and Theseus. The early Christianity is visible at “Apostle Paul’s column”. On return there is a stop at Petra tou Romiou, the famous rock where, according to Greek mythology, Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, was born.
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DAY 7 SOUTH NICOSIA - BELLAPAIS
After leaving the hotel, enjoy a short drive to the borders for a full day tour. Cross the borders and visit the Cyprus Archaeological Museum. Continue to Agios Ioannis Church to see the impressive frescos. Return to North Cyprus and continue to Bellapais which is located at the foothills of the Beşparmak mountains. Visit the Bellapais Monastery, one of the most impressing monuments of Gothic architecture in the Levante. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
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DAY 8 DEPARTURE
Transfer to Larnaca International Airport for your departure flight.
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