A Day Trip to Medieval FAMAGUSTA (Kyrenia, Nicosia or Famagusta )
Description
Today we will be visiting the east of Cyprus. We have many sights in our program as Famagusta is one of the historical cities to be seen on a limited time while in Cyprus. St. Barnabas Monastery will be our first stop of the day. When he came back to Cyprus and while spreading the Christianity what had happened to him. You will hear all about the history from your guide while you drive to ancient city of Salamis. Where you will see the theathre, latrins, gymansium and other sights. Famagusta is a Medieval city with the remains of historical cultures. You will see St. Nicholas Cathedral, Venetian Palace which are some of the sights that are included in the program.We cannot drive back without seen the Ghost Town. Are there any ghosts around ?Wait till you here all about it from your guide. This will be a day to remember with many photo facilities so hurry up and book this tour.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Today will start our day by driving to the north east of the island. Our first stop of the day will be St.Barnabas Monastery and Icon Museum. Barnabas was Jewish and for his higher studies he went to Jerusalem. When Christianity was spreading he believed in Christianity and came back to Cyprus and started to spread the religion. There were people against his ideas.They killed Barnabas but the believers who had converted into Christianity burried him in a cave under a carob tree but the believers were chased all the way to Egypt and no one knew where he was burried for decades. How did they find his Tomb? Today you will visit his Tomb and the Icon Museum and your guide will tell you more about Barnabas......
Our next stop of the day will be Salamis Ruins.The mythical foundation of Salamis dates back to 11BC. The Trojan war hero Teucer was exciled from the Greek island of Salamis for not taken care of his half brother Ajax who had died during the war. He sailed all the way to Cyprus and settled here and named the Kingdom as Salamis. You will visit gymnasium, theatre, Roman baths and your guide will tell you more about Salamis.
The city was surrounded by walls by Lusignans. Later on adittions were made during Venetians. There are many historical sights remaining from many heritages who had passed thru Cyprus. You will see many of them today while you take a walk in this Medieval city.
It was built by Lusignans as a Cathedral in 1298-1312. It was named St. Nicholas Cathedral and its one of the nicest Cathedrals as a Gothic style. They were being crowned as the Kings of Jerusalem for many years. When Ottomans took over the island they added minaret and converted into a Mosque. Nowadays its still used as a Mosque. The place was first named as Ayasofya and later changed to Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. 'Ficous Sycomorus' tree which is planted on the side of this amazing gothic architecture dates back to 1299.
During the Ottoman time Famagusta was used as a place for excile for many people. Namık Kemal, the writer was against the Sultan so he was prisoned to Famagusta and stayed for 38 months. On this tour your guide will tell you a lot more about him and about his books. His prison is located within the Venetian palace. He also has a statue right infront of the square which is named after him. The statue was replaced in 1953. A lot more will be told by your local guide.
.Once this place was known as Varosha. Beautiful houses,hotels, full of tourists and much more was going on. It was abondened in 1974 and after 46 re-opened. Your guide will tell you allabout the place while you have your walk in the area.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick up from any centrally located hotels in Kyrenia.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(21)
Our guide Sirin on the day trip to Famagusta was excellent friendly, knowledgeable, and very engaging. Highly recommended.
Thank you for the feedback. Hope to see you again in Cyprus on another tour.
I was in Cyprus again as I had to visit the places that I had missed on my last tip. As I was so pleased with Sirin Suha on my last visit I made all the arrangements with her again. We had a great time together. She was punctual, told us about the history of the historical sites and at the end she took us to a local restaurant where we had the local lunch. If you are going to visit Cyprus, I highly recommend Sirin Suha's tours.
I was so happy when you got in touch with me after so many years. It sure was a great day. Thanks a lot for the review.
Had a great time in Famagusta with my specal guide Sirin Suha.She is not only knowledgable ,but with her sense of homour she made our tour unforgetable. We highly recommend her.
Thank you for the 5* review. Looking forward to seeing you in Cyprus again.
I joined the "Famagusta" tour and the "Divided City Capital tour" on 25th November. Sirin is a beautiful lady, she really knows a lot about the places, of the stroll of Varosha, even it's with a bit of drizzle, she tells what she sees along the way - the dilpilated residences, the shopfronts - the sights just leave you with a sad and undescribable meaning. During the trip, I also get to see lots of churches along the way, which you know more about the history of the place! Of the Nicosia tour, one of the most lovely and reflective things I get to see were the graffitis. Sirin has a great sense of humour, snd don't be hesitant to ssk her questions, she really really expresses her viewpoints clearly no matter what, and that's really great way to keep the energy flowing! Thank you Sirin! 😊
We had a wonderful day together. A lot to see and a lot to talk about. Happy to have the opportunity of meeting you. Have a safe trip back home.
Magusa was very enjoyable. Our guide explained the history well. We had an unforgettable day with Sirin Suha. Such Recommendations are available to anyone.
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Sirin was awesome! Very knowledgeable. Professional and very fun to be with. She knew a lot about the history of each place we visited. And the best spots to take pictures. 10 out of 10!
Thank you for the review. It was a wonderful day.
Famagusta was unforgettable. The city’s rich and at times heavy past came through clearly thanks to the way Şirin guided us with honesty, clarity, and a strong sense of respect. She brought us to the key sites, but also gave space for reflection and conversation, which I truly appreciated. Şirin is the kind of guide who leaves an impression, not just because of what she knows (which is a lot), but because of who she is. Her energy, openness, and genuine care made this part of the tour especially meaningful.
Thank you very much for the review. I like nothing more than knowing you had a great day!
Everyone should visit this historic city at every turn.A beautiful place. In the walls, it’s a blast. Thank you so much for letting Sirin Suha know about this beautiful trip.
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The historical works of Magusan are marvelous. The delicious desserts we ate at the petek bakery and the attention of our guide Sirin is unforgettable.
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The kibbista is a must-do. We appreciate the punctuality, guler, and history of Sirin Suha.
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